The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Love It or Leave It: Wrap Chiffon Blouse



Bisou Bisou tie neck 2fer top, $36.00



Lux daydream blouse, $68.00














Are you feeling these flouncy wrap blouses? Not sure how we feel about the one on the left from JCPenney (the tie around the neck might be too much), but the pink top from Urban Outfitters on the right is kind of cute. Could be a comfortable option for a night out. What do you think? Love it or leave it?

Jazz Flats Arrive at Urban


They're heeee-eeere...

We warned you about those fugly lace-up flats that top designers such as Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui and Jill Sander are unveiling for fall—and now, we regret to inform you, they've arrived at Urban Outfitters.

Sure, we know people who could pull these off, but those people are special. Much more special than we will ever be. So no. No, we will not let these shoes touch our toes.

We advise you do the same...or, if you think you can rock this look, send us a pic and prove it! (We won't hold our breath.)

You Want vs. You Get: Metallic Croc Clutch

Whoever first laid eyes on a scaly reptilian of the family Crocodylidae and said, "That would make a great purse," should be canonized.

We jest, but in all honestly, crocs make fabulous handbags. Millions of years of evolution have made crocodiles not only one of the world's most perfect predators—they've got really stylish skins to boot. With it's rectangular repetition, tempting tactility and subdued ferocity, crocodile is one of our all-time favorite materials in the fashion realm.


We Want: Nancy Gonzalez gunmetal clutch



We Get: Devi Kroell for Target clutch
















For fall, Nancy Gonzalez has reinterpreted this classic with her ruched crocodile clutch—adore it in gunmetal. We so want, but $2,550 would be better applied towards our student loan.

Instead, we get the Devi Kroell for Target clutch in exotic anthracite. It's really quite fabulous, n'est pas? What's that you say? Only $19.99? And no real crocodilians were harmed in the making of this purse? Fantastic.

Find more of TBB's hand-plucked accessories here. >>

Eco-Friendly Fashion: Green is the New Black Tee

Everything's coming up green these days, and what better way to show you care about the big ball o' dirt that we're spinning through space on than by sporting these eco-friendly tees from JCPenney?

We'd opt for the "Green is the New Black" slogan tee (shown on right) cuz it's the most fashion-minded, of course. Wear with a spiffy blazer, tight jeans and heels. Best part: $1 from each purchase will be contributed to the World Wildlife Fund. Yay for pandas 'n stuff!

On sale for $11.99 thru August 7th.

Shoe Finds: End-of-Summer Lovin'

End-of-summer shoe sales are the best time to get incredible deals on all those shoes you've been holding out for, with prices marked down 50-75% at many retailers. For some of the best deals, go directly to your fave brand's site (as opposed to one-stop shops like Zappos.com). Check out the bargains we scooped up...

Aldo flatsThese black leather wedges have become our wardrobe staple. The low heel and flat sole makes them perfect for walking, and the knotted strap across the toe keeps them snugly in place and prevents the heel from shifting. Perfect with skinny jeans and above-the-knee frocks. We picked these up at an Aldo store for $39.99; save up to 70% off their shoes online.

We purchased these gems for an all-day wedding in September. We needed something that would carry us through the entire day of festivities in comfort, so Aerosoles was our brand of choice. Find styles marked down up to 65% during their summer clearance sale. These strappy leather heels were only $19.99!


Okay, trust us when we say these look way better in real-life. They have an Anthropologie vibe we just love—funky Nana chic. Can't wait to pair them with colored tights in the fall, although since they're real leather, they're quite comfortable barefoot, too, so we can start wearing them now. Also just $19.99 from Aerosoles.com!


Check out our other posts on budget-friendly shoes here. >>