The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Luxe vs. Less: Crossbody Handbag


Crossbody handbags are très hot these days, and with good reason - they're practical and stylish at the same time. One of these purses gives you that winning combo of form-meets-function for just $12.49 - that's less than Chinese takeout! The other purse, however divine, will set you back $243.75.

Can you guess which is luxe and which costs less?

alice + olivia for Payless Spring 08

We find ourselves befuddled by the Spring 08 alice + olivia collection for Payless. Is it awful? Or is it cute in a fugly sort of way? Let's see: The bold and colorful polka-dot ballet flats give off a goofy, circus vibe, while the sneakers have us questioning whether this is a kid's collection, and not a women's line (it's probably targeted towards teens). On the other hand: A stand-out, neon wedge makes our heart skip a beat with it's cheeky drama. The verdict: We're taking a middle of the road position on this one...it's not a nay or a yea, but an "ay." Check out the pics and tell us what you think.


From Payless.com: "The alice + olivia ballet flat marries '60s femininity with '70s sophistication. It's a mashup of bold styles and colorful surprises that can only come from Designer Stacey Bendet," $30


Ballet flat in pink and black, $30


Ballet flat in green and white, $30


"Colorful denim is a do with this spunky, sparkly, metallic sneakers from fashion designer Stacey Bendet of alice + olivia," $30


Editor's Pick: "The Spring 08 Collection from Stacey Bendet of alice + olivia is a mashup of bold styles and colorful surprises. The Aidan is no exception with its feisty fabrication and purely potent 4" platform heel," $40


The Aidan wedge sandal in black, $40


Black Patent Olivia sneaker, $30