The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Allure's Best New Spring Makeup Colors




As the seasons change, so should your makeup. The latest issue of Allure magazine highlights the newest makeup shades for Spring 2008, and it's all about "subtle twists on the classics." Hey, we can work with that. Here's what they recommend:

  1. Peach Lip Gloss

  2. Lilac and Silver Eyes

  3. Mushroom Shadow

  4. Indigo Liner

  5. Icy Accents

  6. Gilded Eyes

  7. Terra Cotta Rose Cheeks

  8. Cherry Lips


Top 10 Budget Shoe Brands at Zappos.com

Dear Budget Babe,

Can you recommend some shoe brands at Zappos.com that are both cheap (under $50) and stylish?

Sincerely,
Broke & Barefoot

BB: Anyone who's ever shopped at Zappos.com can attest to their incredible selection, super fast shipping and easy-as-pie returns. But let's face it - their shoes aren't exactly cheap, and you can easily squander hours (if not days) of precious time browsing and sorting through thousands of shoes just to find a cute pair that won't break the bank.

So here are ten of our favorite brands that we can always rely on for cool styles, good quality and reasonable prices (each offers at least some styles for less than $50, meaning you don't have to wait for them to go on sale). This list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a good place start!

10 Best Affordable Shoe Brands at Zappos.com (in no particular order)
1. Unlisted by Kenneth Cole: Urban, stylish, versatile.
2. dollhouse: Funky and feminine
3. MIA: Unique with a hint of retro style
4. diba Fashion-forward, diva vibe
5. Yellow Box: Casual and glamorous
6. Restricted: Trendy and unique
7. Naughty Monkey: Playful, sexy, bold
8. Penny Loves Kenny: Wild-meets-whimsical
9. Shellys London: Hip shoes with a twist
10. BC Footwear: Young, fun, trendy

Dear Readers: What are your favorite brands for cheap & chic shoes?

Featured above: Shellys London "Crazy," $51.00 at Zappos.com

Get Ready to Romp


Love it or hate it, the romper is making a comeback for Spring. And we gotta admit, it's got some redeeming qualities. For starters, you can just toss it on, add heels, bangles and a clutch, and you're good to go. It's also a sexy way to show off your legs without having to wear, well, a skirt. If you're ready to romp, take your pick from one of these budget-friendly finds. Click the pic for product details...

Luxe vs. Less: Banded Ballet Flats




I'd be a happy camper if I could afford the Camper flats on the left. I can pretty much guarantee that they'll be uber comfy, plus they have that form-meets-function Spanish stylin' we so love. But $140 is pretty steep for casual flats, which is why I was so excited to find the similar Xhilaration banded flats on the right at my local Tar-zhay. Simple & sweet, they have a kind of "TOMS shoes"-chic that's perfect for a down to earth gal who still wants to look good...on a budget.

>> Luxe on left: Camper Banded Skimmer at PiperLime.com, $140
>> Less on right: Xhilaration "Shauna" Ballet Flats at Target.com, $14.99 (also available in brown)