Cleaning diamonds doesn't exactly sound like a budget fashion topic, but taking care of the things that matter most is certainly important for the budget-conscious fashionista. In other words, we may not have a lot of them, but when we do get our hands on a diamond, we want to make sure she shines and looks her best at all times. Which is why I rely on domestic goddess Martha Stewart when cleaning my diamond stud earrings--her trusted method provides a simple, cost-effective way to keep that ice gleaming. Here's how Martha says you should clean your diamond jewelry:

"A cold-water soak is an effective method to clean diamonds. Use six parts cold water to one part household ammonia, soak for 30 minutes, and drain on paper."

How do you care for your diamond jewelry?

Free People is known for their young, eclectic, nouveau-bohemian vibe.

The same folks who bring us edgy looks from Urban Outfitters and ladylike looks from Anthropologie also bring us the gypsy-chic looks that are Free People clothing. Like Urban and Anthro, Free People delivers gloriously creative catalogs that whisk you away to distant lands and dreamy landscapes that are at once seductive, evocative and altogether too fashionable for any mere mortal to actually live out in real life. Sure, a girl can dream, but more often than not, I think their clever marketing is meant to make you cough up huge sums of cash for flimsy, fleeting clothing.

So where am I going with all this? Free People is amazing to admire, but not necessarily to buy unless it's on sale. Most of their stuff has some kind of detailing, such as lace, crochet, fringe or beading, that makes the piece unique, but tough to care for. And each item is so recognizable, it's hard to wear the same pieces over and over without getting noticed, if you know what I mean. My verdict: Free People is a "Yea" for imaginative styling, uber coolness and originality, but a big "Nay" for ridiculous pricing and overall value. Kinda ironic that this costly brand which relies so heavily on it's image is called "Free People," huh?

What do you think about Free People?

We have a winner! Congratulations to... #107 Roxy, who writes "I love the Giraffe Print Chic Wallet the most because I'm a girl of the wild and I'd love to use it as a clutch."

Special thanks to our winner, the generous folks at Baghaus, and to all 188 people who entered! Keep checking back for more great giveaways...




Please note: This contest has ended.

Baghaus.com is one of the leading sources of high-quality, designer-inspired handbags, and now you can have a shot at winning a $100 gift certificate to shop their amazing collection! To enter, go to Baghaus.com and pick out your favorite bag, then tell us which one you love and why you love it in the comment section below.

Can't wait? Shop now and save 10% off your order at checkout when you use this link.

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Wednesday August 6 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Thursday August 7.

Featured above is the Primo Limited Redford Tote in White ($52). Special thanks to David for making this giveaway possible. Good luck everyone!

For all you Michael Kors fanatics out there, mark your calendars: The KORS Michael Kors shoe sale at Gilt Groupe starts Monday, August 4th at 12 PM EST. Gilt Groupe is a members-only sample sale website for designer fashion.

To register, use this link:

http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe