The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Look for Less: Nine West Lawrence Pump




At first glance, you might think you're looking at a pair of matching shoes, but you'd be mistaken: The shoe on the left is by Nine West, it's called the Lawrence Pump and it retails for $78.95 at Endless.com. The shoe on the right is available at Target (I should know, I bought them less than two weeks ago!), it's called the Pari by Mossimo and sells for $29.99. I really love this style shoe, it's subdued enough for the office yet fun enough for drinks after. And amidst a flurry of strappy gladiators and cage heels (many of which are undeniably fierce), this shoe doesn't scream trend whore. It just whispers, tee.

Left: Nine West Lawrence Pump, $78.85 at Endless.com
Right: Mossimo Pari Sandal, $29.99 at Target.com

Forever 21 Lauches New Swimwear Line

Forever 21 Swimwear Collection

Forever 21 has just launched their new swimwear collection, and there are some really cute pieces. There's a limited selection of styles available online, plus more styles in stores. Prices range from $12.80 each for bikini tops and bottoms to $22.80 for a monokini. I never felt it was reasonable to pay a lot of money for a tiny scrap of fabric that just barely covers your lady parts, so I think beach babes should definitely check out this collection for inexpensive swimwear. Keep reading for more pics. Thanks to reader Alison Y. for the tip!

Deal du Jour: 3 for $99 Shoe Sale at SmartBargains.com



BCBGirls Lotun High Heel Maryjane Pump With Zipper, part of the 3 for $99 shoe sale at SmartBargains.com


If you are on a self-imposed shopping ban, please avert your eyes. If not, read on for a fabulous two-day only dealio going on now at SmartBargains.com. Buy 3 specially marked pairs of women's shoes for the very reasonable price of $99! And we're not talking last-season dumpster material, oh no: Styles being offered are current and covetable from designers such as Steve Madden, Franco Sarto, Carlos Santana, Kenneth Cole, Jessica Simpson, BCBGirls and many more. My advice: Look for real leather, and think about what you need before you begin to browse. Evening shoes for an upcoming wedding? Proper low-heels for work? Gladiator sandals for spring? Chances are, this sale has got you covered. Thanks to Shoe Smitten for the tip!

Shop it: 3 for $99 event at SmartBargains.com

3 New (To Us, At Least) Online Sample Sale Sites

Dozens of online sample sale websites seem to have cropped up over the past year or so, each promising designer fashions at drastically reduced prices. Here are three of the latest ones I've come across for your bookmarking & browsing pleasure. All are free to join and you don't need a special invite. I haven't shopped at any of these yet so let me know if you do!

ShopFlick.com/private-sale: This website offers weekly one-day, one-deal sales. Currently, you can score a pair of Modern Vintage Leather Butero Black Boots, originally $295, for just $49.99. Not bad! If you love infomercials, then you'll love their video presentations about the day's sale. Warning: They are very persuasive! Look for daily sales to roll out in just a few weeks.

>> Click here to join ShopFlick

BillionDollarBabes.com: This premier designer sample sale company has been around since 2001 hosting in-person sales, and has recently added online sales at their website. Word on the street is that Thursday's sale will feature beautiful jewelry and leather pieces by Beyrll. Sign up for their emails which will notify you when a sale starts.

>> Click here to join BillionDollarBabes.com

SecretStyle.com: Another online outlet store for members only, Secret Style's strong point seems to be featuring lesser-known (but no less fab) designer labels, which means price points are often much lower than, say, Gilt or Rue La La. Recent sales included Trish McEvoy cosmetics, while Morphine Generation clothing is currently up for grabs. Once you sign up, you'll get email alerts for all their sales, which last about 24-48 hours or until they run out of stock.

>> Click here to join SecretStyle.com

Have you scored any great deals at an online sample sale website? Which one is your favorite?