If you've ever shopped in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, then you probably already love Francesca's Collections for it's unique, treasure-trove approach to retail. The store is filled with charming jewelry, gifts, apparel and home accessories that seem handpicked from around the globe—all at affordable prices. I didn't even realize they had an online boutique (as well as multiple store locations nationwide!!) until reader Claudia tipped me off to this exciting fact. Definitely check this store out if you have one near you, and if not, browse their stellar online store. Here's a sampling of the great things you'll discover (click any image for more info):

Pearl Harbor Maxi, $44. A Hawaii-inspired floral makes a bold statement on this floor length maxi.

Santa Monica Pier Wrap, $34. Nautical stripes make this the perfect lightweight cover-up for summer outings.

Madame President Choker, $24. A classic oversized pearl necklace is so very Mrs. O!

Let It Be Dress, $44. I'm still loving these two-in-one colorblock dresses made popular by designer brands like Theory. Just add cute sandals and a purse and you're all set.

Stone Butterfly Brooch, $24. A vintage-look brooch can be worn so many ways. Love the turquoise color.

First Kiss Tote, $44. An intricate woven lattice exterior lends interest and texture to this white tote.

Yesterday I introduced you to Eye Candy Buy Candy, an affordable online fashion boutique, and today I'm spotlighting a great deal they've got going on because I know many of you are searching for that perfect summer maxi dress, on a budget of course. During the ECBC Dress Event, save 20% on their fabulous collection of dresses with code DRESS. Get free shipping on purchases over $75, plus get a discount code to save $5 when you sign up for their mailing list. Here are my faves (click any image for details):

What do today's celebrity style icons have in common (besides oodles of disposable income and lots of designer freebies)? They all have fab accessories! The right scarf, some shades and a kickass handbag can transform a boring t-shirt and jeans into a chic ensemble, which is why we're proud to introduce you to Bare Accessories (www.shopbareaccessories.com), another awesome boutique that's making its debut appearance on The Budget Babe.

Bare Accessories is a trendy boutique featuring affordable sunglasses, scarves, headbands, jewelry, and handbags as well as some clothing basics from American Apparel, which ships worldwide (free to the U.S!). The owner also writes a blog, My Bare Style, which features fashion trends, outfits ideas and sales tips. Here are some sweet finds from Bare Accessories—be sure to browse the site for more goodies.

Filigree Oval Earrings, $16.00. Intricate yet uncomplicated, these earrings will become an instant favorite.

Angie Sunglasses by AJ Morgan, Sale $12.50. These trendy shades give you designer style for a fraction of the price.

Mandy Scarf, $17.50. This soft knit scarf has a neutral design that will match everything you own.

Unisex Sheer Jersey Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck, $18.50. An unassuming white tee gets a sexy makeover with a plunging v-neck.

Boyfriend Watch, $28.50. This season's must-have accessory is a boyfriend watch, worn alone or layered with bracelets.

Convertible Clutch Tote by Melie Bianco, $67.50. Green never looked so good. Happy St. Patty's Day, by the way!

All this week, I'll be featuring new, never-before-seen (on this blog) online stores and websites, so be sure to check back every day for the scoop! (I considered calling this "Forever 21-Free Week," but I can't guarantee that I can go a whole 7 days without mentioning my favorite fast-fashion chain.)

To kick things off, I'd like to introduce you to a store that was recently brought to my attention called Ruche (www.shopruche.com), and I think you guys are going to LOVE it.

If you've ever wished you could buy your entire wardrobe from Free People or Anthropologie, but couldn't afford the prices, then Ruche may be your answer. Touted as a "modern women's boutique with a vintage touch," this California-based online store carries a tightly edited collection of unique, fashionable clothing and accessories with that same free-spirited, creative, nouveau-bohemian/gypsy vibe that those pricey stores do so well, but at much lower prices.

Ruche averages a few dollars for beautiful jewelry to about $50 for a coat, with dresses, shoes, tops, handbags and much more falling in the $20 to $30 range. Ruche even has a dedicated eco-friendly category, a handmade accessories category and an awesome sale section.

We'll let the goods speak for themselves, so here's a sampling of just a few of the many amazing things we've found at Ruche so far. Click any image to learn more, and let us know what you think!

Norwegian kimono dress, $39.99. I love the hand-painted feel of the flowers on this dress.

I'm always awed by the beautiful photography and impeccable, eccentric styling at Anthropologie.com and in their catalogs, yet I rarely carry that inspiration into my own wardrobe. Why is that? I could use the excuse that their clothing is too pricey, but with a little creativity, I should be able to come up with some similar looks on a budget. Here's a quickie outfit I put together using items that can all be currently found at Forever21.com, plus the actual flower headband from Anthropologie. Do you think it captures the feeling of the original or are the subtleties lost? If you like either outfit, all items can be accessed via the widget below.