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Thanks to more than a few tipsters, I checked out the spring shoe offerings at Wal-Mart and must say, they ain't half bad! Here are some cute styles you might want to add to your spring shoe repertoire, all for just $20 or less:

[1] No Boundaries Metallic Gladiator Sandals, $10. Clean lines makes this the perfect gladiator to pair with summer skirts, shorts and dresses.

[2] L.e.i. "Monica" Studded Gladiator Sandals, $17. Polished studs give these gladiator sandals that extra, eye-catching kick.

[3] Norma Kamali "Serenity" Thong Sandals, $15.00. Here's a great basic flip flop you'll want to live in all summer long.

[4] Max Rave Stretch-Strap Wedge Sandals, $17. Get your neon fix with these playfully bright stretch-strap sandals.

[5] L.e.i. Sassy High-Heel Sandals, $20.00. A subtler take on the gladiator trend gives this sexy sandal style-longevity.

[6] L.e.i. "Nessa" Wedge Sandals, $20.00. These leg-lengthening wedge sandals look positively flirtatious in cherry red.

This delicate Jamie Joseph Starfish pendant with diamonds would make a stunning addition to one's "daily wear" jewelry collection, but with a cost of $2,720 at Ylang 23, it's not something that falls within most people's budgets. Jamie Joseph counts Naomi Watts, Kate Beckinsale and Cameron Diaz among her fans, and sells her lovely creations at fine stores such as Bergdorf Goodman in New York.


Here's a great alternative that would make a spectacular Mother's Day gift, too! This Starfish Pendant Necklace designed by Catherine Weitzman captures the same whimsical spirit of the pricier necklace at a fraction of the cost. It's made of 18k gold-plated sterling silver, and can be yours for $89.50 from Martin + Osa.

This Alice + Olivia Cotton Sateen Rolled Sleeve Blazer has been spotted on such trendsetters as Lauren Conrad and Olivia Palermo (see our earlier post where we featured Lauren's entire look-for-less here). It has all the hallmarks of a timeless wardrobe essential, one that can be worn infinite ways, which makes the out-of-reach $385 pricetag that much more gut wrenching...


But wait! Wipe that tear away, because here's a blazer that's just as stylish (ok, almost as stylish!), with a price that's easy to stomach: Aqua's Black Boyfriend Jacket with Striped Lining is a very manageable $88 at Bloomingdales.com. Note the fab striped lining that peeks out when you roll the cuffs. Perfection!

Deal alert: $25 Off Purchases of $100 or More at Bloomingdales.com • Enter Code SAVE25 at Checkout. Some Exclusions • Ends 5/10

We have our winner! Congratulations to #18 Karen, who wrote "I love the Bright Side Gloom and Bloom tee." Thanks to everyone who participated!




Please note: This contest is now closed, check back tomorrow for the winner!

Shade Clothing has partnered with the United Way to help families in need. Starting today, Shade is offering a new line of tees as part of The Bright Side collection. Each tee is just $20, and fifty percent of the proceeds of the shirts will go to the United Way to help families who are struggling.

To help get the word out about this great cause, we've teamed up with Shade to offer one lucky Budget Babe reader the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to ShadeClothing.com!

To enter, visit ShadeClothing.com, then tell us which Bright Side tee is your favorite in the comments.

Good luck!!

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. Email addresses will not be shared and will only be used to notify you if you're the winner for this giveaway. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Monday May 11 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Tuesday May 12.

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Do you have any ideas for cute, fashionable bathing suits on a budget?

The newcomer to the swimwear scene that's got everyone talking this season is Forever 21, which now offers attention-grabbing bikinis, monokinis and more at select stores and online. Get a two piece bikini for as little as $22.60 (total!) (continued below)

[1] Wild Zig Zag bikini, $12.80 top + $12.80 bottom at Forever21.com
[2] Triangle top bikini, Now $25 at Newport-News.com
[3] AE Retro Halter One-Piece, $39.50
[4] Nylon Tricot Le Sport Chic Swimsuit, $42 at American Apparel