The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Dogeared Peace Necklace



Dogeared at ShopStyle


You've probably noticed Dogeared jewelry at department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, and perhaps you even collect these diminutive charms which are accompanied with positive, life-affirming messages. Ahhhh. I think they make great gifts but you definitely pay a premium for these tiny everyday jewels because of the brand name. This Dogeared "Peace" necklace in 14k gold-dipped sterling silver/gold filled chain is $68 at Nordstrom.com.


Here's another item you may have spotted…at Target. I noticed these while hunting for some Erickson Beamon on sale. Target has copied Dogeared down to the recycled-cardboard card that comes with each pendant and the sentimental phrase. This polished silvertone finish Peace Pendant with a sterling silver cable chain sells for $14.99 at Target stores and Target.com. I'm curious to know what the quality is like. You often get what you pay for with jewelry, but not always—I recently paid something like $66 for a Rachel Leigh necklace which tarnished within days of wearing it (and it did not add to the piece's character in any way. It looks dull and lackluster and I hardly wear it anymore.)

Has anyone had any experience with Dogeared? With Target's inspired-by pendants?

Anna Sui's Gossip Girl–Inspired Target Collection


Anna Sui's Gossip Girl–Inspired Target Collection look book photos

The Cut leaked photos of Anna Sui's Target line waaay back on Friday (eons ago in the fashion world, but with MJ's death I was a tad preoccupied), so in case you missed it, here are 19 looks inspired by characters Blair, Vanessa, Jenny and Serena. Even if you already saw these beauties, let me know what you think in the comments—I'm dying to hear! As for me, I have one word: LOVE. With the exception of looks 10 and 11, I am enamored with all the possibility that this collection holds. Some people are criticizing the looks, saying they aren't true to the Gossip Girl characters, but frankly, I'm kinda glad they're merely referencing the teen drama and don't fall into the realm of costume. Besides, "inspired by" means just that. It's a springboard for ideas, not meant to be taken too literally. Diehard GG fans may disagree. Another plus for me is that Anna Sui's high-end design aesthetic really comes through, which is always something I look for with these mass collabs. Overall, this collection looks far more promising than the nonsense we got from Sui's Designer Collaboration predecessor, Alexander McQueen. Then again, I loved the McQ look book but didn't care for the end result. Fingers crossed for Sui.

The Anna Sui for Target line will be available in 250 select stores and Target.com September 13 through October 17.

Keep reading to see all the looks (in no particular order)...



Anna Sui's Gossip Girl–Inspired Target Collection look book photos

The Look for Less: Mystique Black Gladiator Sandal



Mystique at ShopStyle


Celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Kim Kardasian are fans of Mystique, a pricey shoe brand that makes simple yet dazzling sandals like these black patent gladiators. Pick 'em up for $138 at Chickdowntown.com.


Love the look…but want it for less? Head on over to GoJane.com where you can scoop up this pair of stud gladiator sandals in either black or fuchsia for just $17.

The Look for Less: Hermes Birkin Bag





Victoria Beckham's extensive collection of Birkin bags, which sell for $6,000 and up, is estimated by some to be worth $2 million.


Canadian readers, you're in luck: Forever 21's Canadian website has a stylish tote no doubt inspired by the Hermes Birkin, a classic handbag which has come to epitomize luxury. Scoop it up for under $40 by clicking the image below.



Cherize Leather Tote, CAD $35.80 at canada.forever21.com



Thanks to Maddy for the tip!