Everything about "The Perfect Shirt" by Current/Elliott—a button-down, long-sleeve chambray shirt in the softest sun-faded hue and breathable cotton—truly is perfect. Everything, that is, except the price. It's not exorbitant by any means but $188 is a lot of money to spend on one shirt. Let's look for some cheaper alternatives, shall we?


For once, J. Crew offers a more affordable version of something! Their perfect chambray shirt is $98 and probably worth every penny (can't say for sure as I do not own one, but I can see this quickly becoming your favorite shirt for summer). Wear it just as you see it here, with colorful shorts and a delicate necklace. Love it!


Urban Outfitters also has an affordable chambray shirt for $52, available in either a dark or light wash. Take a cue from this product shot and wear your chambray shirt as you might wear a cardigan—it's a great lightweight layer that will look great over camis, dresses, even rompers. Add a belt on top for even more stylish possibilities.


This near-perfect chambray shirt costs just $49.50, and while it's actually for men, a fellow blogger and reader named Chelsea recently dropped me a note to say that she works for the Gap and has noticed many of the men's shirts actually fit her better and are generally priced lower than the women's clothing. The lesson: Borrow from the boys and save some cash!

Think you'll pick up a chambray shirt for summer?

Throngs of women swear by Hanky Panky's sexy and soft low-rise lace thongs, and loyal customers won't hesitate to drop $18 per pair. The unmentionables shown above are available in 16 colors at Saks Fifth Avenue. Deal: Free shipping on all orders • Enter code SAKSSHIP9 at checkout • Ends 6/8


If you'd rather save some of your hard-earned cash for other necessities, try these Joe Boxer lace thongs, just $4.99 through 6/13 at Kmart.com. These sassy underthings come highly recommended by reader Nikki (read her entertaining testimonial here). Thanks, Nikki!

Would you splurge on the designer brand or save with Kmart?

And the winner is… #116 Danielle! Congratulations to our winner and thanks to everyone who entered!




Please note: This contest is now closed, check back later for the winner.

We're giving away another beautiful handmade headband creation courtesy of Lisa Kathryn Designs, whose chic hair accessories have been recently seen on country music star Taylor Swift! One lucky winner will receive the headband shown here, dubbed "Golden Garden," which features gold flowers with rhinestone and beaded accents hand sewn to white and gold elastic. Fabulous!

To enter, simply visit Lisa Kathryn Designs' brand new website (www.lisakathryn.com) and tell us which headband is your favorite in the comment section below.

Can't wait? Go ahead and treat yourself to one of Lisa Kathryn Designs' affordable luxuries now (most items are under $20!). Enter code BudgetBabe at checkout and you'll receive 10% off your order.

You can also visit Lisa Kathryn at her etsy shop (www.lisakathryndesigns.etsy.com) for more great items.

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 Tuesday June 9 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Wednesday June 10.

A reader named Annie asked me to track down a budget-friendly version of this dress (shown at right), and as luck would have it, I just saw a similar style at Express for $59.50 (see below).

With so many colorful options for dresses at the moment, it's nice to remember that a little black dress is always flattering, always in style, and always a great value.

I love how the party-goer shown here accessorized her LBD with fringe-embellished black heels, a killer black bag and what appears to be an oversized watch or bangle. Oh, and let's not forget the perfectly coiffed hair and sunkissed tan! Very cute!




Got another option for Annie? Do tell!