The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Ring



Kenneth Jay Lane at ShopStyle


Kenneth Jay Lane delivers a varied collection of statement-making baubles, often incorporating natural elements like flowers and animals into his designs. Earlier today I was admiring his jewelry at a Gilt.com sale, which included a blue enamel flower ring similar to the style above ($90 at bergdorfgoodman.com).



Forever 21 at ShopStyle


If you missed the Gilt sale or just want something similar for less, Forever 21 has a dazzling array of flower-themed cocktail rings with a definite Kenneth-Jay-Lane feel. Scoop up the tiny treasure above for just $4.80.

Browse more fabulous rings from Forever 21 below (it's hard to pick just one favorite, no?)…

Ask BB: Sophisticated Handbags on a Budget

I've been carrying this black patent leather Guess bowler for about a year now and I absolutely love it. However, I think it's time for a change of bag but still want something in a neutral tone—off white/cream, tan, brown, or even gray. Of course I want something that looks designer but without the hefty pricetag. I'm not big on online shopping and was hoping to see what you could suggest as being a trendy and sophisticated bag for a college girl. Thanks so much! —Haj

OK, so I hear you loud and clear about the online shopping—I prefer shopping in person myself—but if you're willing to take a chance, there's this great under-the-radar handbag designer called Melie Bianco which is sold primarily online that I think you will love. If you read fashion mags and blogs (including TBB), then you've probably heard of Melie Bianco before BUT the chances of you seeing another girl on campus carrying the exact same Melie Bianco bag are pretty slim. A strong incentive to shop online!

Most styles are under $100, which isn't dirt cheap, but Melie Bianco bags are well-made and look expensive. They don't have flashy logos and the styles are on-trend without being too trendy, meaning you'll enjoy these bags for years. Find them at baghaus.com, shopbareaccessories.com, shopecbc.com, and lulus.com, as well as big sites like Piperlime.com and Endless.com.

Here's a sampling of their bags to give you some idea of the available styles (my favorite du jour is the School Boy Tote in Navy)...



Anyone else a fan of Melie Bianco? What other designers would you recommend for cheap bags that don't look it?