The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Guess "Maeve" Boots



GUESS at ShopStyle


These sexy "Maeve" boots by Guess have a take-no-prisoners attitude with their rugged sole, tough buckles and kick-ass heels. Take your pick of black ($185) or brown ($99.52) at Endless.com.



Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle


Get the look for less with these look-alike boots from Charlotte Russe constructed from faux-leather for just $34.99.

Neon Under $50 (Should I Even Go There?)




I've managed to resist the neon glare that's been going on in the fashion world for months now, but a few factors are beginning to wear me down: 1) Cupcakes & Cashmere makes neon nail polish look irresistible, 2) Target has an entire collection of neon rubber bracelets and plastic earrings that are a blast from my past and oddly tempting (couldn't find them online, but look for them in stores), and finally, 3) Real Style Real People's theory of fashion desensitization, which states the longer you're exposed to a fashion trend—no matter how heinous—the more likely you are to succumb to wearing it!

Slap me back into reality…or tell me you aren't starting to like a little touch of neon, too?

Ask BB: Cami-Bra Basics

I would like to wear a camisole but not a bra and camisole. A camisole with a bra attached would be good, but where do I buy one? What do you suggest I do? —Meena

Sounds like you're ready to test-drive a cami-bra, a modern marvel that fuses brassiere with camisole. Some of these so-called cami-bras have built-in shelf bras, which may or may not provide the support and coverage you need. Other cami-bras feature lightly padded, molded cups and/or underwire which provide full support and render a separate bra unnecessary.

Look for cami-bras in the lingerie department of your favorite store—Macy's, Kohls, Target, etc. Other great stores to check out include Nordstrom—their bra-fit-experts can help you find a supportive camisole, and the service is complimentary. If you have a larger bust, Panache makes a popular cami-bra in sizes up to a G cup (available at BareNecessities.com). Banana Repubic makes some of the best camis that you can layer for work; Victoria's Secret offers one of the widest selections of cami-bras from basic white and black to pretty bra-tops with ruffle-details.

I've had luck with the cami-bras from Gap, Express and Target. Experiment until you find one that works for you—the reward will be a lighter, more comfortable way to layer, especially during the hot summer months.

Are you a fan of the cami-bra or do you prefer to layer a regular camisole over a bra?