Elsa Peretti's timeless open heart pendant is instantly recognizable and highly desirable. Treat yourself to one for $145 at Tiffany & Co. (or drop hints to your significant other—these make great gifts!).


If you love the look but can't afford to splurge, pick up this slanted heart necklace instead, just $4.80 at Forever21.com. It won't last a lifetime but it'll do in a pinch.

And the winner is… #32 Valerie, who writes "Are you kidding? I would wear this every day and make it my signature piece. It's so classy and fabulous!"

Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who participated! Your styling suggestions were utterly imaginative and inspiring. Loved reading each one.




Please note: This contest is now closed to further entries.

I've teamed up with the fabu-less online boutique Eye Candy Buy Candy to offer one lucky reader the chance to win this Peacock Feather Fascinator by Lix Creations. Lix Creations' handmade accessories embody vintage class and elegance. These truly unique pieces are created for women who dare to be different and appreciate beauty and art. Visit ECBC to see more from Lix Creations.

To enter, tell us how you'd wear this fabulous hair accessory in the comments section below. Comments must be posted by Tuesday, July 14 at 12 noon EST, and the winner will be announced on this very post Wednesday, July 15 (so bookmark the page and check back!). Good luck!

DEAL UPDATE: Get 15% off your order at ECBC.com with code BudgetBabe. Happy shopping!

One winner will be chosen at random. 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.

A perforated ankle cuff gives the Steven By Steve Madden "Benza" a boot-like silhouette while the front reads like a breezy summer sandal. This edgy shoe can be yours in either taupe or black suede leather on sale for $108.28 at Endless.com.


For a more affordable take on this style (which will most likely be a passing trend) try these Perforated Cuff Flats instead. Take your pick of brown, black or gray for $24.99 at CharlotteRusse.com.

HELP! We are trying to throw together a wedding for August 1 and we have the dresses picked out, but cannot find inexpensive shoes anywhere! The dresses are from J.Crew in three different colors (cantaloupe, light pink and tea pink) so we are thinking a nude heel of some sort. I've attached a picture of the dress that we are wearing (at right). Any suggestions? —Olivia

Believe it or not, I've been rather impressed by Payless' Unforgettable Moments by Lela Rose capsule collection. This line of affordable special-occasion shoes includes D'Orsay pumps, slingbacks, slides and strappy heels for just $45 to $50, in regular and wide widths. The collection also offers girl's shoes for $35 and accessories like satin clutches ($23 to $27). You can choose from 64 custom colors, and dying and shipping is free (according to the website). Visit a store to see the colors in person before you order. Even if you don't want to be too matchy matchy, you've got 64 fab options so there's sure to be a beautiful shade to go with your gorgeous dresses. Good luck! —BB

Anyone else know of a great place for bridesmaids to find affordable shoes? Let us know in the comments!

This Independence Day, set off your own sartorial fireworks with glitzy sequin-embellished fashions. Have a Happy Fourth of July, everyone!


Sequinned leggings pack more drama than a cocktail dress when paired with a sultry tunic and sky high heels. Or, rock 'em with a white tank and your Converse All-Stars to a family BBQ. Oh yes. (Swirl sequin legging, $59, Bebe.com)


These sequin bermuda shorts are the epitome of laid-back luxury. Equally appropriate for celebrating our nation's birth or grabbing cocktails with your girlfriends. (Sequin bermuda shorts, now $139, shopadam.com)


A sequinned hoodie is both a dazzling fashion statement and practical cover-up. Let's see those pesky mosquitoes try and get past this protective layer of paillettes! (Silk georgette sequined hoodie, now $180, Spiegel.com)


This linen dress gets dressed up with a cheerful display of sequin flowers. Consider it a subtle declaration of your impeccable taste. (Sequin Trim Linen Dress, $29, TwelvebyTwelve.com)


Grab a cold one and catch up with friends while wearing this deliciously shiny tank top. It's totally casual yet utterly chic. (Racerback sequin tank, $29.50, Express.com)