The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Win Cool Stuff: Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Strap Watch

And the winner is… #1 alex, who writes "I run regularly and try to eat a vegetable at every meal."

Congratulations to our winner and thanks to everyone for sharing your tips!




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

One lucky reader will win an Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Strap Watch, featuring a ribbon motif on faux mother-of-pearl dial with a pink croco-embossed strap. This watch is part of Avon Pink Ribbon Products, supporting breast cancer research and care since 1992. Avon has donated more than $585 million to the breast cancer cause globally. To purchase your own watch, visit avon.com.

How to enter: Tell us your favorite self-care tip in the comments section below.

Contest Details:

  • Contest ends Monday, October 5th at 12 noon EST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Tuesday, October 6th.

  • Open to readers ages 18 and older, living in the continental US

  • One entry per reader

  • Be sure to add info(at)thebudgetbabe.com to your email safe list so you can be notified if you're the winner.


Good luck!!

Ask BB: Where to Buy Wide Calf Boots


Plus size calves: Wear to Buy Wide Calf Boots for Cheap

[1] Leather Buckle Trim Boots, $129, Silhouettes.com
[2] Tara Extended Width Tall Shaft Boot, $40, Payless.com
[3] Naturalizer Scurry Wide Shaft Boot, $99, Zappos.com
[4] Kayleigh Plus Calf Side Buckle Boot, $70-$75, OneStopPlus.com

I always seem to have a problem finding boots for my curvy legs. I can never find a riding boot that closes all the way at the top (let alone trying to squeeze some skinnies in there!). I always have to settle for the "slouchy boot" style, though I love the look of a classic riding boot. Any suggestions?? —Maddy

I get this question a lot because let's face it: Most boots have narrow shafts, so whether you have some muscle or some curves, it can be tough to find stylish, affordable boots that fit a wide range of normal calf sizes. So I'll try to address this from a couple different angles, and hopefully other readers will share their tips in the comments!

How and Where to Shop for Wide Calf Boots


  • Ideally, you'd like to find boots in stores so you can try them on. Novel idea, right? Look for brands like Bandolino, Naturalizer, Franco Sarto, and Moda Spana at department stores like Macy's as well as off-price retailers like Marshalls. Also check Payless and DSW.


  • Look for styles with a little wiggle room by virtue of an elastic panel or, of course, boots made of stretch fabrics like stretch suede, and slouchy styles (although I realize you're looking for riding boots, but just saying!).


  • No luck in stores? Time to head online: Make the experience an easy one by measuring the widest part of your calf before you shop. Then head to the usual suspects—Zappos.com, Endless.com, Piperlime.com, 6pm.com—and narrow your search results by width. Be sure to look at the product details to see the circumference of the boot's shaft. The words "extended width" "wide calf" or "extra wide" can be a tad vague.


  • Expand your search to sites specializing in extended sizes: LaneBryant.com, Avenue.com, and Torrid, to name a few. You'll also be impressed by the great selection at lesser-known sites like Silhouttes.com and OneStopPlus.com.


  • Splurge on the perfect pair of boots at AylaBoots.com. A Budget Babe reader turned me on to this site a while back, saying you can order custom made boots based on your specific calf measurements. They're pricey (like $200) but worth every penny. Yet another option: Try the extended calf riding boots at EddieBauer.com, an investment piece you'll wear for years.


Ask BB: Where to Buy Black Skinny Jeans on a Budget


Isla Fisher, Taylor Momsen and Sienna Miller show us three ways to wear black skinny jeans.

I saw a girl with the most fantastic black skinny jeans imaginable and I haven't stopped thinking about them! Could you suggest any brands that make a sophisticated black pant that would look great tucked into boots or worn with flats? —LR

Black jeans combine the versatility of black pants with the comfort, durability and great fit of your favorite pair of blue jeans. If you wear jeans a lot, you should definitely consider adding a black pair of skinnies to your arsenal! And of course, you don't have to spend a ton to find a great pair. Since black denim is so popular right now, I'd suggest beginning your search wherever you buy your other jeans. Personally I own these black denim leggings from Asos.com and a pair of black straight-leg jeans that I picked up at Forever 21. I love that you can dress them up or down, and the fact that you can wear them with a blue jean jacket (because we all know you can't wear a blue jean jacket with blue jeans). For more cheap, chic options, browse my handpicked selection below.


LC Lauren Conrad Collection for Kohls: Two More Pics

LC Lauren Conrad Collection for Kohls

Kohls passed along two more pics of the new LC Lauren Conrad Collection, which is slowly rolling out in some stores and at kohls.com. Above, LC is modeling the boyfriend blazer ($60), striped tee ($30), and boyfriend jeans; below, she's sporting the striped boyfriend cardigan ($44), seamless camisole ($20), and skinny jeans ($54). I'm a fan of her casual California style, so I'm eager to see this stuff in person. Has anyone bought anything from this collection yet?

LC Lauren Conrad Collection for Kohls