The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Four Over the Knee Boots: Would You Wear One?




Over the knee boots are a big trend for Fall, the question is: Will you be wearing them? They look gorgeous on the runways (Emilio Pucci, Isabel Marant, Roberto Cavalli, to name a few) and even better on celebs (Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, even Anne Hathaway) but will they translate to your everyday life? I am tempted to try something like #3 which is over-the-knee but not over-the-top. How about you?

[1] Barby Over the Knee Boots, Bakersshoes.com, $99.95
[2] Merona Kamani Riding Boots, Target.com, $34.99
[3] Suede Over-The-Knee Boots, CharlotteRusse.com, $40
[4] Stretch Suede Over the Knee Boots, GoJane.com, $42


More Over the Knee Boots Under $100

The Look for Less: Christian Louboutin Miss Leopard Ankle Boots



Christian Louboutin at ShopStyle


What better way to add a touch of leopard print to your Fall wardrobe than with these Christian Louboutin Leopard Print Ankle boots? I can think of a couple better ways, actually, that don't cost $1,185...



Newport News at ShopStyle


Here's one: Leopard print ankle boots from Newport-News (Spiegel's got 'em too). I'm sure Steve Madden or BCBG or Bakers will come out with an even better look for less later in the season, but for just $49 you can get your animal-print fix today.

Off the Rack: Fall Sweaters at TJ Maxx

I spotted these Tahari flyaway cardigans made of 100% cotton in purple, gray and black, still had the original price tag ($188), marked down to $39.99. A great layering piece for Fall.

Earlier this week I popped into TJ Maxx to check out their Fall sweaters, a must-have for New England's long, cold winters. While sifting through the racks I was pleased to find current styles by brands like Michael Michael Kors, Tahari, The Limited, Nine West, Design History, DKNY and more. Most were under $40 and were made with quality fabrics like cotton, wool, angora, even cashmere. When you consider the value of these items compared to the lightweight sweaters you find at many fast-fashion stores (lose their shape, aren't warm, don't wash well), it makes sense to put in the extra time to shop at an off-price retailers like TJ Maxx. OF COURSE I love my fast fashion, you know I'm not giving that up, but this season I plan on buying a lot of my clothing at TJ Maxx and Marshalls because cold weather clothing needs to be better quality than summer clothing.

Sifting through the racks at an off-price retailer can be a daunting task, so here are some tips to help you shop:

  • Stick to one department at a time. It's nearly impossible to cover the entire store in one visit, so stick to one department—shoes, dresses, or handbags, for instance—which will help you narrow your focus and stay on track.

  • Go in with a goal in mind. It's fun to browse, but it always helps to have a specific goal, for instance, "wrap sweater," "knee-high brown boots" or "trench coat." If you don't find what you're looking for, it's not the end of the world. Leave and try back later.

  • Shop in the right foundational outfit. For example, if you'll be trying on tunics, dresses or skirt, wear leggings and flats to the store so you can easily slip things on and off and see how the items will work with what you already have. Looking for a bag to match a particular pair of shoes? Wear those shoes.

  • Look beyond designer labels. If you're like me, you rapidly sift through those hangers and hone in on designer labels like a hawk. Stop! Consider items based on size, fit, and price. I need to remind myself this sometimes but it's better to buy a well-fitting stylish item by a no-name designer than something you don't really need, which costs more anyways, by a designer.


More photos after the jump...

This dolman sleeve sweater by Nine West was just $24.99 and so cozy!


Here's a Michael Michael Kors sweater I found marked down from $129.50 to just $39.99 that you could wear open or tied, as shown here. It was made from a luxe blend of angora, wool and something else, I forget...


This chunky knit sweater by Cambridge of London--made from a soft and warm blend of wool, acrylic and polyester--would look great with leggings and knee high boots. Makes you want to curl up next to the fire with a good book and cup of hot chocolate.


The Look for Less: Givenchy Lace-Up Booties



Givenchy at ShopStyle


Earlier I featured an inspired-by look for these Givenchy Lace-Up Textured Leather Boots ($995, Net-a-porter.com) and now I'm happy to present two alternative looks for less...



Topshop at ShopStyle


First up, the AVA Shiny Lace Up Hiker Boot ($190, Topshop.com). Still not cheap but you could rationalize by saying you're saving $805, haha. But don't use that kind of logic: Remember, $200 spent is still $200 spent, no matter how much you're "saving"! Ok, enough preaching, let's look at our next option which is even sweeter!



Newport News at ShopStyle


Can you believe these are from Newport-News? And they only cost $44. They kinda remind me of these boots by Tory Burch, too, since they don't have a peep-toe. Loves it.

Beauty Review: CVS Oil Absorbing Sheets


Beauty Review: CVS Brand Oil Absorbing Sheets

The Budget Babe's beauty expert Kiki Bella shares her latest beauty-bag-must-have! —BB





by Kiki Bella
There are certain things in life you don't know you can't live without, and then you try them and you wonder how you lasted so long! A new day has dawned for my skin, no longer will I just pile on more loose powder in the afternoon when I notice a 4 o'clock shine creeping up. Today is a new day, and now I've got CVS Oil Absorbing Sheets ($4.49) in my arsenal.

Yeah, yeah, I know they've been around forever, but these are cheaper than the brand name ones and work great. They are also strangely very fun to use and slightly addicting (not gonna lie, I tried to blot my boyfriend's face while he was watching football! They work great on men btw).

CVS has some great quality products for your beauty routine, while you're picking up the sheets I also suggest you try the CVS brand Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover, and the CVS brand Cotton Swab travel case, both very handy for busy beauties.


Shop for CVS brand beauty essentials at CVS drugstores nationwide.