These Giuseppe Zanotti Multi-Buckle Peep-Toe Pumps are representative of the ongoing fetish-inspired footwear trend, and cost $850 at Saks.


Save some cash with these Miss Me "Garnet" Open Toe Snake Gladiator Pumps, just $39.95 at endless.com.

These leather Deep V Ankle Booties, available for $118 at FreePeople.com, are actually inspired by a pair of split-front ankle booties by Costume National. You can click here to see Cupcakes & Cashmere rocking the originals.


For a very affordable version of this adventurous shoe style, GoJane.com has you covered. Pick up their Chunky Heel Pointed Toe Bootie in either black, brown or taupe for just $22.70.


UPDATE 9/21/09: Just found another look for less, this one's called the Agnes Shootie by Miss Me and it's available in either black, gray or brown for $23.95 at endless.com. So many choices!

Still on the hunt for a great mineral makeup? The Budget Babe's resident beauty expert Kiki Bella suggests giving Smooth Minerals by Avon a try. —BB





by Kiki Bella
Avon's Smooth Minerals is a pleasant surprise. I have tested many brands of mineral makeup and nothing yet has knocked me off my Bare Minerals horse. But Avon's Smooth Minerals collection is definitely getting me to slow down and take another look.

Avon's Smooth Minerals foundation ($11.00) is getting top marks from me. It has fantastic coverage, great oil control and looks very natural. Avon's formula is one of the more admirable (not a lot of unwanted fillers like some other brands I've reviewed ::cough cough:: Maybelline Mineral Power ::cough cough::), and I think its reflected in the product. Great for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

I'm not a huge lipstick wearer (I'm a lipgloss girl myself), but the texture and lovely shades that the Smooth Minerals lipstick ($8.00) collection has to offer left me satisfied. It's a definite try if you prefer lipstick over lipgloss.

My favorite thing from the Smooth Minerals collection is the eyeliner ($6.00). It is superb. I love a great creamy, easy to apply eyeliner and this stuff really hits the mark. Rich color, great blendability and its made from minerals, with no talc or fragrance added. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to use products with great ingredients on and around the delicate eye area. I'm loving Earth, Indigo and Iris for the fall, and Onyx is a yearlong must-have.


To locate an Avon Representative, call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com.

This morning I stopped by my nearest Kohl's store to check out the new LC Lauren Conrad Collection. The bad news: They don't carry it (yet). The good news: I realized the Kohl's Anniversary Sale is going on NOW! Take an extra 15%, 20% or 30% off everything in stores or online at Kohls.com when you use your Kohl's charge now through Wednesday, September 23. Plus, get $10 Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend. What's more, you'll get free standard shipping online when you spend $75 or more (after all discounts taken). These heavy discounts happen 12 times a year at Kohl's, so smart Kohl's shoppers will do the bulk of their shopping during these sales. Not sure what to buy? Try a statement necklace from Simply Vera Vera Wang; a leopard print top by Chaps; a boyfriend cardigan or cross-body bag from ELLE. Happy shopping!

Kiki Bella, The Budget Babe's resident beauty expert, says yes to Yes to Carrots. Will you? —BB





I am such a sucker for a great product in a great package. Yes to Carrots, a complete family of paraben-free skin and hair care products, has three lines of really awesome lipcare/color that I can't say enough about.

Yes to Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter is touted as "the first 95% USDA certified organic lip balm available in drugstores" (like Walgreens). And, shockingly, it's a really awesome lip balm. I say shockingly because, I hate to say this, but many times products (and I'm actually thinking very specifically about lip balms, glosses and tints) that are labeled "all natural" and/or "organic" are kinda gross. I always hoped that someone would come out with products that are both good for us and look good on us.

Lip balm is the one thing I would want on a desert island, and I consume large amounts of it (I don't literally eat it, but you know what I mean). As a result, several of my health conscious relatives have made not so subtle remarks that I will end up with some kind of lip cancer (is there such a thing?) as a result of using so many chemical based balms. I am happy to have found Yes to Carrots C Me Blush Lip Butter ($3.69). Its got a lovely texture and makes my lips feel soft and my conscious clean. These lip butters smell awesome, and come in five delicious flavors including Berry, Citrus, Mint, Carrot and my personal fave Melon. They are all great flavors, Melon, Berry, Citrus and Mint are kinda self explanatory (although I have to say they are exceptional for what they are, none of that fake smell, these are clean and crisp and so fresh). Carrot is the odd ball out, but don't be turned off, it's got a light almost herbal scent that makes me think of summer gardening. (cont. below)