The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Beauty Review: RAWMinerals 7-Piece Discovery Kit


Beauty Review: RAWMinerals 7-Piece Discovery Kit

The best way to get into a new makeup routine is through a comprehensive starter kit. Usually these kits are the best bang for your buck since you get enough of everything you need, and sometimes you try out products you never would have picked up separately. RAWMinerals gifted me with just such a kit—the RAWMinerals 7-Piece Discovery Kit ($180), which includes everything you need to get started with mineral makeup, including two mineral foundations, Mineral Glow, Active Veil SPF 18, a foundation brush, a concealer brush, a multi-tasking retractable brush, and a DVD titled "Getting Started."

5 Under $45: Party Dresses from DownEast Basics


5 Under $45: Party Dresses from DownEast Basics

As someone who's always on the hunt for cute, cheap and classy party dresses that I can share with all of you, I was thrilled to find DownEast Basics. If I had to compare this store to other established brands, I'd say it's a cross between Boden and Anthropologie (albeit on a much smaller scale). At the moment, DownEast Basics carries a handful of dresses that could work for a variety of dress-up or dress-down occasions. And the best part is they're ridiculously affordable! Keep reading to see 5 party dresses I spotted on their site for under $45. Be sure to browse their cute cardigans and tops, too. Loves it!

The Look for Less: Free People Doubs Fingerless Gloves



Free People at ShopStyle


Free People has one of the best glove selections I've seen this season (hey, gloves are a very important accessory!) including these military-inspired Doubs fingerless gloves with button deal. Pick them up in black, red, grey or purple for $28. A great affordable gift idea!


While I love fingerless gloves because they keep hands toasty while typing, sometimes you need a little extra coverage. For those occasions, try these Merona Jersey Glove with Buttons available in black or white for $10.99 at Target.com.

The Look for Less: Christian Louboutin Babel Boots



Christian Louboutin at ShopStyle


In this earlier post, many of you were none too impressed with the Fair Isle sweater look, but you were definitely drooling over Hilary Duff's red-soled boots, namely, her Christian Louboutin Babel boots, $1,465 at Net-a-Porter.com.



Old Navy at ShopStyle


Ok. I'm not saying Old Navy even comes close to Louboutin in terms of fabulosity, but these stylish black boots are a reasonable alternative, are they not? They're available in camel or black and cost $50 at OldNavy.com.

And if you're willing to spend a bit more to get this look, here are some more options:

6 Under $60: Fair Isle Sweaters

6 Under $60: Fair Isle Sweaters

Another perennial winter fashion favorite of mine is the Fair Isle sweater, that Nordic-style knit which conjures up images of Aspen lodges and hot toddies sipped on bearskin rugs before crackling fires. Pair yours with leggings, edgy boots and simple silver jewelry (like Hilary Duff) to balance proportions and keep your look modern. Keep reading for 6 super affordable Fair Isle-inspired sweaters under $60. Which would you wear?