The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spot the Real: Steve Madden 'Linderr' Boot

One of the boots below costs 3 times as much as the other. Granted, one is real leather by Steve Madden; the other is synthetic from Olsenboye for JCPenney. Scroll down and take a look at both boots, then see if you can "spot the real" from the steal. Click either image to check your guess. Thanks to reader Brittney for sharing this awesome find!


H&M Holiday 2010: Top Picks




Here's a look at some of the top picks for women from H&M's Holiday 2010 collection, hand-picked by Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's Head of Design. My favorites have to be the bombshell red evening gown, sleeveless reptile print cocktail dress and sheer long black skirt that can be paired with a sexy corset top or cashmere sweater, depending on where you're heading.

If you want to try something a bit out-of-the-ordinary, opt for a tuxedo jacket with tailcoats, which can go Uptown over a lacy dress or Downtown with jeans, a printed T-shirt and bright red high heels. Hair accessories add a special twist; look for sequin and feather pieces plus beautiful jewelry to finish any look or update your favorite LBD on a dime.

Some of these pieces are already in stores with more coming soon. And of course, don't forget the collection hits stores in the U.S. on Saturday, November 20!

Fashion for a Cause: The Lifesaving Locket




Olivia Palermo stars in a new campaign promoting the 'Malaria No More' Mosquito Locket Necklace by iconic jeweler Stephen Webster. You can buy it at asos.com for $164, which isn't bad considering 100% of profits go to the charity Malaria No More UK, which will help raise awareness of the disease that claims over 863,000 lives in Africa every year. I think this locket is really unique and eye-catching, a great gift for someone special this holiday season - yourself, perhaps?

Four Sequin Tees: Would You Wear One?

Vince's Sequin Wedge Tee has me swooning but it's $295 at nordstrom.com. So I started looking for some more affordable options...


Option 1: This sequin tee from Forever 21 is just $26 and its available in blue, peachy pink or silver. I like the length but I'm unsure about the neckline.


Option 2: Delia's Mariah Sequin Tee doesn't boast all-over sequins but the sequins look luxe (at least in the product pic) and the fit is relaxed. At $34.50, it seems like a win.


Option 3: The Limited has a version of the sequin tee for $49.90. It looks a little tight but I might be able to size up and still make it work.


The Limited at ShopStyle



Option 4: And finally, this oversized sequin tunic from Spiegel is a little pricey at $89, but the cut makes it look more fashion-y than some of the other options. Hmmm...


Which would you wear (if any)?