The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Christian Louboutin 'Lady Daf' Pumps

Christian Louboutin's "Lady Daf" platform pumps are $995. I featured them in a post about the bondage pump trend, a topic which sparked quite a bit of controversy (here).





Love them or hate them, the Lady Daf has a lot of celebrity fans, including Kourtney Kardashian, Beyonce and Kim Kardashian.





If you want this look for less, check out Topshop's Louboutin-inspired "Sugar Mary Jane" platforms for $135. Click the image below for details.



What do you think, is this look starting to grow on you?

Product Review: Band-Aid Friction Block Stick




About a year ago, I was complaining about blisters via Twitter when a reader whose name I unfortunately can not remember recommended that I try Band-Aid Friction Block Stick. I immediately ran to my local CVS drugstore and purchased the product, despite the diminutive size of the stick (only 0.34 ounces) and relatively steep price (I paid $8, but you can find it much cheaper online). Then, I put it to the test. Keep reading to see how it performed!

Win Cool Stuff: Target Beauty Goodie Bag

UPDATE: And the winner is… #29 Danielle! Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who entered.


Please note: This giveaway has ended and is now closed to further entries.

As promised, it's time for another Target Beauty giveaway! We've teamed up once again to offer one lucky Budget Babe reader the chance to win all the makeup you see here. Wish I could enter this one!

The prize:
  • Nicole by OPI nail polish in Daffy Dill
  • Nicole by OPI nail polish in Pink Seriously
  • Pixie by Petra Flawless Beauty Powder in No. 2 Natural
  • Pixie Succulent Lip Twin in Poppy Red
  • JK Jemma Kidd Glitterati Shadow Dust Duo in Debut
  • JK Jemma Kidd In-Vogue Perfect Blush in Rodeo Drive
  • NP Set by Napoleon Perdis It Takes Two Concealer and Foundation Pot in Medium

To enter:
  • Tell us what's your must-have summer beauty product in the comments section below.
  • Follow @budgetbabe and tweet this post using the twitter button below for one additional entry.

Good luck!

Contest ends June 13, 2011, at 12 noon ET. This is not a sponsored post, I did not receive any products or money for this giveaway, just the generous prize which was provided to me by Target and will be given to one lucky BB reader. Open to U.S. residents only, sorry. Winner will be announced on this post and via Twitter on or before June 14, 2011. Winner will be contacted via email (so please check your email if you enter) and has three business days to respond, otherwise an alternate winner will be selected.

Ask BB: 6 Places to Shop for Cute Vegan Wedges

I've recently promised myself to start wearing heels more because I think it really balances out my frame, and, of course, I feel a little bit prettier. I've discovered that wedges are the most doable shoes for me, but I am a semi-vegan and won't wear leather, and finding wedges that look expensive and are well made that aren't leather has proven difficult. … Any suggestions? —Samantha K.

Most of the shoes you'll find at affordable retailers like Target and Payless are made from synthetic materials, good news for stylish vegans who don't wear leather! And you're right to seek out wedge styles - they'll give you a little lift without killing your feet. The increased surface area of a wedge heel (versus a stiletto's tiny point) means your weight is more evenly distributed - and that means less pain. Now that we've had our physics lesson of the day, here's a round-up of six great places to shop for affordable and fashionable vegan shoes.

1. Target is every fashionista's favorite for cheap-chic shoes. Just be sure to check the inside of the shoe to see what material it's made of, as Target does occasionally carry genuine leather styles. This wedge by Merona is a great option for a casual work environment and will look great with skirts or jeans. The peep-toe and cut-outs should help your foot breathe, too.