I'm starting college across the country on the East Coast in a couple weeks and I'd really like a pair of classic brown riding boots. Unfortunately, every pair I fall in love with is $300! Do you have any ideas for more affordable options?

I do! In fact, I'm looking for a pair of classic brown riding boots myself. There are dozens of great options hitting stores now, and my favorite has to be these Merona "Manette" tall boots in tan or brown, just $39.99 at Target. I love the clean, classic lines while the decorative buckle adds a distinctive touch.

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You know how sometimes you forget about a store, then revisit, and realize you want everything? Well, that's how I feel about Francesca's Collections (www.francescascollections.com), one of my longtime favorites for super stylish apparel, shoes and accessories, priced mostly under $50! Keep reading for 5 of my favorite finds for fall.

P.S. My friends at Francesca's recently emailed me to say "hi" (that was the reminder I needed to revisit their awesome site) and they offered to share an exclusive discount with you guys! Use code BUDGETBABE to get 30% off a single regular priced item (online only) good through 8/31/11.

1. Going Places Dress, $48
This dress reminds me of Tucker for Target with its casual, vintage feel. Add a cool belt, tights and boots for the perfect fall look.

Recently, I have become absolutely infatuated with the Emily & Meritt for Kate Spade Westward Adventurer Satchel (shown below). Even for such a great bag, $795 is more than a little steep. Any ideas for a cheaper, similar version? I love the idea of a bag this size for weekend journeys away/train traveling. —Maria

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That's certainly a drool-worthy bag, but you're right, the pricetag is out of reach for many of us. But don't fret, I found an amazing alternative! Whenever I'm looking for a classic, timeless leather bag with a vintage feel, I think of the Fossil Vintage Reissue collection - it's Fossil's best styles from the past, reinvented for today. This weekender bag, for instance, captures many of the attributes you like from the Kate Spade Westward, for about $570 less. And because it's Fossil, you won't sacrifice quality. Click the image below for details, it's also available in camel, red and a gorgeous two-tone style.

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For the second year, H&M hosted its Your Art Here contest to help five aspiring artists get their work noticed. Over 2,200 amazing artworks were submitted to the Your Art Here contest from all over the world, then a panel of star judges (which included blogger Bryan Boy) selected the winners with input from fans. The five winning works of art were printed on T-shirts and are now available for purchase in H&M stores all over the United States. I spotted the tees at the H&M 5th Avenue store in New York City - really creative and a great initiative for artists. Find out more about the winners at www.yourarthere.com.

Win Cool Stuff: H&M sent over two tees (size M and L) - drop a comment below by 12 noon ET on 8/23/11 and I'll pick one reader at random to ship them to. Good luck!

UPDATE: The giveaway has now ended and is closed to further entries. The winner is #4 Piper Alexander! Congrats and thanks to everyone who commented!

With its Karl Lagerfeld collection not yet out of the gates, Macy's today announced Giambattista Valli as the fourth designer in its collaboration series to create a capsule collection for the retailer's fashion "Impulse" department later this fall. Known for extravagant designs and great party dresses, the collection will be Valli's first foray into affordable fashion.

Launching on October 26, 2011, with limited-edition women's apparel pieces, the Giambattista Valli for Impulse Only at Macy's collection will be priced on average from $50-$150 and sold in approximately 225 Macy's stores nationwide and on macys.com.

Expect Valli's trademark flourishes of feminine fabrics, riotous color, cocktail dresses and sequin encrusted jackets. Who's ready to be a "Valli" girl?

Shown above: (Clockwise from top left) Olivia Palermo and Emma Stone, both in Giambattista Valli (NOT Macy's); Natalie Portman with the designer (via InStyle.com)