The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Bearpaw 'Mukluk' Style Boots

These genuine suede Mukluk style boots by Bearpaw are $112 at endless.com. According to bearpaw.com, the fur is real rabbit fur. These boots are made in China.



BearPaw at ShopStyle



Get the look for less with these American Eagle 'Softie Pom Pom Boots,' available for $49.99 at Payless.com. Most sizes are currently sold out online but you can check availability in stores near you on the Payless website. These are faux suede and presumably faux fur, origin unknown (to me, at least, it's not listed in the product details).



Happy Holidays!


This is my first year celebrating Christmas as a "Mrs." so it's extra special! Hope your holiday is filled with joy, happiness and the company of good friends, family and loved ones. With love and gratitude, BB xoxo

Jane by Design Blogger Challenge 3: What My Purse Says About Me




So as you may know, I'm taking part in a blogger challenge hosted by Jane by Design, a new fashion-themed TV show that premieres January 3rd on ABC Family. For our third challenge (see #1 and #2), we were asked to post a picture of one of the purses we own that best represents who we are.

The handbag I selected is my Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote. It's not exactly budget but I waited about two years to buy one from Gilt, so I had saved up, knew I really, really loved it, and got it at a discount.

To me, this is the perfect purse because it blends form and function. It's classic with a modern twist, stylish yet understated. And it's practical because you can carry it as a tote or folded as a cross-body bag. It's made from soft, supple leather with minimal hardware, and the color makes it match just about everything.

Which bag in your closet best represents YOU?
Visit the Jane by Design Facebook page and let me know by posting a comment on their wall - and please tell them The Budget Babe sent you! Huge thanks to everyone who has helped me out so far, I really really appreciate your support! Let's win this!!

Easy DIY: How to Make A Glitter Striped Tee

Here's how to make your own glitter striped t-shirt, just like the one I made for my Jane by Design blogger challenge (here).

Supplies:

  • T-shirt (long or short sleeve, any color!)

  • Fabric glue (I used Tulip brand "Fashion Glitter Bond"

  • Craft sponges (I used the white, angled kind)

  • Glitter (I used silver Tulip "Fashion Glitter" but I'm sure other glitter would work, too)

  • Masking tape (I used 1 3/4 inch wide tape)



Step one: Start with a clean, freshly laundered t-shirt. Slip some wax paper inside the shirt and smooth flat so that the front of the shirt doesn't get stuck to the back when you start gluing. (I actually used some plastic drawer liner because I didn't have any wax paper around).






Step 2: Using masking tape, start masking off the stripes. You can make as few or as many stripes as you'd like, thick or thick, uniform or varying widths. I just eye-balled it, no patience for measuring.




Step 3: Beginning with the top row or "stripe", squeeze some of your glue and spread it evenly using the little applicator sponge. Make sure you get good, even coverage, but don't put too much. You have to work kinda quickly so the glue doesn't seep into the t-shirt and/or dry before you sprinkle on the glitter.




Step 4: Generously sprinkle your glitter onto the glue. I worked one row at a time. Towards the end, I lifted the tee from the top and actually gently shook the excess glue downwards to cover the remaining gluey stripes.




Step 5: Allow your glue to dry at least 2 hours. Then, carefully peel off the tape to reveal your gorgeous, glittery stripes!




Tips: You may want to spray your t-shirt with sealer or hair spray to minimize glitter loss, then wash separately the first time.

Download the free Jo-Ann app on iTunes to get instant money-saving coupons (I got 40% off any single regular priced item). Just show your phone at the cash register. Also, Jo-Ann and Michael's will usually honor competitor's coupons.