The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Kara Ross Cork Clutch

The Kara Ross Prunella clutch is $595 at Neiman Marcus. I love the organic look of the cork mixed with just a hint of gold flecks for sparkle.



For a similar look, you might consider this envelope clutch available for $98 at J. Crew. I saw it in person and it's beautiful (but a bit fragile).



Here's one more option that has a bit of color mixed in, plus a practical chain strap, for $59.99 at Modcloth.com. Click any image to view or purchase.



Which cork clutch would you carry?

Macy's Presents Brasil: A Magical Journey




Starting today, Macy's is taking shoppers on a magical journey to Brasil with a plethora of Brazilian-themed collections, in-store shops, events, giveaways and even a smartphone app. On the fashion front, Macy's is showcasing Brazilian designers with such collections as Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, a dress capsule that's part of the Macy's Impulse program. Other limited-edition Brasil collections include handbags, shoes, jewelry and scarves by Carlos Falchi, apparel and accessories from Rachel Roy and Brazilian musician Seu Jorge, and eye-catching fashions from the design duo Neon. But that's not all: There are also inspired-by-Brazil products from all your favorite Macy's brands like Bar III, Essie and Havaianas, plus products for the home. And to top it all off, there's a charitable twist which lets shoppers donate money to help save the rainforests. Phew! If my memory serves me, this is the first time a major retailer has done a "collab" with a country. The in-store boutique idea isn't new but it seems to be growing (Target and JCP come to mind).

With so much to see and shop, just head on over to macys.com/brasil for all the details. Who's excited for this?

Nate Berkus Home Collection Coming to Target




While catching up on some Target-Addict, I learned that interior decorator Nate Berkus is teaming up with Target for an exclusive home collection, debuting this fall. Available October 21 in Target stores and Target.com, the The Nate Berkus Collection at Target boasts more than 150 home goods and accessories—including bedding, bath, lighting, accessories, rugs and more —ranging in price from $5.99 to $149.99.

H&M Fall 2012 Lookbook




The fall collection lookbook from H&M is out, giving us a peek at the autumn trends we can shop in a few short months. It's elegant, a bit dark but certainly not brooding. There's plenty of day to night metallics, jeweled embellishments, boxy coats, colorblocked bags and ladylike leather. Printed pants and futuristic florals make a return visit as do varsity jackets and sporty hats (seen earlier in H&M's summer lookbook). The girl who can pull off that peplum leather "belt" will earn my instant admiration. I will strive to give that gorgeous pearl bedazzled collar necklace a go as well as the floral pants (still haven't found the perfect pair).

Which pieces and trends do you see yourself wearing this fall?