In the midst of holiday shopping, it's important to pause and think about those who are less fortunate, and consider simple ways we can give back. Recently Kohl's approached me to see if I'd like to help participate in their "Pay It Forward" campaign and generously provided me with a $250 gift card to use to shop at my local Kohl's and buy merchandise for a member of my community who's in need.

The timing could not have been more perfect - each year at Christmastime, I participate in a "giving tree" campaign at my church where we purchase gifts for a needy child, so I was grateful to be able to have the chance to really splurge this season with the $250 gift card! My hubby went with me to help me pick the perfect gifts for "our" little boy, who needed clothes and also requested a few fun toys.

Here's what we got:

There's no better time of year to add some bling to your wardrobe than the holiday season, and Baby Phat has dozens of sexy and trendy looks to help you get glam without spending a fortune. Here are some tips to help you add a dose of sparkle to your holiday looks while keeping it classy:

• Add a glittery heel. Nothing transforms a look from blah to ooh-la-la like a dazzling pump! Silver and gold go with just about everything.
  


• Try a curve-hugging sweater dress. Something in black or a jeweltone with metallic threads will read casual-luxe. Add tights and boots for chilly nights.
  


• Balance high-shine pieces with something casual. Consider brocade pants with a white tee or a sequin skirt with a pocket-front blouse. It's all about the luxe & laid-back mix!

Now on to our giveaway! We've teamed up with Baby Phat to give TWO lucky readers the chance to win the fabulous sequin party dress you see above! Retails for $74.

To enter:

• Follow @budgetbabe and @babyphat on Twitter.
  


• Send me a tweet answering the following question and tag it #babyphatholiday: "What's your go-to look for the holiday season?"
  


• Giveaway ends 12/31/12.
  


• Open to US residents only.
  

Good luck!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Baby Phat and Style Coalition.

When Kmart Fashion challenged me to create a look using the latest fall fashions and style it with two pairs of shoes, I jumped on the chance to pick up these Attention two-tone riding boots I'd been eying ever since a reader tipped me off to them. For just $39.99, I finally have my budget-babe take on the Chanel two-tone riding boots that I've been lusting after for so long. To go with my boots, I got inspired by this look seen on Kourtney Kardashian and paired a Sofia Vergara tan blazer ($29.99) with ponte leggings ($18.74) and a white tee. A black satchel ($13.49) and boyfriend watch ($19.99) finish the look. When the weather's warmer, I'll swap my riding boots for chic burgundy smoking flats by Bongo ($19.99) - I love how these add a touch of fall color to my look, and they're just as comfortable as my Attention boots.

Keep reading for more pics and let me know if you have questions about specific items in the comments!

I'm always on the lookout for chic jewelry at affordable prices, so I was thrilled when the owner of Charles Emerson Designs reached out to share her boutique. I think you'll agree after taking a quick look that it's fabulous. The carefully edited selection of earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets read luxe (think J.Crew jewelry on a budget!) while the prices are totally Budget Babe approved. I didn't see anything over $38! Endearing names like Bea, Emma and Evie make each piece feel special, too. Bookmark CharlesEmersonDesigns.com and think of them the next time you're looking for a little sparkle or a statement piece to update your look.

Charles Emerson Designs loves BB readers so much they are generously offering a 20% discount code! Just enter code budgetgiveaway20 at checkout. Expires 12/31/12. Also check out CED on Facebook for more steals and deals.

{Editor's picks: Bonnie earrings, $12; Bessie bracelet, $16; The Bea necklace $24}

This is not a sponsored post.

Jessica Alba kept an all-black outfit from becoming boring by adding a cozy blue scarf and high-shine patent boots.

Get the look for less:

1. Publik Leather Sleeve Top $39
2. H&M skinny jeans $39.95