The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Chloe 'Groove' Wedge Sandals

Chloe's two-tone double strap wedge platform sandals in brown and black are $401.99 (down from $795) in select sizes at Bluefly.com. You can find these sandals in brown and tan at stores like Saks and Neiman Marcus at the $795 price.



Get the look for less with these "Georgia" leather wedge sandals, now $99 (down from $200) at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Chloe Groove wedge sandal knockoff


Or, get the look for even less with these Target "Patricia" wedge sandals instead for just $29.99. The perfect go-with-everything summer sandal!



HUGE thanks to reader Jessica T. for sharing this uh-mazing find!!

The Look for Less: Kate Spade 'Vivien' Dress

Kate Spade New York's "Vivien" striped dress is $448 at Nordstrom.com.



Actress Zooey Deschanel was spotted wearing this dress at the Paley Center for Media 2013 PaleyFest honoring her show "The New Girl."


Zooey Deschanel wears Kate Spade New York's striped Vivien dress


Get a similar look with this LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's dress for $39 (down from $60) in black or red. It doesn't have the stripes, unfortunately, but it has a similar cut-out detail and silhouette. Use code LOVETOSHOP to get 20% off when you use your Kohl's charge.



Ask BB: Wedding Guest Dresses That Look Expensive But Aren't


Preppy chic designer dress inspiration

I have 5 weddings to attend this summer but I'm in college and have an extremely limited budget. Some brands that I love but usually cannot afford are Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, J.Crew, Tory Burch and Vineyard Vines. In general my "vibe" is preppy, polished, playful, and sophisticated. I'm not afraid of bold color but can appreciate a more subdued look as well. Do you have any brands or specific dresses that may be able to fit my style and budget? Ideally I would love $35 or under, but I know that isn't exactly realistic with the quality and styles I am looking for. Definitely under $50 per dress, though. —Brigid M.

{Inspiration from left: Lilly Pulitzer "MarieKate" dress, $378; Kate Spade "Carol" dress, $398; J.Crew "Arabelle" dress, $275; Tory Burch "Jacqueline" dress, $425}


It sounds like you have a classic case of champagne taste on a beer budget - and I think I can help! Here are five dresses from brands that offer the same preppy-chic vibe you love, without the designer pricetag: