The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Beauty Splurge vs. Steal of the Week: Volumizing Mascara


DiorShow Splurge vs. Steal

In this weekly column, I’m bringing you my favorite budget-friendly beauty products (and their high-end equivalents!) that are available online and in-store. This week, we’re chatting Dior DiorShow mascara and its beauty dupe. Also make sure to check out my newly revamped blog, HonestlyJamie.com for even more beauty product reviews and tips.

Olsenboye for JCP Spring 2014 Lookbook


Olsenboye Spring 2014 Lookbook

It's not a line we think about a lot, yet the Olsenboye for JCPenney collection always has cute and trendy pieces at affordable prices, and this spring's line-up is no different. Check it out if you're in the market for a demure crop top, loose-fit print pants, or flirty floral sundress. And don't forget to check out the accessories: I actually just picked up this polka-dot backpack ($39) from this collection on my last trip to the mall and it's so fun! I was on the fence just because it's from the "juniors" department but your positive comments on Instagram sealed the deal for me. Shop the spring collection in stores and online at JCPENNEY.COM. See anything you like in these lookbook images?

Off the Rack: Eva Mendes for New York & Company Spring Collection


Eva Mendes for New York & Company

Eva Mendes' first spring collection for New York & Co. has hit stores, and this past week I had a chance to scope it out in person. I was drawn into the store by a pink and white embroidered lace dress ($80) that happened to be from her line, so it's succeeding in the sense that it grabs your attention. Once inside, I eyed a lace skirt ($65) in the same embroidered lace fabric paired with a draped-front blouse ($47), and tea-length floral dress ($80) that were both unique and feminine and sexy in a throwback kind of way. Eva is inspired by vintage fashions and it shows (in a subtle way - longer hemlines, cinched waists and the prints). It's an otherwise modern and fresh collection that you can wear to work, family gatherings like Easter or spring Christenings, date nights - even a spring wedding! (Especially this sexy strapless number , $80.) Just be sure to wait for a sale, and as readers have advised, sign up for email alerts from New York & Co. to get coupons. No need to pay full price at this store.

Shop the Eva Mendes collection online at nyandcompany.com. Free shipping over $50 (no code needed).

Beauty Splurge vs. Steal of the Week: Cleansing Devices


Beauty Splurge vs. Steal: Clarisonic Cleansing Device

In this weekly column, I'm bringing you my favorite budget-friendly beauty products (and their high-end equivalents!) that are available online and in-store. This week, we’re chatting cleansing devices! Also make sure to check out my newly re-vamped blog, HonestlyJamie.com for even more beauty product reviews and tips.

Now, let’s call a spade a spade, The Clarisonic really did get the cleansing device party started quite a few years back and, since then, there have been numerous copycat devices that haven’t been so good. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the Clarisonic (I own the Clarisonic Mia), but $130 is a steep price, especially if you’re not sure whether or not you will even like it. Plus, the replacement brushes cost $27 each and they need to be replaced every three months…no bueno.