The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Decorate by Number: The Glamourous Office


Glam office inspiration on a budget

In my "Decorate by Number" series, I'm showing you how to get Pinterest-worthy decor looks for less! This week, we're getting inspired by a super-glam office space. For more home décor inspiration, visit my blog, A Vintage Splendor.

I have a confession to make, although I’m bringing you inspired interiors on a weekly basis, my home office is a mess - as in non-existent. I usually work from our sofa in front of the TV, although I’ve been pinning inspired offices on Pinterest for months now. I keep coming back to this glamour office even though the style is a bit more feminine than I usually like, but I think I’m going for this and my goal is to achieve this office by the end of summer. Challenge accepted!

Accessory Steal of the Week: Box Clutch


Sydne Summer / Tasha Clutch

In this weekly column, I’m bringing you my favorite budget-friendly accessory that’s available online or in-stores. This week, we’re talking bags. Make sure to check out my blog SydneStyle.com for more affordable fashion inspiration!

With wedding season in full swing, it’s smart to have an accessory that will go with almost every dress. That’s where a metallic clutch comes in. A box clutch—which is a hard box-shaped bag—doubles as jewelry!

While I was prepping for a TV segment at Nordstrom, this Tasha clutch ($98) instantly caught my eye. All my looks had to feature pieces under $100 so I was hesitant to grab it. But it was right on point!

Beauty Splurge vs. Steal of the Week: Bobbi Brown Finishing Powder


Splurge vs Steal: Bobbi Brown Finishing Powder

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 finishing powder (!). Also make sure to check out my blog, HonestlyJamie.com for even more beauty product reviews, tips and tricks.

Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder is not only pretty to look at, but it also serves as a brightening pick-me-up for your face. The powder illuminates your skin and adds a little healthy glow, even when your skin is looking a little, errr, drab…but the price? No bueno. I have no problem spending money on a product that’s totally necessary but getting a little glow is NOT worth $52, at least not to me.

The alternative? e.l.f. Studio Tone Correcting Powder not only looks almost exactly like the Bobbi Brown version, but it also has the same results! The colors blend together seamlessly and work to neutralize redness and also brighten you up, a la Bobbi.

For even more beauty product reviews, tips and advice check out my blog, HonestlyJamie.com.

Off the Rack: Summer Sandals, Essie Nail Polish and More Good Stuff at T.J.Maxx


The good stuff at T.J.Maxx

Last week I visited a T.J.Maxx store in a neighboring town that's more upscale and I had the same feeling you guys get when you see my usual photos: This store is so much better than mine! Guess the grass is always greener, right? I thought the handbag selection was better at this store, probably because I spotted a mint green Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mab satchel for $180 (regularly $395) that left a little hole in my heart when I left it on the rack (couldn't justify another RM bag purchase right now). I also spotted lots of great summer sandals by DV Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, and Steve Madden, plus some cute Essie nail polishes and those Ciate Caviar Manicure sets for $12.99, which I've seen for $25 at Nordstrom (HERE). I also left behind a Coach crossbody bag which was a reasonably priced $80 (compare at $258). Which reminds me, the Coach Semi-Annual sale is going on right now, so be sure to check that out! Anyways, I didn't photograph any clothing items but I did pick up a striped 3/4 length sleeve boatneck tee by Cynthia Rowley for $17, which, upon seeing, prompted my husband to say, "Don't you already have, like, 3 shirts exactly like that?" Yes, dear, yes I do.

More pics after the jump.

5 Under $50: Short Sleeve Rompers

Rompers are pretty much the perfect summer staple...aside from the fact that you have to get nekked every time you go to the bathroom. But other than this small inconvenience, they're perfect! Dress them down or up with a quick change of accessories, and you've got an effortless one-piece answer to all your summer dressing dilemmas. I love Taylor Swift's ladylike take on the trend, opting for a demure short sleeve romper in a retro tropical floral print, plus structured bag, belt and mid-heel pumps. Inspired by her look? Then try one of these 5 short sleeve rompers under $50 to get the look.