The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Splurge vs. Steal: Valentino Rockstud Rain Boots


Splurge vs. Steal: Valentino Rockstud Rain Boots

While I was getting my hair done last week at the salon, I glanced down at the feet of the girl sitting next to me and spied a glossy black pair of authentic Valentino Rockstud rain boots. It was a gray rainy day (of course it would rain the one day I'm getting a blow-out) and those boots really stood out! I started hunting for a look for less, and found a near identical dupe at Nasty Gal. Rain boots aren't just for springtime, and they don't have to be an afterthought in your closet or something that ruins an otherwise chic outfit. If you want rain boots with a stylish edge, check out these two finds:

Splurge: Valentino Rockstud Rain Boots, $425 at JILDORSHOES.COM
Steal: "Reagan" Stud Rain Boots, $65 at NASTYGAL.COM

9 Fall Vests Under $80

9 Vests Under $80

Just because they are sleeveless doesn’t mean you should leave them out of your fall (or even winter) wardrobe! You will find that vests can top off all of your cozy seasonal layers for a complete look. Use our guide to help find one that matches your style—or dare to try something new!

3 Fall Combos to Try Right Now

3 Fall Combos to Try Now

If you're in a fall fashion rut, it's time to get inspired by remixing pieces you probably already own. Here are three fashion combos that I'm loving right now - each pairing takes wardrobe staples and combines them in simple yet stylishly effective ways, from your favorite chambray shirt to that summer dress you're not ready to part ways with just yet.

The Look for Less: Dior 'Mise En Dior' Tribal Double-Pearl Earrings

Dior's "Mise En Dior" Tribal Double-Pearl Earrings retail for approximately $400. I'm a bit late to the knock-off game on these because apparently they've been so popular that Dior raised the initial price of $290 to $400 since everyone's been scooping them up. I'd been admiring them on Jennifer Lawrence in the fall 2014 Dior ad campaigns.

And on Rihanna who wore them with an all-pink Dior ensemble - girly with an edge.

The moment I spied these Pearl 360 earrings on BAUBLEBAR.COM, I scooped them up! I will post a pic to Instagram soon. Available in a variety of colors for $28:

Dior pearl earring lookalikes!


Shame on me, because I later stumbled upon these Apt. 9 pear-back earrings for just $7.90 at KOHLS.COM. Hopefully the Baublebar pair will be better quality although I can't say they feel super solid. I wore them for half a day so far and no skin irritation, so that's a plus!

Splurge vs. Steal: Rag & Bone 'Harrow' Booties


Rag and Bone Harrow bootie look for less

A new season, a new Rag & Bone "Harrow" lookalike! While the original style has serious staying power, the $525 pricetag is prohibitive for most of us. Forever 21 comes to the rescue with a stylish look for less. Wear these distinct yet versatile ankle boots with everything from skinny jeans to skirts this fall.

Splurge: Rag & Bone "Harrow" booties, $525 at NEIMANMARCUS.COM

Steal: Wrapped Faux Suede Booties, $34.90 at FOREVER21.COM