The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Colonial Mills Braided Baskets

If you're looking for a stylish storage solution, then you'll love Colonial Mills baskets. These durable braided storage bins are made in the USA and the company is based in Rhode Island. They're not cheap but I think you definitely get what you pay for in this case - I requested one for my birthday and I'm obsessed (if one can be obsessed with a storage basket?!) I now have two bins by this brand to store my tots toys and they're functional and not an eye sore in my living room (which doubles as the playroom in our small home).

Colonial Mills baskets come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Here's one in gray that's 24 by 14-inch at AMAZON.COM for $87:


Colonial Mills storage basket


Threshold's decorative rope basket is a good look for less, but note that it's significantly smaller. This one is $19.99 at TARGET.COM:



Here's how it looks in real life:


Threshold  bin


I've also spotted Colonial Mills baskets at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and GILT.COM (just search for "Colonial Mills" - I see 86 products come up!) I think this timeless style can work with a variety of decors, from classic to contemporary, in any area of your home!

Sydne's Steal of the Week: Bright Statement Earrings (As Seen On 'The Mindy Project'!)


Yellow statement earrings

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

Statement earrings have the magical ability to dress up any look. While classic crystals are always a good choice, sometimes it’s fun to brighten things up. You can either use saturated jewelry to bring a pop of color to a neutral outfit, or use it to bring out a color in a dress.

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!

Shopbop Friends & Family Sale: Take 25% Off, Three Days Only!

Shopbop Friends & Family Sale is HERE!

It's here: For 3 days only, take 25% off your order at SHOPBOP.COM with code FAMILY25 during the highly-anticipated Friends & Family sale! Save on the latest fall fashions from all your favorite designers and already marked-down merch, too. Here are a few of my top picks from the Shopbop Friends & Family Sale:


Madewell Wool Peacoat / BB Dakota Lida Sweater Vest / Sam Edelman Penny Boots

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.