While browsing my Pinterest feed recently, I spotted this beautiful spring look on fashion blogger Mara Ferreira, author of the always-inspirational M Loves M. It's so feminine and colorful yet still appropriate for many work environments thanks to the flats, blazer and structured satchel. The only downside is that Mara's Aquazurra "Christy" lace up flats alone cost $695, making this a tough look to achieve on a budget. You can shop her exact outfit items on her blog in this post. I did some searching and came up with the look for less that's $170.50 total, head to toe! Shop my girl-on-a-budget picks below:


Get the look for less:
Dress / Blazer / Shoes / Bag / Necklace


Housekeeping Note: I'm hosting my first Instagram loop giveaway along with 12 of my favorite bloggers! Follow me on Instagram for a chance to win a $400 Nordstrom giftcard - you could do some serious shopping with that! The winner will be announced March 27th. Good luck!

Image of Mara via M Loves M

When you want to wear something with serious style power that's comfortable, too, slip-on sneakers are still dominating the scene. For spring, I'm loving Rag & Bone's "Kent" perforated slip-on sneakers in supple, Italian leather...but the $295 price? Not so much. Luckily I found a great budget alternative that costs $270 less. Can you guess which shoe costs more? Click a link below to find out!


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Trade in those flip-flops for a slip-on sandal that's just as comfy but way more chic with J.Crew's leather "Malta" sandal, $78 at jcrew.com. Or, try the look with a faux leather sandal that's just $12! (And it comes in 4 colors.) Can you guess which sandal costs more? Click a link below to see!


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If you still don't have your spring wardrobe in gear, I'm here to help: I've scoured the racks at Old Navy and picked out a few highlights that will complement your existing wardrobe and (hopefully) create endless outfit ideas! For starters, this sleeveless printed top will look pretty and polished with shorts or slouchy pants (it has a Tory-Burch-on-a-budget vibe). For a bold pop of color and print, try this tulip print skirt and pair it with Old Navy's striped blazer for extra fashion points. I also loved these basic print chiffon skirts and striped linen blend dresses for an effortless Isabel-Marant feel. Accessorize with this versatile perforated faux leather tote and double-band sandals (look just like J.Crew's Malta sandals!) and you're ready for vacay or the weekend. Also, if you loved this Madewell spring outfit idea, Old Navy has all the pieces (denim vest, soft patterned pants) you need to recreate it for less. P.S. In case you're wondering what I bought, I picked up this adorable yellow rain coat and these slip-on shoes for my little guy. Couldn't resist!

What are you loving at Old Navy for spring?

Oh, and did I mention this can't-miss deal to save on all the aforementioned finds?! Get 30% off your order at Oldnavy.com, today 3/16 only, no code needed!

I can't recall a spring season that didn't involve at least a little gingham, that classic check print which always brings to mind sunny picnics and garden parties. For spring 2015 we saw gingham on the runways of Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors and Altuzarra, to name a few. One way to rock the trend for work or play is with a gingham pencil skirt. Oscar de la Renta's costs $1,290 at Net-a-porter.com, but I found a great look for less for us Budget Babes that's just $33. If you follow me on Facebook, then you may have already seen the look for less! If not, try to guess which skirt costs more by clicking a link below...


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