The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spot the Real: Vineyard Vines Gingham Shirt

Can you guess which gingham shirt costs more?
One of the great things about Instagram is the chance to discover cool new stores and small boutiques. That's how I stumbled upon Mindy Mae's Market, and the amazing gingham shirt you see featured above. It's a dead-ringer for Vineyard Vines' classic gingham button down, the perfect summer top for days when you want to look cute but still feel comfortable (which is basically every day!) Pair it with the obvious (cut-offs and cognac accessories) or go for something more unexpected, say a pencil skirt and slides (so J.Crew). Either way you can't go wrong - and you'll save $48 if you opt for the look for less (it's just $39.99 and comes in pink, green, navy, gold, purple or red!)

Can you guess which shirt costs more? Click a link below to find out!


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Reese Witherspoon is Totes Stylin' in Her Leather Jacket and Wedge Sandals

Reese Witherspoon's Totes Ya'll bag and leather jacket look for less
First things first: We're smitten with Reese Witherspoon's cheeky Totes Ya'll bag, which was available for $155 at her new lifestyle site, DraperJames.com. I'm sorry to use the past tense, but it's true, the bag is already sold out (however you can request to be notified via email should more bags become available.) Still, her site is totally worth browsing for anyone with even the slightest affection for Southern style, or just cute, classic-with-a-twist fashions and accessories. I thought the rest of Reese's look was still worth recreating on a budget, from her leather jacket to fabulous wedge sandals. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a Totes Ya'll look for less, in the meantime, this fun quote tote or this roomy stripe tote will have to do!


Shop the celebrity look for less:
Zara Faux Leather Jacket (also love this one at Gap) // H&M Jeans // Stella & Dot Necklace // Sole Society Wedge Sandals // Joe Fresh T-Shirt // Target Striped Weekender


Photo credit: STPR / PRPhotos.com

Splurge vs. Steal: Chanel Perfume Bottle Bag

Chanel perfume bag look for less
This morning's celebrity look for less featuring Emmy Rossum included a statement-making bag shaped like a car. Lots of designers have been showcasing unconventionally-shaped bags on the runways (Anya Hindmarch, Kate Spade and Coach come to mind) including Chanel's purse shaped like their iconic parfum bottle, which first appeared in the Resort 2014 show in May 2013. With wedding season looming large, why not swap your usual clutch with something that's guaranteed to get attention? Bling Bling Sisters Perfume Bottle Bag is definitely a conversation starter, and unlike the Chanel bag which originally cost nearly $10,000, it's just $48. Available in clear, gold or black.

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Emmy Rossum is Gingham Gorgeous - Shop Her Summery Look for Less

Emmy Rossum's gingham dress and car purse look for less
Emmy Rossum had me at gingham with this sweet, summery look. At first glance I assumed her cheeky car purse was by Kate Spade, but a quick look at Emmy's Instagram account informed me that the actress has owned the Betty Dumoulin bag since she was 11 years old. And her shoes are by English designer Paul Andrew. Thank you interwebs! For the look for less, I found another novelty bag (a milk carton works, right?) and a gorgeous gingham dress by Aqua that you can wear all season long with everything from flat sandals to white sneakers, if you're cool like that.


Get the celebrity look for less:

Aqua Shirtdress at Bloomingdale's, $88 (also love this one at Forever 21, $27.90)

Aldo Milk Bag, $40

Forever 21 Pumps, $19.90

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam, $9.99

Shop Ruche Earrings, $13


Photo credit: STPR / PRPhotos.com

Spot the Real: Stella McCartney Python Platform Sandals

Can you guess which pair of python platform sandals are by Stella McCartney?
Stella McCartney's snake-effect platform sandals ($650, netaporter.com) are the perfect mod-nod to the spring runways. Pair with breezy minimalist frocks for a cool downtown vibe. But don't let the pricetag keep you from trying this look. Everyone's favorite high-street store has a similar look for $99.90. Can you guess which sandals cost more? Click a link below to find out.


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