The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Lovely Layers: Olivia Palermo's Gray Coat and Burgundy Accessories Look for Less

Olivia Palermo fashion style look for less featuring a gray coat, leather pants, maroon accessories
Oh, Olivia. How do you make fall layering look so effortless? This photo was actually snapped on a chilly spring day as the style icon walked her pup in New York City but it's totally on point this season, too. Start with a neutral base - gray menswear inspired coat, leather(ette) leggings - then add colorful accessories like a maroon crossbody bag and scarf. Hi-top sneakers and a chambray shirt tied around the waist finish this put-together Downtown look. Read on to get it for less...

Off the Rack: Fall Fashion Highlights at Walmart

Cute fall fashion finds at Walmart (yes Walmart!)
If you follow me on Instagram (@budgetbabe) then you've probably noticed that I've been shopping at Walmart lately - twice in the past week! I posted these plaid ponchos earlier, and now here are some more fashion highlights worth checking out. From a Pinterest-worthy scarf for $8.97 to casual-chic plaid shirts for $13.97, there's a lot to love right now at Walmart. Most of my finds are by the brand Faded Glory if you dare search walmart.com (it's pretty disorganized). I snagged one plaid shirt, two longline cardigans, a bunch of long sleeve layering tees, the plaid scarf and a leopard/black scarf two-pack. Oh, and a this felt hat! After baby comes, I'll go back for leggings - they have an incredible selection of leggings - coated, velour, fleece lined, prints and every fall color imaginable - for super cheap ($13-$15). My tip to help you stay focused and prevent overspending (easy to do when everything seems to inexpensive): Create a fall outfit board on Pinterest, plan which looks you want to recreate, then shop accordingly.

Keep reading to see what I saw at Walmart - anything catch your eye? Have you shopped at Walmart this fall?

Experiment: Can You Find Fashion Week Worthy Accessories at T.J. Maxx?

All black streetstyle outfit at New York Fashion Week
Recently T.J. Maxx challenged me to find accessories for a New York Fashion Week outfit at my local T.J. Maxx store. The idea for the title of this post, however, came from a friend who asked, "Wait...can you really find a fashion week look at T.J.Maxx?" when I told her about my blogger mission. I hesitated. While it's true that you see all the most luxurious global brands on the guests at fashion week - Chanel, Celine, Givenchy, Dior - you also see that high-low mix. I won't name names, but I know Zara high-street when I see it. So I was confident that I could find some fashion-week accessories at T.J. Maxx.

Spot the Real: Chloe Pussy Bow Blouse

Can you spot the real Chloe bow blouse?
A good bow blouse never really goes out of style but this ladylike look is back in a big way for fall, right in step with the resurgence of 60s and 70s chic. Chloe's pussy bow blouse in classic white and black is $995 at netaporter.com, while the look for less is $29.99 elsewhere. You can't touch the fabric and compare the quality but see if you can tell the difference between the high and the low by examining the images above - and clicking a link below!


LEFT // RIGHT


P.S. Also loving these Forever 21 bow blouses here ($15.90), here ($22.90), and here ($19.90).

Shades of Gray: Heidi Klum's Suede Booties and Skinny Jean Look for Less

Heidi Klum
Step into fall with this look inspired by Heidi Klum! Not only is this look perfect for those cooler days, but the pieces are so basic that you can mix and match with items you may already have stashed in your closet! Heidi mixes up a monochromatic look by pairing different shades of gray and pops of black with her scarf, and in our recreation, her retro sunglasses. Comfy enough for travel like Heidi, but cute for a day on the town too. The ankle booties truly make this outfit, and the Sam & Libby Audrey Booties that we found are extremely similar and only $44.99! Read on to get the look for less...