The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Silver and Suede: Jessica Alba's White Lace Midi and Moto Jacket Look for Less

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Suede and lace are everywhere for spring, especially with the influence from music festival season. Jessica Alba demonstrates how to take the trend into day wear with her pairing of a suede moto jacket with a flowy white dress. I love how Jessica styles the piece with reflective pointed-toe pumps, large cat-eye sunglasses and a simple metallic silver clutch. The monochrome details of her accessories only emphasize the bright white of the lace midi. The use of suede, instead of leather, in her coat adds to the overall femininity of this outfit and keeps the look soft. Read on to get Jessica's look for less...

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Jessica Alba Photo Credit: TS, Pacific Coast News


April Showers: Selena Gomez's Yellow Rain Coat and Kick-Flare Jeans Look for Less

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Looking sleek and chic, Selena Gomez shows us exactly how to style a classic bright yellow rain slicker. Serving some serious Curious-George-goes-couture vibes, Selena paired the coat with a simple white tee, kick-flare ankle jeans, tan suede pumps, blue beaded bracelets and a thin silver band choker. I love, love, love the practicality of the jacket especially for spring. I never would have thought to style my rain coat...normally it's just a last minute addition to an outfit after finding out the forecast calls for showers. Plus, nothing says spring like bright colors and I'm in love with this yellow. Read on to get Selena's look for less and grab our similar must-have rain slicker.

Look for Less: Leather Backpack

Opening Ceremony backpack look for less
Confession: the only backpack I own is an ugly black one that I used to carry my books in for school. One of the zippers is broken and there's sticky residue from a super glue spillage at the bottom, but I still use it. I've always wanted to "up" my backpack game, however. They're just so convenient; you throw it on your back, keep your hands free, and don't have to worry about it falling off your shoulder. What's not to love?!

This 'Izzy' backpack from Opening Ceremony is really something special. I am in love with the tassels and the nude color of the leather; they just go with everything. It might be perfect for Coachella! But, the $595 price tag is a bit steep. Check out the Forever 21 with an equally great nude color and equally great tassels. For $30, you're getting a deal. You'll wear this with practically everything you own for Spring. There's also a black option on Forever 21's website that is equally as perfect as it's nude sister.

Splurge:
Opening Ceremony 'Izzy' Leather Backpack $595

Save:
Forever 21 Tasseled Faux Leather Backpack $30

Made in the Suede: Alessandra Ambrosio's Button-Front Skirt and Lace-Up Flats Look for Less

Alessandra Ambrosio's suede skirt look for less
Model Alessandra Ambrosio ticks off all the hottest trends in one effortless look. Button front suede skirt? Check. Lace-up ghillie flats? Check. Bohemian goddess? Check! I'm loving how the supermodel pairs her skirt with a simple black v-neck to let the suede mini really shine. Her crossbody bag is the perfect accessory, just the right size for keeping essentials close at hand. We found a great lookalike in genuine suede for Alessandra's A.L.C. suede skirt ($745, Bergdorf Goodman)...you can dress it up or down to create dozens of versatile looks all season long. Read on for these and other pieces to complete her look for less...

Off the Rack: What to Buy at Kohl's for Spring

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's spring styles are so cute
Earlier I shared the LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Spring 2016 lookbook, now you can see how some of these fashions look in real life. Plus, that Reed Krakoff collab I told you about is now available for pre-shop if you're a Kohl's Yes2You Rewards member (check your email, you should have received a link). I don't expect this collection to sell out anytime soon, though (over $100 for faux leather bags at Kohl's? I don't think so.) But back to spring fashions: in the juniors department, I found a cute anorak (Junior's Mudd Utility Jacket, $39.99) and cargo vest (Junior's Mudd Utility Vest, $32.99), both versatile layering pieces. Sonoma Goods for Life (what's with the new name?) also has a nice cargo jacket (Utility Twill Jacket, $34.99) and a gingham shirt (Sonoma Goods for Life Plaid Shirt, $19.99) worth checking out. From LC Lauren Conrad, it's all the florals and lace and girly dresses and blouses we've come to expect...but where else can you find these things on a budget? Here's a foolproof spring/summer outfit idea: Take any pretty top from Lauren's line (love this floral babydoll top, $26.40), add white jeans and anchor it with a cognac bag and sandals - the best you can afford - and you've got a gorgeous look that can take you anywhere (sorta like this). Rock & Republic also has camo shorts and pants, and nice denim jackets if you're looking. In the shoe department, I saw lots of shoes marked down to $24.99 for spring like white strappy heels, scalloped ballet flats and boat shoes.

Take a look at my photos and tell me what you're loving at Kohl's for spring!