The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

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: Celebrate Summer in the Target Dollar Bins

Target dollar spot goodness
I'm still not sure where spring weather is hiding, but my Target dollar bins are stocked with everything you need to celebrate summer. Colorful accents are perfect for a Cinco de Mayo fete, while soft hues are perfect for a spring baby shower. There are also black and gold party supplies perfect for graduation parties that are just around the corner, and an end cap with gold heart and floral prints suitable for Mother's Day or anyday. And if you have kiddos, Target has everything for summer fun at the beach and beyond - towels, hats, bags, goggles, balls, buckets, you name it! On this trip I picked up a pink/white/gold polka dot coffee tumbler (how could I not), a shark cap and an anchor bucket hat for my toddler, and a bunch of other random stuff that added up to over $20. But really, where else can you find such cuteness for such little cash?

What have you bought in the Target dollar spot recently?

Look for Less: Rose Gold Sunglasses


In honor of Coachella and all the fabulous music festivals this summer, this look for less is about the trendy wire-rim sunglasses. These pairs are exceptionally on trend because of their rose gold color, which is a lot like the 2016 Pantone color of the year, Rose Quartz. With the tinted shades and retro silhouette, they're perfect for the person that doesn't take themselves or fashion too seriously; they're whimsical!

While I absolutely love the Le Specs pair for their crispness, the PopMap ones satisfy my desire for clean lines in the same way. I would definitely pair these sunglasses with a light denim jacket for a full-on retro-whimsy-dream-girl look. Pull your hair up into a high, sleek ponytail to completely transform into Gigi Hadid.

Splurge:
Le Specs Cleopatra Metal Half Frame Sunglasses $118

Save:
PopMap Modern Ultra Thin Wire Frame Glasses $24

Celeb Style Bargain: Bella Thorne's Forever 21 Crop Top and Skirt

Bella Thorne in Forever 21
Bella Thorne hit the beach in Miami wearing a matching red flower print crop top and skirt as she dipped her feet in the ocean and combed the sand for seashells. Sounds like a perfect day to me! Matching sets are still going strong for summer - they're easy to wear yet make a fun fashion statement. Read on to shop Bella's exact outfit for under $30 total...