The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

A Breath of Fresh Air: Karlie Kloss's Baby Blue Crop and Wide Leg Pants Look for Less

Karlie Kloss Look for Less
Once again Karlie Kloss shows us all how to master the art of travel-wear in this latest look that's as chic as it is comfortable! Karlie paired a light blue tie-wrap crop with her favorite wide-leg linen pants...this style is proving to be quite a staple for Kloss who wore them this past spring in this featured look. She also wore glam cat-eye sunglasses, simple diamond studs, a large canvas and leather tote for all of her essentials and, the It-girl shoe of the moment, adidas Originals 'Superstar' sneaker ($80). Read on to get the look for less and score amazing finds like this pair of sneakers from Target by A+ ($28) that are a total dupe for adidas Originals Superstar and adidas Originals 'Stan Smith' styles...

Karlie Kloss Look for Less

Shop the Look for Less:


Endless Rose 'Bella' Blouse, $55 // (Styling Tip: safety-pin the blouse, or use heat activated hemming tape, along the waist to get Karlie's crop and 'wrap' effect ) //Missguided Premium Crepe Wide-Leg Pants, $48 // A+ 'Adria' Sneakers, $27.99 // CB Station Women's Canvas Tote, $29.99 // zeroUV Modern Cateye, $10.95 // Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip in 'Love', $8.99 // Forever 21 Cubic Zirconia Studs, $3.90


Karlie Kloss Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News


Off the Rack: Fall Bags and Shoes at T.J.Maxx

New fall arrivals at T.J.Maxx are so good!
Yesterday I visited a T.J.Maxx store near me to see what was new for fall. Let's start with the all-important accessories, like bags and shoes, that can easily update your look for the season. I spotted lots of cognac brown bags as well as rich colors like burgundy, dark blue and a few emerald green. Brands like Michael Michael Kors, Steve Madden and Vince Camuto caught my eye on crossbody bags and genuine leather totes. The MK bags were expectedly classic while the others had a boho vibe (think fringe and braiding). BCBG makes some really nice-looking Chanel inspired bags that are perfect for going out and just $34.99 (you'll know it when you see it!)

On to the shoes: I'm really feeling the peep-toe bootie again. This season's options aren't as edgy as previous years, which makes them more wearable for everyday - and now's the time to start wearing them, when you can still bare your toes but cover the rest of your foot in these season-defying shoes. I also am loving the lace-up block heel sandals by Steve Madden (I recently saw someone style these with a simple t-shirt and drawstring shorts and thought it was genius). Then there are the perforated ankle booties by DV Dolce Vita for $69.99...can I really justify another pair of ankle boots?! Signs point to "yes". Ghillie flats for $29.99 are another great buy in a fall-ready taupe faux suede. And if you need not-so-basic black ankle boots or the perfect leopard pump, T.J.Maxx has those, too, from Sam Edelman and Donald Pliner.

Head to my Facebook page to see what I bought on this trip! Who's ready for fall fashion?

Effortless Outfits for Your Next Intense Workout

Effortless outfits are easy to put together with our expertly curated affordable picks.
As Rihanna once said, "Work, work, work, work, work, work" and that's what I've been doing all summer at the gym. I'm getting ready for a half marathon and it's just around the corner! Putting in long hours at the gym and track can be monotonous and dull but one way to spice things up is through your activewear. Whenever I'm wearing a killer running outfit I feel like I'm about to have a killer workout. It's sort of like the "look good, feel good" concept. You will look amazing in these Julianne Hough, Taylor Swift, and Kendall Jenner inspired workout outfits, with pieces all under $60.

Fashion Flashback: Olivia Palermo's Statement Studded Look for Less

We're in love with Olivia Palermo's ruffle trench coat, striped top and statement necklace look.
Classic stripes, preppy navy and tan tones, and dramatic jewelry: all the essentials needed to recreate this ensemble from Olivia Palermo's stylish past. In this recreation we've paired a simple Gap tee and navy skirt with a midi trench, grey hobo bag, lace-up heels, retro sunglasses and bold statement accessories. Tried and true, this look from 2009 needs no updating since all of the pieces are timeless essentials that can be worn so many ways. Plus, if you're eager to wear this during the warmer weather, nix the trench coat and swap out the long-sleeve top with a similar tank style, like this LNA Stripe Bib Tank Top ($48). Wear as it is in the fall or spring, and for colder weather add some black tights — voila 1 outfit, 3 ways for 4 seasons! Read on to score these curated pieces starting at just $14...

Olivia Palermo Look for Less


Olivia Palermo Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News


Off the Rack: Fall Romance at Forever 21

Fall finds at Forever 21
This week I cruised through Forever 21, where new fall arrivals like moody florals, richly hued accessories and feminine lace are making these last days of summer much easier to part with. Easy updates you can try for your wardrobe would include picking up a floral tunic or long sleeve blouse that you can wear now with white jeans and ankle boots and again with knee-high boots and chunky cardigans in the fall.

I bought two pairs of the Sunset Mid-Rise Skinny Jean (in black and white) and the fit was great for those us not in our twenties anymore. I had to go up 3 sizes but I have no problem doing that with juniors clothing - just go with what fits! These come in lots of cool colors for fall.

I also thought these mini crossbody bags look adorable especially for the price, as well as the faux leather bags in hunter green and burgundy. After the heat wave we've been experiencing, fall - and fall fashion - can't come soon enough! Keep reading to see more highlights from my trip, including a luxe looking lace skirt under $25 and must-have camo jacket...