The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Lace-Up Sweater

You'll love these lace-up sweater picks for fall.
Here's one sweater you won't want to cover with a chunky blanket scarf. It's the lace-up sweater, and it's a new must-have for fall 2016. My favorite ones feature chunky knit styling with gromet lacing. #obsessed Paired with a simple velvet choker, you'll have the most winning combination ever. I've been looking high and low for a budget version in stores but to no avail, however, I did find one online at Missguided.com under $50 (also comes in this gorgeous dusty blush hue). I think it's fascinating how designers can tweak one tiny detail on a staple such as the sweater and make it instantly fresh and covetable. Have you picked up on the lace-up sweater trend yet?

SPLURGE: 525 America Lace-Up Sweater, $193 (50% cotton, 50% Merino wool, handwash) at revolve.com

STEAL: Chunky Eyelet Jumper, $42.50 (acrylic/cotton blend, machine wash) at missguidedus.com (also LOVE this similar sweater at Chicwish)

Autumn Blooms: Lucy Hale's Floral Blouse and Ankle Boots Look for Less

Lucy Hale looks cute and casual in a floral v-neck blouse, skinny jeans and tan ankle boots.
Feminine tops are having a big moment right now, and Lucy Hale nails the trend in her floral v-neck blouse paired with skinny jeans and light tan ankle boots. It's a girly, boho look that's perfect for a coffee run, as the Pretty Little Liars star demonstrates. I'm loving the bell sleeve detailing, and how she balanced the subdued drama of the top with curve-hugging blue jeans and Western-inspired boots. Snag this adorable fall look for your own closet with our savvily curated finds starting under $3...

Lucy Hale looks cute and casual in a floral v-neck blouse, skinny jeans and tan ankle boots.

Shop the Look for Less:


Moon River Chiffon Top, $75 (also love this Forever 21 top) // H&M Suede Ankle Boots, $69.99 // Joe Fresh Slim Jean, $34 // Forever 21 Pendant, $2.90 // Forever 21 Chain Choker, $3.90 // Who What Wear for Target Zip Pouch, $13.98 (down from $19.99) // zeroUV Sunglasses, $9.99


See how Jamie Chung, Jessica Simpson and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are styling their floral tops for fall.

Lucy Hale Photo Credit: PacificCoastNews

Fall in Line: Gigi Hadid's Striped Trouser and Leather Loafer Look for Less

Gigi Hadid Look for Less
Ensuring she would stand out, Gigi Hadid displayed bold styling choices both on and off the runways during Paris Fashion Week. In this look the model paired a casual black muscle tank with striped cropped pants, patent leather loafers, round metal-framed sunglasses and a cord lariat necklace. Gigi topped off the look with an off the shoulder, oversized leather jacket with white embroidery. This outfit may be a casual approach to street style, but there is nothing basic about it. I love the edginess of the monochromatic look, androgyny of the loafers and grunge-inspired 90s style through the use of the lariat choker. In this recreation, I've kept all of the attitude and paired the ensemble with a similar piece of outerwear that's extremely affordable and on-trend for the season: a faux-leather bomber jacket. Read on to score this piece available from Mango and a few other must-haves for the season, with each item priced below $67...

Gigi Hadid Look for Less

Gigi Hadid Photo Credit: Ralph, Pacific Coast News

Vest Dressed: Kristin Chenoweth's Quilted Vest, Green Blouse and Ankle Boots Look for Less

Kristin Chenoweth looks comfy and cozy in a puffer vest, emerald green blouse, skinny jeans and ankle boots.
Just in time for those fall trips to the apple orchard and the pumpkin patch, Kristin Chenoweth models a quintessentially cute and cozy autumnal outfit featuring the must-have quilted vest. She layered hers over an emerald green blouse and skinny jeans, then accessorized with a Louis Vuitton crossbody bag, Western-inspired ankle boots and rainbow aviator sunglasses. I found the perfect vest to recreate her look for just $44 at Francesca's. You could swap the green blouse for any color you love, from a rich burgundy to an earthy olive (I own and love this one by Lush). With all the money you save on the clothes, splurge on the Michael Kors bag, which costs hundreds less than the LV, and will give your whole look a polished edge.

Kristin Chenoweth looks comfy and cozy in a puffer vest, emerald green blouse, skinny jeans and ankle boots.



Kristin Chenoweth Photo Credit: Cathy Gibson, PacificCoastNews


Major Style: Miranda Kerr's Military Jacket and Leather Legging Look for Less

Miranda Kerr Look for Less
This season all eyes are on the statement jacket. Moto jackets, bombers, trench coats and military jackets are turning heads on the street and on the runway. Miranda Kerr jumped on the outerwear trend with her olive military jacket, white tee, high waisted leather leggings, suede block booties, a patent leather handbag and masculine square sunglasses à la Victoria Beckham. This is a great look for a laid-back dinner or drinks with the girls on the weekend. Plus, some of these pieces are closet staples so you may have them already in your closet! Shop my curations below, including a similar style jacket available at ASOS for $73.

Miranda Kerr Look for Less


Miranda Kerr Photo Credit: MHD, Pacific Coast News