I'd always wanted to try a stylish teething necklace for my kids but was put off by the high price, and I worried about the quality with lower priced versions (was the plastic safe? would the beads come off?).

When I think of spring fashion, I always envision delicate lace, ruffles and pastel shades. Here, Kate Bosworth adds a touch of edge to the ultra-feminine aesthetic by pairing an eyelet-detailed white button up with tight black denim, patent leather double-strapped mary jane flats, blocky sunglasses, drop earrings and a patch-emblazoned leather satchel.

I'm a huge fan of dark hues (especially black) so seeing this eased transition into April ensemble is perfect for me. Plus, the personalized trend has been literally everywhere this year — I've been lusting after Kate Spade's new line of stickers, straps and charms for customizing my bags, but this Mix No. 6 satchel I stumbled upon has the exact aesthetic, and rings up at only $29.94! Read on for all my look-for-less picks under $100...

MORE: Kate Bosworth's Denim Dress and Suede Boots Look for Less

Hey Budget Babes!! My name is Maddie Kelley and I am so excited to be joining the team as an intern. I am a Wellesley College student currently studying abroad in London. My personal style is simple with a hint of edgy. My fashion is very inspired by my travels and street wear. I'm looking forward to your feedback and I can't wait to share my writing with all of you!

When I get to a new city, I’m always scanning the crowds for what everyone is wearing. I can’t walk by a single person without noticing their shoes, their bag, their jeans...basically every element of their outfit in order to understand what sets the city’s fashion apart from others.

London style is actually quite unique, especially in Soho, the fashion hub of London. Filled with fashion students, designers, and shoppers, the fashion style there is casual but cool and effortless yet sophisticated.

Here are three major trends I've seen while living abroad in London, plus budget-friendly pieces to help you get the look:

Shown above: Charlotte Wiggins at the Topshop Unique show. (Photo Credit: Photoshot, PacificCoastNews)

Statement sleeves are everything for spring, and Kiernan Shipka shows us exactly how to wear the bell sleeve trend while attending a Chanel event (presumably dressed in Chanel, too).

The formula for fashion trendsetters is to pair a bold sleeve with simple jeans and understated heels for a look that's feminine and fresh.



For my budget take, I picked a blouse from Chicwish - I see their tops all over Instagram and Pinterest. Each one is more unique and dramatic than the next!

Then I added these sandals from Who What Wear - it's a lower, more wearable heel. You might even call this style granny-chic but I think it looks high-end and balances the girly-ness of the top especially well.

MORE: Kate Hudson's Bell Sleeve Sweater and Flare Leg Jeans Look for Less

I'm loving this outfit inspiration from model Jourdan Dunn, who wore a navy off-the-shoulder top with fringe jeans for a fashion shoot back in January.


She carried a bright yellow dome satchel that complements the navy blue of the top so well, and then finished with a neutral ankle bootie that's anything but boring with it's stiletto heel and edgy gladiator styling.


I found a lookalike top for only $10 at SheIn, which literally has hundreds of off-the-shoulder tops to choose from! Quality may be hit or miss but at these rock-bottom prices, it's an irresistible way to get in on this trend.

Since block heels are having a moment (and are so much easier to walk in), I chose this Sole Society shoe for the look for less, but this heel by Jessica Simpson is a great lookalike with maj sex appeal - and it's under $100!

My Recent Buys:

I got the spring mailer from Payless this week with a 25% off coupon, so I went a little crazy and ordered four pairs of shoes: The
Nikolle Low Heel Slide in black, the Naomi Block Heel in natural, the bright fuchsia Dottie D'Orsay Knot Flat, and the Tasha Chopout Block Heel. I'm not sure I'll keep all of them but my grand total was just $83.71 shipped!

Then, I went nuts at Sole Society and ordered the Korah Crossbody in dusty rose, the blush combo Rowen, and the cognac Jolene (Chloe vibes!) I normally carry a backpack and haven't bought a new bag in ages since I'm usually just toting around stuff for the kiddos but I wanted to up my handbag game for spring! I may not keep all of them, we'll see. I'll keep you posted.