The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Paris in the Fall: Jessica Alba's Stripe Top and Rust Cardigan Look for Less

Jessica Alba wears a stripe top, zipper front skinny jeans and a rust colored cardigan while out and about in Paris.
Jessica Alba was seen out and about during Paris fashion week recently wearing a casual and chic outfit we want to copy right now. She's a celeb we can always count on for inspiration that's stylish yet accessible (browse all Jessica Alba outfits for proof). Here, she paired a striped top (which we all own) with skinny black jeans (the zippers are a cool edgy touch, but not required), and a fall-perfect oversized cardigan in a warm pumpkin-spice rust hue. Once you have your basics down, accessories like a quilted purse, ankle wedge booties, hoop earrings, and oversized shades really amp up the glam factor - and don't have to cost a fortune. Read on for our look for less finds below...

Jessica Alba wears a stripe top, zipper front skinny jeans and a rust colored cardigan while out and about in Paris.

Shop the Look for Less:


H&M Striped Top, $17.99 (plus-size stripe top by ASOS Curve also a fab option) // Forever 21 Zipper Front Skinny Jeans, $19.90 (or try these plus-size zipper front jeans) // ChicWish Longline Cardigan, $64 (or save with this cable knit cardigan at Romwe) // Worthington 'Lapaz' Ankle Booties, $39.99 (down from $80) // Accessory Concierge Hoop Earrings, $40 // Quilted Purse, $22.50 // BP Sunglasses, $12

Deal alert: Spend $25 and get $10 off with code SAVE98 at jcpenney.com.


Jessica Alba Photo Credit: Ralph, PacificCoastNews

Hello, Moto: Lucy Hale's Leather Jacket and Mules Look for Less

Lucy Hale wears a leather moto jacket and loafer mule slides.
Lucy Hale went on a coffee run with her boyfriend wearing a rust-colored top and skinny jeans paired with a moto jacket and Oxford mules. In short, the actress wore the coolest fall outfit that's perfect whether you're heading to class or running errands on the weekend. I love how she balanced the proportions of the cropped leather jacket with higher waist jeans, and added major style points with the Western style belt and mules (a shoe I've spotted on many top fashion bloggers this season). Take notes and shop our look for less picks below, which includes an amazing faux leather jacket under $100 - it gets over 200 four-star ratings from shoppers!

Lucy Hale wears a leather moto jacket and loafer mule slides.

Shop the Look for Less:


BlankNYC 'Easy Rider' Faux Leather Jacket, $98 (or try this Mossimo faux leather jacket for just $40, or this plus-size moto jacket by Who What Wear at Target) // Forever 21 Bodysuit, $9.90 // H&M Skinny High Jean, $39.99 // UO Western Belt, $34 // Topshop Marvis Sunglasses, $38 // Sole Society 'Aura' Mules, $63 (down from $90) or try the Sam Edelman 'Paris' Loafer Slide // JustFab 'Jayn' Bag, $17.50 (or splurge on this Baggu Mini Leather Purse, $110 at shopbop.com)


Lucy Hale Photo Credit: Sam Sharma, PacificCoastNews


Don't forget to shop Kenzo x H&M, which launched this morning at 8 am EST! It took me 45 minutes of refreshing my browser to get in, but once I did, I saw many items still in stock. I just got a silk scarf. Let me know what you thought of the collection and what you bought!

Cape Cool: Tyra Banks' Trench Cape Jacket and Converse Sneakers Look for Less

Tyra Banks wears a trench cape jacket and Converse sneakers while traveling.
Tyra Banks looked cool and casual in an olive cape jacket paired with skinny crop jeans and Converse sneakers while catching a flight to Georgia out of LAX. She punched up her otherwise neutral look with a yellow satchel, then added some essential oversized sunglasses and delicate jewelry to personalize the outfit. I love how a unique layering piece such as Tyra's cape-style trench can instantly transform a simple t-shirt and jeans...plus the jacket looks cozy for a flight. I found a similar jacket under $35 that you'll want to add to your repertoire this fall...layer with a turtleneck or chunky sweater for added warmth when temperatures dip!

Tyra Banks wears a trench cape jacket and Converse sneakers while traveling.


Tyra Banks Photo Credit: PacificCoastNews

Marching Orders: Alessandra Ambrosio's Band Jacket and Ankle Boots Look for Less

Alessandra Ambrosio wears a military band jacket with fray edge jeans and black ankle boots.
Yesterday we were all about the camo jacket, and today we're all about the band jacket, another military-inspired outerwear piece that will amp up your fall wardrobe. Pair this menswear piece with a basic white top and raw edge jeans like Alessandra Ambrosio for the perfect cool-girl ensemble that feels right-now and not costumey. Add all-black extras like block heel booties and an Hermes-inspired tote that's great for work and the weekend. Read on for our thoughtfully curated look for less picks that will have you marching to the beat of your own sartorial drum...

Alessandra Ambrosio wears a military band jacket with fray edge jeans and black ankle boots.

Shop the Look for Less:


Express Raw Step Hem Jeans, $88 (save with these raw hem jeans at Forever 21) // SheIn Band Jacket, $44 (or splurge on this Free People band jacket) // H&M Top, $5.99 // H&M Ankle Boots, $49.99 // Macton Leather Bag (Hermes Birkin dupe), $110 // Silk Scarf, $13.99 at amazon.com


Alessandra Ambrosio Photo Credit: PacificCoastNews

The Look for Less: Saint Laurent Camo Jacket, Plus 4 Ways to Wear It

Saint Laurent Jacket Look for Less

LEFT // RIGHT


Camo jackets are one of those pieces that never seem to go out of style. I'm going to go ahead and say it's a wardrobe essential, one that can be worn all four seasons no matter what your style persona happens to be - preppy, edgy or all-around chic. Saint Laurent sets the bar high with their $1,350 jacket that's perfectly oversized, boasts the perfect camo print, and has just enough detail to keep it interesting without becoming passé in a year or two. Of course we found an amazing look for less that's under $100, something you can wash and wear over and over again, so it's worth paying a tiny bit more than usual. Read on to shop the look for less, plus check out my round-up of 4 ways to wear the trend styled by four top trendsetters (click the links below to see their outfit details!)

Splurge: Saint Laurent Camo Jacket, $1,350
Save: Vintage Havana Camo Jacket, $90 (also love this one and this one at Forever 21)

Get inspired to style your camo jacket from these top fashion bloggers...

Saint Laurent Jacket Look for Less