The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spot the Real: Steve Madden 'Slithur' Sandals

Can you spot the real Steve Madden 'Slithur' sandals?
Over the weekend, we paid a visit to Westfield Old Orchard, one of my favorite places to shop when I'm back home in Chicago. I had lunch with my blogger friend/kindred spirit Heidi Doud (Wishes & Reality) at Epic Burger - seriously, so lovely to finally meet IRL. Then it was time to ride the mini train with my sister and nephew, followed by a nursing break, more playtime (this time by the lifesize chess set), followed by more nursing, ice cream at Godiva and naps. By that point I was tired and ready to head home, so I did not actually engage in any actual shopping. But I did spot a pair of sandals while passing through Nordstrom that caught my eye...the Steve Madden 'Slithur' ($89.90, down from $109.95). The moment I saw it, I realized it looked identical to the Mossimo 'Kylea' sandals ($34.99) I had just blogged about in Saturday's post. So, all was not lost. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking a link below!


LEFT // RIGHT



Update: After posting this, I noticed while browsing Pinterest that the Steve Madden shoe is actually a copy of the Schutz 'Juliana' caged sandal, which is $190 at shopbop.com!


Have a good eye for fashion? Check out more Spot the Real taste tests!


Celebrity Style Bargain: Blake Lively's Madewell Denim Jacket

Blake Lively wears a $118 Madewell Denim Jacket
Blake Lively looked radiant in a lemon yellow ballgown topped with her Madewell Denim Jacket ($118) while exiting The Today Show in NYC earlier this month. I'm not sure if the jacket was merely an afterthought to keep her warm (or cover her adorable baby bump) but I'm loving the juxtaposition of bright yellow with blue accents, carried out in the jacket and her jewelry. I'd copy this look with a simple summery yellow chiffon dress and blue crystal earrings. Blake's exact Madewell jacket is just $118 at shopbop.com and totally worth the price for something so versatile that you'll have - and love - for years!

Off the Rack: Superga Sneakers at Target

See in-store photos of the Superga x Target limited-edition sneaker collaboration.
Yesterday I had the chance to scope out the new Superga x Target collection, featuring lace-up sneakers in classic colors like white, navy and black (faux) leather as well as fun stars and stripes motifs, perfect for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. I highly recommend checking these out: They look identical to "real" Superga sneakers, including the tag...as far as I can tell, it's identical to the tag they put on all their sneakers, which is nice for us Target shoppers who don't want to give away our little budget shopping secrets!

Supergas are a cult favorite - celebs and streetstyle stars alike love these designed-in-Italy kicks. As far as I can tell without actually wearing them and putting them to the test is that they're the the same as shoes that cost twice as much. I bought Supergas once and actually returned them because I didn't feel they were worth the price (and they kinda made my feet look big, it's an issue I have with flat lace-up sneaks) but I will definitely be picking up a pair at this price...probably the low-top in faux black leather ($29.99). With shorts, jeans or cute dresses, these are the perfect comfy-chic shoes to wear all summer and into the fall. You can see more of my off-the-rack photos below and shop all the shoes in the Superga x Target collection online at target.com.

Black and White: Taylor Swift's Denim Shorts and Sneakers Look for Less

Recreate Taylor Swift's casual summer style with affordable fashion finds.
It never ceases to amaze me how celebrities with seemingly limitless financial resources still often choose to rock the most basic of basics for their everyday style. Here's Taylor Swift's cool summer style, just a black loose fitting tee, black denim shorts and some white sneakers. Granted her shoes are Saint Laurent 'Court Stars' leather sneakers ($493, luisaviaroma.com or $645 at saksfifthavenue.com), and her handbag is designer, too, but we found some near identical finds that will have you rocking her look in no time...millionaire status not required.

Recreate Taylor Swift's casual summer style with affordable fashion finds.



Taylor Swift Photo Credit: Survivor, PacificCoastNews


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Oh, Hey: Victoria's Secret Angel Romee Strijd's Crop Top is Just $12.90

Romee Strijd in Forever 21
Victoria Secret Angels can make anything look good, but model Romee Strijd makes us think even we could pull off a crop top and high-waist jeans this summer thanks to her super affordable Forever 21 find. She's rocking the trend like a pro in her Forever 21 Fuzzy 'Hey' Crop Top topped with a jean jacket and distressed denim. She finished the look with a black quilted chain-strap purse, black hi-top sneakers, and trendy choker necklace. Give Romee's edgy casual outfit a try, and if it fails, no harm done - her exact top is just $12.90.