The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spot the Real: Madewell 'Comme Ci Comme Ca' T-Shirt

The Look for Less: Comme Ci Comme Ca Tee
I love a good message tee. I don't care if it says something completely meaningless in a foreign language, or features exotic places I've never actually been to, I'm game. For me, French phrase tees are especially irresistible. I like to think they take my casual everyday t-shirt game up a notch - I'm probably fooling myself, but that's not stopping me. I remember seeing this "Comme Ci, Comme Ça" t-shirt (which means 'so-so' en français) at Madewell.com a little while back and thought $49.50 was a tad much to spend on a tee. Then I came across the look for less for just $12.99, and I might even prefer the budget version. Can you tell which is which? Click a link below to find out!



Spot the Real: Clare V. Leopard Clutch

Clare V. leopard clutch look for less
If I had a fashion line or my own boutique, I'd definitely stock up on leopard accessories. (I tweeted @targetstyle begging them to add a leopard clutch in an upcoming Who What Wear monthly capsule collection, wouldn't it be dreamy if they delivered?!) I think fellow budget babes would agree that it's hard to come by prints and shapes that are just right...but Claire V. strikes all the right chords with the foldover clutch shown here. And for something you'll carry all the time, the $275 pricetag doesn't seem unreasonable. However I found a fashion look for less that I might love even more for just $80. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking a link below!


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City Chic: Zoe Kravitz's Black Trench Coat and Flare Jeans Look for Less

Zoe Kravitz Look for Less
Zoe Kravitz looks effortlessly pulled together in this perfect spring transitional look that doesn't stray far from her cool-girl comfort zone. She's mixed a graphic tee with the season's new flare leg jean and a crisp black trench coat for a polished look with a little edge. Sexy ankle strap heels allow her to show some skin and a fresh pedi, something we're all craving when the weather starts to warm up! I've started watching snippets of Style Code Live, a new show by Amazon that streams weeknights at 9 pm ET, and they recently talked about adding volume for spring - think wide leg pants and bell sleeves in lieu of skinny jeans and bodycon silhouettes. I can totally embrace that in small doses just like Zoe has done with her look. Read on to get my spring trench recommendation (it's under $100) plus her complete look for less...

Spot the Real: Loeffler Randall 'Ambra' Pointy Toe Ghillie Flat

Lace up flats look for less
Can you guess which lace-up ballet flats cost $295 and which cost $89.95? If you've been wanting to try this trend, now's the perfect time. I've featured the nude color here - so good for spring - but they're also available in black, which could work for meetings and meet-ups with friends. Also love this pair which comes in cognac. Splurge or save, you can't go wrong! Click a link below to check your guess...


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Free People’s March 2016 Catalog

Free People March campaign
Because this spring is all about the bohemian vibe with a heavy retro influence, I thought I'd share the Free People March campaign images with all of you for inspiration. Starring models Gemma Ward, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Phoebe Tonkin, Emily Baker and Tallulah Morton, Free People's March 2016 Catalog takes us on a journey through Australia with four editorials shot by photographers Greg Kadel and Matthew Sprout. You'll see flowy off the shoulder tops, girly dresses, flirty skirts, earthy fringed jackets, sporty pants, breezy cover-ups, and flowy rompers. For accessories, expect to see brimmed hats, bohemian beach inspired jewelry, large chic sunglasses, gladiator sandals, and classic versatile sneakers.

To get Free People cheap, keep an eye on their sale section, and stalk sites like Poshmark and . Or, head over to Target.com where they've curated an entire '70s-inspired selection of clothes and accessories for spring. This cold-shoulder dress, peasant blouse and these high-rise wide leg jeans are all giving off Free People vibes for less than $30.

Are you a Free People fan? What draws you to the brand?