The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spot the Real: Chloe 'Lauren' Scalloped Ballet Flats

Can you spot the $500 Chloe flats?
Ok. So I might not be able to stump you with this one because the designer pair is made from a superior material, but the budget version is just too cute not to share (and so perfect for pairing with skinny jeans, leggings and dresses now through fall!) Hint: The dupes are by a celebrity-turned-designer by the same name as the Chloe shoe. And while the Chloe 'Lauren' scalloped ballet flats cost $495 at nordstrom.com, the budget lookalike is just $25-$35 in six colors! The tough part will be deciding which color(s) to buy. Click a link below to see if you can guess which pair above costs more!



Spot the Real: Steve Madden Fringe Heeled Sandals

Can you spot the real Steve Madden fringe sandals?
I will completely understand it if you feel an overwhelming urge to hug your computer right now, because this find is Just. That. Good. Yes ladies I've stumbled upon an incredible look for less of Steve Madden's super haute 'Fringly' sandals ($129.95, nordstrom.com). You may have drooled over these beauties during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or the very similar 'Staarz' model) because every top-tier fashion blogger seemed to be flaunting them...and with good reason! These heels are so fierce and so on trend for fall. The look for less is just $44.99 now (down from $65) and also comes in cobalt blue. Think you can spot the real Steve Maddens? Click a link below to test your taste level!



Shoe Debut: Zendaya's White Shirt, Destroyed Jeans and Feathered Heels Look for Less

Zendaya Coleman wears a white button down shirt, destroyed denim and strappy heels for the debut of her new shoe collection, Daya.
I think it's every girl's dream to launch her own shoe collection, and now singer/actress Zendaya is doing just that with the debut of Daya, due out in Spring 2016. The collection, with prices ranging from $125-$175, aims to be "the perfect balance between ‘Sex Appeal’ and ‘Sporty Lux’" and features statement heels, modern flats and the go-to high top sneaker. Since you can't shop Daya by Zendaya just yet, I've recreated the outfit she wisely wore for her launch event - a simple white button down and destroyed denim let her feathered high heels shine and take centerstage in this look. Read on to snag the look for less...

Spot the Real: Helmut Lang Graphic Overlay Dress

Can you spot the real Helmut Lang dress?
Well, well, well. What do we have here? Looks like someone loved Helmut Lang's modern minimalist black-and-white midi dress so much that they couldn't help but copy the look, seam for seam and stitch for stitch. The designer dress is $460 at bloomingdales.com while the look for less is $49.90 elsewhere. Can you guess which dress costs more? Click a link below to find out!



Stylish Maternity Fashion Essentials On A Budget

Maternity clothing capsule wardrobe on a budget
Recently I got a question from reader Karen Morgan asking if I could do a post on pregnancy fashion staples, and I loved the idea! Throughout my two pregnancies (I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant with baby number 2) I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't - mostly through trial and error. While every woman is different and your needs will vary by season and trimester, I put together this list of essentials that I think will work for every expectant mama. The list includes my favorite sources for affordable maternity clothes, too. Read on for my maternity fashion must-haves...and let me know what's on your list in the comments section below!