The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

5 Under $50: Mint Green Shorts


Ashley Madekwe's lace top by Madewell and mint green shorts by J Brand

Few things make a girl as giddy as the color "mint." It's a soft, sweet pastel that somehow still manages to have serious fashion cred. Seeing actress Ashley Madekwe rock her mint green shorts (J Brand's Lynn shorts in foam, to be exact) with a white lace tee, white sandals and a Rebecca Minkoff purse stirred up all kinds of warm and fuzzy feelings inside this fashionista's heart. Even though I swear I'm not a girly girl, I'm now craving mint shorts of my own. Here are 5 budget-friendly picks you might want to stalk, too, under $50:

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Aerosoles Shows Shoes So Cute You'll Forget They're Comfortable at the Fall 2013 Preview


Aerosoles Fall 2013 press preview

If you think comfort and style are mutually exclusive when it comes to shoes, think again! Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson of Leather and Lollipops heads to the Aerosoles Fall 2013 preview, where she finds on-trend footwear options that won't kill your feet. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
On Thursday Aerosoles hosted a preview of their Fall 2013 collection, which will be available in stores starting in July. As always, Aerosoles focuses on comfort, in all their styles. The new collection brings a more modern feel into their designs and there is clearly a greater focus on being on-trend and bringing current styles to buyers at a great price point. Shoes are priced from $59-$89 and boots and booties are priced from $89-$140.

The collection features a selection of flats, heels, wedges, booties and boots, and introduces AerGo by Aerosoles, a new technology utilizing EVA soles which are lightweight, flexible and super comfortable. My favorites were the studded wedges (above) and flannel riding boots. I can see myself slipping these items into my fall wardrobe without missing a beat. I appreciate knowing that my feet won't ache and that I can still look great. —VWS

The Look for Less: Dolce Vita 'Ayden' Sandal

I feel like I should start a blog dedicated to Dolce Vita dupes at Target because there are so many of them! Here's another: The Dolce Vita "Ayden" flat sandal is $69 at Zappos.com. See how Alessandra Ambrosio wears this style of sandal in this post.



Get the look for less with the Mossimo "Nina" which is $19.99 at Target.com. Both brands offer this sandal style in multiple colors and I think either would be a great buy for summer. I almost bought these on my last trip to Target but wasn't in the mood to try on shoes (the whole baby bump thing makes it a bit challenging LOL).



Click either image for details!

The Look for Less: DV by Dolce Vita 'Maeve' Boots

Eagle-eyed reader Kris found this amazing look for less which she shared in the comments (here) but I wanted to dedicate a post to these in case you missed it. The DV by Dolce Vita "Maeve" boot is $128.95 at Nordstrom.com.



Get the look for less at Target with the Mossimo "Paka" boot for just $34.99. Both are great options for wearing this spring and summer with shorts, skirts or jeans.


Ask BB: Isabel Marant 'Basley' Boot Look for Less


Celebs love the Isabel Marant Basley boot

I saw this pair of Isabel Marant boots - The Basley perforated suede wedge ankle boot - on Goop.com and fell in love. But $600 shoes so do not fit my budget. Can you work your magic and help? —Diane



It's moments like these when I kinda wish I could drop $600 on a pair of shoes because The Basley is seriously awesome - it looks uber comfy and cool, and I know I'd get a lot of wear out of it. But I'm right with you, Diane, a $600 shoe purchase would be irresponsible for me, so let's look at some budget alternatives, shall we?

These boots at Target have a similar vibe - low heels, slouchy taupe suede, perforated detailing. They don't have the same "Ugg" gene as the Basley (which you could argue is a good thing) but it's the closest thing I've seen so far. At $34.99, the "Paka" is a sound buy:



There's also the Mossimo "Katelyn" available in tan, brown or black for $34.99 - the low heel and perforated detailing makes these a great wear-with-everything summer boot:



Have a suggestion for Diane? Let her know in the comments!

Shown above: Celebs love the Isabel Marant Basley boot, including (from left) Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner and Cameron Diaz.