Dear Budget Babe,
I love shopping online at UK retailers such as TopShop but I have trouble converting pounds to dollars. As a result, I end up spending much more than I bargained for! What's the easiest way for a computationally-challenged gal to, well, do the math? — Twiggy

BB: These days, you don't have to be a jet-setter to shop overseas - purchasing fashionable fineries from around the world can be achieved with the click of a mouse. It's important, however, to pay close attention to shipping costs, return policies, and to know exactly how much you're spending when you're not dealing with familiar dollars and cents.

"Guesstimating" is great, but for a foolproof way to convert currencies down to the penny, head to (where else?) Google: Simply enter the conversion you'd like done into the Google search box and hit "Enter" or click the Google Search button.

Here are some sample queries:

£45.00 in dollars
37 british money to US money
20.50 pounds in U.S. dollars
98 euros to British pounds

Number-crunching was never so simple - or so chic.


Got a question for The Budget Babe? E-mail us at info(at)thebudgetbabe.com

There's something utterly uptown about fashion and fur. While real fur can run into the thousands, faux fur is decidedly affordable. What's more, it's as guilt-free a pleasure as they get (saves you cash, saves a furry critter's hide, and saves PETA the cost of a gallon of red paint).


Leave it to vegan-friendly designer Stella McCartney to give us innovative faux-fur looks on the fall 2007 runway.



Whether you go for the drama of a solid fur jacket or the understated elegance of a fur collar and cuffs, there's a fabulous faux fur to match your style and your budget.

Mr. Chinchilla thanks you.






(from top to bottom, left to right)
[1] Plaid jacket with removable faux fur lapel trim, $32.80
[2] Faux mink hooded jacket, $34.80
[3] Faux fur shawl with jeweled broach, $28
[4] Denizen 3/4 sleeve faux fur jacket, $49.80
[5] Penélope & Mónica Cruz for MNG faux fur coat, $108.99
[6] Faux fur vest with sequin and bead embellishments, $59.80
[7] Jones New York Signature faux fur collar car coat, sale $66.90
[8] Express embellished faux fur coat, $128

UPDATE: And the winner of our Airwalk contest is.......Jennifer Gann!! Congratulations, Jennifer, and a great big thank you to all 244 people who participated.



PLEASE NOTE: This contest has ended.

Kick off the New Year in some free kicks! Tell us whether you prefer shoes that slip on OR lace up in the comment section below and one lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive this brand new pair of women's SIZE 8 Airwalk sneaks! (Note: This is the only pair - no other sizes or styles are available for this giveaway.)

This fresh Limited Edition Airwalk style features a red heart-n-dagger emblem on the toe with a ribbon banner that reads, "1986 - Airwalk," commemorating the year that the popular boardsport fashion brand got its start.

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Contest is only open to residents living in the United States or Canada. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on January 4 to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced on January 5. Good luck!

Special thanks to Eileen from Turner PR for making this contest possible!

Victoria's Secret's Semi-Annual Sale is going on now. Time to trade those mismatched sweats you've been sleeping in for a cheerful and snuggly set of thermal long jane pajamas, on sale for $29.99. And you just can't go wrong with Victoria's Secret Pink classic bikinis, now just 5 for $25. Tip: It's a smart idea to routinely go through your undergarment drawer and purge anything that isn't in tip-top shape, so now's a great time to stock up and say, "Out with the old and in with the new!" Plus, if you've been considering getting in step with the popular rain boot - or wellie - trend, cop a pair of these eye-catching Rubber rain boots, on clearance for just $14.99.

Sale details...
Sleepwear: 25%-60% off
Clothing: Up to 50% off
Bras: $12.99 and up
Panties: $3.99 and up
Shoes: Up to 50% off over 250 styles

Got something to say about Victoria's Secret? Share it here. >>

Designer Anna Corinna's collection of handbags are highly covetable and highly convertible - carry as a tote, hand held or with the shoulder strap for equally tony looks. Can't afford the real McCoy? Opt for these inexpensive, designer-inspired options instead...

Luxe: Anna Corinna Gunmetal Mini City Tote, $385 at Max & Chloe
Less: Metal Stud Convertible Bag in Gray, $26.80 at Forever 21



Luxe: Anna Corinna Tobacco City Tote, $420.00 at Max & Chloe
Less: Metal Stud Convertible Bag in Brown, $26.80 at Forever 21

Here's a similar looking purse we picked up at Forever 21 a few weeks ago. While we didn't realize it at the time, it's no doubt inspired by Anna Corinna's Black City Tote.


1) Carried as a tote indoors, it provides the perfect place to stash your gloves, hat and scarf.


2) Fold it over to protect belongings from snow and other inclement winter weather when you're on the go.



3) Lined interior features a zippered pocket; Convenient exterior zippered pocket keeps lip gloss and other essentials close at hand.