The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Mid May Shoe Highlights at Kohl's


Cute spring shoes at Kohl's

Kohl's is having a sale right now where you get 10%, 15% or 30% off with your Kohl's charge, plus $10 Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent (with or without Kohl's charge), so I stopped by my local store yesterday to scope things out. In the shoe department, I found a couple cute spring styles worth checking out, like these Apt. 9 slingback sandals featuring an on-trend block heel and neutral colorblocking. Simply Vera Vera Wang has a couple styles that fit the sporty/comfort shoe trend look that people are either loving or hating for spring, like this embellished style.

For cute and cheap espadrilles (a style you don't really want to spend a lot on anyways because they get dirty so quickly), check out this pair by So. And Candie's has you covered with everyday gladiators like this pair that will go great with skirts and rompers.

Finally, you can also get Birkenstock knockoffs by Mudd (here) or Sonoma (here), but as I mentioned on Instagram, I won't be partaking in this trend this time around.

See anything here you like?

Ask BB: Delicate Bar Earrings On A Budget


Nicole Beharie

I was hoping you could help me find a budget-friendly alternative to Nicole Beharie's look in the People Magazine "50 Most Beautiful People" issue. I'd die for that leather jacket and the earrings (well, the one you can see in the photo)! —Crystal B.

I, too, have been searching for a simple bar earring ever since seeing Cupcakes & Cashmere in her Zoe Chicco pair. I prefer dainty jewelry for everyday; it's also practical when you have a baby.

So, when you sent me this question, I started hunting in ernest and found (and purchased!) these bar earrings at BAUBLEBAR.COM ($24, gold or silver):

Ask BB: Birkenstock Sandals for Less

Christina Hendricks airport style and  Birkenstock sandals
So I see the Birkenstock style sandal popping up everywhere. I want to give it a try but on a budget. I'm afraid the feeling for this trend will pass quickly for me, so I would like to try the style for less. Any ideas where I can find a similar style in black or white? —Monica

I was really hoping we could avoid having this discussion, but I'm here to answer your questions, so here goes! Birkenstocks have become a hot shoe trend for spring, having officially made the transition from fashion "don't" to fashion "do". We've seen them on celebs with diverse fashion personas ranging from the Olsen twins to Christina Hendricks (shown above).

For those interested in the real thing, you can find Birkenstocks for under $100 on sites like AMAZON.COM, ZAPPOS.COM and 6PM.COM (this pair of Gizahs is unique and just $37, or the Kairo in white for $58.)

Now, on to some looks for less:

(Christina Hendricks Photo Credit: MHD, PacificCoastNews)