Here's a look for less requested by an anonymous reader: BDG leather lace-up ankle boots ($89, UrbanOutfitters.com). These boots are probably just as comfortable as sneakers but make a much more stylish statement paired with your favorite jeans or tights and skirts for fall.





Here are some more affordable options I found, including one pair made of genuine leather that was originally $129.95 but is now marked down to $89.90 at Nordstrom.com, making these a great value:





1. Forever 21 Faux suede lace-up booties (also in cognac or red), $32.80
2. Boohoo.com 'Holly' Faux Suede Lace Up Flat Ankle Boot, $44 (Also in regular faux leather or brown), Use code SAVE20 for 20% off, end midnight PDT 10/26
3. H&M Boots (also in beige), $29.95
4. Sam Edelman leather 'Mare' Boots, $89.90

Every time I get a new issue of the J.Crew catalog in the mail, I immediately start ripping out pages, tacking them to my (extremely disorganized and messy) inspiration board in my office and then hit the web in search of budget-friendly items that will help me recreate those coveted looks on a real girl's budget. I'm all for shopping at J.Crew for sale items and special pieces but building an entire wardrobe from this pricey retailer isn't for everyone. So here are the top 5 spots I like to shop for J.Crew-esque clothes on the cheap!

I'm [5] months pregnant and on the hunt for a stylish (and budget friendly) diaper bag. Any recommendations? —Katherine M.


First off, congratulations! You're about to embark on the most magical journey of your life. This journey can also get really expensive, really fast, so you're right to want a diaper bag that's affordable.

Now there seem to be two schools of thought among moms when it comes to diaper bags: Those who say a diaper bag is essential and those who say any ol' bag can double as a diaper bag. I started out with a traditional diaper bag, then moved on to a regular handbag for carrying all my little one's supplies and gear. I liked the idea of having a "real" diaper bag for those early months - it's sort of a rite of passage, and it functioned really well. Plus, once I knew what I needed in a bag, I could easily pick out a regular bag that would do the job equally well.

While I was getting my hair done last week at the salon, I glanced down at the feet of the girl sitting next to me and spied a glossy black pair of authentic Valentino Rockstud rain boots. It was a gray rainy day (of course it would rain the one day I'm getting a blow-out) and those boots really stood out! I started hunting for a look for less, and found a near identical dupe at Nasty Gal. Rain boots aren't just for springtime, and they don't have to be an afterthought in your closet or something that ruins an otherwise chic outfit. If you want rain boots with a stylish edge, check out these two finds:

Splurge: Valentino Rockstud Rain Boots, $425 at JILDORSHOES.COM
Steal: "Reagan" Stud Rain Boots, $65 at NASTYGAL.COM

If you're looking for a stylish storage solution, then you'll love Colonial Mills baskets. These durable braided storage bins are made in the USA and the company is based in Rhode Island. They're not cheap but I think you definitely get what you pay for in this case - I requested one for my birthday and I'm obsessed (if one can be obsessed with a storage basket?!) I now have two bins by this brand to store my tots toys and they're functional and not an eye sore in my living room (which doubles as the playroom in our small home).

Colonial Mills baskets come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Here's one in gray that's 24 by 14-inch at AMAZON.COM for $87:





Threshold's decorative rope basket is a good look for less, but note that it's significantly smaller. This one is $19.99 at TARGET.COM:



Here's how it looks in real life:





I've also spotted Colonial Mills baskets at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and GILT.COM (just search for "Colonial Mills" - I see 86 products come up!) I think this timeless style can work with a variety of decors, from classic to contemporary, in any area of your home!