belle on a budget: top 5 under $25 last minute gifts

good morning babes!!!  it's my last "belle on a budget" before the new year, so we're taking you out on a high note!  this week, i've partnered up with 5 amazing stores to bring you 5 incredible items for your last minute gifting needs and the best part?, they're all under $25!!!!  so, i don't know about you, but i am totally a procrastinator when it comes to Christmas.  or any holiday really.  i'm usually running around like a crazy person the day before trying to grab up everything that i can find.  it's annoying, like i annoy myself, so i started keeping a "gift closet" at the house full of my favorite goodies and any other fun little things i find when im out shopping around.  it has really come in handy, let me tell you.  you know that one uninvited guest or that last minute party you have to go to, you don't have time to run out and find that "perfect gift" and you probably don't know them well enough to know what that gift might be anyways, am i right??  ugh, gifting can be so hard :)  don't worry guys, i feel you.  so, walk in to any of the stores below and you're sure to find just what you're looking for to check everyone off your list.  from cufflinks to moscow mugs and everything in between; no man, woman or child will go giftless.  but my fave gifts to give, and all are currently in my "gift closet" are as follows:

1.  the Moon and Lola pet ornament - coming in at only $22 and one of Oprah's most favorite things, this cutie is sure to win points with all the pet lovers in your life.  and for extra brownie points, you can have it engraved with their pets name!

2.  the Candlefish Library candle - also $22, this is probably my top gift to give to anyone and everyone.  with 100 scents to choose from, you're sure to find at least 1 or more like 10 favorites.

3.  the Noddy adult coloring book - this fun little activity is only $16 and pretty much the coolest/hottest trend in adult toys at the moment.  i was gifted one myself a few months back and its totally addicting.

4.  the 2 Cumberland corkcicle 16oz tumbler - just making the mark at $25 this tumbler keeps your cold drink cold and your hot drinks hot!!  what more could you ask for, right??  as an avid/obsessive coffee drinker myself, this guy is perfect for taking with me everywhere.

5.  Pink Chicken rabbit fur keychain - this cutie patootie is my favorite little furry accessory.  you can find me most everyday sporting one and currently i actually have 2 snapped on my bag.  they're adorable and fun and only $16!!  which is a major fraction compared to the designer versions that can ring in up to $850!!  no, that's not a typo.

if you missed it this morning, you can listen to the podcast with 2 Girls and a Guy on Mix 96 HERE!!  and stay tuned on instagram for your chance to win the whole kit and caboodle!!  (all 5 prizes that is!)  happy holiday shopping you guys!!!

belle on a budget: the tres carmen poncho

good morning babes!!!!  eeeeeekkkkk!!  i can hardly contain my excitement, i'm so thrilled to be starting a new series with you guys annnnnnnd how cool is it that you can totally hear all about it on the radio??  i for one am pretty stoked.  not so much that you get to listen to my valley-girl meets yankee twang voice, but definitely that you can finally hear the amount of sarcastic dry banter that goes on in my head as i'm writing these posts to you week after week.  so, listen (hehe) we all love a good trend, right?  but trends come and go and no one wants to break the bank on fleeting fashion.  this is where "belle on a budget" comes to the rescue!!  every week i am going to be partnering with a local boutique to style one of the season's hottest trends, at a very pocket friendly price!  (side note; yes, i overuse the exclamation point, but it's just so much prettier than the period, don't you think?)  today's look is all about the poncho.  i knew this had to be my first trend to tackle because it has had a huge presence this season.  from the runway to the street, it seems like everyone is rocking the poncho.  this burberry look-a-like comes from a store that is very near and dear to my heart (and my closet) Tres Carmen!!  this store has literally been with me through thick and thin.  the thick being the massive bump i sported during fashion week covered in some seriously fresh TCB duds.  you know i'm all about mixing high-low fashion and TC gets it right everytime.  case and point; this poncho $44!!  i styled it over what i consider my classic fall uniform; a chambray and leather skinnies.  ladies, let me just tell you, leather and chambray goes with everything!!!!!  honestly, you can't go wrong.  if ever i'm at a loss for how to style something, these are my go to and definitely worth the investment.  to capture that southwestern meets bohemian vibe, i slipped on these fringe booties, floppy hat an arm of bangles and this beaded necklace.  my one major splurge is this stunning tote, but i mean, she's gorgeous, no?  tune in to Mix 96 (95.9 to all the locals) at 8:50 am or click here to listen live and hear why you NEED the poncho and how you can wear it to fit your style!  and, as if that wasn't incentive enought, Tres Carmen is offering my readers 25% off 1 item for today only, so be sure to pop in or give them a call at 843-974-4383 to shop my look!

"never let a trend get in the way of creating a great outfit for yourself"

ALL IMAGES CURRENT VISUALS

all featured items c/o Tres Carmen

poncho $44

Mink Pink chambray shirt $61

DL1961 coated skinny $158

fringe bootie $39

Twine & Twig horse hair necklace $119

floppy hat $36

Bourbon & Boweties bangles - $28-$38

Gigi New York satchel $525