Dressing on a Budget

While it's not easy, looking like a million bucks is possible even on a shoestring budget. Here are some practical suggestions that you can follow:

Don't ignore inexpensive retailers like Old Navy, H&M, and Steve and Barry's. Old Navy gives you all the wardrobe basics such as tanks, T-shirts, and jeans. H&M has a funkier style. Steve and Barry's carries the Sarah Jessica Parker line, Bitten, as well as an Amanda Byrnes clothing line. Payless and Target have hired designers, such as Isaac Mizrahi and Patricia Fields, to create lines that are more chic than your average discount clothing. Of course I should mention that the quality is hit and miss. I've got some great pieces from these stores, and I've bought stuff that's fallen apart after a couple of weeks.

Here is another idea that takes more time, but can be twice as rewarding: check out consignment and vintage stores for one-of-a-kind classics and cheap designer duds. Your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store could be holding some nice stuff. You will have to dig through a lot of crappy clothing to find the fashion gems, but once you do, it's worth it. For instance, just last week I found a beautiful pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes for $10 at a local Brooklyn vintage store (Brooklyn contains many inexpensive vintage and consignment stores). I once heard a great tip for people looking for suits: purchase a used suit for super cheap and then have it tailored to fit you just right. And voila, you have your own tailored suit. You may also be able to sell your clothes to a consignment or vintage store if you want to unload some items you haven't worn in a while.

Sales sales sales (online). Most major retailers like J. Crew, Express, Victoria's Secret, The Gap, and Anthropologie have email lists you can join; they contact you to announce sales and other special deals. Most of these companies include a shipping tag to make it easier for customers to return the items.

Discount clothing stores don't only exist in brick and mortar form (such as TJ Maxx, Loeman's, and Filene's Basement); there are also online discount sites. Bluefly.com is probably the most famous, but it's still pricey even with the discounts (Manolo Blahniks have to be discounted by, like, 90% to be affordable). Smartbargains.com is less flashy but has some nice bargains, and ebay.com offers all kinds of discounted designer goods both up for auction and available at a single price. Designerexposure.com also offers some nice deals.

And now some practical pieces of advice when you're out bargain hunting. Firstly, don't buy on impulse because you'll end up with stuff you'll never wear. Even if the bargain is supercool, it's not worth it. Secondly, make sure what you buy fits you properly. Clothes that don't fit will look bad no matter how much you saved on them. Tailors are great, but they can also get really expensive if they have to take in and alter an entire outfit.

Best of luck to you and happy shopping!