Tips for Maximizing Your Style on a Budget

Think that you can only get shoestring style from a shoestring budget? Think again! Maximizing your style is possible even on a tiny budget. Here are some practical suggestions:

Before you run to the mall clutching your small wad of cash, think about what your style actually is, and what pieces you need to accomplish your look. Flip through magazines (a subscription to Lucky is a relatively small investment) and surf through the internet to get a good idea of what's in fashion. Look at (but don't necessarily buy from) online fashion retailers like eluxury.com to see what's hot right now. JCrew.com offers more classic looks. If you're looking to emulate a particular starlet's look, InStyle.com has a "look for less" section that gives budget fashionistas inexpensive alternatives to their favorite star's wardrobe. Once you have a list of these items you can now think about where you'll go to purchase these items.

Check out inexpensive retailers like Target, Old Navy, H&M, and Steve and Barry's. Target features inexpensive fashion lines from designers like Isaac Mizrahi. You can get wardrobe basics and petite styles from Old Navy, while H&M has a funkier stuff. The Sarah Jessica Parker line, Bitten, is at Steve and Barry's. 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. Delias, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and Wet Seal offer inexpensive items for teens.

Shop sales. Most department stores and major retailers have email lists you can join; they are more than happy to contact you to announce sales and other special deals. Online sales make it even easier to shop and most of these companies include a shipping sticker to make it easier for customers to return the items. Don't forget discount stores like Filene's Basement and TJ Maxx as well as online discount sites. Bluefly.com is probably the most famous, but it's still pricey even with the discounts. SmartBargains.com is a less expensive option.

Vintage, thrift, and consignment stores take more time to peruse for quality goods but can be several times as rewarding as going to Target. If you want to attain a one-of-a-kind style check out your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store, which could be holding some nice stuff. You will have to dig through a lot of crappy (and sometimes smelly) clothing to find the fashion gems, but once you do, it's worth it. I've found Betsy Johnson dresses for $40, a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes for $10, and a beautiful Carolina Herrera blouse for about $35 at a Beacon's Closet, an awesome local Brooklyn vintage store. RustyZipper.com is a cool online vintage option.

The current resurgence in crafts provides you another inexpensive way to maximize your style. Etsy.com is the most popular site for independent crafters to sell their online items from jewelry to clothing to home decorations. If you live in a city, look into any street fairs or craft fairs that may go through your area. The Renegade Craft Fair happens in both Brooklyn and Chicago (and now it's starting in San Francisco this year). You have your choice of both pricey and inexpensive unique clothing.

And now some practical pieces of advice when you're out bargain hunting. Accessories are a cheap and easy way to personalize an outfit. H&M has a great selection of inexpensive stuff and I always see piles of cheap costume jewelry at vintage stores. Secondly, a word of warning: don't buy on impulse! You will end up with clothing you'll never wear. Even if the bargain is jaw dropping, it's not worth it.

And lastly, remember that fashion is a fun way for you to express your personality: enjoy yourself!