The frugal fashionista- How to save money on fashion and clothing

Just because you are cutting back on everything, grocery bills, entertainment, grocery costs, going out to eat, and yes - clothing, that doesn't mean you have to attempt pulling off a ratty T--shirt and baggy sweatpants combo. There are tons of ways to look chic, fashionable and as "up to date" as you did before the hard times struck. Below is a list of my 20 best tips to staying fashionable without maxing out your credit cards. These ideas range from smarter shopping, to forgoing the mall for the craft store. After all, fashion is about creativity, isn't it?

1. Don't rule out the "cheap" stores- Wal-Mart and Target are great places to grab staple articles like leggings,shirts for layering, and plain-colored tops. It may not be a bad idea to browse their entire selection. Both have gotten increasingly up to date in recent years, with Target even doing deals with top designers like Isaac Mizrahi.
2. At the mall? Stop into stores like H&M, Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe for trendy finds at reasonable prices. They rotate their stock quite a bit and always keep up with the trends.
3. Discount stores- National discount chain stores like Ross, T.J. Maxx and Marshall's buy overstock, out of season and items with minor damages from high-end department, clothing, cosmetic, accessory and specialty stores.
   
4. Avoid the cleaners- When shopping, choose clothing that does not need to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning is not only a hassle, but it takes a huge chunk of change from your wallet.
5. Buy versatile peices- Invest in quality select articles are extremly versatile. They should be able to match with tons of different items. Example: A black pencil skirt will go great in the office with a blazer, but be ready for the cocktail party with a trendy halter. A simple little black dress you could pair with cute heels and a pearl necklace. Add flat shoes and a cardigan and your office appropriate!
6. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize- Don't underestimate the power of jewelry. A stand-by black slacks and top can be made "rocker chic" by adding gold and silver chains., Switch out the rock-n-roll chains for a faux pearl necklace and pastel bows for a more refined and lady-like look.
7. Recycled fashion- Of course you can find something worthwhile at any huge thrift store if you browse enough, but stores like Plato's Closet and Buffalo Exchange buy and sell clothes through a selective process, eliminating the hours of browsing through trash items.
8. Try it on!- Sizes differ from brand to brand, so try it on make sure it fits and you won't be stuck with an ill fitting article. This is especially true when items are on sale, as many stores have a "no returns, no exchange" policy on the clearance rack.
9. Accessorize it!- Bring a new outfit to life just by adding a timeless necklace and attention-grabbing earrings.
10. Host an exchange party- Invite a few friends to bring unwanted clothing over, and have a great time exchanging each other's trash for treasures. Who knows? This could turn into a seasonal get together.
11. DIY- If your brave enough, head to the fabric store for kits on sewing your own fashionable pants, skirts, and dresses. For the less sewing savvy hem up small rips and tears by hand, instead of throwing them away. So many people throw away nice shirts just because of a missing button!
12. Raid Mom's (or Grandma's) closet -Fashion repeats itself. You may find a few trendy, or at least timeless pieces in her. Ask permission first, of course.
13. "That's so last season"- In the fashion world, pricey clothing depreciates in value as soon as the season changes. Head for the end-of-season clearance racks for some great deals. Unless your friends are top models or in-demand designers, nobody is going to notice the difference.
14. Steam clean it- If you frequently visit the dry cleaners, eliminate that bill altogether by purchasing a home steam cleaning machine.
15. Reversible clothing- Shirts and swimming suits are often reversible, meaning that their is a pattern or design on either side. A great idea to get two articles out of one.
16. Invest in classics- When going shopping, purchase timeless and classic items that will NEVER go out of style, and always look chic and fashionable. Trenchcoats, cashmere sweaters, quality brooches and pins, pencil skirts, and of course a "little black dress".
17. Update with accessories- Give an old tank a new lease on life by adding a few cute pins. Another great idea for updating almost anything is sewing a number of cute buttons on it. Visit the craft store and experiment with buttons, pins, brooches,bows, ribbons, chains, and patches. Get creative, girl.
18. Swap gift cards- You may have gift cards lying around, even if there not for the stores you want. Use them, or trade them. Who knows? Aunt Linda may have a botique gift card laying around, while you have one for Avenue.
19. Designer Lite- Many designers are aware of the recession, and have affordable lines now available at basic stores. Try Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Simply Vera by Vera Wang at Kohl's, or Club Monaco (By Ralph Lauren).
20. Be original- One of a kind vintage jewelry can only be found at garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets. Shh... the sellers don't know this secret. Make it all your own!