by Michelle Christina

Created on: June 15, 2008

Cheap chic can be achieved by purging the idea of "designer brand = style". Designer labels and logos are not independent factors in the success of an outfit (which means you can do without them and still turn heads). What makes an outfit stylish? The silhouettes and textures of the current season, matched with a bit of personal flare, catered to the customer buying it. Here are some ways to keep your look fresh without feeling the financial impact.

Forgo the boutique setting for a fast-fashion outlet. You might feel frustrated with longer lines and disorganized sales racks, but the total at the register will quell that stress in 0.5 seconds. Stores like H&M and Steve & Barry offer up-to-date separates that you can mix and match to your personal liking. Lone gone are the days where lower prices equate to non-descript or out of style. Spend a little more time searching racks, and save a little more money.

Pick one or two higher end garments for the season, and build outfits around them. They should be basic, high-quality items that can be re-coordinated and blended in with several other pieces. For example, a simple shell top or sharp tailored suit jacket would be ideal. This item should not be a party dress in a wild print. You want maximum mileage, which means repeatedly wearing it in creative new ways. These days, a very similar party dress can be purchased for half the price at contemporary retailers.

Shop thrift! This method of frugal behavior is dubbed tried and true by college students and starving artists alike. What to wear to that gallery opening when you've just blown all your money on supplies? Beyond the Salvation Army resource, one of the best places to search for deals is your local church's thrift shop. You're bound to find treasures spanning several decades - vintage never goes out of style. And while you're at it, pack up a box of things you don't wear and bring them in. Aside from the needy, you might help out a local budget fashionista like yourself!

By now we've all caught on to the internet shopping phenomenon - Ebay is practically bursting at the seams with deals on clothing from every price point imaginable. Search your favorite brand, or key words pertaining to the style you're trying to achieve. You'll be amazed how far you can stretch a dollar with by-the-lot auctions, warehouse clear out sales, and the millions of users who want to refresh their wardrobe too! The best part is, since inventory changes constantly, that treasure hunter inside you gets to have a bit of fun. Be weary of imitation goods, and always check a seller's feedback before bidding to reduce the risk of an unpleasant shopping experience.

For the adventurous consumers in the audience, you can modify hand-me-downs, thrift finds, or even last season's looks to outfit your needs. Often a simple change of length, a few pleats, or a bit of embellishment can update a garment. Fashion is evolutionary, so the overall concept of what you bought last season is probably not obsolete just yet. Minimal sewing skills are needed to take in a seam or raise a hem. Break out that sewing machine, flip through the pages of your favorite fashion editorial, and see what kind of magic you can make.

Finally, you'd be wise to obey your style instincts before jumping on the newest trend. Wear last season's favorites if you're still passionate about them! You're better off saving the money you'd spend on something you're only buying because you saw it on Sex And The City. If you still feel great in it, chances are you still look great in it too.

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