by Alana Rozier

Created on: June 17, 2008

Let's cut to the chase. In this "Isaac Mizrahi for Target" Age, we all know that looking great for less is cheaper and easier than ever. The question is no longer "How do I afford stylish outfits and accessories?" but "Which of the endless affordable and stylish outfits and accessories should I choose?".

The most important question, however, is this:

"How do I put all my Bargain Beauty finds together so that I don't look like a walking Wal-Mart ad?"

"Style" is all about your unique personality. We have little niches we'd like to fit into, of course. So figuring out if you're the Hollywood "It Bag" Type or the Downtown Bohemian Chic Type is key to understanding how to put your pieces together. This is especially essential because Rule Number One in Budget Styling is

1. Splurge on Basics and Key Pieces
If you're into dressing like the Celebs then your biggest splurges should be on accessories: designer shoes, bags and sunglasses. Second to those are the jeans.
If you're more into Eco-Chic then you'll want to make sure you have the latest Earth-friendly items, which ironically cost a pretty penny.

What does 'splurge' mean exactly? Well, it depends on your budget. Take a look at your closet - do you have basics that you can add affordable accessories to? For example, do you have a sharp, white dress shirt? An LBD (Little Black Dress)? A classic pair of pumps? These are essential to a pulled-together wardrobe. Splurge here!

For you, a splurge could mean The Express or it could mean Marc Jacobs or even a high-end boutique designer like Alice + Olivia. It all depends on where you are money-wise. Use a little equation if that helps: make sure that the classic item costs more than anything else you buy. Ok, so that wasn't really a mathematical equation but you get the idea. Try to take one shopping trip per season and divvy the budget up with the majority of the money going to many inexpensive pieces, saving a chunk for one or two individually more costly items. Don't do it piecemeal because you'll end up spending more and being unaware of what you have and what you need.

2. Mix it Up
The Second Rule is to Mix and Match. You don't want to be one brand name from head to toe, even if it is GAP or K-Mart. (Don't underestimate your ability to put yourself together! You know when someone else is looking crazy!) Put on your $100 shoes with your $40 skirt, your $10-on-sale decorated tank and your $2 earrings you bought at a flea market. Just remember that your key pieces (which may

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