by Jessica Syrjala

Created on: August 02, 2009

Dressing as though we just stepped out a fashion magazine is something that typically isn't attainable for the majority of the population, although many of us would like to. There are some whose credit card debt exceeds their income. There are others, albeit a select few, who can afford to go out and purchase what they desire. Then, there are people like me-the common folk. We are the ones who work hard to pay our bills, maintain our home, raise our families. Though I dream of being able to take thousands of dollars and go on an ber shopping adventure, it is not practical or possible without a sacrifice that I am not willing to make. With this in mind, I shop carefully and have honed my skills at looking the part of a fashion designer without spending piles of cash to achieve it.

Although I can't afford to buy a trendy new wardrobe each and every season, there are some things that I can and will spend a large amount of money on. First of all, classic pieces that don't date, are always something that I consider an investment. These styles rotate throughout each season and are timeless. It is wise to spend what you can afford on these, as you will likely have them for years. Items to splurge on include: a pea coat, a trench coat, a leather coat, cashmere sweaters, button-front shirts, a little black dress, black or khaki trousers, a solid cardigan, a pencil skirt, a leather handbag and a pair of plain black pumps with a low to moderate sized heel. These items have remained staples in women's closets for decades and include everyone from the career woman to the fashion victim. Keep most of the items in your wardrobe classic while buying a few trendy pieces each season to modernize the look, and the end result will always be fashionable.

That being said, there are many stores that offer fashionable clothing pieces at a very, very reasonable price. Forever 21 is a nationwide chain, as well as online store, that carries trendy, yet affordable pieces. It carries similar lines to Urban Outfitters and American Eagle. Faith 21, operated under Forever 21, is a plus-sized fashion store. It has also has had some controversy with lawsuits being filed for stealing designs from the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, Gwen Stefani and Anna Sui. However, with dresses ranging from $25 to $40, shirts around the $20 price range and jeans under $30, who can go wrong?

Old Navy is a store known by almost every woman in the United States. Billing itself as the American-brand,

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