by Buckytat

Created on: July 20, 2010

This year’s ‘chic’ back to school fashion is intriguing; military inspired meets girly girl with a dash of retro and a splash of color.  Stores near you are offering the hottest styles at even hotter prices.  Here’s a guide to help get you started.

Military jacket

Forever 21 Twist’s double breasted squadron jacket costs $29.80.  Unlike its $370.00 Alexander McQueen counterpart, this jacket has pointed shoulders (which are also in the trend spot) and a belted waist.

Rugged & chunky tall boots

You can find a pair of Sofft Shoes’ Valencia boots which sell for $195.00 at Macy’s or you could opt for an almost identical pair from Target for $34.99.  Bamboo by Journee’s knee high boots have buckles around the ankle and a rounded square toe.

70’s inspired maxi

This is such a versatile look and seems to be here to stay for a while.  Nordstrom offers the Winter Kate ‘Damien’ silk maxi for $225.00.  Although this is a gorgeous dress, the budget conscious shopper can find a similar dress for under $30.  The embroidered maxi dress at Body Central or the eyelet woven maxi skirt at Forever 21 are two great options to acquire the look for less.

Comfy, cozy cardigans

Whether striped, animal print or plain, a comfy and cozy cardigan is a must-have this school year.  Kohl’s Miss Chievous solid knit cardigan or Aeropastale’s Fair Isle drawstring cardigan are both under $30.  DKYNC has a higher priced snuggly chunky cozy for $119.00

Lacy layers

If you don’t want spring for the $248.00 MaxAzria lace bodysuit that was recently spotted on the runway, you could visit delia’s in search of the more reasonably priced Haley lace top.  Abercrombie + Fitch also has some crocheted lacy tops-the Jorie has a ribbon closure-that are perfect for layering and perfect for your budget.

Skinny pant

The ‘skinny’ has it that skinny pants still have the spotlight.  Hollister’s Oceanside skinny is priced at $39.50.  At Bebe you can find the Euro lace skinny jean-one hot pair of jeans with lace detail  down the legs- for $99.99.  Although still pricey, this jean was originally $199.00, thus is still a very stylish bargain.

Sparkle

You need to add some sparkle to your wardrobe!  DKNY’s sparkle tee is priced at $145.00 but many lines are selling sequined or sparkly tights, tees and accessories.  Try Express where you can find a sequin wristlet for $20.

Retro jewels

The Flower Flash bib necklace ($250.00) at J. Crew is the perfect example of this season’s jewelry trend.  You may want to find a similar look for under $30 at Anthropologie or Juicy Couture.

Splash of neon

Lots of bright is what you will get for $240.00 with Aidan Mattox’s ruffled one- shoulder stretch satin dress.  However, at delia’s you can find a splash of neon with scarves on sale for $5.99.

Graffiti accessories

Fendi’s Graffiti Zucca ballerina flats are tempting but will leave you with $395.00 less in your account.  Go to tillys.com and check out the Hurley graffiti handbag.  This handbag comes with a tempting price-$25.99.

Keep in mind, you can and will be stylish this school year-even on a budget-so happy shopping!

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