If you fashionistas out there are anything like me, you have been diligently perusing the fashion mags for the latest styles from the fall runways. All the while wistfully imagining those must-have fall looks jumping right off the pages and into your closet. As visions of Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton dance in your heads, you suddenly become painfully aware that your rent check is late (again), ramen has become a necessary part of your diet and you just blew $500 on chem books.
But have no fear—those runway looks are not as far out of reach as you think. All it takes is a surprisingly little amount of money and advice from someone who has made it her quest in life to find ""champagne"" designer looks on the all-too-common ""beer"" budget. Here are some money-saving tricks I've picked up over the years from fashion mags, penny-pinching fashion-conscience friends and tips from my own recent shopping experience in which I recreated high-priced fall looks at a fraction of the cost.
1. Invest in style
Fashion-savvy individuals tend to have a dirty little secret: Although an outfit may look incredibly expensive, she probably is wearing only a couple pieces that cost over, say, $50. The trick is to purchase a couple of ""investment"" pieces that might cost a little more money, but you can see yourself wearing nearly every day.
Top pieces to invest in for fall and winter: a great pair of boots, an oversized bag that will match everything, and most importantly an incredible coat you can wear for years to come. For example, when I was conducting my ""research"" for this article, I spotted a red Marc by Marc Jacobs wool coat that I knew would go with everything and for practical purposes, would keep me warm during those lovely below-zero Wisconsin winter days. Yes, it was half my month's rent (cleansing breaths...), but I know I will love it forever, and wear it proudly with my sweaters from Target see tip No. 3. Look to stores like Bop, 222 W Gorham St., Urban Outfitters, 604 State St., Express at West Towne Mall or the recently-opened store Up!, 619 State St., for great ""investment"" pieces.
2. There's gold in them there resale stores.
Do the words ""resale store"" conjure up an image of wrinkled, outdated clothes clumped together in huge bins while an old, musty smell hangs in the air? Not all resale stores are created equal. In fact, most resale stores nowadays mimic stores that sell new items and contain amazing designer finds. In local stores like Wear It Again, 4017 Lien Rd., and Plato's Closet, 286 Junction Rd. and 2131 Zier Rd., I've managed to find authentic Coach bags, Dior blazers, Juicy track suits and Citizens of Humanity jeans for shockingly low prices.
One store in town that specifically carries ""designer resale"" items is The Pink Poodle, 5918 Odana Rd., where I picked up quite a few designer-caliber items to put together my low-cost fall looks.
Tips for spotting designer amid the overwhelming sea of consignment clothes: the most common items that have designer labels in resale stores are sweaters, suits and shoes. Also, do not buy a piece just because it says ""Chanel"" or ""Burberry."" Try it on first before making a purchase that you could regret later. Although it's exciting to score a designer label, designer sizes are not real-world sizes and cuts.
3. Target and H&M are ""fashion houses"" for real people.
Looking for ultra-trendy looks but aren't sure if they'll still be popular in six months? Then Target, H&M and other wholesale, low-cost retailers are the way to go. Some fall looks definitely have a shelf-life (tartan plaids, leggings, metallics, skulls, etc.) and it would be a tragedy to spend your rent check on something that will look ridiculous in only a few months time.
But if you're dying to have those skinny jeans or that black patent bag, look no further than your friendly neighborhood TargAct, and find fall essentials like thick black tights, ankle booties, and long tunic-style sweaters at non-guilt inducing prices.
H&M has recently blessed Madison with its economical Swedish presence (find it at West Towne Mall) and is stocked with uber-trendy fall runway looks like plaid blazers, wide belts and leopard-print leggings.
Hey, if it's good enough for Madonna, it is good enough for the rest of us.
Marc Jacobs is one of the favorite designers among youngsters because his styles are wearable. For fall fashion, Marc swapped his vivid colors and retro polka dots for a new idea: layering. Students that have survived winters in Wisconsin probably understand the idea of piling up clothes; the trick here is to show every coating and have them organized in perfect harmony. So instead of normally wearing T-shirts under sweaters, try an oversize dress over your turtleneck. Or as Chloe did on the runway, put your wool shorts over your pants.
The Marc Jacobs ""Layered"" Look
- Cream knit sweaterdress: Pink Poodle, Studio Y, $18.99
- Gray turtleneck: Pink Poodle, Sigrid Olsen, $9.99
- Gray tights: Target,
Merona, $4.99
- Brown boots: Urban Outfitters, London U, $88
- Gray socks (to roll over tops of boots): Target, Cherokee, $4.99
TOTAL: $126.96
The ""skinny look"" has been overpowering the runways. Extravagant capes were worn with very tight pants at the Balenciaga show and Stella McCartney put together loose pants, a large sweater and a big bag for one of the most casual chic looks of the season.
But since model measurements are not for every woman, the key is to keep the outfit balanced. Either wear an imposing coat with skintight jeans, or counterweight large pants with a fitted top or jacket.
Another option for young women who are not ready to play with substantial volumes is to steal their dad's v-neck sweater or add a lengthy scarf to their casual wear, accessorized by an extra-large leather bag. If baggy pants are part of your daily wear, make sure to add an ounce of elegance to your outfit by trading your fleece with at least a tight shirt.
The Balenciaga ""Skinny"" Look
- Black skinny pants: Steve & Barry's, $6.98
- Black cropped jacket: Up!,
Kenzie, $70
- White button-down: Target, Mossimo, $17.99
- Black ""riding"" hat: Bop,
Diesel, $40
- Silver belt: Wet Seal, $7.50
- Black platform pumps:
Wet Seal, $22.50
TOTAL: $164.97
This fall features another runway trend where metallic colors are in. This does not mean everything that screams ""bling bling"" is good. Forget the Paris Hilton look and get inspired by Louis Vuitton's show. Choose a silver top that is a bit oversized with a belt wrapped around the waist—remember belts on hips are out—will be in line with this seasons must haves. Gold can still be chic in small doses, especially with golden flats on tan feet and red toes.
The Louis Vuitton ""Metallic"" Look
- Silver, silk shirt: Express, $49.50
- Skirt: Pink Poodle, Old Navy, $15
- Black tights: Target, Merona, $4.99
- Black oversized bag: H&M, $24.90
- Black heels: Pink Poodle, Stuart Weitzman, $35
TOTAL: $129.39
