In a perfect world, we would jet off to Pairs, New York, Milan, or Toronto to see the latest fashion shows before selecting our new wardrobe and having our trusty assistants cart our designer purchases back to our luxury condos.  The reality is, however, when choosing between making the mortgage/rent payment or buying Chanel’s over-the-knee boots with the signature double C, most of us choose to pay the mortgage/rent.  This is partly because we are responsible women, but mostly because the mortgage/rent payment is probably cheaper than the boots. Yes, designer duds are dandy but they come with a hefty price tag.  However, the smart woman knows she can look her best and wear the latest trends without remortgaging her house every time Galliano unveils a collection. 

Now, ladies, it is no secret that every woman needs to have some basic, classic items in her closet and there is a reason for that.  You should have a pair of dark wash jeans; a crisp, white linen blouse; the essential little black dress; a sweater set; a pair of black pumps; and a trench coat, to name a few.  These items should be good quality and fit you perfectly (tailor them if needs be).  Then, when a trend comes along, you are in a good position to partake without having to clean out your closet and bank account.  Animal print is in?  Buy an inexpensive leopard print scarf or belt and wear it with your blouse and jeans or little black dress.  Costume jewelry is all over the runway?  Buy a huge broach and wear it on your trench coat.

There are times, however, when a certain trend takes over the runway and a trip to the clothing store is a necessity.  A few years ago bubble skirts were everywhere.  If you spent over $100 on a bubble skirt, you were probably kicking yourself when the trend disappeared overnight.  So, how does one partake of a trend when the wallet is slim? 

First, you need to know what is in style.  You can do this by going online to your favorite fashion blogs, or Vogue, or subscribing to (or, even cheaper, borrowing from the library) fashion magazines like Elle or In Style.  In addition to the fashion spread, check out what the models are wearing in the ads.  You will quickly see what trends, colors, and fabrics are in for the season.  Then, go to places like Sears, Target and Wal Mart.

For example, the shift dress is very popular this season.  Alexander McQueen makes a beautiful shift dress but his prices start around $1,300.00.  Now zip over to Target.  A shift dress with those extra touches like cap sleeves or split neck collar will cost you under $20.00.  A similar dress from Sears will cost you around $50.00.  If you must have a recognizable label, check out upper end but not haute couture designers like Tommy Hilfiger for dresses under $200.00.  Now let’s say next season dresses disappear from the scene and the trendsetters are wearing leather pants.  Well, you can rest easy knowing you didn’t spend a fortune on your trendy piece and either sell it on e-bay to finance your next purchase or, if it is a basic enough piece, convert it into the next trend. 

Obviously you cannot morph a shift dress into leather pants, but if bare legs were the rage one year and dark hose (hint, dark hose is so in right now!!) is the next big thing, you can wear your dress with dark hose.  If big belts are seen on the runway, you can wear your dress with a big belt. 

We all want to look our best and be in style and you should never let cost stand in the way of that.  Places like Wal Mart and Target have massive buying power; that is why they can keep their prices so low.  True, a dress from Wal Mart does not have the rare imported fabrics and hand stitching of an Alexander McQueen, but if you care for your garments properly, they will look fresh, trendy, and stylish for years to come and your wallet and your closet will thank you.