How to Look Fashionable Without Going Broke

Is the economy ruining your style? Fear not fellow fashionistas! Here is how to stay in style without going broke.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• friends with similar likes in fashion
• a meeting with them every so often - maybe monthly
• clothes, accessories to trade

1. First look at all of your clothes in your closet. Decide what items you can give away or trade with your friends. Then find items that you want to keep as staple items in your wardrobe.

2. Make your own accessories from old beaded necklaces from your great aunts or grandmothers. This is also a great place to find for vintage purses especially if fashionistas run in your family! Designate looks or outfits you are trying to get this season by browsing current fashion magazines either online or at your local library.

3. Spread the word! Call some friends and tell them to do the above steps. Email and social networking sites also will allow you to spread the word easily and quickly with invites to your event.

4. Have a monthly or bimonthly get together with a bunch of your girlfriends and trade accessories, shirts, belts, and purses. Pants & jeans are a little bit harder to trade since length, hip, and butt size always need to be taken into consideration.

5. Toss items that you just don't want in a pile for salvation army. This will clean your closet out for the next time you trade items with friends!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't have friends who are the same size as you? Post a bulletin on networking sites like myspace or facebook.
• Go to thrift stores or consignment shops if you MUST buy something.
• If you cannot update your wardrobe and need key essential items go to stores like tj maxx or other discount stores.
• Also try websites like ebay to get the most bang for your buck.
• Do not splurge each season on one super hot trend item because the trend item might go out of style by the next season.
• Always be sure to make sure your friends don't have extreme body odor if you want to trade shirts with them. No one wants to get a shirt or blouse returned with an extra smelly present included.
• Make everyone sign a contract saying they will return the item the next month or they will replace it.
• Only trade clothes that you won't miss in case the contract is broken.
• Trade at your own risk!