What’s happening with trends right now can be described in one word: CHEAP. With the economy as sour as it is, how does one stay fabulous and fashionable on a budget? With all the trendy stores in the hood, there are plenty of styles in the windows for that special occasion piece as a gift to yourself this month.

In the meantime, what’s a girl (or guy) to do to look great without racking up more debt? How does stay stylish without breaking the bank? Follow these two simple steps to help you figure out where you are on the ‘need' and 'want' scale and to paint a clearer picture about how you’ll be showing up your office mates at work this season.

1. Take closet inventory. Painful but true. Get your closet categories in order to figure out what you have, what you can toss, what you could possibly sell or trade and most importantly, what you need.

2. Now that you have a clearer picture of what you need, let’s talk trends. If you have champagne taste on a Budweiser budget, this is where your smarts can play up your style.

The Prada and Dolce & Gabbana 1960's style frocks worn by the ladies of “Mad Men” are all the rage right now, but they can retail from $1,000 to $4,000. Similar styles range in price from $69.99 to $117.99 at modcloth. The less expensive dresses have similar lines, flow, draping and style, giving you that 1960’s era look and feel, while leaving you some money to eat for the week.

In the shoe department, there’s always a way to pull off a similar look for less. Tory Burch ballet flats retail for $195.00, but flats by Christian Siriano for $39.99 at Payless are pretty darn close.

A Kate Spade leather bag retails for $395.00, but a similar handbag from Laila Rowe is just $56.00. Even though it’s not exactly the same bag, it’s the look, feel, and functionality of the bag that makes it similar to the higher priced version.

Jackets are a new favorite of ours this season and the style possibilities are endless! You can wear them year round, with pants, skirts, dresses or shorts. The trend this season seems to be the military style, in a variety of colors and button varieties. An Ann Taylor military jacket costs $228.00, but a Calvin Klein version costs a hundred bucks less.

As leggings, stirrups and ‘jeggings’ hit the scene this season, there are plenty of lower priced options for leg coverage. Chloe wool jersey stirrups cost a whopping $845.00. A similar Michael Kors pair is only $69.50! Who said less is more? More is more when you up your style this season by layering. Layer the leggings under a skirt, layer the jackets with tanks and button-down shirts. If you mix the more contemporary pieces in your wardrobe with your basic ‘bargain’ pieces, you can shop with confidence knowing you can stretch your dollars further and achieve a similar style. Save your money for your ‘can’t live without’ pieces and bargain shop where it counts.

During these difficult economic times, look for less expensive options to polish off your style and sophistication. You’ll be able to buy more and surprise yourself with the creative outfit options that you come up with.

For more bargaining tips, fashion inspiration and style education, please visit thedressrecycler. Your bargain fashion superhero!