Oct 19, 2009 11:00 pm US/Eastern
Fall Shopping On A Budget
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Fall is here and the latest and greatest fashions have hit the racks -- everything from bags to boots to blazers.
On a budget? You can still look hot to trot. Valerie Levesque shows you how to build an "it" wardrobe all while watching your pennies.
Jewelry designer Keri Starker has a passion for fashion. This fall, she's looking to stock her closet with some trendy gems.
"I'm on my feet all day at work, so I just want something fun, loose, comfortable, that I can wear with boots or with heels."
Keri has diamond style taste, but says she still has to watch her budget.
"We don't know how the economy is going to move forward and I just need to be really cautious."
Looking like a million bucks doesn't have to break the bank! Style expert Nicole Young says it's all about finding what trends you want to follow.
"You want to find the high end version. And it's not so much about trying to find a knockoff or a copy, but it's about going into your mall stores, your department stores, and looking for pieces that are inspired by the luxury brands," Nicole explained.
Take these striking crayola colored handbags by Treesje. They're clutch accessories in Hollywood and worth over $500 each. Looking to spend less?
"You can head right over to JCPenney and you can do a Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons, or a Worthington version, both under $50. Same bright, bold colors that are going to just punch up your wardrobe in an instant," Nicole said.
Punch up a dress or mini-skirt with a pair of textured tights. "Sculptz" are red hot right now and cost $28 a pair.
"They have amazing built-in body shapers into the tights, so it's going to give you that nice silhouette, along with a nice, fun pattern on the stockings," Nicole said.
Nicole says a less expensive option with just as much jazz can also be found at JCPenney.
Shopper Debbie Lavdas is looking for a steal in the shoe department.
"I would love some really comfortable shoes that are stylish," Debbie said.
Nicole says this fall it's all about the ankle boot.
"My suggestion is go with gray, because gray is the new black this fall. It's a neutral color. You can work it in with a lot of other shades and tones."
This Luxe pair by Pura Lopez is nearly $400. Step up your savings by stepping into this $55 version by Michael Antonio.
Kick your closet up another notch with an easy, breezy boyfriend blazer.
"You want to have a blazer that's a little bit longer cut, maybe slightly boxy. It's not going to be skin tight, so it will look great with, like, jeans and a tank top or over a nice mini dress," Nicole said.
Anne Taylor's Luxe version is just over $200. Or head to Wal-Mart for designer Norma Kamali's cut at just $20!
Debbie and Keri are both on the hunt for a cool cover up and some hot dresses. They plan to mix and match to make the most of their threads and their money.
"I'm going to throw on a great necklace, fabulous pair of earrings, cute scarf, maybe a little belt," Keri said.
"It would be nice to just kind of pull two to three items together and just head out the door and not have to over think it," Debbie said.
RELATED INFORMATION:
ANKLE BOOTS:
Luxe Version:
Pura Lopez Platform Lace-Up Boots, $374.95: www.endless.com
Affordable Version:
Michael Antonio Mickey Boot, $54.95: www.endless.com
CRAYOLA COLORED HANDBAGS:
Luxe Versions:
Treesje Tristan Hobo (Hot Pink), $625: www.treesje.com
Treesje Asher Satchel (Electric Blue), $595: www.treesje.com
Affordable Versions:
Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons (Hot Pink), $48: Select JCPenney
locations, www.jcp.com
Worthington Patent Satchel (Electric Blue), $48: Select JCPenney
locations, www.jcp.com
BOYFRIEND BLAZERS:
Luxe Version:
Ann Taylor Kate Wool Two-Button Jacket, $230: www.anntaylor.com
Affordable Version:
Norma Kamali Women's Career Boyfriend Jacket, $20:
http://www.walmart.com
TEXTURED TIGHTS:
Luxe Version:
Sculptz Chevron Opaque - Shaper Top Tights, $28: www.sculptz.com
Affordable Version:
Worthington Chevron Tights with Tummy Control, $12: www.jcp.com
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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