Purchase Power

My most recent purchase is this super high-waisted skirt from American Apparel. I got a deep burgandy color, which they don't seem to have online but I also really like the navy color. At $44, it's a little more than I would generally spend on a skirt, but you can also wear it as a mini-dress so I closed my eyes and slid the cashier my almost maxed credit card. Whoops!

Payless for Booties

While strolling by a Payless recently, I stopped in to check out their fall offerings. They are right on point with the bootie trend and they had quite a few cute options. I'm definitely buying these, I'm seeing grey accessories all over the place lately. I'm also deciding about these colorblock booties. They're tres chic but maybe not so practical as it continues to get chilly.

You can run but you can't hide...

There is an unmistakable chill in the air in New York, which means soon I will need to buckle down and buy an actual jacket instead of throwing on my trusty black grandpa cardigan all the time. Buying a winter jacket is always tricky. I've tried going the cheap route (H&Ms winter coats are so damn cute) but inevitably I just freeze under a super trendy, paper-thin jacket. I've been looking for substantial coats and trying to keep the price around $100, which can be tough. I like this one from Gap and I have a pair of long gloves that I can wear with it from last season. I love the mustard yellow of this one, and this one from ModCloth is very Jackie O. This military-inspired peacoat from Delias is also surprisingly sophisticated. And for fun, I've been imagining myself rocking this vintage tweed number with a massive fox fur collar. So many choices!

Obsessive Anyone?

As the fashion weeks continue, I've been looking at pictures upon pictures of runway shows. The one show that keeps sticking in my mind is Burberry and their aaaamazing necklaces. Am I crazy or are these the shit? I've been scheming ways that I can have one (or one like it) for my very own. I actually think it could be possible to make a similar version by stringing giant beads on a simple cord. Etsy.com is a great source for beads and other crafty little things and I found these or even these that, when layered, could have a similar effect as my beloved Burberry bangles.

Working Girl Woes

Now that I’m gainfully employed, I need to dress somewhat professionally for the office on a daily basis. Lately, I’ve been struggling to find work-wear that is both appropriate and cute but I’ve been digging the new ‘70s secretary blouses trend that has emerged for fall. Too bad most of the ones that are within my budget look just that, cheap. If you want to go the vintage route eBay has some great options like this and this. And if you’re feeling granny chic, you could try this, though you’d definitely need something sturdy on the bottom to balance out the frills.

My old standby, Forever 21, also has a few cute options. You can’t go wrong with basic black and I’m kind of a sucker for the belt on this one.

So I'm in the market for a new scent but, like always, I don't want something too expensive or too expected for that matter, which rules out department store fragrances. I used to wear this Gap scent that has since been discontinued but I'm still obsessed with and occasionally buy on eBay. I've also been thinking about this Cherry Blossom scent from French company L'Occitane since I was in France last year. Any suggestions for cheap and off-kilter perfumes?

Your Little Brothers Blazer

I'm crazy about the vintage blazer look but I've only been able to find over-sized men's versions or over-priced women's versions. A friend recently tipped me off to a wallet-friendly alternative...raiding your bros closet, or just hitting up the kids section at Goodwill. Second hand stores are full of old prep school blazers and if you're lucky enough to be a size smallish, you can squeeze your little body into them. I've also scoured eBay, which has some great options. I'm in the market for a classic navy style or maybe I'll mix it up with this plaid number. I want to wear mine over a flowey floral dress. What about you?

Strapped for cash? Hate all of last season clothes in your over-stuffed closet? Welcome to my world. Welcome to my blog where I will share secrets for shopping when you're strapped for cash. I'll also share my own outfits, great finds and websites that I love. Stay tuned!