In this economy, every penny you can stretch, pinch or double is an effort well-spent. But let’s face it, none of us are thrilled with the idea of giving up our fashion budget, no matter how thick or thin our wallet may be. Style experts are well aware of the squeeze on fashion dollars so they have compiled a list of surefire ways to shop smart and continue to look amazing. You may even find it’s more fun to shop this way because you’ve found the smartest way to spend your cash.

Boredom is the single greatest shopping motivator. The shop smart tip to battle boredom is to be creative and find a small detail to change rather than your entire fall wardrobe. For example, make it your mission to find three pairs of shoe clips. These are everywhere from vintage shops to department stores. Find one super fancy pair, one absolutely funky pair, and one in basic black, brown or white depending on the primary color of your shoe collection. Viola! You’ve bought at least three new pairs of shoes for less than the price of one. Put the clips everywhere on the shoes – front, heel, sides, only on one shoe or in a different spot on each shoe.

Model Chanel Iman says, ”Making something ‘new’ can be as simple as cutting it up. I’ve taken long granny skirts and cut them short to look young and sexy.” Old things can become ‘new’ by replacing buttons with newer, more stylish buttons or even bows or by adding lace or ribbon to edging.

The need to update is the second reason to shop. While some things are just so last season and need to go, others can be updated by adding a trendy, new element to them. Lace tops may not be the rage this year, but put one together with chunky heels and sleek pants or a long skirt and you’ve got a modish outfit.

Dressing opposite of your weekday style can be tough if you don’t want to spend a lot. It doesn’t take much to create a new look you if you’re a clever shopper. If you spend your week in a suit and heels, you’ll need to relax sometime. For a smart, casual look buy a few key pieces (or pull them out from the back of your closet – old is new again) that dress down your workday-wear. Start with your 20 year old denim jacket – that’s the hip way to say “jean jacket” in ’09. Put it over any white shirt and a bright, print skirt, pull on hobo boots and you’re on your way to relaxation. A denim jacket and hobo boots can comfortably and stylishly dress-down half your existing work wear.

Accessorizing is where you can be really smart and really fun at the same time. Look at every piece of jewelry you own or buy and find a use other than the one it was intended to fulfill. A long thin necklace becomes a twice-wrapped headband. Pin a large, elaborate ring through a button hole for a fancy take on the broach. Use earrings as a tie-tack or in place of collar buttons on an oxford shirt. The more creative you get, the better you’ll look.

Bottom line for smart shopping: Unless you’re sure you’ll wear something a million times, wait for it to go on sale and always pay cash. Charging means you pay more in the end and miss out on the next must-have… when it goes on sale.

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