Holly Watson is a full time student and TA studying towards her Doctorate in literature and writing. She is an avid runner, blogger and fashionista who enjoys a sale maybe a little more than the average person. You can follow her fashion blogging at Belts and Bangles and on Twitter.

Recent events have made everyone reevaluate their spending habits. Whereas people once found it perfectly acceptable to live beyond their means and rely on credit cards as a stop-gap, we have learned the importance of being frugal whenever possible. Living on a budget doesn’t have to cramp your style, though. Here are some suggestions for making your money stretch when expanding your wardrobe:

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Lessen your clothing needs by taking what you already have and making alterations to them. This can be done by you (if you know what you’re doing), or by a tailor or seamstress. You will pay for their services, but it’s still less expensive than buying new clothes.

But All My Friends Are Doing It!

Hold a clothing swap with your friends, in which you trade clothes you no longer wear. Alternately, shop at thrift shops and consignment shops, and donate/sell items that are no longer desirable. This will freshen your wardrobe and clean out your closet at the same time.

A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned

Always be on the lookout for deals. Look for printable coupons online, scour the sales racks, rummage through the dollar bins, and shop at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s. Even if your coupons or dollar-bin purchases are for non-clothing items, you will still be saving money that can later be spent on your wardrobe.

Gone are the days of indiscriminate spending and obsessive shopping. Americans have had to simplify their lives by paring down unnecessary expenditures and making more thoughtful purchases. This should not be considered as a temporary fix, either, but should become a permanent way of life. If your finances are managed responsibly and well, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t treat yourself, and give your wardrobe a little TLC every once in a while.

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1. Loose fitting. Both tanks and tee shirts are being worn loosely fitted this summer. A loose top looks fabulous at night over tight fitting skinny jeans, but also looks heat-ready and breezy paired with shorts or a mini skirt during the day. Look for loose tops with cool oversize front pockets and deep crew or V necklines.

2. Cropped tee. This summer marks the return of the crop top. While this may make some of you shiver and remember the days when crop tops were hideously everywhere, this time the trend is different. The crop tops now are much looser and flowy and do not hug the body is much. They usually have flirty, full sleeves and are being produced in all sorts of patterns and colors, from acid wash and tie-dye to classic white and neons. Try pairing your cropped tee shirt with skinny-legged cargo pants. The loose crop on the top looks so chic when paired with a tight, structured bottom.

3. Cut-outs. Tee shirts and tank tops with cut-outs are all the rage right now. Particularly, I think tee shirts with shoulder cut-outs look super cool. For a more casual look, cut-outs on the sleeves of a loose fitting tee can be fun. But to get a little more dressed up or for going out, cut-outs on a tight tee shirt can be very sexy. Strategic tee shirt slashing shows just that extra bit of skin that is so appealing!

4. Distressed and torn. Celebrities everywhere are wearing tops that look like theyÂ’ve gone through battle. Tee shirts this season have tons of holes, rips, tears, and other thrash marks. Some are also featuring studs in addition to the tears, making the tees look extra badass. Try these distressed tee shirts for a cool and edgy daytime look.

What tee shirts do you prefer?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/4537953672

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The Look:

Molly Joy’s warm look is perfectly in tune with the trends, but she definitely still adds her own spin. She captures the different proportions trend of loose clothes with tighter clothes perfectly with her balance of tight leggings and a loose white t-shirt and extra big black scarf. She also plays with colors by pairing neutrals with brights. Her oversized red toggle coat makes her stand out from the dreary gray street and make her otherwise black and white outfit especially chic. And finally, Molly Joy’s cross-body blue leather bag adds just another pop of color and touch of her personality to her look. She also adds a unique personal touch by pairing heavy-duty rolled socks with leather ankle cut boots.

Make It Yours:

The best part about Molly JoyÂ’s look is that you can look just as cool and laid-back as she does! This style of dressing flatters a lot of different body types, as it allows you to emphasize the smaller parts of your body by playing with proportions. If you have slender legs, you can create a look with skinny jeans or leggings that elongate your legs and focus the eye on them. If you have a thin waist, you can try not wearing a scarf and instead wearing a thick belt over your top and coat. This will showcase the thinnest part of your body and will make your overall look seem very pulled together and less just casually thrown on. Another key tip to take from Molly JoyÂ’s look is her wonderful red coat: even a splash of color will help brighten your outfit and your day!

Whatever your body type, this look can be quickly put together, yet still look sophisticated. And best of all, an outfit like Molly JoyÂ’s will keep you super warm during the last remaining days of winter.

Image Source: Street Spotted

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1. Aviators: rimless sunglasses and aviator styles are actually the most flattering for all face shapes. This style creates a casual look during the day for a retro feel. Pair with denim pieces or floral dresses for a modern vintage feel.
2. Black frame: great for a professional look, this style shouts classy and chic for a more serious demeanor. They are great with business attire or dark colored tops and bottoms. Your eyes should be positioned in the middle of each lens, horizontally and vertically.
3. Silver/Gold frame: even more flattering for gold or olive skin tones, this type of frame creates a rocker feel. I will usually match this type of style during the afternoon for a bold statement.
4. Colored frame: choosing a bold color that compliments your hair color and skin tone will help create a flattering look. When your hair or makeup is not looking so hot, hide it under a cheerful color to keep you confident. Your sunglasses shouldn’t be too small, and your eyebrows should not be entirely visible over the frame.
5. Oversize frame: this trendy look is great for a fashionable look. Add character to any outfit with this type of frame. The edge of the frame should be slightly wider than the widest part of your face. Use these sunglasses to add more dimension and style to a basic outfit. Your sunglasses will keep you looking in style!

Now how many of my sunglasses are designer styles? I would say that at least half of my collection are higher priced, and the remaining are vintage and affordable. Believe it or not, my discount sunglasses receive the most compliments. Sometimes, I like to splurge on designer glasses that have a better fit with a sturdier and more durable frame. I find that the more expensive designer brands are better for daily use.

I once had a pair of Chanel Sunglassses that cost me $400: luxury and classic style in a translucent gray frame. The designer logo was perfectly placed on the sides of the frame in a natural stone color. All of my outfits looked better when I wore these sunglasses… even if the clothes cost half as much. I will never forget the day that I misplaced them (no! I wasn’t intoxicated!). I was so upset about losing my big budget style and best shaded friends. How is it that we end up losing our expensive sunglasses and that our cheap ones get the most compliments?

Don’t be discouraged about buying cheap sunglass styles: they look great, and you won’t feel guilty about your purchase. When you are ready to splurge, make sure that you go for a classic look that keeps you modern throughout your years. If you pick frames are flattering to your face shape, you will not become bored over the seasons.

A quick and important tip: check whether your designer frames come with a warranty.

I can never leave my home without a pair of sunglasses. They block UV rays, prevent fine lines, and make a bold statement.

What’s your favorite style?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/aegishjalmur/2771926467, flickr.com/photos/gi/437304243, flickr.com/photos/37167854@N08/3808875504

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They really need to be delivering this kind of information to 9th graders–it’s a great incentive because most students believe Harvard is too far off as a possibility since it’s a private school. In the article,  one English major said that his education has not only been virtually free–but okay are you ready for this? The university actually gave him a laptop and a stipend for winter coats. That’s right–you get to shop on the university’s dime. Amazing.

One of my best friends is attending Yale and she says there’s nothing of that sort happening there–so it’s not an Ivy League thing–it’s just a Harvard club thing. That Harvard emblem has a ridiculous amount of worth. Wearing something from Harvard is a sign that you’re high class, successful, and let’s be honest, maybe a little pretentious.

And so the rich get richer.

Here’s some of the preppy style Harvard clothing. The designs are very sophisticated, but of course, completely over priced. The line is entitled “Harvard Yard.” You can see more of the NY Times fashion slide show here.

 Image Sources: wwd.com,  nytimes.com, thepreppyprincess.wordpress.com 

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As fast as the days turned too hot in the sultry summer heat, the lure for boots, tights and sweater dresses is also catching on. Here’s a simple look from Banana Republic. Marked at $130.00, the sweater is a bit out of range for young shoppers with a budget. No worries! To snag this look, I’ve found similar styles for a fraction of the price.

Twelve by Twelve sweater: $36.00

Try any of these other fabulous finds with your choice of tights or skinny jeans and boots:

Forever21 Grey sweater: $26.90

H81 (Heritage 1981) Grey sweater $22.90

   Forever21 Teal tights: $5.80

Express Black clutch: $23.70

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more clutch handbags.
                                        Shop for more sweater dresses.
                                        Shop for more sweaters.
                                        Shop for more tights.

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First up are these straight leg jeans. Each can serve as a standard pair that combines well with any top. From colorful tees to leather jackets, straight legs marked under $30 are a must have for any closet.

                                                  

                Agatha Straight Leg Jean (dark): $22.80              Renee Straight Leg Jean (grey): $29.80

HereÂ’s a low rise skinny that can have any girl jumping for joy. Priced at a mere $12.50, you donÂ’t have to shed your entire stash for this find. This pair comes in dark denim, black or indigo.

                                                             

                                                            Lindsey Skinny Jean (dark): $12.50

For those willing and daring to try a pair of trousers wide enough to push the skinnys aside, well, hereÂ’s a belted one for ya. This look is perfect with a fitted top, flat shoes and priced at $32.80.

                                             

                                                             Belted Denim Trouser: $32.80

Once again, Forever21.com offers free shipping for all orders $75 or more.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jeans.

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I like the pair from Gap (on the left for $39.99) because of their casual look but a more fitted wide leg can also be scored to dress up at night. I love wide leg pants (like the AE Sailor Pants on the right on sale for $24.95 at AE.com), especially this time of the year. So, forget the rules of when and where, if you love white pants then find your pair now.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for through all women’s pants.

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First:  Spice up the season with a little bohemian dress (or two). Macy’s priced this brown sundress at $58.00 originally but has dropped it down to only $17.99. That’s a steal and the lace trim is why I love it.

Wishes Wishes Wishes Border-Print Dress with Lace Trim: $58.00 Now: $17.99

             

              

           

              

         

     

Second: This Forever21 dress is $19.80 (whoa, more than Macy’s?!). Pair it with a sunhat and big glasses to get that beach-friendly style or dare to try a mustard yellow (best color of the season!) cardigan and flats for a casual night out. Don’t forget to accessorize.

Anya Smocked Tube Dress: $19.80

       

            

         

                       

         

These stores offer discounted or even free shipping depending on how much or what you buy. Don’t believe me? Go see for yourself at Macy’s.com and Forever21.com.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more dresses.
                                        Shop for women’s accessories.
                                        Shop for jewelry.

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I love the mixed colors, patterns and the loose feel of the outfit. If the skirt doesn’t work for you, try pairing the top with wide-leg brown pants instead. The look is boho chic and ideal for roaming the town with friends.

                                                            

If you don’t have the right skirt, you could score one for less than $20.00 at Forever21.com. Macy’s is also offering free shipping with the purchase of one regular priced juniors denim. Enter promo code “Trueblue” upon checkout.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more women’s shirts & tops.
                                       Shop for skirts.

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