Budget Style: Fall Essentials

If you've read my Recessionista's Ultimate Guide to Finance or my article on the Great American Apparel Diet, you know that I am an advocate for shopping with your means. When it comes to fashion, I'm no spendthrift. I have to work with a careful budget. Sometimes the restraint of a budget leave me craving uber-trendy and typically expensive fashion items that I know I can't afford. I want what I can't have. There are so many fabulous pieces for fall, and the major trends (fur, luxe outerwear, etc.) I'm seeing cost more than my entire fall/winter budget.

If you're feeling the budget belt tightening in the winter like I am - what with Christmas coming up and all that - you're probably in the same boat as far as restricted spending. I am going to give you some affordable options for buying some of fall's most fabulous fashion offerings. No single item listed will cost more than $100.

Fur:

Repeat after me: There's nothing wrong with faux! Faux fur allows you to flaunt your fashion know-how without offending the PETA types in your circle of friends. Here are some of my favorite budget style pieces:

Faux Fur Cheetah Print Coat, $39.80

Ecote Faux Fur Vest, $98

Leopardess Hoodie, $67.99

Fur and Stone Cuff Bracelet, $28

Melody Fur Trim Cardigan, $49.50

Fantasy Fur Hooded Cape, $84.25

If you don't like faux fur, there's always the vintage option. The justification here is that the animal has been dead a long time. No one has recently killed a cute little fox to make a vintage fox stole. You are also contributing to the principle of recycling by purchasing vintage fur as opposed to new fur. Etsy and Ebay are great resources for vintage fur. You can also find some great fur items at thrift stores. Shopping vintage means you can get some fun, unique pieces that no one else will have (like the fur earrings pictured below).

Vintage Dark Rich Mink Fur Shawl/Collar, $36

Fur Clip On Earrings, $18

Capes:

Outwear is such a dominant trend for fall. More designers featured dramatic coats and capes than any other item on the F/W '10 runways. There are thousands of variations you can invest in, but capes are the most versatile. They are easy to dress up or dress down, and they have such an awesome retro feel to them. Think about pairing a swinging cape with a vintage faux fur muff. Pair them with skinny jeans tucked into knee-high cognac leather boots for the perfect fall look.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of fur and faux-fur capes out right now. Invest in one of these and you can kill two style must-haves with one purchase.

Caped Raincoat, $78

Dream Cape, $95

Feminine and Feline Cape, $69.99

Vintage 60's Camel Military Cape, $89

Crusader Cape, $78

Horizontal Cable Cape, $67.99

Chilli Pepper Belted Chunky Cape, $47.18

Schoolgirl/Conservative Chic:

Everyone is copping a laidback, hipster version of the preppy schoolgirl. Think darling knee socks and loose pigtails paired with a slouchy sweater and vest. This is a fun look to imitate, and a plaid skirt, chunky boots or oxfords, and knee-high tights are all you need to complete it:

Plaid Pencil Skirt, $24.50

Madewell Oversized Cardigan, $88

Checkered Knit Tights, $6.80

Pins and Needles Velvet Collar Blouse, $58

Truly Madly Deeply Long Sleeved Stripe Box Tee, $28

Cooperative Perforated Oxford, $20

Kate Equestrian Jacket, $98

Fatigue Boyfriend Blazer, $78

Betsey Sweetheart Crochet Over The Knee Sock, $24

Harbor Yourself Coat, $84.99

Briefcase Bag, $58

Lace Detail Knit Cardigan, $48

Statement Coat:

The days of boring pea coats are over, my friends. Statement coats are all the rage, but they make excellent long-lasting additions to any wardrobe. Pick surprising colors, fabrics and patterns.

Park Ave Jacket, $72

Double Button Aida Coat, $72

Rolvenden Coat, $89.99

Your Inner Animal Coat, $84.99

Ruffle Detail Coat, $93

Houndstooth Trench, $62

Pattern Maker's Coat, $99

Ella Plaid Coat, $69.50

Chilli Pepper Jacquard Flare Coat

These are my favorite items listed, and I'll probably get them. What did you like? What are you planning to buy for fall?

favorites by I'm highfashiongirl featuring over the knee socks