Marie-Claire magazine has excellent tip for those who like to follow fashion trends with a limited budget. I don't really care for fashion but I noticed there are many here who like the latest styles, I hope this helps

SET A SHOPPING BUDGET
Before running to the mall, real or virtual, create a realistic budget for the month. How much do you want to spend on clothes for work, after-work, and upcoming formal events? How much on shoes? Do you even need new shoes this month? Decide how much you can afford (factoring in the rest of your monthly bills) before heading to the checkout counter, and you’ll be one savvy shopper sans buyer’s remorse.

E-CLIP COUPONS
For those of us who said goodbye to print news long ago—and with it the Sunday coupon section—big breaks can still be had online. According to comScore, an Internet research firm, websites plying e-coupons and discount codes have seen a 38% uptick in traffic in the last year. Coolsavings.com offers coupons on everything from clothes to groceries. Simply print out the coupons you want and use them as you would the old fashioned kind.

HIT UP SALES
Sign up for shopittome.com’s “Sale Mail”. They’ll email you when brands you’ve chosen have gone on sale in your size and in your area. It’s like your own personal shopper. Also, take advantage of sample sales in your area. Dailycandy.com regularly lists designer sales in selected cities.

DON’T SPLURGE.
Hard as it may be, resist the urge to splurge on the latest “it bag” or those designer stilettos you’ve been eyeing. Trendy designs often “inspire” similar versions by more affordable labels. You’ll likely only wear the item for a season anyway.

INDULGE IN FADS SPARINGLY.
So we promised not to subject you to tired advice like shopping off-season, but this one bears repeating. Just because capris are in for summer and wide-leg trousers could be making a comeback for fall does not mean you need to own them. Many styles are simply unflattering for most. (Last fall’s booties, for example, made bowling pins out of too many calves.) Stick to well-fitting basics so you’ll get your money’s worth.

These are some great tips that you've offered us. I don't follow fashion trends, either, but these tips are so great that they can be applied to anything that involves spending money.

Nice I've always been shopping within the budget since I don't really buy things which is really not needed.

Really sensible councils. Found a little new for myself.

I try to shop within budget as well, especialy now when the times are tough. These are very god tips. Another one that I want to share is that when it comes to fragrances, sometimes you can buy a tester bottle for a cheaper price. It will not be nicely packaged and it will say "Tester" on it, but if you are buying it for yourself and not as a gift, it does not matter, right? The fragrance is still the same.

The whole "set your budget" part is where I tend to fail. It becomes so easy to just want to buy something when you want it and tell yourself, "Just this time." Then, when there are a few of those moments in a month, it can become a problem..

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-Brittany Brydahl