Fashion on the Smallest Budget: 12 Resources for Looking Fabulous for Less

I have eagerly started reading many a shopping article with a title like "Look Fabulous for Less!" only to find that their "less" is still far more than what I can afford. When you have a passion for style along with a tiny budget for clothing, it can be a real challenge to keep yourself happy and your closet full. But, particularly online, there are lots of sources for inexpensive fashion that you can mix and match to create a look that is completely yours and completely within your budget. Here are 12 resources for really looking fabulous for less.

eBay

Everyone knows that eBay is a fantastic resource for any bargain hunter, but wading through the thousands of items added to the Clothing section each day is likely to put you in a coma. A better strategy is to try doing keyword searches for specific brands you already like, such as "Anthropologie" or "Bebe". With a little patience, you can often score a deal on some practically new items that were simply bought one size too large or small by someone else. Of course, this means that YOU should be sure of the sizing, so make an effort to have accurate measurements of both your body and the clothes--advice that applies to online shopping in general.

Also, be sure to branch out and spend a little time browsing eBay's generous vintage section; you may be rewarded by finding that one unexpected piece that will distinguish your wardrobe from all the others.

SmartBargains and BlueFly

BlueFly is probably the best online source for designer clothes. It's very easy to navigate and almost every major label has some choice pieces of their collections at drastic discounts that even the budget shopper can appreciate. Likewise, SmartBargains keeps a constant rotation of discounted designer goods and can also be a great resource for scoring some unique deals. When building a wardrobe, it's so important to invest in pieces that you will have for years and that can be an anchor for the more trendy clothes offered by the budget stores. And if that anchor can be found on sale, then all the better.

La Redoute, Urban Outfitters and Delias