I’m going to be honest with you — my first thought after watching that Shopaholic film was ‘so this means if I got a credit card, I could have amazing clothes like that too?’

Definitely not the point, as every person I shared my revelation with was quick to point out. But what’s a shopaholic on a limited budget to do? Figure out how to do it on the cheap!  I’ve rounded up some less expensive alternatives to those pricey stores we all love in hopes that we can look super trendy, without being super broke.

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America has more name brands than Law and Order reruns and while you may want to go unload your entire check at GAP or Abercrombie, you don’t want to buy something that you thought was cute and unique and later have buyer’s remorse when you see something identical for less.

I’m not encouraging you to start buying knock off Jimmy Choos from Payless and wanna-be BCBG dresses at Walmart (although, just throwing it out there, you may find some very GOOD knock offs). All I’m saying is you should know that EVERY store is competing with another store and when you shop competitively, you save money. Money that you can use to stimulate the economy…or your wardrobe.

So I thought I’d help you sift through the proverbial mall and figure out which stores are best for your budget. Each week I’ll be comparing apples to apples (or undies to undies) to give you the real deal and arm you with the knowledge you need to make the wisest wardrobe choices. Ready. Set. SHOP.

Aerie vs. Victoria Secret Pink
Whoa, didn’t see that one coming did you? In fact, some of you are sitting on your bed thinking, “Are you serious, there is no competition!”or “Those two aren’t even the same.” Well, ladies, think again.

PINK
You know Victoria’s Secret Pink.

History
You’ve been to Pink before so I’m not going to bore you with a description of the store, but here is a little info on that brightly lit store blinding you on your way to Starbucks.

* Since its creation, Pink has been hailed the #1 Loungewear brand in the World (well at least, according to LimitedBrands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret and Pink).
* In 2008, VS launched their “Exclusive Collegiate Co-branded Collection” and they currently own the rights to more than 33 colleges and universities in the country.
* They are best known for their loose fitting, extra soft sweatpants boasting giant peace signs.
* Some of their most popular items are their PINK tote bags and new, trendy college hoodies.

Pricing
Thong: $9.50 (or 5 for $25)
Bra: (about) $30
T-shirt: $15
Sweatpants: $30 (or 2 for $50)
“Frilly” panties: $9.50 (or 5 for $25)
“Plain” panties: $7.50 (or 5 for $25)
Shoes: $35
Other adorable stuff: $20 (except for that adorable mascot puppy; he’s usually free!)

Now for the competition:

Aerie
It’s new, it’s cute and, YES, it’s competing with VS Pink.

History
* In 2006, American Eagle Outfitters Inc., the parent company of American Eagle Outfitters, launched their “intimates sub-brand,” Aerie.
* They take a more pastel approach to the “dorm-wear” fad
* Their simplistic, yet dainty color schemes of light blues and pinks makes them appeal to less brazen crowd.
* On October 13, 2009, Aerie’s Customer Loyalty Pass (aka their A-List Pass that some of you currently own) surpassed over 1 million in a little over a year, which is pretty big deal for a newer store.
* The ambiance of the store is enough to pull even the most timid shopper in.

Pricing
Thong: $7.50 (or 5 for $25), $10.50 (or 4 for $25) and $12.50 (or 3 for $25). The most expensive individual thong you can buy is $14.50.
Bra: $24
T-shirt: $20 (or BOGO)
Sweatpants: $34.50
“Frilly” panties: $10.50 (or 4 for $25)
“Plain” panties: $7.50 (or 5 for $25)
Shoes: No shoes, they cut those about 6 months ago, but they sell booties and slipper socks that’ll run you about $29.50 each
Other adorable stuff: $ 20

You be the Judge
So, what did YOU guys think? According to survey of 30 girls or so, this is what you guys said:

- 81.8% of you guys said you prefer Pink to Aerie
- Every month, 50% of you girls spend between $25-$75 in Aerie or Pink
- 82.6% of you guys shop at Victoria ‘sSecret more than you do American Eagle.

When asked what you hated or loved about Aerie OR Pink, this is what you said:

“I love Pink because it offers me a variety of retail and it’s fun, flirty, and fresh.”
“Aerie just doesnt appeal to me. Something about it seems rugged and not sexy enough.”
“Sweatpants should never cost $70. Too expensive”
“Aerie is boring”
“I don’t like the way PINK bras fit, they’re too low cut for me and I feel like I’m falling out of them all day.”

At the end of the day, neither store is traditional nor is either store “cheap,” but in both, you can expect to find something that will make you smile and something super comfy to wear to class. Or maybe something you can take off for your male friend later…

What do you have to say? Which do you prefer?

A t-shirt is probably something you wear to the gym, or to class with a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. However, that plain, boring black tee has a lot of fashion potential.

Here, I used this black t-shirt from American Eagle Outfitters to create three cute outfits that anyone could pull off. Here are three new ways to rock a plain t-shirt:

1) Wear a bib necklace to instantly make any plain top stylish. This works best with crew neck t-shirts. For a cute daytime look, throw on a pair of jeans and wear a brightly-colored bib necklace with a few other colorful accessories.

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter or read my blog, Style4Me!

A colorful graphic tee (like the Henry Holland ones above) will make your outfit stand out. However, if it’s not usually your style, it can be hard to incorporate one into your ensemble without looking too casual, too punky, or like you’re trying too hard.

Below are a few examples for different ways to rock the graphic tee. You can pair one with dressier items for a more glam look, or work it with some basic jeans and fun accessories for the more casual version. Whatever you do, have fun with it. These shirts aren’t mean to be taken seriously.

1. With jeans, heels, and some sparkly accessories for a nighttime look with a casual vibe:

Tee, Karmaloop. Shoes, Aldo. Jewelry, Aldo. Clutch, Whiting + Davis.

2. For a night out on the town, pair a graphic tee with a sparkly mini skirt, tights, and heels. Make sure you throw in a bright color or two somewhere as well.

Tee, Urban Outfitters. Skirt, Asos. Necklace, Ross-Simons. Clutch, Bebe.

3. Cute but casual. Rock a colorful tee with cuffed jeans and bright heels – just make sure the colors all complement one another. There is a fine line between cute-and-casual and overdone-and-cheesy. Wear this look to the mall or to class.

Tee, Delias. Jeans, American Eagle Outfitters. Bag, Forever 21. Shoes, Charlotte Russe.

Remember: pulling off the graphic tee is all about OD’ing on accessories, funky colors, and confidence. Have fun with it and soon all your friends will be jealous of your new (non-Ed Hardy) style.

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Ruffles always look so elegant and feminine – but that’s not why I love them so much. The best part about ruffles is that they can balance out your body. Small bust and big hips? Put on a top with some ruffles and – poof – an instant chest! Need to add some oomph to your bottom half? Throw on a ruffled skirt! Seen on the runways of Givenchy, Just Cavalli, Giambattista Valli, and others, ruffles are possibly the easiest way to emphasize and enlarge areas that you want to be on display while making other ares (i.e. your waist) appear slimmer.

If you want to make your bust appear larger, here are some really cute tops. Pair em with your favorite pair of going-out jeans for a perfectly balanced outfit. Click on the picture to learn more, or to buy em. (And how could you not? They are so. cute.)

If you want to add some curve/volume to your hips while slimming your legs, these perfecty placed (read: low on the body) ruffles will do the trick. Again, click to see more:

If you’re still nervous or unsure about rocking this look, you can add ruffles with a little more subtlety. Ruffles on the shoulder are easy to pull off and are flattering for your arms, and a small ruffle on a v-neck brings all the attention to your chest. Hot.

A skirt with a long ruffle in the front is very pretty, simple, and feminine, but with a fun little twist. This look can be worn with a tight top and a pair of heels for a party, or with a more conservative top for your internship or job interviews.

Finally, if you’re just not feeling the ruffley clothes, you can still rock this trend by carrying a ruffled purse or shoes.

Just remember: ruffles stand out, so if you don’t want to show something off, don’t stick a ruffle there!

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Previously worn only by tattooed biker chicks, leather jackets have become a must-have item for fall. Stylish and comfortable, the leather jacket is the perfect substitute for that tired North Face fleece.

Although they are a little bit pricey, leather jackets are a worthwhile investment since there are so many different ways to rock them. The above crop leather motorcycle jacket from Victoria’s Secret is $198, but it works with so many outfits that it will be a splurge you won’t regret.

Here are four ways to rock the leather jacket:

The Classic Leather Jacket Look

Over a white shirt and jeans. Clean, crisp, cool. For an extra kick, throw on a pair of black booties. Tres chic!

Raglan Top, Express, $24.50. 77 Straight Jean, American Eagle Outfitters, $29.50. Shoes, Nicole Bitter at Piperlime.com, $89.

Rocker Chic

Pair a graphic tee with grey skinny pants, rock the LJ (leather jacket) and you’ve completed this look.

Tee, Forever 21, $12.80. Jeans, PacSun, $39.50. Shoes, Fitzwell at Zappos.com, $65.

Feminine

Dresses are cute, but sometimes they need a little oomph. Give some edge to a cute dress by layering with feminine pieces and, of course, the rockin’ leather jacket.

Dress, Tempted at Macy’s, $33. Necklace, Aldo, $15. Boots, Aldo, $130.00.

Glammed Up

A minidress with leggings and heels is perfect for a night out on the town. But since it’s getting a little chilly at night lately, throw on a leather jacket for warmth and extra style.

Minidress, AmiClubWear, $19.99. Leggings, Arden B, $28.00. Bangle, Aldo, $8.