Despite what Fashion Week attendees have showcased the last few days, money for fab clothes does not grow on trees (at least, for me, it doesn't). When new seasons start, stocking your closets with the season's must-haves can be a challenge. If you're not careful, you may end up spending thousands on a handful of pieces that will be in this season and out the next. Then, you would have wasted three digits (or more) on stuff you'll likely donate to the Salvation Army--yes, I'm guilty, and it's a horrible feeling.

So, I decided to strategize before I hit the stores this time around. I made a list of six items (excluding shoes, bags and accessories--we'll save that for another shopping trip) that will really give me some longevity fall (maybe even winter), but keep me as stylish and put-together as the big spenders.

I just bought the following fall essentials:

• Boyfriend Blazer ($64 at FredFlare.com)
• Solid Boyfriend Cardigan ($22.25 at Aeropostale.com)
• Petite Leather Biker Jacket ($260 at Topshop.com)
• Oxford Shirt ($24.50 at OldNavy.com)
• Zipper Front Fitted Dress ($24.80 at Forever21.com)
• Erin Wasson X RVCA Ez-E Tank ($38.50 at LaGarconne.com)

You can mix and match any of these with each other or rock 'em with what you already have (they're great for transitioning your spring and summer stuff to fall and winter), and that should cover you through the new year! And the best part is, the lot will only set you back $435. Hi, recessionista!

--Ysolt

Celebrities from Lauren Conrad to Ashley Olsen count the Hollywood boutique Intuition as one of their go-to stores in Los Angeles, and now owner Jaye Hersh has given the rest of America a chance to shop Intuition with her new line, Hollywood Intuition for Target.

The collection, which offers accessories like handbags, scarves, and jewelry, carries great options to take you from summer to fall. With prices ranging from $2.99 for a headband to $29.99 for a handbag, the accessories are super adorable and super affordable.

Hersh told Women's Wear Daily, "We took the trends coming to the market and tried to make them accessible to the Target audience based on the celebrities that come into my shop."

She also said of herself, "I'm very approachable; I'm a working mom. That's the Target customer. I'm not a designer; I'm actually a shopkeeper."

Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Hurry and Shop Hollywood Intuition for Target before stock runs out!

Pictured: Large Satchel - Orange, $26.99 at Target.com

--Venus

I've never believed in the idea that every girl dreams of her perfect wedding and/or wedding dress. Sure, some do, but never me. My wedding wasn't a forefront concern; I always assumed I'd cross that bridge when I get there. Now, here's what I do believe in. Since I was 12, I've been dreaming of the day I'll be able to afford a Chanel 2.55 classic quilted bag.

Well, that day isn't here yet, but until then I've found a decent alternative.

These days, Reese Witherspoon has been looking happier and healthier than ever! But, with beautiful children, an adorable boyfriend (Jake Gylenhaal), and lots of movies to film, I'd probably be just as gorgeous. (Right?)

Here she is in early June, strolling in Los Angeles, CA.  Reese balances out a cute, printed sun dress with black accessories like a pair of black flats and a stylish black fedora.  And this is our take on getting Reese's style for less!

• Printed sun dress ($14.99 from Forever21.com)

• Black ballet flats ($14.99 at OldNavy.com)

• Black clutch, ($20 from UrbanOutfitters.com)

• Black fedora ($24 from ArdenB.com)

• Black sunglasses ($5.80 from Forever21.com)

• Gold heart necklace ($3.80 from Forever21.com)

As a leading London personal stylist, I spend many hours reviewing wardrobes. Given the fact that we only wear a shocking 20 percent of what we buy, frankly most of my clients waste money. I always ask my clients what would you like to look like? The most common response is "more stylish".

If you continually buy fashion only the buzz of buying translates into the unworn, there is nothing remotely glamorous about this. Learn the difference between style and fashion and wear most of your wardrobe until it wears out. Then when things are in the shops that you love, that make your heart sing, that really really suit you, buy them. These will form a great wardrobe for many seasons to come. Aim to be beautiful and fabulous and you will be!   

"Fashion" is next season's shoulder pads jacket. The "boyfriend" jacket now on trend will suit you if you are 5'8" or more, if you are under 5'4" and petite, it will swamp you. So don't buy it! If you do wear with skinny jeans and the highest heels you can bear or a mini skirt.

The jacket to die for is the Balmain Military jacket, sold out in London within a month at $3,750. Combine with an orange red silk top, the Balmain split jeans at $1,870 and you will look fantastic but be flat broke. What Rebecca did not learn was how to get the look she wanted cheaper. The military jacket will date very quickly so is it worth the money? Zara, Asos and Topshop all have copies of this look at a fraction of the price so if you must have a fashion hit buy from there. 

"Fashion" is also the here today, gone tomorrow looks that reinvigorate your wardrobe. Shoes are a fantastic "fashion" statement and so are bags. Fashion should be fun! Costume jewellery will add drama and class to an ordinary dress. For Spring Summer 09 orange is in, but less than 3 percent of the population can wear orange. If it does not suit you, then don't buy it.

Find your signature style. Spend your budget on items that you love deeply that you will wear forever. Jackets, jewellery, coats, cashmere should not be dull but beautiful in rich colours. Fit is everything, buy for how you are now, not for when you lose weight, for example, as this does not work. In short, learn what suits your body, learn what style you are and buy clothes that fit you.

--Gabrielle Teare, the world's leading fashion scientist, personal stylist and personal shopper based in the heart of Chelsea, London

 

I don't know about you, fashionistas, but all of this shopping talk has just reminded me to pick up the Confessions of a Shopaholic DVD (in stores June 23)!

Do you remember when a wide-eyed and frizzy-haired tween, Hermione, taught Harry Potter how to correctly say, "winGARdium leviOsa"?

I do. And, I will also admit that I eagerly await the final two movies of the Harry Potter series (when I can imagine that I might someday learn to "apparate" and have my own Gringotts vault).

In the meantime, Emma Watson (who plays the young wizard) decided to lose the big hair and the magenta robes for one hot minute in favor of something decidedly cooler: a modeling campaign as the new face of Burberry.

Always one to watch, Watson has drawn attention from a world outside of HP fanatics, and it is well-deserved.  The fashion-forward 19-year-old Brit hangs out with Karl Lagerfeld--that's all I need to say.

At the Tale of Despereaux premiere in Los Angeles, CA, Watson wore a stunning blue dress from William Tempest's Spring 2009 collection. The mesh sleeves and sweetheart neckline were delish!

Like the look? These might also strike your fancy:

  Lady Print Mesh Dress ($131 at PixieMarket.com)

 

Sleeveless Mesh Sweetheart Dress ($46 at AmericanApparel.com)

--Venus

No doubt about it - the economy is in a pretty dire place currently.

What we may not all be fully appreciating is that there is a delicious flip side to this problem.

All the time, I will get calls from friends, hearing about sudden crazy sales at our very stores. Why is this? A less-than-stellar holiday shopping season paired with the recession has people hesitant to shop - meaning it's the best time ever to! (Think back to those economics classes in high school. It's all an issue of supply and demand.)

For instance, yesterday I read about a "wardrobe bailout" sale going on at Mandee. This is a store that has been a staple since I was a kid and needed that quick date-night accessory. They are offering you a 20% discount with promo code BAILOUT throughout their site.

Clearly, buying a hot new belt will not fix the economy. But it will go a long way toward making us feel good despite what is going on.

-- Aly