Five Cheap Ways to Scratch a Fall Shopping Itch

Disclaimer: I wrote this piece for Huff Po a few weeks ago, hence the lack of naughty language and the slightly more formal tone. Huff Po responded by not publishing it. Pfft. I’m attributing this to the fact that I waxed poetic on practical impulse buys during Fashion Week which, in hindsight, was probs a bad move. But riddle me this: What’s more relevant for the average shopper – a bevy of cost-friendly product suggestions, or an editrix’s ode to Alexander Wang’s $190 beanie?

That wasn’t a question. Anyhoo, I’m not about to let this puppy go to waste, so I’m obvs publishing it myself.

You’re welcome.

“Don’t you just love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies.” Heck yeah, Joe Fox. It doesn’t make me wanna craft a bouquet of sharpened pencils a la You’ve Got Mail, but it certainly makes me wanna buy something. Anything. Maybe it’s post-college nostalgia for Back to School shopping; maybe it’s all the hooplah surrounding Fashion Week & Fashion’s Night Out (insert big fat OY here).

Maybes aside, one thing’s fo sho: Most of us are too broke to afford the latest and greatest, and re-wiring our material-crazed brains into *needing* less is harder than we thought.

Fret not, chickadees. There’s more than one way to scratch a September shopping itch without effing up your credit score. Read on for five fiscally responsible fall fashion fixes (and pardon the alliteration).

Five Ways to Scratch a September Shopping Itch
1. Non-Boring Tights

An exciting pair of tights is a fab way to dabble in trends sans serious monetary commitment. I’m a fan of the ridiculous, so I get mine at the The Sock Man, which has the legwear version of every look Elle.com’s currently gushing over. Neons, Eighties or British Equestrian = hot pink opaques, sparkly metallic capris and houndstooth print hosiery. Doneskies. If you’re forced to contend with an office dress code, see Bare Necessities for more subtle options. Hue’s Luster Herringbone Control Top Tights or DKNY’s Croco Tights are my personal faves.

2. Edgy Nail Polish
I recently took a chance on OPI’s Russian Navy; the color was so unconventional (for me) that it put a smirk on my face every time I looked down at my hands. Change your polish, change your mood – it sounds nutso, but hey, it works.

Manglaze’s Fuggen Ugly is my latest means to feeling like a total badass. Instead of paying $200 for ripped jeans, treat yourself to a $20 manicure with a polish outside of your comfort zone. Mini material risks can be uber empowering.

3. Your Perfect Tee in a Different Color
When I’m in the field, I always overhear the following question exchanged between shopping buddies:

Don’t you have something just like that?
This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. If you wear something 24/7, it follows that you’ll wear something similar to it 24/7 too, thus increasing the instance of things in your closet you actually like. Owning “something just like that” shouldn’t be a deterrent; it should be a reinforcement of what works for YOU. This is why you always buy more than one of your perfect tee.

I’m having a love affair with American Apparel’s Unisex See Thru Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($32), but I toe the line with revealing clothing, so take that suggestion with nine grains of salt.

4. An Uber Adjustable Belt
Why? Because the right belt can transform an old Men’s undershirt into a killer tunic. I highly recommend thrifting your way to torso adornment. Vintage and re-sale shops always have about nine thousand belts to choose from; enjoy the browse and you’ll find something original AND well-priced.

The ideal belt is adjustable enough to cinch high on your waist or low on your hips. I snagged the grommet number pictured for three dollars (no joke) at Housing Works, Tribeca and saw its doppelganger on MTV’s Alexa Chung not a week later. I wonder what she paid. Muhaha.

5. Red Lipstick
Red Lips happen to be In right now (because that matters…), but I think they’re exempt from In/Out status. I don’t want to hear any gaff about skin tones and coloring: Red lipstick looks fab on any woman, anywhere, at any time of day. It’s often the sole difference between looking put together and looking like a total schlep, in part because it always makes you feel like a hottie.

The question isn’t whether or not there’s a shade out there for you (there is). The question is whether or not you’re brave enough to rock it (you are, I promise). I didn’t convert until I splurged on a nice tube, because a drug store can’t fully illuminate the power of red. Yes, a $24 lipstick is irritating. But it comes with a free side of sexy, so it’s worth it in the grand scheme of things.

My shade is Valentine, from Shiseido’s Perfect Rouge Collection. Find yours, and your mojo will follow.