Desi Diva

By Sasha Tong

Fall into Style...Without Breaking the Bank!

Here's our guide to the best of the season's bargains and splurges.

The first sign of the fall shopping season has to be the arrival of the phone book-sized Vogue magazine that’s too big for your mailbox! But what’s a girl to do with so many choices, styles and prices? For those of us without disposable income, the key to looking stylish is knowing when to spend and when to save. Before you hit the mall, check out our list of must-have items you can get away with buying at a bargain—and the ones you can’t.

What: Handbags
Verdict: Save
Here’s why: It takes more than a quick glance these days to tell a designer bag from a knockoff, and with ever-changing styles, why pay more when you don’t have to? Try Devi Kroell for Target handbags—they’re cute and affordable bags in faux metallic skins, in every size you could want. You’ll find hobo bags, clutches and even large totes for those “bring everything” days! But get ‘em while they’re hot; these must-haves are only available at Target stores and Target.com until Sept. 30.

What: Sunglasses
Verdict: Save
Here’s why: Sunglasses have a way of getting lost or squashed, no matter how diligent their owners. But there’s no need to fret if you spent $5-15 on a pair instead of $500. With prices that low, you can get every style that tickles your fancy and not care if you leave them poolside. Finding the latest style is a breeze—sunglasses are available everywhere: malls, swap meets and on the street! Just make sure to buy ones that filter out UV rays and block sun-glare.

What: Trenches
Verdict: Save
Here’s why: Trenches are rapidly becoming a must-have fall accessory, and as a result, you can find them in all sorts of styles and colors. Buying inexpensive ones can help you collect the lot of them. We choose bebe Satin Cotton Trenches—they’re gorgeous and affordable fall staples that are a surefire way to up the glam factor of your entire wardrobe. You’ll love the look with pantsuits, cocktail dresses and jeans. To keep a little bit of summer, try a double breasted style over a short skirt, with fabulous pumps for a look that shows off tanned legs!

What: Cashmere Coat
Verdict: Save … or Spend!
Here’s why: The price tag and quality of this item go hand-in-hand, but there are still slight bargains to be had if you look for retailers a cut or two above your standard department store. You may pay more than you’re used to at Bloomingdales.com, for example, but it would likely be a good investment, and Bloomie’s has a range of styles that get you lots of bang for your buck. Also, check your area for outerwear superstores that can offer great selection and prices. Vintage stores carry adorable pieces that can look as good as new with a little TLC and a professional cleaning. If you want a little splurge, Max Mara cashmere coats are dreamy, sleek and durable. But if pure luxury is what you want, Fendi and Dolce & Gabbana can offer it in spades!

What: The Evening Dress
Verdict: Spend
Here’s why: A classic evening gown will never go out of style, and if you pay a pretty penny, chances are you’ll make sure it lasts year after year. A simple, well-made gown in a luxury fabric can work for decades. You can definitely find trendier versions for much less, but timeless, well-made gowns in silk, satin and chiffon can set you apart from the crowd. To really make the investment worthwhile, have your new dress tailored to your proportions—it’ll look like it was made just for you.

What: Diamonds and Gemstones
Verdict: Spend
Here’s why: Glittering diamonds cut so precisely that they never seem to stop sparkling can set your look ablaze, even if you hardly spent on the rest of your outfit. Unlike many trendy baubles that chip, snap or fade with wear, diamonds and gemstones need only a quick polish to restore their luster—and they never, ever go out of style. Ice.com has pieces for every budget, while estate sales are ideal for finding well-made, unusual pieces. If stores don't have what your heart desires, take a look in your mother's and grandmother's jewelry stash: they've probably got the real deal at a price you can't beat, and in styles that can't be found in your standard jewelry shop.

Remember…
Keep in mind that for base pieces, like stretch tanks, tights or trendy accessories, don’t pay more than you have to. Inexpensive jeans can work just as well as those with triple digit prices, as long as they fit and are well-stitched. Paying more for shoes, coats and jewelry makes sense if you’d like to get a lot of wear and versatility out of them—and such items in designer styles can elevate a simple (and often inexpensive) sweater and jeans ensemble to a fashionista level.

Remember to keep balance in mind when combining higher and lower end pieces. Too many designer duds can make you look like you’re trying too hard, while too many teenage-mall pieces can make you look like you never grew up. Look effortlessly chic by knowing when to pay a high price and when to look for bargains.

Sasha Tong is a New York and Hawaii-based image consultant and freelance writer. She specializes in fashion, wine connoisseurship and modern etiquette.

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