The Budget Babe

Airwalks aren't just for skaters & surfers - their limited edition Cosmic Skimmer is the perfect way for the chick that's into kicks to get her fair share of fashion-forward plaid. They're super flexible and super comfy, and at just $17.99 they cost a lot less than similar styles by Skechers and Converse! Our favorite part is the metal crest detail. Very sweet. Find them at Airwalk.com >>

Coutorture members got a peek inside the pages of the new book, Harper's Bazaar Great Style. In one section, Harper's Bazaar senior editor Jenny Flevin highlights the seven major fashion persona categories: The Eclectics, the Classicists, the Ladies, the Minimalists, the Mavericks, the Bohemians, and the Bombshells.

Despite the cliché, overly-generalized nature of these sartorial classifications, you can't help but wonder where you fall within the spectrum. Identifying your style is a critical part of developing your ability to express yourself through fashion. And of course, it's subject to change. Often.

Fortunately, your fashion persona is only limited by your imagination—not your wallet. Whether you lean towards classics or crave the latest trend, you can afford to explore your fashion personality and let your true self shine on any budget (just see our breakdowns below!).

So what's your fashion persona? If you don't quite fit into any of the standard groups, make up your own! Are you an urban trekker? An artsy emo? An athletic natural? Join the discussion in the comments...

>>Click images to view full-size versions<<


The Budget Eclectic hits up thrift stores and online auction sites for one-of-a-kind pieces that exude originality. Fast-fashion retailers like H&M, Forever 21, TopShop and Target always turn up exciting eclectic treasures on a dime.

The Budget Classicist favors timeless styles over trends, shopping for affordable and enduring apparel at stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, The Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Kohl's and Old Navy. Because classics never go out of style, the classicist often has the edge when it comes to saving money and looking great.


The Budget Lady loves to play up her feminine side without being overly flirtatious. Demure and chic, the lady finds her fashions at Anthropologie, Forever 21, H&M, Target, Zara, Macy's, TopShop and Delia's.

The Budget Minimalist worships clean lines and simple silhouettes. Because less is more, the minimalist constructs her wardrobe with pared down shapes, colors and styles. Prices are kept to a minimum as well at stores such as Armani Exchange, Club Monoco, the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and J. Crew.


Over-the-top, avant garde, and oftentimes outrageous, the Budget Maverick knows how to get people talking—and thinking—about fashion in a whole new way. She scours designer sample sales, boutique close-outs, Shopbop's clearance section and designer outlets like Bluefly.com for those rare gems that have great style and a great pricetag.

Today's Budget Bohemian might snag a couple retro pieces from Mom's closet, but she's also sure to mix in up-to-the-minute free-spirited fashions from Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Target, H&M, Newport-News, Spiegel, and Free People. Boho babes don't care for high prices or designer labels - it's the vibe that matters most.

The Budget Bombshell is all about glamour and sex appeal. She scoops up shiny, pretty things at places like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Rampage, H&M, Arden B., Bebe, J.C. Penney, and Wet Seal. The bombshell gets the attention she deserves at a price she can afford.

We recently discovered a shoe brand called Luichiny at Zappos.com, and while we don't know much about this maker, we do know they carry red-hot party shoes for under $100! We especially love the pair shown above in the center - those floral rosettes, reminiscent of some romantic Valentino creation, are just heavenly. Go red and get noticed at your next holiday fete. (Click the pic to see more styles...)