If you're looking for creative ways to stretch your style budget this season, you are not alone! In a recent poll that we ran here at The Budget Babe, 29% of readers said they've cut down on fashion expenditures due to the slumping economy, while 52% reported that they were sticking closely to their already-frugal ways.

To help me stick to my limited budget, I made a list of all the things I really need (yes, need! Gotta feed my inner fashionista) for fall/winter. Making a list before you shop is a great way to get the wardrobe you really want, without racking up the debt you don't want. Think of it as building a tightly-edited European-style wardrobe where each piece is a hit.

These are the items I think are worth investing in this season:

Yes, you read that headline correctly. Designer Charlotte Ronson, the twin sister of DJ Samantha Ronson (LiLo's girlfriend), will be collaborating with JCPenney on a budget-friendly collection called I Heart Ronson. The new line will be available starting this February, and will stay true to Ronson's "rock babe aesthetic."

Just when I was beginning to tire of designer diffusion lines, JC Penney went and hit the ball out of the park with this one. It's too cold (temperature-wise) to get genuinely excited about these looks for Spring, but trust me, when February rolls around, I'll be first in line to see the goods at JCPenney--a store I haven't shopped at in eons.

Keep reading to preview first-look photos from the collection.

The Limited finally launched an online store sometime in mid-September, but apparently I didn't get the memo. Oh well, we've waited this long for the shopping mall staple to go cyber, so what's a few more weeks?

Click on over to their site and you'll find the Limited's usual strengths: Affordable office attire, including modern-classic suits, skirts and tops. Keep browsing for trendier accessories, outerwear, and dresses that are great for updating your wardrobe this season, but won't be "out" the next.

Colorful sugar skulls liven up these Nick & Nora for Target Pajamas, which are perfect for lounging, snoozing or celebrating The Day of the Dead (that's today!). But seriously, don't wear these out of the house (have you noticed how many people these days wear actual pajama pants in public?)--DO wear them when you want something warm, snuggly and just plain fun.

Left: Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Sleep Tee at Target.com, $17.99
Right: Nick & Nora® Sugar Skulls Jersey Pajama Coat Set at Target.com, $24.99
Not shown: Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Robe, $24.99; Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Slippers, $12.99.