When I was in high school, North Face fleece and puffy jackets were All The Rage. I used to play a game with one of my friends called "spot The North Face" in which we'd sit in the hallway between classes, or camp out in, say, the yearbook office (yeah I'm still a nerd, so what?) and count the many North Face logos on students as they passed. 38, 39, 40, etc. Fun game, huh. So anyways, North Face used to be the coolest affordable luxury known to teens, tweens, the college crowd and beyond. North Face ranked highest on the outdoor-sports wear totem pole, with brands like LL Bean, Eddie Bauer and Land's trailing waay behind as far as the coolness factor was involved. North Face's only rival was the equally expensive Patagonia brand.

That was then, this is now. I still see North Face being sported by a lot of girls, oftentimes paired with Uggs and a Coach purse. Which isn't to say it isn't "cool" anymore, because I think North Face has done a good job of maintaining it's image as a high-quality, dare I say practical performance brand. In doing so, it has remained on the short list of the cold-weather dwelling fashionable set. But like most "cool" things, I would argue that Northface no longer commands the attention it once did. I should add that I myself have never owned a North Face product, but friends who do swear by the comfort, warmth and style that North Face provides.

Oh, but would I drop $199 for the jacket above? I think not. Would I wear it if I got it as a gift? Of course. I love functional outerwear regardless of the label, which is why I have to give Northface a definitive, cough, "Sure, why not."

Northface: Yea or Nay?

[Featured above: The North Face Nuptse Down Jacket at REI.com, $199.00]

I get such a kick out of finding these designer looks-for-less (hardly think the designers share my enthusiasm but I can't help it!). A few days ago, we featured some inexpensive ways to channel Balmain's Fall 2008 collection. Now, we are proud to present what is quite possibly the best way to imitate the oh-so-fashionable look of the designer's black suede fringed boots with these Budget Babe-style boots from Bakers. The pair on the left will burn a hole in your pocket with its $1,025 pricetag. The shoes on the right, however, are simply smoking hot.

Left: Balmain Fringed Leather Boots at net-a-porter.com, $1,025
Right: "Flare BK" Boots at bakersshoes.com, Was $129.95 Now $99.99

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.

$378 is a big price to pay for a little black dress. Even when it's a luscious LaRok design draped in layer upon layer of glorious fringe. For a swinging good time at a fraction of the price, try Forever 21's flapper fringe tunic. Wear it with skinny jeans for a more casual look, or colored tights and ankle boots for a night out.

Left: LaRok Flirty Fringe Dress at Shopbop.com $378
Right: Flapper Fringe Tunic at Forever21.com, $22.80