Introducing the Frugalista...

Times are tough, we all agree. But one can maintain fashion sense an still be frugal, right?

Enter the "Frugalista". She's fashion savvy, compassionate, and not below scouring department store and boutique bargain bins to find the right shoe---at the right price. Still looking like a million bucks, no-one would know she spent pennies to get that way.

So what advice to savvy Frugalista's give to those of us just now making sense of the current economic woes?

Frugalista's always:

1. Buy Shoes Off-Season: The oldest trick in the book is to buy shoes at the end of a season, or even well into the next. Those shimmery sandals that are full price in May or June will be marked down substantially in just a few short months. The longer you wait, the cheaper they'll be, although you have to be careful not to miss out on the style or size that you want.

2. Buy Classic Shoe Styles: Unless you're getting a trendy item for a song, look for styles that will work well no matter what fashions the next season might bring. For example, a pair of simple black knee-high boots with a medium, classic heel will serve you far longer than a black knee-high boot with wedge heels, platform soles, faux fur trim and rhinestones on the side.
And, if you're the type who tends to live in jeans, then more than a couple pairs of evening shoes really aren't essential to your wardrobe -- no matter how pretty they are.
Think "versatile" and you'll cut down on the number of shoes you have to buy.

And finally, our last bit of advice from sage Frugalista's...

"Buying shoes you won't wear only prevents you from buying the ones you'll really need."