If you’re like us over at Killedthat, finances might be a little tight—we’re in school and can’t work full time. Add to this the tanking value of the dollar (currently hovering around 1dollar to 1.89 euros and 1 dollar to 2 pounds…yes, we do our homework) and the state of the economy, it is seemingly impossible to maintain a comfortable –or, as we prefer, jet-setting—lifestyle when the country is in dire financial straits. How can we shell out over $700 for the newest Lanvin high tops, $1360 for that amazing Marc Jacobs blue with green grosgrain cardigan at Bergdorf’s, or a $1450 3.1 Philip Lim leather jacket when essentials like CORN (I mean really, corn??) have shot up in pricing?

Well, my friends, we at Killedthat know when to SPEND and when to SAVE. I offer you my own shopping secrets so that you can still look good while keeping some $$$ for that retirement fund.

-Don’t buy into trends—they are just that: colors, cuts, or styles that will expire in 6 months, giving them hardly any shelf life. If you must must must buy something trendy, look for it at a place like H&M, Zara, or Forever 21. That way, if you buy it, you can wear it and then give it to Goodwill. Don’t call me in 6 months lamenting those lime green Marc Jacobs skinny cords that ran you $600 and that you cannot wear come September.

-If you see the “perfect” thing you are looking for, buy it, regardless of the price (unless it is waaay overpriced, then see if it goes on sale. If not, buy it full price). If you have been DYING for the perfect little black dress or the perfect leather jacket and happen to find one, get it NOW. You will beat yourself over the head later when you find that it has sold out. Just make sure it is classic and not slightly trendy, in which case you might be tired of it after a few months.

-When faced with a limited budget, always spend more on accessories than on clothing. Your outfit can be totally cheap and consist of pieces from Club Monaco, J.Crew, and the Gap, but adding that expensive bag, watch, pair of shoes or sunglasses, necklace, earrings, etc. Ladies—spend $$$ on Loboutin heels or Chanel riding boots but pair them with skinny jeans from H&M. Of course, expensive jeans can be nice as well—who wouldn’t prefer Ksubi over Gap—but when money is limited, spend on accessories. Also, clothing may no longer fit if you lose or gain weight, but bags and shoes will always be there.