Shop In Chic originally started back in February 2008 on Blogspot. Since then, the blog’s official location has changed, but the content hasn’t. You can read old posts and checkout the original Shop In Chic here. I’m bringing some of my personal favorite posts from the original blog in this special series. The first installment of posts are from my Economically Stylish Series in which I share with my readers the secrets of being super stylish on a budget. This post is the first post published in the series. Originally published on January 2 2009, this post may have modifications

Living in a tough economy is hard enough, looking good should not be so hard. Economically Stylish is a special series just in time for 2009. This series will feature posts that give you advice and tips on how to save money while looking (and feeling) terrific!

In a perfect world, we could buy a brand spanking new wardrobe every season(including a few handbags and some great pairs of shoes). In a perfect world you could buy some stylish designer dresses every time you go to the mall. In a perfect world, you could walk into any store and buy whatever your heart desired. In a perfect world everyone would own designer clothes if that was something that we wanted.

But we don’t live in a perfect world. In fact, most of us have to stay within a budget, even fashionistas like us. We are career women, mothers, high school and college students. We have bills to pay, and our time is often limited. But we all want to look our best. We don’t need new designer clothes every season if we can’t afford it, and most of us can’t. And with the economy the way it is, are wallets are even tighter. Why not do a closet makeover? Love what you got, drop what you don’t love, and only buy what you need.

Here’s how:

1-Do A Closet Inventory

I am sure you look in your closet daily, but do you really look ? What do you wear frequently? What have you abandoned but still have? Is there anything that doesn’t fit or is stained, and therefore you cannot wear it anymore? Make a few lists and go through everything in your closet. Don’t forget to include accessories like shoes and bags. Once your done organizing, figure out what to throw out and what to donate(to friends or a charity perhaps). Heck, you could even organize a Clothes Swap Party with your friends(more about that later!).

2-Assess Your Keep Pile And Organize What You’ve Got

After you are done piling your Giveaways and Throw-Aways in their appropriate boxes or bags, its time for the fun to begin. First of, you need to figure out your lifestyle. Do you have a job outside the home? Are you a student or a stay-at-home mother. This way you can determine what you wear the most frequently and what you wear on occasion. Then choose key pieces that will go with many other items and therefore stretch your inventory. I’ll bet at least a few of those pieces can be used for both work and weekend, and maybe even evenings.

Take a few of your favorite pieces and see how many outfit combos you can create. Don’t be afraid to change bags, shoes, jewelry and even other accessories like belts and scarves. Sometimes all you really need is a change a pair of shoes or add a scarf to take your outfit from day to night! Don’t be afraid to use your imagination!

Remember to keep your most loved fashions in the front of the closet if you can. Buy extra hangers if you have to. Use your hangers for dresses, blouse, and pants. It would a help to purchase at least one storage shelf(if you don’t have one built in your closet) to store tees and jeans. Also stock up on storage boxes for seasonal Items like coats and swimwear, and you can keep them under your bed or wherever you have room. Buy clear shoe boxes so you can see your shoes as your store them.

Keep you handbags on the storage self if you can. If not, then you should buy extra storage shelves or clear boxes to store them in. Your goal here is just to find a place for everything.

You can find some terrific as well as affordable storage options at Walmart, Ikea, Target, and Utility Design.

Whitmor Padded Satin Hangers in Earthtones(comes in a set of 10) $11.88 at Walmart

Lingo Clothes Box With Lid $7.99 for 2 at Ikea

Household Essentials Natural Soft Canvas 10 Pocket Shoe Organizer $19.99 at Target

Dahlia Printed Glass Jewelry Box $44.99 at Target

3-Find and Buy Missing Elements

Okay, this one is easy to get carried away with. Look through all your items and key pieces, and make a list of it. Then make a week’s worth of outfits(that would be Sunday through Saturday). Is there anything missing? Maybe an extra tee or pair of jeans? Or maybe something classic that could really stretch your wardrobe such as a trench coat?

Make a list of what you need but don’t have, or a few more key pieces that are similar to the items you love. While making these lists, remember to note common brands/labels you love, and the size tag on each article of clothing. More often than not, each label’s sizing can be different. Example: you may wear a size 6 jeans from Old Navy, but you’ll wear a 5 with Express. Checking your size not only streamlines shopping, it can save you from future store returns. Save these lists and start shopping for what you need.

4-Play With Your Accessories

You may have a limited wardrobe, but you should have an abundance with accessories. They’re more affordable and versatile than clothes. Stock up on shawls, scarves, hats, and jewelry including brooches. Simply take a dress you normally wear to work, add a shawl and a brooch and you’re ready to go out to dinner. Take a break from a belt and wrap a long scarf around your waist and tie it. Your clothes are basics to start out with, but your accessories are your extenders, make the most of them!