Not everyone has a celebrity’s budget but that shouldn’t stop you from dressing like one by finding cheap designer clothes that fit your budget. Here are tips to help you find the clothes you crave.

Study up on your fashion icons–Check what the celebs are wearing. Identify the pieces you love–jackets, pants, accessories. Then shop around. Your outfit doesn’t have to be expensive to emulate the look and style of your favorite fashion icon. Find great pieces in your price range and put them together well.

Keep your ear to the ground–Get familiar with the staff at your favorite boutiques. Develop a relationship. Find out when sales and special events are. Get on their mailing list. Get “in the know”.

Ask hip friends where they get their clothes–Unless your friends are independently wealthy they’re probably getting deals on their fabulous outfits, so get the scoop! Most bargain mavens love to share their secrets with someone who will appreciate the good insider information. Take good notes and shop like they do!

Fall in love with up-and-coming designers–designer clothes aren’t just the domain of the big, European fashion houses. There are talented, amazing designers all over the country who are breaking new fashion ground. Become their fan–and their patron. They’ll charge you less than the big designers and you’ll be gorgeous in unique pieces no one else has!

Troll the thrift stores–There are plenty of people who would give up a pair of designer jeans or a gorgeous designer dress. Whatever their reason, it’s your good fortune since.  If you have the patience and fortitude, you can find fantastic, cheap designer clothes at thrift stores. You’ll have to rummage through, and you’ll have to beat the crowds but if you find a good store, frequent it and keep your eye out for new inventory, you’ll get those designer looks at a steal.