My love for fashion is legendary. Equally legendary is the lack of funds to support my love for fashion. It is not like I'm living in extreme poverty. I do have food in my fridge, am able to pay most of the minimums on my credit cards (through the use of a little trick called "creative banking") and can go on a vacation every now and then, thanks to my travel agent, Priceline. However, since I don't live with my parents (free rent=more dough) and have to pay rent, electric and other thing that make life more manageable, I cannot buy great little pieces like the beautiful, strappy, Christian Louboutin black sandals with the "f**k me red" soles. I have come to use terms like budgeting and a very nasty little word called frugal (sounds very close to frigid) on a daily basis. So, I dream, wish and yearn for a Marc Jacobs candy colored satin confection dress and a pair of orange suede C. Lacroix boots, while living on an Old Navy budget.

Like many of you, I glance through Vogue, ELLE and the other fashion mags religiously every month, dreaming of the new white knee high flat Sigerson Morrison boots or the little pink Longchamp hand purse. I drool over the white Narcisco Rodriguez summer suits, although it a. will never go over my ever-expanding ass, b. cost more than my car and c. is located in none of the stores near wear I live.

But I am here to tell you that there is hope out there, fellow budget fashionistas! There are places, Web sites, and, in some cases people, who can hook you up with designer fashions and accessories without calling your loved ones (or unloved ones) for a small loan. There are places that will *gasp* send monthly discount coupons right to your e-mail account. And budget fashionistas, you do not have to live in New York to enjoy these perks.

This is my story, your story, our story. So gather your debit card (okay maybe a credit card as well) and let's go. I promise not to spend too much too fast.

The budget Fashionista Main Site