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It’s easy to get distracted from fall fashion when you wake up to headlines about a tanking economy each morning (or at least to feel guilty obsessing about shopping as much as we normally would). But just because we’re tightening our purse strings doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice those can’t-live-without seasonal wardrobe additions. Stunning deals can still be found at boutiques around the city—if you know where to look.
Don’t have the time for a sartorial scavenger hunt? We’ve done the work for you. Taking in the unseasonably warm weather (as well as the crunch of leaves underfoot), I spent the weekend walking from neighborhood to neighborhood, scouring boutiques far and wide for deals that made the faltering economy an (almost) distant memory. With a $120 self-imposed limit, I wasn’t sure I’d find much, but thankfully, I was proven wrong. Turns out you don’t necessarily have to turn to department stores or discount retailers when money is tight; many boutiques still provide high-quality, unique fashion fare, but at prices that will make your bank account sing. Plus, Store Adore also offers exclusive discounts at many of these shops, so you can get even more bang for your even more limited buck.
Here are a few of my favorite budgetary finds, along with a few insider tips that make even seemingly out-of-range boutiques affordable.

Sure, the first thing you might see in Gray Boutique is an expensive Susana Monaco dress. But give yourself a little time to hunt through the racks—your persistence will pay off. Next to the high-priced goods, there are several pieces of equal elegance that ring in at a far lower price point. This mustard BB Dakota retro-inspired cardigan is a good example. At only $60, it fills this autumn’s need for a beautiful mustard piece, and the subtle sparkle makes it pair as well with a black pencil skirt as it does with jeans. Insider tip: Head to the back of Gray for the shop’s $40 rack, which is updated each Friday with both regularly priced and sale pieces.

Let’s face it ladies—I’ve spent a fair share of my salary on $350 jeans. But frankly, those days are behind me. With our sputtering economy comes the need for jeans that still fit curves, and your price range, too. Stop by The Blues Jean Bar for a pair of Anoname denim. With fits that run the gamut from skinny to wide leg, these designer jeans come in at a nearly miraculous $100! I haven’t seen denim that affordable in years. And since Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent at The Blues Jean Bar, I can afford to scoop up a t-shirt too. Click here to get your discount.

Watching the cash flow can make style mavens panic when it’s time to shop for big events. Is it really possible to find a fete-worthy dress for a reasonable price? Answer: absolutely. Stop by Beta Boutique to comb through the shop’s massively discounted designer duds. It’s an ongoing sample sale in this adorable shop, which means lines like Geren Ford, Madison Marcus, Twinkle, Cynthia Rowley, Rachel Pally, Serfontaine and many, many more are always at least 40 percent off their original price. I don’t know how they do it, and I don’t really care as long as I can scoop up frocks like this sequined Catherine Malandrino for $150. Did I mention it was marked down from $795? Did I mention I love this store? Did I mention that Store Adore shoppers save $10 on a purchase of $50 or more. Click here to get your discount.

In Chicago, coats are an essential—and usually expensive—wardrobe element. This wool blend coat by Luii, also available at Gray, adds a bit of a mod aesthetic to any outfit, as well as a bit of warmth, for only $120. Plus, it’s light enough to wear over a thick sweater as temps start to plummet.

Even if the market says otherwise, the dollar has even more value for most of us lately. So important to be buy items that are meaningful—like this Covet sweater dress from Pivot, an entirely eco-friendly boutique. Made from organic and sustainable materials, it gives a boost to Mother Earth as well as to your bank account. With a $119 price point it’s an absolute steal, as it can be donned with tights or jeans, with heels or boots, with delicate jewelry or big ol’ baubles. It’s a veritable wardrobe in it’s own right.
Available at Pivot, 1101 W. Fulton Market, 312-243-4754, pivotboutique.com.

Nothing speaks louder than an absolutely bangin’ bag hanging from a woman’s arm. But to be honest, I’ve never been able to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a purse (dresses on the other hand…well, to each her own…). So I’m so grateful that Bess and Loie, harbinger of gorgeous, buttery bags, has a small section of the store devoted to beautiful purses priced around $100. And these aren’t palm-sized clutches either. They’re big, bold, and well-made. How does Bess and Loie do it? The store’s keen-eyed crew scours the wholesale markets and selects the best of the best at fair prices. Sure, there’s no big designer name attached, but that would be the last thing on my mind when carrying this black bag that only set me back $88.

Seriously, what’s better than an over-sized clutch? It can hold phones, cameras, and multiple lip glsees, and it still fits under your arm and lays neatly on any table. While it’s hard to tell in this pic, this clutch is actually the size of a copy of Vogue, and comes complete with a strap for maximum versatility. This clutch is one of the best things to come out of accessory shop shebang— a 20 percent Store Adore discount is another. The clutch is regularly priced at $68, but it’s only $54 with the Store Adore discount. Click here for details.

Let’s move on to jewelry. It’s the quickest way to take an outfit from grunge to glam to goth. I’m absolutely in love with this Nabi Design necklace. While lots of nature-inspired jewelry is priced in the multiple hundreds of dollars this season (when it’s hot, it’s hot), this 14k gold filled necklace is simple, chic and fits the trend perfectly. I’m still stunned that it’s only $58 ($46.40 with the Store Adore 20 percent discount), also at shebang.

Okay, last one from shebang, I promise! That store is just so affordable; it gets my shopping pulse racing. This set of three expandable bracelets from Alex and Ani is a must for maximizing any accessories wardrobe. Each one is beautifully delicate on its own. Stack them together and you’ll get that effortless piled on look. The set of three is $32—$25.60 with your 20 percent Store Adore discount.

Eco-chic is definitely in, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These quirkily chic bracelets are made from recycled magazines, and are only $17 each. They demonstrate your commitment to the environment (but divulge nothing about your bank account) with a flash of the wrist. They’re vailable at eco-boutique pioneer Pivot.

This necklace is also from Pivot. The pink pendants look like glass or stones, but they are actually made of the tagua nut, a nut that comes from a native palm tree found in South America. When you factor in re-forestation, that’s a lot to support for just the $25 cost of the necklace.
One of my favorite spots is a little gem called SoKo, positioned neatly in the Ukrainian Village area of Chicago. The owner doesn’t stock anything over $100 (except for the occasional $120 winter coat). While this is amazing when it comes to clothes, stocking up on accessories here will set you back less than a night out at the bars. Check out three of my picks—each one is less than $25:

This watch combines major gold sparkle with interwoven thick gold cloth, making it much lighter than a typical watch without losing a bit of the bling effect ($24.99).

These earrings are elegant enough for a night in your little black dress, but can be dressed right down for everyday wear ($19.99).

It’s always great to have a ring or two to help show off your manicure (done frugally at home, of course, in front of a screening of the latest Project Runway). This sterling silver ring features a hammered silver circle about the size of a quarter. Best of all, it’s adjustable, so you can switch it between fingers for desired impact ($14.99).
All available at SoKo, 1925 W. Chicago, 773.592.1089