For women, clothing is far more than a necessity. Sure, the pieces we wear may serve the purpose of protecting us from the elements (and prying eyes); but you have to admit, it does more than just that. Unfortunately, for most women who deem clothing—and fashion—a huge chunk of their lives, keeping up with all the trends and getting the insatiable desire to buy them all can result in a drained savings account. Note exactly picture perfect, right?

Before you give up on fashion altogether, check out these 10 frugalista style and shopping tips from Rorie Carlos-Manzano, fashion and beauty director of Town & Country Philippines, and Giselle Go, editor of Harper's Bazaar Singapore. Who says style and saving don't mix?

(First published in the June 2006 issue of Marie Claire Philippines, Style Ambush section as "Rorie and Giselle's 10 Tips to Cheap Chic;" photo from Jane by Design courtesy of ABC Family; adapted for use in Female Network)

For more shopping and budget fashion tips and tricks, check out these links:

• Bargain Hunting: 6 Tips for Tiangge Shopping
• Markdown Madness: 12 Sale Sanity Tips for Shopaholics
• Ready, Set, Shop: 15 Super Shopper Tips
• Over 20 Save-or-Spend Decisions You Should Make about Fashion and Beauty Buys

And for our ever-popular Frugalista Finds features, browse through these galleries:

• Frugalista Finds: 30 Holiday Flats for Under P1,000
• Frugalista Finds: 40 Fancy Frocks for P1,000 and Below
• Frugalista Finds: 40 Cool and Casual Dresses Below P1,000
• Frugalista Finds: 30 Bags for Under P1,000