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Old Navy. The Gap. Abercrombie & Fitch. The cost of clothing from these stores can cause budget-minded students to faint at the cash register. What are you to do if you want to be fashionably dressed and still have money left over for textbooks? With a little investigation, you can model hot new looks at rock bottom prices.

Think Thrift
I recently discovered an adorable Old Navy jumper on a Salvation Army rack for $9. Having shopped at Old Navy, I knew that jumper originally cost $50. It looked as though it hadn't been worn, and it fit perfectly. Plus, in that same thrift shop, my boyfriend found a gorgeous leather bomber jacket for only $20! Shopping in thrift stores is like discovering buried treasure.

If you're worried about finding only used, stained clothing, remember that brand-new sweater you've had buried in your dresser for years from your grandmother before donating it to Goodwill.

Consignment Assignment
Consignment stores carry upscale and hardly worn used clothing for slightly higher prices than those in thrift stores. I found an incredible designer dress for $15. Then I spotted a sweatshirt from The Gap that set me back only $5 more.

An added plus to consignment stores: You can bring in gram's gift sweater and receive part of the money when it sells.

Garage Glories
Garage sales are great places to find cool clothing. Seek out sales in upper class neighborhoods, and you're guaranteed to wind up with something wonderful. I discovered a new pair of Rockport sneakers that originally cost $60, according to my neighbor who sold them for a mere $3. I've also found cute dresses, new T-shirts, and Levis that someone wore only once.

If you feel funny wearing other people's clothes, remember this - if you don't tell, nobody will ever know!

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