Our style mantra: Fashion and beauty are for everyone, no matter how busy your schedule or how small your budget may be. We represent the fashionista who has places to go, people to see, or just likes to sleep in a few extra hours. There’s no reason to run to class in sweats and unblushed cheeks when glamour can be achieved with just a little extra effort. Check here as Chelsea unveils quick tricks and perfect products that can update your look in a hot second, without breaking your budget.

Imagine getting these $690 Ferragamo boots for only $25!

Looking good on a budget is always a challenge, especially now, during the worst recession our country has seen since the Great Depression.  But this is certainly no reason to be depressed.  There are tons of ways to save and look great.  You just need to know the right places to look for the best deals.

One outlet no budget fashionista should ever overlook is second hand shopping.  Textile artist and professional speaker Cheryl Gorn literally wrote the book on second hand shopping (The Second Hand Wardrobe) and is on a crusade to dispel any misconceptions about the shopping trend.

“We have this thing in our heads that the clothes are going to turn you into a poor person.” Says Gorn.  “The stigma is just ridiculous.”

Gorn started second hand shopping years ago when she had no extra income to spend on clothing.  A friend in even worse financial straits than her took her to a thrift store.  The excursion became fun when Gorn and her friend started pulling the worst clothing off the rack and joking with each other.  Gorn did not leave empty-handed though.  She bought a t-shirt for just 75¢ and says she wore it until there was nothing left.  Gorn wrote her book as resource for those who don’t have a thrifty friend like she did to drag her to a second hand shop.

There is no better time than now to go second hand shopping, according to Gorn.  Since international trade agreements opened up, most of what Americans wear is made overseas, where production and labor are cheap.

You never know what treasures are in there!

“People own a lot more stuff than they used to,” says Gorn.  “Their closets are bursting and you can’t keep buying clothing without having to get rid of some of it.”

If your closet is bursting at the hinges, consignment is a great way to make some extra money off clothes you haven’t worn in years.  A consignment store will take your lightly worn items and sell them at a discounted price.

“If they sell it, they will give you a percentage of what they make,” says Gorn.  “It is usually an even split, but can also be 60/40.”

Gorn has seen some amazing items in consignment and thrift shops.  It is not uncommon to see unworn clothing with the tags still on or mint-condition designer duds for super cheap.

“The fun thing is going to a thrift store and finding those choice items and paying almost nothing,” says Gorn.  “I found a beautiful pair of Ferragamo boots last week for $25 at a consignment store.”

There is more to second hand shopping than personal financial benefits.  It is a very eco-friendly way to shop and also sends a strong message to the fashion industry.

“When you shop used, you’re ignoring what the fashion industry is saying you should be wearing,” says Gorn, “You’re making your own style statement.”

Photos: Ferragamo; Elvis Santana (thrift store)