Hello, my Blissfully Domestic friends. I’m Slynnro! In addition to being a young attorney, I am a wannabe stylist and am just so happy to have a new place to channel that energy!

Since this is my first post on the site, I thought I should introduce you to my style. My primary loves include J.Crew, Diane Von Furstenberg, Milly, all things Neiman Marcus. I am not particularly trendy – I am all about style classics. You may also have noticed another theme amongst those brand selections. They are expensive. Because of that, I am all about the high/low. One of the things I focus on in my own shopping is deciding on what pieces it is best to invest in and where you should go for the more affordable facsimile.

So, fall fashion high/low. What do I want? What items do I plan on spending on? And where can you get more affordable carbon copies of my favorite pieces?

First things first – I need want a new coat this fall. I already have a basic black coat and a basic brown coat. This season, I’d love to experiment with more color. Namely, royal violet:

J.Crew Double Cloth Tulip Coat, $330.00

Of course, purple isn’t the most practical color in the world. Of course, in the instance of such beautiful outerwear, I’d argue WHO CARES? But I know not everyone has the means, or desire, to spend that much on a coat.

So where to find a cheaper alternative?

Delia’s is generally aimed at high school and college students, but I say don’t count them out gainfully employed persons! For example:

Kelsey Belted Peacoat with Thinsulate in Deep Purple, $109.50

In this case, personally, I’m choosing the more expensive option. I look at outerwear as an investment piece – something to last for years to come. But if you just want something fun to last a few seasons, why not save yourself $200?

My other fall obsession is sweater dresses. And surprise! My favorite this season is also from J.Crew. And whaddaya know? It’s also purple, which is apparently THE color this season.

J.Crew Dream Soho Sweater Dress, $138.00

Everything about this dress screams fall. Can’t you just picture wearing this with some black tights and flats to Thanksgiving dinner? I can. And have. Many times. Hey – a girl has gotta fill her lunch hour somehow.

To me sweater dresses are the ultimate in fall attire. I have a bit of a dress fixation (and 70 dresses hanging in my closet to prove it). They can be dressed up or down, with tights or boots. So cozy and comfortable.

But where to turn when $138.00 is just too much?

What about this knit dress from Old Navy?

Knit Button Front Dress, $39.50

Or this little number from Target, which I may or may not already have?

When it comes to sweater dresses, I’ll probably be dallying in both the high and low this season. For classic shapes and colors, I am willing to spend more on items I can wear season after season. But for trendy shapes, colors, or patterns? I will definitely be bargain hunting.

In my opinion, the best accessory for a sweater dress is a long necklace. And when it comes to jewelry, I tend to be the ultimate bargain hunter. My favorite place to find jewelry bargains is (gasp!) Forever 21. Yes, you may have to brave obnoxious music and fourteen year old girls in terry-cloth rompers, but isn’t finding that perfect piece for under $6.00 a small price to pay?

Aida Beaded Necklace, $5.80

A more expensive option, but with much greater longevity, at Bluefly:

Argent Vivo Pendant Necklace, $89.99

My point is this – do NOT get discouraged when you scour the fashion magazines and websites and fall in love with pricey gear. There is ALWAYS a cheaper option. You may have to invest more time in the search, but you never need to sacrifice your style because of your budget.

Slynnro is the author of Slynnro, a personal blog chronicling travel escapades, fashion and skincare obsessions, and various amusing anecdotes about marriage.