Cheap is the New Chic: 5 Ways to Revitalize Your Wardrobe for Under $5

New buttons can give an old garment new life. And it doesn't take much skill to sew a button. Bejeweled buttons can glamorize an old cardigan. Sometimes buttons can date an outfit--update the buttons for a modern look.

Buttons can be expensive, but subscribe to your local craft store's mailing list. They send coupons almost every month. Do a search on google for buttons. Also, go thrifting. Some old garments have beautiful buttons--recycle them.

I know, when I think of dye, I think of tie-dye. I didn't even like tie-dye when it was in style. However, dye makes for a very chic alternative to buying new clothing, or throwing out that favorite item you stained last week.

This to "dye" for tip was given to me by a co-worker. After complimenting her on her new brown sweater, she let me in on a secret: it was actually a white sweater she'd owned for years and she accidently stained it. The sweater fit her so nicely and she loved it, so she dyed it. Voila! New brown sweater. This sparked a revolution in her closet. She has dyed hats, purses, dresses--you name it.

She offers some advice when dying:
Make sure the water is really hot. Adding salt will make the dye take better. Leave gament in dye overnight. Do not use a plastic basin. Cotton and other natural fibers work best. Stir well frequently after you first put the gament in the dye.

Rit costs $1.48 for powder at Wal-Mart.

If you are a beginner sewer, you can cut and sew. Always match the project to your sewing ability. You also need a great imagination to take on this task.

Three years ago, I had this beautiful, vintage, A-line, satin skirt with appliques. I decided I didn't like the length of the skirt anymore, but I couldn't shorten it because it would ruin the appliques. It was in my donation pile along with a lace cami that was so early 2000--it showed my belly button. Then an idea came to me. Why not combine the skirt and cami into a dress? And that is what I did. I sewed the waistline of the skirt to the neckline of the cami. The beige lace peeked out nicely above the forest green satin. No one had a clue--until I undoubtedly told them.

The project was so small, I hand stitched the dress. The cost of this project was needle, thread, and time. When I find a photo of the dress, I will post it.

If you can't think of anything, find inspiration in the book "Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt" by Megan Nicolay. The book costs more than $5, but it's free at the local library. :)

Accessories always update an outfit. My suggestion is to look at any high fashion magazine and see what is in. Although belts, shoes, and purses are hard to come by under $5, earings, bracelets, and necklaces aren't. The best place to buy cheap accessories is Forever 21. Keep in mind and emphasize cheap. Too many cheap accessories will make you look cheap, but one or two might not be as noticeable. I would stay away from fake gold unless you make up in your mind that it won't stay gold forever. Forever 21 is good with accessories made from wood or plastic. They always have scarves.

Don't forget to accessorize your hair. My guilty pleasure is Gossip Girl and I love Blair Waldorff. I love her headbands. Headbands can be bought anywhere on the cheap. Blair's headbands usually have some type of embellishment. You can embellish your own headbands. Glue rhinestones, a flower, or sequins to a headband or clip. Use your imagination, channel your inner Billy Holiday or Pat Benetar.

So over exaggerated sleeves were so five seasons ago, but they don't deserve the donation bin, especially if it's Theory and you didn't get it at Last Call. I still layer mine under suits, short sleeve sweater (belted), and cardigans.

That really, not so classy tube top might look good under a button-down, or as a really thick belt.

Your husband's really cute, plaid tie might make a cute belt or headband.

Those vintage clip-on earings might be beautiful as a hair clip or broach--maybe even cuff links.

Know your body. Wear clothing that flatters your body with confidence and you will always be stylish and fashionable. If you are going to splurge during these hard, economic times, splurge on shoes and a good bag. One thing this recession (did I call it that?) will teach all of us, is to be resourceful, creative, and practical. And I believe this could be a good thing.

Have fun!