One of the good things about shopping at a store that’s meant for teens and early-20-somethings is that they have fashionable stuff that’s much cheaper than designer clothing. American Eagle Outfitters has the aesthetic of Ralph Lauren (well, sort of), but the prices of the Gap. Check out some of our faves from AE after the jump. I’m already planning a mini shopping spree this afternoon.

I have a confession to make. I’m a little obsessed with Norma Kamali‘s line for Walmart. I’ve bought several of the well-made pieces this year, and I am constantly checking the site for new additions. I don’t know how I missed the Sleeping Bag Jacket, which Erin has been sporting rather stylishly lately. Even though I visit Walmart.com regularly, I very rarely scope out the other available clothing. And now I’m kicking myself because the retailer has really stepped up its fashion game. The George line is pretty cool, as is Faded Glory (I know, shocker). Plus, you can find really great wardrobe staples for less than $10. After the jump, check out my favorite Cheapskate fashions from Walmart.

When I worked at New York & Co. in the early part of this decade, the fashion was really lacking. The clothes were one step above your typical mom wear with work appropriate stuff mixed in. Plus, my store didn’t carry size XS or 2, so I rarely bought anything. All that has changed, now, as the retailer tries to get more with the times—the style times that is. And I’m having a difficult time not buying pretty much everything on the site. Here are 20 of my favorite, totally affordable items from New York & Co.

Target was one of the first mega-retail chains to commit to selling affordable clothing and accessories alongside essentials like detergent, cosmetics, and food. Basically, it’s a one-stop shopping destination for recessionistas who aren’t willing to sacrifice style when on a budget. I’ve never seen any fashion item priced above $100, so you don’t have to feel any shopper’s guilt if you take yourself on a mini shopping spree. Check out our favorite Cheapskate finds, after the jump.

Sometimes you just need a pick-me-up and some pampering, but who has the dough to run to the spa every time the stress dial is cranked up? Well, it’s time to look for life’s little indulgences at The Body Shop. Typing endless reports could be a lot easier if your hands were luxuriating under a silky film of a special moisturizer. And staring continuously at a computer screen could be more bearable with a special potion to energize your pulse points. Get my drift? OK, then check out our favorite affordable elixirs, emollients and tools from The Body Shop after the jump.

We don’t usually think of Banana Republic as a Cheapskate kind of place since it’s Gap‘s grown-up, more expensive sibling, but every now and then the retailer has a major sale. And this time, we’re taking notice because several of the items are weather-appropriate now, and those that aren’t only need to be layered. Check out our faves after the jump, and remember to act soon because the availability is dwindling as I write this.

Bluefly is known for selling designer clothes for a lot less, but sometimes the original price is so high that when it’s marked down by the online retailer we still can’t afford it. This doesn’t mean a recessionista can’t find anything at Bluefly. There are many designer articles of clothing, shoes, and accessories sold for less than $100. Check out our favorite cheap finds after the jump.

Any fashionista worth her wardrobe knows that she can buy trendy stuff from Forever 21, but who really has the patience to wade through all the crap and mess that plagues the actual store? We don’t, that’s for sure. So we’ll just surf the website to find all the trendy and classic (bet you didn’t think Forever 21 had “classic” in them) items to add to our autumn wardrobe. I’m really loving the Crochet Trim Sweater Cardigan because I can’t afford real Chanel, but don’t want to wear a complete knockoff. Check out 17 garments and accessories we’re loving for their design and price, after the jump.

We love clothes, um, a lot. Whether they’re from Walmart, JCPenney, or Gap—or on the fancier side—we think getting dressed in the morning is fun. We don’t, however, like to spend tons of money on new dresses and jeans. After all, we have 401ks to contribute to and rent to pay. As much as we like the nicer stuff and will splurge from time to time, we like sales even more, which is why we’re such Gilt Groupe and clearance fanatics. For this edition of Cheapskate, we’re showing off 10 items under $102 from the clearance section of one of the coolest stores that has an online home, Creatures of Comfort. Most of the designer clothes they sell go for big bucks; luckily, these won’t break the bank.

I enjoy perusing the Alloy catalog, but I often find that I’m a tad too ... let’s say ... mature for the clothes. I don’t think my belly button should make an appearance unless I’m sunbathing, and my life isn’t as happy-go-lucky as the models try to project. But I was pleasantly surprised by Alloy’s autumn offerings because they’re not only appropriate for teens and twenty-somethings, but also thirty-somethings. I’m loving the military details, blouse shapes, and full skirts. Take a peek at the super-affordable garments after the jump.

Urban Outfitters is having a mega sale online right now and there’s tons of cool and cute stuff under $10. We know the economy is in the crapper right now, but occasionally a gal deserves a treat. For the more OCD among us, get crackin’ on your Christmas shopping a lil’ early. I’m sure tie dye leggings and breakfast floss will be the IN stocking stuffers of 2009. Ten under $10, after the jump…

It used to be that the only time we ventured into Ann Taylor Loft was to buy our mother a gift card for her birthday. Recently, we walked past the store’s window display and thought: Either the retailer has gotten a youthful makeover or our tastes have matured. We don’t know which one of the two happened, but what we do know is that Ann Taylor Loft has some awesome and affordable finds that won’t make us look anything like our moms. In August, Ann Taylor Loft will sell a collection of jewelry designed by Lulu Frost’s Lisa Salzer. Looks like we’ll have to make another trip!

I was just having a look at Old Navy‘s website—it’s one of the few stores I can shop at lately without feeling guilty about spending money—and I was shocked by how totally cute their holiday clothes are this year. They’re perfect for all the parties that will be filling your social calendar during the next couple months. Check out a few of my favorites.

Normally, we wouldn’t suggest J.Crew for a “Cheapskate” because the retailer can be a little pricey at times. But since the annual fall sale is going on now, this is the perfect time to stock up on basics. A lot of the sale items are more suited for summer, but we found quite a few items that can be worn in the fall and winter. Seeing as J. Crew is Michelle Obama approved, get there quick before everything sells out.

There are two nice things about clothes made for teenagers: 1) They are usually very trend focused, and 2) They are generally inexpensive because what adolescent has loads of money to spend on clothes. These two factors mean that you can try out the latest craze even if you’re low on dough. This season, short skirts and feather headbands are everywhere, including Alloy.

Every year or so, there’s something really cute and cool that I want at The Gap. But right now, with their current Fall line, I want a whole lot more than one thing—and in these rough economic times, it’s nice to crave silly items that are at least affordable. After the jump, six items from The Gap that are on trend, impeccably chic, and not so hard on your pocketbook.

If you like demure pencil skirts and classic pumps, you’ll love Newport News, the catalog/online retailer that always seems to be having sale! And if you’re attending a wedding, there lots of appropriate dresses, including this black one with pyramid beads at the waist. Personally, I’m a big fan of Newport News’ round toe pumps, which are just $28 each (subtract $8 if you buy two pairs)—good luck deciding which of the 12 colors to get.

The past couple days we’ve been exploring different stores like Wal-Mart and Kohl’s in an attempt to suss out whether they sell clothes on the cheap that we would actually want to purchase. Today, we’re looking at JC Penney, which seems to sell a lot of plaid items, including a taffeta skirt that would be perfect for a holiday party. This is wonderful for me because plaid is my favorite color. Come spring, non-plaid lovers will also flock to JC Penney, because Charlotte Ronson is designing a line for the department store.

Yesterday we showed you some styles from Wal-Mart that are super-cheap ($15 for a navy blazer!) and they don’t look too shabby, either. Today the spotlight is on Kohl’s, where we found tie-neck blouses galore, the lovely Simply Vera Vera Wang line, and fun heels. If you’re planning on ordering online, place your order today or tomorrow because shipping is just 99 cents!