Still, I have found there are things I am willing to spend more money on. For me it is shoes and handbags though I am a lot more careful in choosing styles that will last more than one season.

Shoes like these by Report Signature:

Which are very “of the moment” but can be potentially worn for more than one season.

Or handbags like this one by Fendi:

A bag that can easily be used year after year until it wears out due to it’s classic style.

I am going for the more expensive shoes and handbags despite the economy situation because they are items of clothing that get a lot of wear and it is better to have quality bags and shoes that will hold up to this wear. It’s much better than constantly having to replace shoes that fall apart after a few wears or handbags that just don’t last because the shoulder strap broke on the third use.  At least that is how I think on the subject.

How about all you fashionistas? What do you still spend more money on when it comes to fashion in these economically shaky times? What do you find worth the money spent when adding to your wardrobe?

Ombre items are making an appearance on StyleFeeder’s wishlists, however, so it’s quite possible that I’m wrong about the wearability of this trend. Let’s take a look at some of the options people have bookmarked recently:

StyleFeeder leanneshain was the first to add this sherbet-hued confection by Michael Kors. I can definitely see the appeal of ombre for a special occasion; graduated gowns are both glam and flattering. And since you’re only likely to wear a gown like this once or twice, you’ll seem entirely of the moment.

But when it comes to high-end accessories, is ombre a good investment? Will you possibly be able to get away with wearing an ombre heel or handbag next season?

These Charles David Beatriz pumps are stunning, but I don’t know if I could bring myself to part with $195 unless I had the perfect outfit in mind for these beauties.

And I definitely wouldn’t part with several C-Notes for either of these options, by Prada and Cynthia Vincent, respectively.

Leave it to our own Shoe Addict, Megan, to find some budget versions that nicely fit the bill if you do want to try on this trend for size.

These pumps by Wanted are a near-perfect facsimile of the Prada version, and at $50, you won’t feel too much regret if you only get a season’s wear out of them. I actually prefer the shading on this pair, as it’s more gradual and not so stark.

These Bandolino flats don’t have quite the same impact as the Cynthia Vincent version, but they feature the same unusual color palette at a fraction of the price.

If you really want to try out ombre on a budget, these flats from Ami Clubwear are just $17.99!

As for me, maybe I just need to admit that ombre isn’t my thing. Though I was able to dig up one ombre item I might, possibly, consider splurging on.

I LOVE cowboy boots, and I’ve always wanted a pair in red, but living in Boston, it’s hard enough to get away with wearing my much-loved, battered and beat-up brown Justins. But this Gucci Western-style boot so stylishly blends red and black, the graduated shade is subtle enough for the East Coast, but would still let me have my pop of red.

Do you actually own an ombre item, or is it a trend you’re admiring from afar?

Ashley Olsen, in particular, seems to have had a more varied fashion history than her sister Mary-Kate. While MK, as she’s known to her plethora of fans, evolved early into the boho chic style later made into a nationwide phenomenon, her sister Ashley dappled in everything from sexy, designer work-like attire, to ripped jeans and flip-flops. Sporting a more muted color palette than MK, she rarely ventured out in anything more adventurous than varying shades of blue.

However, it’s the admirable way that Ashley makes every style work on her figure to its most flattering degree, as well as the ability to carve out her own style niche in a world of celebrity stylists (Rachel Zoe, anyone?) that makes her an icon to women my age, as well as fashion designers, other celebrities, young girls and magazine editors.

Perhaps the best thing about Ashley’s style is that it’s monstrously easy to copy at a low price-point. She doesn’t wear flashy labels–except occasionally on her handbags–and well-tailored, crisp separates seem to be the norm in her wardrobe. You could probably go into your own closet and pick out something similar to what she wears everyday without having to buy anything new. She shies away from prints as a general rule, and sticks with easy-to-copy basics: either platform heels or sandals, denim (wide-leg or skinny), a plain, well-fitted t-shirt and a versatile jacket. Most of her style individuality is reflected in her accessories: handbags, jewelry and shoes, and occasionally headgear (remember the Prada turban?)

It’s a great road map for starting to build your own individual style. She never looks fussy, as evidenced by the fact that her hair and makeup are either way over- or underdone depending on how formal her clothing is. And, she always wears clothing that fits perfectly, or doesn’t fit perfectly, depending on the proportion she’s going for.

If you can’t seem to find that perfect balance that Ashley seems to have effortlessly achieved, there are a few inexpensive items you can incorporate into your wardrobe to give her looks a spin.

In this photo, Ashley looks casual, comfortable and age-appropriate, but not like she’s going to the movies. This look is just enough to translate into a date, casual Friday at the office or some other business casual event. By altering the shoes, you could completely change the way this look is perceived. Instead of heels, wearing flat sandals, for instance, could take the other separates into a day of shopping, a lunch date, or class.

This buttondown from Forever21 is only $15.50, and certainly echoes the color and cut of Ashley’s shirt. Roll up the sleeves like she did for a more worn-in feel.

I have a pair of black skinny jeans, and I have to say, they are one of the most versatile items in my closet. I dress them up with heels, dress them down with flip-flops in the summer to go to the movies…it makes getting dressed so easy. I like this slim pair from Urban Outfitters, which is an excellent source for mid-range priced denim. If you’re tall like me, try Alloy, Delias or the Gap for longer inseams.

It’s a little too cold yet to wear open-toed platform sandals like Ashley, so try a more covered-up pair like these, from Forever21.

This is the quintessential college-girl/weekend/errand running outfit. It’s not too dressy and it doesn’t look like Ashley tried too hard. With her hair pulled up and the shirt untucked, this is something I could see myself wearing every day.

Snap up this shirt from Old Navy right now. It’s on sale for $6, and is probably going fast. If they don’t have your size when you go to order, try Urban Outfitters for similar styles.

Ankle boots are a staple wardrobe piece for the Olsens. This pair from Isaac Mizrahi for Target look pricier than they are, and I like the subtle platform in them.

You can’t copy Ashley’s style without a huge, luxe-looking handbag. Urban Outfitters has great ones for less than $60. If you want a designer look-a-like, try Shopsueyboutique.com.

To complete the look, a delicate gold necklace adds a bit of character.

Ripped jeans have gone out of favor with the general populace, but I still love the casual, edgy look of them. For a lazy weekend, there’s nothing better, and as Ashley shows, they can really look quite nice provided the rips and tears aren’t too obnoxious. Try this pair from Abercrombie & Fitch. They are destroyed just enough, without looking sloppy.

This faux-leather bomber is only $30 from Target, but looks so great. It’s one of those pieces you don’t need to wear much else with: it’s a statement on its own. Plus, you have to love the fact that it is faux leather.

Finish with this pretty handbag from Forever21.

Sometimes I just don’t feel like dressing up at all. No cute flats, no boots, no heels, no “statement jacket.” This outfit is great because Ashley still looks put-together, but not fussy.

This parka from Topshop is good for the colder weather we have right now, but still maintains a stylish look (read: it’s not too North Face).

If you don’t have a pair of Converse already, some great places to look at Urban Outfitters, the Gap, Zappos.com and Piperlime.com.

Ashley and Mary-Kate wear scarves to their best advantage. It’s good to think of scarves as an added accessory, not a cold-weather item, so they become a part of your outfit, rather than something that looks tacked on and not coherent to whatever else you are wearing.

I like this linen one from Forever21 because, one, it’s less than $10, and two, you can wear it throughout winter and into spring because of the light fabric.

As every Olsen fan knows, a big handbag is a must. It finishes off your look and can hold, well, anything (even an extra pair of shoes).

This oversized tote from Urban Outfitters should do the trick.

Whose style do you like more: Ashley’s or Mary-Kate’s?

This season, StyleFeeders are loving shiny patent leather in eye-catching colors and embellished beauties in mother-of-pearl for bags that can serve as your single, stand-out accessory. A good, basic rule is that there should be an inverse relationship between the sheen of the fabric and the shape of the bag: the more dramatic the fabric, the simpler the shape. Keep jewelry and shoes more muted if you’re going for a statement bag.

For evening, you can’t go wrong with metallic. Pick a clutch in silver, gold, bronze or pewter, and for extra drama, pair with metallic heels. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to shine on this season’s holiday circuit; some of our favorite picks from stores like Ann Taylor Loft and Mark are under $30.

For a bag that will take you through several seasons, stick with basic black, but punch up with interesting details like ruffles or ruching for an understated, but still unique look.

To achieve a day-to-evening look, try out crocodile. Croc clutches in black, brown and even red are elegant enough for evening, but also add the perfect polish to a pantsuit or day dress.

Here’s hoping that 2008 is your best year ever, and that you ring in the new year with cash, cell, and lipstick ensconced in style!

Get the Shorty handbag for just $60 (normally priced at $90):

Or, choose the Shopper style for just $65 (normally priced at $95):

Hurry…Lori’s generous discount is only good through November 30th! To order, just visit Hardware Handbags and enter code HH3 at checkout.