What do FOFs save and splurge on?

Some things are worth a splurge, such as cashmere sweaters, sustainable seafood and tweezers, according to our most savvy FOF experts. But other things, such as drugstore nailpolish, fashion watches and eyeshadow, are better when you buy them cheap.

Intrigued? Flip through this slideshow to see the beauty, fashion, food and home items FOFs splurge and save on. Then, tell us below, do you agree? Is there something you’d add to this list?

[portfolio_slideshow]

{Style Expert} “My FOFall Fashion Finds”

We sent our FOF style experts on a fall shopping spree…okay, okay, we sent them on a fantasy shopping spree. They returned with their favorite finds of the season — a gamut of gorgeous garb that had us awe struck and, we’ll admit, in some cases a bit sticker-shocked. It’s fun to play pretend, but it’s even more fun to fill your fall wardrobe AND have $$ left over to buy those Beauty Bash tickets you’ve been coveting. That’s why we’ve included “swap and save” options for each collection.

Terry’s fall finds:
Camel coat by Malene Birger ($830)
Save: Camel double breasted coat from Dorothy Perkins ($110)

Hera silk shirt dress by Trina Turk ($318)
Save: Sondra print wrap dress by BCBG ($168)

Bette Davis bracelet by Erickson Beamon ($855)
Save: Crystal mosaic bracelet ($85) paired with snake chain bracelet ($58) from J.Crew

Nightingale Tote by Givenchy ($1,730)
Save: Rock the Bag leather tote by Juicy Couture ($225)

Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.

—————————————————————————————————–

Wendy’s fall finds:
Havsis knit top by Diane Von Furstenberg ($365)
Save: Poncho sweater from H&M ($19.95)

Classic collar henley shirt by Eileen Fisher ($188)
Save: Breezy blouse from Old Navy ($29.94)

Long skirt by Pauw ($160)
Save: Pleated maxi skirt from Yesstyle ($55)

Low wedge leather boot by Loeffler Randall ($695)
Save: Intyce leather boots by Steve Madden ($149)

Wendy Foster is head stylist and owner of the Wendy Foster boutiques in Santa Barbara, California.

—————————————————————————————————–

Susan’s fall finds:
Layered sleeve dress by Rachel Roy ($398)
Save: Black 3/4 sleeve jersey dress by Majestic ($130)

Skinny trouser by Rag and Bone ($290)
Save: Hilary Trouser in Tropical Weight from Not Your Daughter’s Jeans ($120)

Messenger bag by Givenchy ($1,660)
Save: Brompton satchel from J.Crew ($278)

Faux croc leather underground jacket by Royal Underground ($395)
Save: Moc croc scuba jacket from Dress Barn ($49.99)

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.

—————————————————————————————————–

Linda’s fall finds:
Slim leather pants by Daryl K ($895)
Save: Isaac leather legging by BB Dakota ($144)

Fur trim coat by Robert Rodriguez ($995)
*Robertrodriguez.com for stores
Save: Black tweed coat with faux fur from Collection Debenhams ($115)

Animal print pumps by Kate Spade ($350)
Save: Leopard print brushed suede shoes from Topshop ($100)

Klimpton chantilly lace shirt by THE ROW ($1,525)
Save: Storm lace belted blouse by Free People ($46.99)

Linda Cohen owns her own consulting business specializing in retail merchandising.

—————————————————————————————————–

Diana’s fall finds:
Wild winter short poncho by Emilio Pucci ($1,150)
Save: Kimono Sleeve Sweater by Spiegel ($46.99)

Knit leggings by Akris ($895)
Save: Cable Knitted Leggings from Topshop ($45)

Hat with feathers by Trilby ($495)
Save: Floppy bow hat from Bakers ($32)

Lace gold cuff by Aurelie Biderman ($1,370)
Save: Yellow Stainless Steel Floral Filigree Cuff ($23.99)

Diana Tenes is a stylist, makeup artist and the author of 90% Off Every Day: A Pocket Guide to Shopping Second Hand.

{Style Expert} Find it for le$$

Our FOF Style Gurus share their favorite, wear-everywhere summer pieces. Then, for the truly frugal, our FOF Bargain Gurus recommend look-alike items at a fraction of the price.

[portfolio_slideshow]

{Art} Gorgeous art that you can afford!

A perfect storm of factors has resulted in amazing steals on top-notch art. First, there was the recession (“I had to come way down in price when the recession hit,” says FOF artist Patty A. Baker) and now, the mass-migration of artists from brick-and-mortar galleries to the web (“The galleries take up to 50%,” says FOF artist CheyAnne Sexton. “Never go to a gallery to buy your art. Buy it directly from artists online,” says Patty A. Baker.)

Case in point: these 7 fab prints and paintings, all by FOFs(!), for under $100….

1. Lanscape24 by RozArt. Signed 16″x20″ print using on high-quality Fujifilm crystal archive paper.

2. Plumin’ Around in Silver by JNociforaStudio. Signed 6″X6″ oil painting on linen canvas panel.

3. Harvest Art Fruit Print by WatercolorByMuren 12″x12″ print on 100% cotton, fine art paper.

4. Just Blue, Antwerp Blu by CheyAnneSexton. 11″X14″ original watercolor on Arches 140 coldpress paper with Winsor & Newton paints.

5. VillefrancheSurMer by marionbermondy. 6″X4″ print on acid-free Strathmore© digital texture paper.

6. Still Life with Palisade Peaches by pattyabaker. 8″X10″ giclee print on premium, archival quality photo paper with satin finish.

7. Piggy by workingwoman. 8.5″X11″ print on premium archival fine art paper.

One of these artists made $87,000 selling her art online! Find out which one and discover the secrets to her success.

{The Look for Less} Gail Garramone’s Suit-Free Spring Officewear

“Since returning to office work, I’m looking for suit alternatives such as cardigans in flowy silhouettes and luxe fabrics or tailored clothing with a feminine touch,” says FOF style expert Gail Garramone.  “I love color and always wear a bright touch somewhere. I also really believe in the perfect accessory to compliment a monochromatic outfit, and I have just invested in a handbag that looks like a giant piece of jewelry.” Check out Gail’s glam spring office wear, below. Then, discover some easy-on-the-wallet alternatives.

Tory Burch ‘Simone’ cardigan/Jamin Puech ‘Anatoli’ handbag/Alexis Bittar ‘Zanzibar’ bangle/Akris ‘Karla’ Pants

Gap v-neck cardigan/Rafe ‘Carolina’ clutch/Alexis Bittar bangle/Soft Surroundings ‘Tencel’ pull-on pant

{The Look for Less} Sandra Soich’s Fabulously Feminine Spring Picks


“I am loving creams and light pinks for the spring…so feminine!” says FOF style expert Sandra Soich “The racer-back silhouette is definitely in this season, and even though our backs may not be perfect, FOFs can wear this silhouette with a soft cami underneath.” Sandra’s fabulously feminine spring picks are below, followed by thriftier versions of the pieces.

Cosabella ‘Talco’ long camisole/Rag and Bone racer tank/Eileen Fisher organic linen trouser/Eileen Fisher scoop neck dress/Via Spiga ‘Dolmen’ pump

Soft Surroundings long scoop cami / Madewell perfect racerback tank/Soft Surroundings ‘Palagiano’ pant/Calvin Klein pleated jersey dress/Anne Klein ‘Pipa’ heels

{The Look for Less} Sherrie Mathieson’s Sporty-Chic Spring Picks

FOF style expert, Sherrie Mathieson, is eying Prada’s collection this spring. “I love nylon windbreakers and anoraks like this one in tan from Prada,” says Sherrie. “They are my sporty alternative to sweaters.” A Bakelite-inspired necklace in caramel is “a complexion-enhancing neutral,” and a pair of patent slides are “a sleek, comfortable basic that will work with most slacks.” Check out Sherrie’s picks and FOF’s bargain version:

Prada contrast-trim jacket/Prada link necklace in light tortoise/Prada patent leather wedge slides/Prada cropped Pants

Chico’s Zenergy jacket/Adia Kibur links necklace/Soft Surroundings peep-toe espadrille/Coldwater Creek capri pants

{The Look for Less} Terry Gibralter’s Practically Perfect Spring Picks

Practical perfection is FOF style expert Terry Gibralter’s mantra this spring. Topping her wish-list: A lightweight tote (“for everything I carry, like my iPad”), super-stylish, comfortable flats (“I’ll wear them like crazy through the summer”) and wide-leg jeans (“a welcome change from the super-skinny jeans I’ve been rocking all winter!”) And to jazz it all up? A necklace in an eye-popping shade. (“To add pizazz to my neutrals.”) See her picks below, then find out how to get this look for less.

J Brand Hawkeye Wide Leg Jeans / Proenza Schouler shopping tote / Marni rope and chain necklace / Candela oxfords

Not Your Daughter’s Jeans flare jeans/Halogen vertical tote/Old Navy Mixed-media necklace/Miz Mooz two-tone oxfords