If you follow along regularly with Raving Fashionista, you’re already well aware I’m a firm believer in affordable and stylish fashion.  In fact, this entire outfit, from the sunglasses to the rings to the bow-adorned heels, cost a grand total of $123.77.  (Seriously, I did the math, you can see the breakdown below.)  I love the thrill of the hunt for a great deal almost as much as I appreciate a fashionable find.  I’m in love with the style of this Tibi midi skirt, but the price tag makes it unrealistic, so I found this green beauty instead, and consequently grabbed it up in 3 other colors and still spent considerably less than what one Tibi skirt costs.  My secrets?

• Do some research and don’t be afraid to shop from stores you may have never even heard of before.  Some of my absolute favorite pieces have come from online shops I’d never visited, or boutiques I’d never stepped foot in, and now those places are some of my go-to shopping spots.  Also, don’t hesitate to pop into stores you may think are outside your budget; you never know what kind of great sale you might stumble upon.

• Experiment with color.  For instance, I initially had my heart set on a play-it-safe, black skirt, but there’s a good reason emerald was the Pantone Color of 2013.  It’s elegantly jewel-toned and lush, like freshly sprouted grass, which lends to its year-round versatility, making it as perfect for winter as it is spring-ready.

• Mix it up!  This lace top is actually a dress I layered underneath the full skirt.  This is one of my signature tricks for getting more mileage out of my wardrobe.  Playing around with layering can seem intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest and most beneficial styling

• And most importantly, be realistic with your budget.  Whether you’re shopping for an occasion, or just for new seasonal pieces, know what you’re honestly able to spend and try not to deviate too far from that.  If this isn’t your strong-suit, a pre-paid debit card, like the H&R Block Emerald Card, may be the ideal alternative.  You can load it with the amount you choose and spend it like you would a debit card, but with the added benefit of earning weekly rewards.  (Find out more about the benefits of shopping with the Emerald Card here.)

{Choies lace dress [$20.99]; Choies midi skirt [$22.99]; J. Crew belt [$14.99 — bought in-store during a 50% off sale promotion]; Just Fabulous LUXE Fairfield heels [$59.00]; Amazon silver stack rings [$2.28]; eBay sunglasses [$2.53]}

So now that you know my favorite smart shopping tips I want to give one of you the opportunity to go shopping.  Thanks to H&R Block and the Emerald Card, I’m excited to giving one lucky reader the chance to win a $200 gift card from H&R Block!  Comment below and let me know how you’d spend your gift card, and be sure to check out my Emerald Spring board on Pinterest over the next few weeks for inspiration.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

H&R Block has asked me to help promote the Emerald Prepaid MasterCard. The prize was provided and may be shipped to the winner by H&R Block, but all opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of H&R Block. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US only. No purchase necessary in order to win prize. Winner to be chosen at random.