The Budget Fashionista's tips on saving

With the current state of the economy, The Budget Fashionista has never been more in demand. So she's put out an "Economic Survival Guide" to help fellow budget shoppers stay current without spending a lot.

Here are a few of Kathryn Finney's tips to recession proof your closet:

1) Develop a signature piece, something you're going to be known for. It could be fabulous shoes, earrings, blazer, dresses, etc. Focus your shopping dollars on these pieces. Finney says her signature piece is crazy necklaces, which she finds at thrift stores and store such as Forever 21.

2) Remember the cost-per-wear theory when shopping. Finney's been preaching it for years. Value is the key when building a great closet, and the cost-per-wear formula can help you get the most bang for your buck. The cost per wear is the price of an item divided by the number of times you think you'll wear it. So if an item costs $100, and you wear it 10 times, the cost per wear is $10. The more you wear an item, the cheaper it becomes. This forces you to focus on the utility of an item, or the usefulness to you, rather than just focusing on the price.

3) Limit trips to the dry cleaners. This can be a real money zapper. She says you are only supposed to dry clean suits two to three times a year, and even less for items such as coats. To keep clothes fresh in between wears and trips to the dry cleaners, spritz with fabric freshener.

4) Follow the 70/30 rule. Remember that 70 percent of your closet should be classic pieces that never go out of style, a great white shirt or a nice black suit that you can wear over and over. The other 30 percent should be fun, trendy items like a plaid skirt, funky bomber jacket or a cool fedora.