I can smell it. The cool, crisp air. The dewdrops on the grass. The smushed up peanut butter and jelly sandwich in my backpack.

Ah yes, the first day of school.

It would be hard to imagine the first day back at school without thinking of our back to school outfit. It was such an exciting time as a child, for it often meant a whole new wardrobe… New shoes! New jeans! New backpack!

As we get older and such new items no longer become a necessity, our nostalgic self still feels a magnetic pull in the direction of oiled autumn footwear and cozy cotton jumpers.

With a pocketbook more closely resembling Kate Bosworth than Kirstie Alley, the ambition to present oneself in spanking fresh new duds on your first day back at the books seems a tad indulgent.

However, since my name just so happens to be Melissa Indulgence Chastity, I am well versed in the way of pampering oneself on pennies.

It all began one fine rainy day when I was requested by a dear friend to seek out bridesmaids’ dresses- at a fraction of the ticket price. The next thing I knew, I was being whirled around the world of online shopping.

Little did I know that I could get everything my little heart desires at less than sale price.

Now, to be able to conserve time and energy, I have created a little questionnaire which will help each of you define which online stores and discount sites will serve you best for your back to school desires.

Please answer the following questions to discover your Discount Doppelganger:

1. Which television program’s style suits you best?

a. Madmen
b. 90210
c. Dallas Cheerleaders: Making the Team

2. If you were to choose a look by Britney to wear yourself, what would it be?

a. Floppy Hat Kentucky Derby-Channeling Britney (“Radar”)
b. Classic Knee Socks and Short Skirt Britney (“Hit Me Baby”)
c. Diamond-Encrusted Britney (“Toxic”)

3. In 2001, which of the following songs would have been playing in your Discman?
a. Perry Como- “The Blue Room”
b. Jagged Edge with Nelly- “Where the Party At”
c. Crazytown- “Butterfly”

After you have taken the time for deep introspection to be able to answer the above questions, without further ado, I present to you…

Your Discount Doppelganger!

If you answered mostly A’s: Vintage Vixen
If you answered mostly B’s: Crew-Cut Cool
If you answered mostly C’s: Alluring Athlete

The Vintage Vixen

This individual prefers to be a little different from everyone else, and can be found shopping at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and local consignment stores that rework vintage clothes into current styles at overpriced prices. If this sounds like you, and you want to save a buck, check out Modcloth, my favourite retro indie online store. You’ll resemble Sienna Miller in no time.

The Crew-Cut Cool Kid

This character likes to blend in just enough- with an edge. They can often be spotted in Coach or Abercrombie scouting the latest denim trends and cushy loafers, but like to set the bar for special occasions with high-end designer pieces. If you’ve been eyeing a pair of jeans for months, zip over to Principal Fashion for a peek at discount denim. From there, move on over to Principal Fashion for a peek at discount denim. From there, move on over to Hautelook and Bluefly for some seriously sexy occasion pieces. Neither yourself, nor your adoring fans, will be disappointed.

The Alluring Athlete

This guy or gal is all about comfort and style in one. They can be found at the park playing flag football with the gang and are all about the footwear. If you have 10 pairs of sneakers and as many varsity pins, Zappos and Zappos and Designer Athletic will get you to the gym and back with an Usain Bolt-like flair.

I hope that today’s session of Discount Doppelganger has been enjoyable and informative.

In case you aren’t feeling fulfilled, please click here for a good giggle.

‘Til next week.

Makes Cents (3)

This entry was posted on Friday, August 28th, 2009 at 12:09 pm and is filed under Fashion, Money. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Tags: 90210, Add new tag, Britney Spears, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Kate Bosworth, Kirstie Alley, Madmen, Melissa Janke Oliver, Recession, Saving Money, Screw You Recession, Sienna Miller, Spending, Usain Bolt