The Bargain Bag
It's tough to find a midpriced handbag that looks and feels fabulous. That's why this duffel style (with a shoulder strap) stands out: The richly colored woven faux leather resembles a more extravagant bag, without the credit card damage.
Melie Bianco, $99; FashionFlairs.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
The Budget-Conscious Coat
A lot of style for not a lot of money: This versatile, pleated black coat with ruched ribbon detail takes you easily from office to evening.
Simply Vera Vera Wang, $98; Kohls.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
High-End Jewelry for Less
Jewelry designer Dean Harris, whose work has appeared on the Marc Jacobs and Bill Blass runways, has interpreted the exquisite, organic look of his luxury line for a more affordable, limited edition collection with Target.
Pebble drop clear quartz earrings, Dean Harris for Target, $20; Target.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Wallet-Friendly Workout Wear
High-tech workout gear doesn't have to cost as much as your gym membership. JCPenney recently rolled out Xersion, sophisticated-looking, sporty separates with the same must-haves—wicking fabric, bra support, reflective details—as pricier lines.
Color-block jacket, $40, and tank, $28; 877-346-3527 for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Brilliant Bras, Plain and Simple
Hanes's "All Over Comfort" bra is supportive, unfussy (for fewer lines beneath T-shirts), offered with and without underwire, and available in a range of attractive colors that remind us of Necco wafers.
$12 each; Hanes.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Easy Riders
"Comfort-No Gap" khakis and jeans are slimming like Spanx, attractive, and affordable as all get-out. Meant to minimize bottoms and thighs, they feature an undetectable stretch waistband that eliminates gapping (some jeans also have Lycra paneling to smooth the stomach).
Riders by the Makers of Lee, $19; RidersJeans.com for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
A Fresh Take on Gloss
It's not the first gloss ever spiked with minty flavor, but CoverGirl Wetslicks AmazeMint packs the most impressive breath-freshening punch you'll be dabbing on your lips this season. It uses the same peppermint oil that's in Crest toothpaste; and three shades—Plum Crazy, Un-Wined, and Toast-ed—have blue undertones to make teeth look whiter.
$5; drugstores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Eyeliners Get Smaller, Work Better
When liquid liners were transformed into felt-tip markers, we thought it was the pinnacle of liner innovation. Now the markers have been shrunk into chubby pens that make it even easier to get a smooth line. Try Prestige Hi Definition Fluid Eyeliner (shown here), Avon Perfectly Portable Liquid Liner, or CoverGirl LineExact.
$6, drugstores; $7.50, Avon.com; $6, drugstores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
A Major Boost for Fine, Flat Hair
John Frieda says this volumizing shampoo contains "patented fruit acid technology." This means nothing to us, so we asked two volume-challenged friends to test it out. One reported an unsolicited "your hair looks fabulous!" from a colleague; the other said: "My hair feels young again!"
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Full Splendor Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.50 each; drugstores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Hand Sanitizers Slim Down
If you've ever had a hand sanitizer spill in your purse, you'll love these spray pens. Slip one in your pocket; they're not sticky or runny like some gels.
CVS Pharmacy Hand Sanitizing Spray Pen with Aloe, $2; CVS.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Contraband Lip Balms Now Available in the United States
Our most glamorous jet-setting friends always return home with a fresh stash of Labello lip balms, drugstore staples in Europe for decades. Now they—and you—can get them without the pricey airfare, as Nivea Lip Care (Nivea and Labello are owned by the same company).
$3; drugstores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Fast, Fresh Weeknight Meals
Enough already with greasy takeout: A Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market may be opening soon on a street near you. This chain of small food shops will open 200 branches on the West Coast by the end of the year—with 61 already open in California, Nevada, and Arizona—featuring prepackaged entrées made from all-natural ingredients. One of the most ingenious is a whole chicken coated in garlic, lemon, and herbs, ready to pop in the oven; 45 minutes later, out comes a roasted bird with a moistness that eludes even experienced chefs.
$3 per pound; FreshandEasy.com
Food stylist: Maria Washburn
Fifteen Terrific Wines $15 and Under
There's no shame in drinking cheap wine—or bringing it to a dinner party: Terrific bottles in the $15-and-under range are flooding the market. Two great sources are Wine-Shopper.com and WineAccess.com, where you can shop online (some shipping restrictions apply) or just compare prices at hundreds of stores across the country.
See our picks.
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources; Food stylist: Maria Washburn
Rugs on a Budget
We're floored by the gentle price of these handloomed flat-weave cotton rugs by Dash & Albert: Casual stripes—some pale, others earth tones or brights—go with any solid color.
4" x 6" rugs, $95 each; DashandAlbert.com for stores
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Update Your Tiles
Kitchen and bathroom renovations can be nightmarish—and expensive. 2Jane's waterproof stick-ons are a do-it-yourselfer's dream, revving up plain old tiles with crisp, attractive patterns.
Tile Tattoos by Mibo, $16 to $18 for six; 2Jane.com
Stylists: Marissa Gimeno and Claire Tedaldi for Halley Resources
Photo: Courtesy of Thomasville
Wal-Mart Moves into Furniture
Wal-Mart's Canopy Collection, which includes this chic $299 console table, delivers the comforts of home at prices up to 40 percent lower than the chain's competitors.
$70 to $700; WalMart.com
