budget shopping

We've already introduced you to this season's must-have denim, and there's a little bit of a twist in Fall's mix: leather-like jeans are replacing our tried-and-true staples as the most desired silhouette. The reason: they're undeniably sexy and slick, but in everyday silhouettes — seriously, what's cooler than strutting your stuff in a pair of sleek leather bottoms? Just look to Fall's runways from Diane von Furstenberg's polished take, Phillip Lim's colored leather, and Balmain's rocker-chic iterations for the proof. Now, we can think of few things that meld so seamlessly with our black ankle boots and a chunky sweater — and give them such cool-girl edge. If you're looking to test the waters before diving head first into the trend, this is the perfect starting place. We've culled just 23 of the best on the market, all under $150 — just the right price to take for a test drive.

From left: Diane von Furstenberg, Phillip Lim, and Balmain

One thing is for sure: Labor Day weekend was made for some serious retail therapy. In between end-of-Summer park grazing and BBQing, we're pretty sure there's room for a little online shopping, too. Trust us, this is the time to stock up on Fall layering essentials (Club Monaco and Gap have got you covered), chic cocktail dresses (don't even get us started with DKNY), and pretty underthings (hello, Victoria's Secret!). With heavily marked-down designer pieces from the likes of Thakoon, Isabel Marant, and 3.1 Phillip Lim up for grabs at Bird, Diane von Furstenberg offering up an extra 30 percent off select pre-Fall items, and Madewell providing a cool 25 percent off its favorite denim, shirts, and boots, you better get clicking . . . and fast. We've mapped out the top sales to shop — and the best part? You don't even have to leave the comfort of your Labor Day party to score them. Happy shopping!

• Listen up, DKNY is not joking around about its sale. In fact, when you pop in the code SUMMER50, you'll receive an extra 50 percent off all sale items. Now's your chance to score one of DKNY's slick shirtdresses or a pair of those awesome printed jeans you've been eyeing all season.
• If you've been loving Jennifer Lawrence or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's off-duty style lately, here's your chance to follow suit. Sustainable brand — and a favorite shopping spot of the aforementioned starlets — Reformation has marked down many of its vintage-inspired pieces. Look for discounts of up to 75 percent off until Monday.
• Macy's is not joking around with its Labor Day sales — and here's the proof. You can get 25 percent off all sale items, plus another 15 percent off any purchases with a total over $99, when you use the code FALL. Wait, there's more. Score an additional 25 percent off all clearance goodies, too.
• Stock up on Fall basics (and then some) via Gap's insanely cool weekend sale. Did we mention this sale extends to Banana Republic and Old Navy too? To get 30 percent off each site's wares, remember to use the code FALLCALLS — valid until Monday.

Even more Labor Day sales after the jump.

Aside from the obvious, like Barneys major online Warehouse sale, the Summer sales scene is jampacked with awe-inspiring designer steals. To get you the most bang for your buck, we're breaking down the season's most lucrative sales to help you get just what you're looking for (for a lot less). Retailers are already unloading their seasonal gear to make room for all of their Fall goodies — that means that that bikini you've been eyeing, those sandals you've been coveting, and that dress you're dying to wear to a sunset cocktail party is now within your grasp — and your budget! The best part? You don't even have to leave the house to take advantage of these online deals. Just keep reading for all the hot spots and deep discounts — happy shopping!

Clockwise from left: Topshop Limited Edition Fluro Stitch Midi Dress ($80, originally $190), J.Crew Little Edie Purse ($120, originally $168), Sass & Bide Mendoza Sunglasses ($182, originally $260), and Madewell Treeline Heel ($100, originally $158)

Get the rest of the Summer steals when you keep reading.

From left to right: Lela Rose, Suno, Proenza Schouler, and Jen Kao

It's time to put a wrap on the standard skirt fare, literally. Sure, it was all about the retro ladylike full-skirted silhouette this Summer, but come cooler temps, we're taking definitive cues from the Fall 2012 runways. From structural samurai-inspired cuts at Proenza Schouler to a cocoon-like high-low wrap by Lela Rose, and a playful polka-dotted rendition courtesy of Suno, the voluminous skirt trend is taking a backseat to Autumn's formfitting shape. Need more proof of its dominance? We're pretty sure these designers wholeheartedly agree with us. We love the modern feel of this updated skirt — the curtained effect allows for more movement — and hey, a little more leg baring — and its wrapped detailing injects another dimension of texture and interest to your finished look. As far as putting the wrap skirt to the styling test, there's nothing cooler than a chunky knit sweater and ankle boots to complete your ensemble. To get a leg up on Fall's wrap skirt now, just shop our editors' budget-friendly picks below.