Few things are worse than watching other (usually ugly) girls drop thousands at Prada, Gucci, Bergdorf’s, etc. while you debate whether you can afford to splurge on a $60 pair of pants at Express. Okay, fine, many things are worse, but it still sucks. Forget frustrating hours of thrifting or agonizing internal debates over whether you can bring yourself to wear bulk jeans from Costco. Here are this frugal girl’s favorite places for cheap digs:

Basics
For simple pants, skirts, tees, and polos, my absolute favorite is Steve and Barry’s. Their clothing lines are designed by celebs like Venus Williams, Amanda Bynes, and Sara Jessica Parker if you care about that kind of thing. More importantly, no single item will set you back more than $10.98. An arbitrary number, sure, but it sounds good when the cashier says it and looks even better on a credit card statement.

Second choices: Everyone knows about H&M, and there are always a few great pieces to be had. I also love Target, but please never call it Tar-jet.

Fashion
If you’re lucky enough to be in New York with a few hours of free time, Century 21 is incredible. The crowds will crush you; the endless maze of rooms and products will overwhelm you; and the barely-there changing stall curtains will make you uncomfortable. However, if you’re up to the challenge, you can score high end items for prices that will make the adventure well worth it.

Second choices: There are two opposite possibilities here. On one hand, Barney’s Co-op and similar stores offer designer items at discounted prices. You will still dish out hundreds for a few items, but you will get the real deal for less than you would otherwise pay. This option is ideal if you want a couple of special items, like a great New Year’s Eve dress or the perfect cashmere sweater. On the other hand, maybe you’re like me and would rather spend those hundreds elsewhere. If you are willing to sort through fugly and poorly made clothes while dodging teenage mothers with oversized strollers, places like Forever 21, Wet Seal, and Charlotte Russe often reveal hidden treasures.

Accessories
Syms is truly New York's best kept secret. I wandered in looking for a tuxedo shirt and bowtie (required garb for a bartending job) and ended up discovering shoes and handbags by Michael Kors, Liz Claiborne, Kenneth Cole, Betsey Johnson, 9 West, etc, all in the neighborhood of $30.

Second choices: DSW needs to work on its product selection – I tire out walking through row after row of ugly shoes and handbags – but I’ve found some amazing steals, especially in the clearance racks. Street fairs also prove surprisingly fruitful for cheap jewelry; I’ve paid a couple of bucks for necklaces and earrings I get compliments on all the time.

I'm sure there are other great places I didn't think of or have never heard of, so feel free to comment and tell me what I'm missing!