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Build your dream fall wardrobe

As casual summer turns into opulent fall, our wallets will be feeling the pressure. Trading in flip-flops for boots and tank tops for sweaters comes at no small cost, and the fall of 2012 will be an especially dressed-up season thanks to fancy fashion icons like Kate Middleton. But is it possible to have a wardrobe worthy of royalty on the budget of a commoner? It is if you cut corners in the right places. Test your savvy shopping skills and see if you can build your dream fall wardrobe with $1,000 to spend.
BY NINA RUGGIERO AND SAM GUZIK.

$1,000your budget

Congratulations, you upgraded your wardrobe on a budget! Share your new look on Facebook or using #dreamWardrobe. << clear results and start over

BootiesThis season, the ankles are where the action is when it comes to footwear.
Stuart Weitzman pony hair ankle boots

Splurge

Stuart Weitzman Right pony hair ankle boots, $650; at stuartweitzman.com.

Simply Vera by Vera Wang ankle boots

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Simply Vera by Vera Wang ankle boots, $67.99; at kohls.com.

 

Not for me

Fur Whether it's real or faux, fur toppers are all about glamour (and a little bit about warmth).
Joie Andoni rabbit fur vest, $798; at bloomingdales.com

Splurge

Joie Andoni rabbit fur vest, $798; at bloomingdales.com

Mongolian faux fur vest, $29.99; at alloy.com

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Mongolian faux fur vest, $29.99; at alloy.com.

 

Not for me

Lace Delicate and feminine, no lady's closet is complete without a touch of lace
L'Agence lace blouse, $390; at nordstrom.com

Splurge

L'Agence lace blouse, $390; at nordstrom.com

Flutter lace top, $15.80; at forever21.com

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Flutter lace top, $15.80; at forever21.com

 

Not for me

Leather It's sexy and sleek with just the right amount of edge. Leather is the ultimate must-have fall material.
Michael by Michael Kors leather motorcycle jacket, $395; at macys.com

Splurge

Michael by Michael Kors leather motorcycle jacket, $395; at macys.com

Jack by BB Dakota Fernando faux leather jacket, $65; at zappos.com

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Jack by BB Dakota Fernando faux leather jacket, $65; at zappos.com

 

Not for me

Jewel tones Forget looking like a million bucks...this season you want to look like a million rubies. Or sapphires. Or emeralds. You get the picture.
Kate Spade Vanessa dress, $458; at katespade.com

Splurge

Kate Spade Vanessa dress, $458; at katespade.com

Burgundy dress with beaded collar, $49.95; at select H&M stores

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Burgundy dress with beaded collar, $49.95; at select H&M stores

 

Not for me

SequinsSequins More "Great Gatsby" and less "Jersey Shore," refined sequin embellishments are making fall's stand-out clothing and accessories shine.
BE & D Catherine sequin shoulder bag, $558.60; at shopbop.com

Splurge

BE & D Catherine sequin shoulder bag, $558.60; at shopbop.com

HeartAce sequin clutch, $50; at etsy.com

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HeartAce sequin clutch, $50; at etsy.com

 

Not for me