Having a million bucks and looking like it are two different things, and lucky for most of us, the absence of one does not preclude the other.  Just because there are very few millionaires living amongst us lesser mortals doesn’t mean we can’t all look like our highfalutin brethren, with the rich, luxurious clothing and accessories that command attention wherever we go.  So if you’re seeking ways to spruce up your wardrobe that don’t require you to take out a second mortgage on your home, here are a few tips and tricks that will have you looking strictly Rodeo even when you’re stuck in a high-rise in Burbank.

1. Samples sales.  The great thing about sample sales is that they’re the real deal…for less.  Of course, you have to get into the city when the sales are on, squeeze your way through a cluster of buyers trying to snag the last little number in your size, and then try everything on in a room full of other customers, but considering you could walk out with incredible designer pieces (albeit a season out of date) for a fraction of the cost, it’s well worth the effort.
2. DOTD.  There’s simply no downside to signing up for deal-of-the-day sites.  While Groupon won’t really offer you a chance at the fashions that will make you look like a millionaire, there are sites devoted to fashionistas on the prowl for label clothing at less cost.  HauteLook, Gilt Groupe, and Beyond the Rack all offer memberships (for free) that allow users to take advantage of daily deals on their favorite brands.  And they’re so considerate: they even send you daily emails that prompt you to buy!
3. Knockoffs.  Okay, so it’s actually illegal to knowingly buy and sell knockoffs, but you can certainly search for similar items to the ones you see on the runways.  Thanks to the trickle-down effect, department stores quickly mimic the ensembles that spring up at fashion weeks across the globe.  And once they’ve hit department stores, the next stop is discount superstores (like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross, for example).  So while you may have to wait a few months for the low-end version of that fabulous maxi-dress you saw on the Bryant Park highlights, it can virtually be yours for a lot less.
4. Designer labels for less.  With all of the designers creating affordable lines for stores like Kohl’s (Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad), Target (Isaac Mizrahi, Zac Posen), Payless (Christian Siriano, of Project Runway fame), and more, you can get your hands on some amazingly flattering fashions that look totally posh for pennies on the dollar.
5. Online retailers.  If you’re looking for a website that offers deals on fashions, you’re going to find plenty.  But the ones that offer some of the best deals are those that sell overstock and used items.  Overstock.com is a good bet; they’ve got a little bit of everything, designer clothing included.  But if you’re in the market for lightly-used, authentic fashions, eBay may also provide suitable (and suitably-priced options).