On a campus where Louis Vuitton and Prada are basic wardrobe staples dressing on the cheap can be a challenge. And when we’re honest it can be discouraging to have to pass up a shopping trip to Santa Monica or even just down to J. Crew because of the pinch it puts on the wallet. But fear not dollar-conscious hipsters the same shopping challenges that Los Angeles poses can also be considered benefits. Learn to look in the right places with the right frame of mind and you’re on your way to cheap and chic closet full of Pep-worthy outfits.Don’t think like a local. Location plays a huge role in prices and Malibu residents aren’t exactly known for their thrifty thinking. Seek out those lesser-known places like the Artifac Tree located at 3728 ½ Cross Creed Road. This second-hand shop has low prices as well as a heart for giving back. Artifac Tree donates a portion of their proceeds charities including the Boys and Girls Club Malibu Wildlife Rescue Dream Center and 2007 Malibu fire victims. Stores like this are great places to find unique clothes and accessories as well as items to decorate your dorm. Hunt around Santa Monica Venice Beach and downtown Los Angeles to find one-of-a-kind items at prices even those of us with Pepperdine-sized amounts of debt can afford. Share closets. One of the plus sides to sharing a room is the entire second wardrobe to which you have access. Even if you and your roommate don’t share the same waistline at the very least you can still share belts jewelry and scarves. For the gentlemen T-shirts and ties are generally one-size-fits-all. (Just make sure to ask permission before you snatch up your roommate’s favorite pair of True Religions and be fully prepared to take responsibility if said jeans end up as the victim of a tragic hot water shrinking accident due to the wonders of on-campus washing machines.)Pull a Betsy Ross. Learning how to sew is not only a useful skill to have but also guarantees a distinctive product. The Internet offers a vast array of help for learning endeavors such as sewing with instructional videos and free printable patterns. Check out www.burdastyle.com for free sewing patterns with a Euro-chic flair. If you don’t have the time or patience to pick up sewing (or the money for a sewing machine) knitting is an easier place to start. Once you’ve filled your own closet with knitted accessories a hand-made scarf makes a great gift and who can turn down a quality pair of darned socks? If people really like your creations they might even want to start buying from you. Plus when friends ask where you got your super-cute skirt or tres-unique tote-bag you’ll be able to proudly tell them you made it yourself! Seek sales. Learning when and where the best sales are is a true art. All those miniscule holidays we can’t even remember the names of are the best days to hit the mall. For the more experienced sale-hunter try braving upcoming Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving known for its giant sales and ruthless shoppers (the “craft ladies” who hit stores like JoAnne’s and Michael’s are probably the most vicious). Be prepared to wake up at 4 a.m. fight hoards of people for the last super-marked-down cashmere cardigan and stand in lines that snake through the store out the door and around the building. Lately though lowered prices have been in abundance year-round (thank you economic recession) so don’t feel pressured to pay full price. Stores like Nordstrom Rack sell solely at discounted rates so make a trip there before you hit up the real deal.Join forces. Gather your fellow bargain-seeking comrades and have a “trade party” where everyone brings clothes accessories and shoes they’re willing to part with. Be prepared for a little bit of a (free) ego boost when you find out just how high in demand your own clothes are among your circle of friends. Everyone will go home with something “new” and best of all free. If this seems a little too “garage sale” for your tastes just remember that there is little to no shame in buying a used car. Why should clothing be any different?Be confident. It’s important to wear your clothes and not let them wear you. Try shopping alone and choosing something you genuinely like. Shopping off the beaten path with Rodeo Drive fashionistas can cause some unnecessary difficulties. While your friends’ opinions hold some value if you don’t feel comfortable in what you’re wearing you won’t emit that glow that comes from being at ease with yourself. Buying something you know you’ll never wear is a waste of money. If you want a shopping companion make sure to take someone who will give you an honest opinion in the dressing room and won’t just spout out what he or she thinks you want to hear. Don’t be afraid to take risks; just remember to own it regardless of how much (or little) you paid for it.