It's a challenge that many women face: find a chic outfit for what little amount is left of your paycheck after filling up at the gas station, picking up a gallon of milk at the grocery store and setting aside savings for personal economic stability.

Given a $30 limit, I set off in search of several ensembles that wouldn't break the bank. Here's what I found:

Buying quality items used is not only efficient and environmentally friendly but you'll also get more mileage out of something well-made second-hand than something new that's made cheap.

I'm not alone in thrift store shopping: Though some spending is going down, the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops states that its industry is steadily growing - 5 percent each year.

Whether the following items will be on the racks by the time you get there is left to chance, which is the beauty of shopping at cheap and trendy shops - the turnover rate is tremendous.

Also, unlike merchandise in your average full-price store, items in stock are one of a kind and size. To save time - and it will still take some - start looking in racks with your size - it doesn't matter that you've found exactly what you're looking for if it's in the wrong size.

Keep an open mind and open eyes: if you want to find a deal or find your size, you're going to have to work for it; with more options comes more digging. It's worth trading buyer's guilt, however, for a feeling of accomplishment in spending efficiency.