It's hard heading into the holidays with a dark cloud of economic woes over our heads. Dare we buy a new little black dress or a pair of stilettos for all those holiday parties? Or maybe this year, just an accessory will do.

We asked The Advertiser's Fashion Forum members what they would buy with a budget of $20. Here's what they said:

Name: Megan Anderson

Profession: Regional marketing manager, Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts

What I found: OPI's Tiny Toybox with four holiday nail enamels: Glamour Game, Brand New Skates, Little Red Wagon and Don't Toy With Me!

Where I found it: Hino Hairstyles, Ala Moana Center

What it cost: $11.90

How I'll wear it: On my fingers and toes, from the office to cocktail parties — these fun and bold new colors are the perfect way to complete any holiday look!

But oh how I wish I could afford: The new Tory Burch Degrade Logo clutch in fuschia. It is the perfect accessory for a night out on the town, and the fun, gradated color offers a fresh take on this classic style — but it's $295!

Name: Stephanie Matsumoto

Profession: Fashion show producer/stylist/writer and attorney

What I found: Black ruffled blouse and black thong

Where I found them: Blouse: Club Monaco; thong: European Lingerie on Makaloa Street

What it cost: Blouse, $9, thong, $9

How I'll wear it: I'll pair the blouse with a black jacket, either short or long, or white pants or jeans. It's cool because you can zip it all the way up to make it dressier or zip it a little way down and wear a statement necklace with it. It would even work with a suit. As for the thong, I had to go with underwear because it makes me feel good. It doesn't have to show.

But oh how I wish I could afford: A black-and-white Chanel dress from the resort collection, a black Chanel bag and Christian Louboutin stilettos.

Name: Patricia Chang

Profession: Property manager, freelance writer

What I found: A plaid shawl, black headband and black-and-white bangle

Where I found them: Forever 21

What they cost: Shawl, $6.50; headband, $4.80;

bangle, $8.80

How I'll wear it: The scarf will add color and character to a black outfit or white T-shirt. It's an easy way to look put together quickly. I'm obsessed with headbands, and this one is so soft and comfy I can wear it all day and it doesn't give me a headache. The bangle is my fave item this season because it's an easy way to ramp up an outfit.

But oh how I wish I could afford: A leather jacket by Mike & Chris. It's about $800, so it's out of the question. ... Oh, and a pair of Christian Louboutin black patent pumps.

Name: Pualana Lemelle

Profession: Communications coordinator, Kaiser Permanente

What I found: DKNY jacket and Cosabella panties

Where I found them: The jacket is from The Salvation Army on Nimitz; the panties are from Nordstrom Rack

What they cost: Jacket, $5; panties, $10

How I'll wear it: The jacket will look fab over a LBD (little black dress), a little black skirt or atop jeans with a colorful cami underneath. It's so Hawai'i-appropriate with its three-quarter length sleeves and collarless style. The panties, well, under anything!

But oh how I wish I could afford: I'm all about dresses. A Philip Lim LBD with ruffles from Neiman Marcus — the one featured in Island Life's jazz fall fashion spread. There's also a Marni dress I can't get out of my mind.