Budget Girl Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

Budget Girl has moved!!

2009-06-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

Having a blog here on Blogger (or Wordpress or any other blog hosting site) is a little like living with your parents; it's really convenient, and you're grateful to do so, but we all long to move out on our own.

And that day has come for Budget Girl.

As of now, we have moved out and found a place with a little more room, and a little more flexibility. All the old posts are there, so you'll find the same content, with much more to come.

So come on over, don't mind the moving boxes as we make a few changes here and there, and we'll throw a big housewarming party.

The new address is http://www.budget-girl.com/. See you there!

Another cheap-chic boutique: LuLus.com

2009-06-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Here's another one to bookmark and check in on regularly: LuLus.com offers some of the most up-to-the-minute designs, but at Budget Girl prices.

Their dress designs, especially, make my heart go pitter-pat. Seriously: surf over, click on "dresses," hit "view all," and then I triple-dog-dare you not to find multiple selections over which to swoon. And the best part? Most are in the $39-$59 range.

I'm particularly enamored of the sweetly romantic Daisy Fay dress for $39, and the fabulously trendy dip-dye/tie-dye Willow Tie sundress in berry, for a very reasonable $43.

They have an enormous selection, and in an equally enormous range of styles. Whether you're a country girl, a preppy, or a die-hard urbanite, you're going to find something you like. This is one of those where-have-you-been-all-my-life stores.

And it's not just clothes. They have (as of today, anyway) 195 different styles of shoes, every kind of accessory you can possibly imagine, and--and--a great selection of costume jewelry. All orders over $75 get free shipping, too.

Not that it could possibly get any better than that, but be aware that they also have contests where you can win anything from a LuLus shopping spree to concert tickets. So go, browse, sign up, and enjoy.

Soap & Glory--glory, hallelujah!

2009-06-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

You may recall my fondness for the fabulous Bliss Spa house brand line of bath and body products, especially the extra-extra-wonderful Hot Body Scrub.

Now, you know how much I love it when a high-end line of apparel, accessories or body care products launches a masstige line of products, an egalitarian shout-out to those of us on a budget.

You may even have seen the candy-pink packaging and quirky product names such as Sexy Mother Pucker lip gloss or the Catch a Wrinkle in Time day moisturizer.

But did you know the fun and fabulous Soap & Glory line of products (carried by fave budget retailer Target) was created by wondergrrl and Bliss Spa founder Marcia Kilgore? Yeah, you just know it's gotta be good!

Most of the products fall within an $8-$15 range, and you'll find everything from body scrubs to moisturizers to anti-aging skincare products. The real star of the line, in my opinion, is The Righteous Butter, an ultra-moisturizing body butter loaded with aloe and shea butter, and going for $14.99 for a 10.1 oz. jar.

You'll also find several gift and travel sets of the Soap & Glory products, so you can grab a basketful of try-me sizes to decide which ones you really love before going all-in for the full-size products.

How much does a weekend away cost?

2009-05-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Not as much as the editors at Real Simple magazine think. Hey, it's one of my favorite magazines, but this is another case where I think they miss (big) when talking about travel on a budget.

In the current issue, they've done a cost comparison of 24 hours in different U.S. cities (click on my pic here to see a bigger, readable version). They choose top-rated hotels and restaurants, but judging by the amounts listed, it appears that they're showing full fares, and no discounts. And that, as you can see for yourself, is a bit pricey.

Does that mean you have to stay in a fleabag motel on the edge of town to enjoy those cities in order to avoid dipping into whatever's left of your 401k? Absolutely not.

The first thing you need to do is acquaint yourself with a couple of websites, if you don't frequent them already: Hotwire.com and Hotels.com. Both offer deeply--and I do mean deeply--discounted rates to hotels all over the world. The prices on Hotwire will sometimes be a little better than Hotels.com, but the catch is that you have to pay up front for the hotel, and you also have to choose (mostly) blindly. It'll give you plenty of generic info about a hotel--whether it's a four-star, where in the city it's located, what the amenities are--but you won't be completely sure which hotel you're booking until you actually purchase the stay. If you study both sites closely after you've entered your search parameters, you can make a fairly educated guess which hotel (or three) you're getting, but if you don't care to live on the edge, then stick with Hotels.com so you know exactly what you're getting.

So, how big is the difference in rates? Try this on for size: for the Washington, DC outing, Real Simple shows a hotel rate of $479 per night at the Marriott at Metro Center. The same room bought through Hotels.com is just $228 per night--and that's the weekend rate; expect it to go down even more if you make the trip during the week. And if you browse through the offerings for our fine Capitol city, you'll find equally highly rated hotels for even less.

You get the idea. Never, ever pay what's called "rack rate" for a hotel room. A few minutes of internet searching will always turn up a better rate for you.

Okay, so we've got a sweet hotel room to crash in after a day of sight-seeing, but what about food? Oh, the options are almost endless--and don't think you have to drop $100 and up for a great meal. As long as you're online anyway doing your trip planning, check out the two best websites for restaurant recommendations and REALLY in-depth reviews: Yelp.com and Chowhound.com. Yelp is great for been-there-ate-that reviews; Chowhound is a hardcore foodie site, and will put you in touch with a community of people who know their restaurants. Try searching by city first, narrow it down by type of cuisine if you want, and if you don't find exactly the information you're looking for, post a thread with specific questions. Legions of foodies will come to your aid, and you'll have more insider restaurant info than you'll know what to do with.

Some general tips to keep in mind to keep costs down while dining out (and dining well):

Check around to find out which restaurants offer a prix fixe menu--that's a fixed-price menu, usually three or more courses, where you'll have your pick of a range of appetizers, entrees and desserts, and it's usually a bargain compared to ordering a la carte.
Don't be afraid to go the appetizers-in-lieu-of-entrees route; unless you're completely famished, you can probably fill up quite nicely on appetizers and a bread basket, and save a fortune on your tab.
If you want wine with dinner, call ahead to find out if the restaurant will allow you to bring your own wine, and if so, stop by a wine shop before heading to the restaurant and choose something nice (and within your budget). Wines at restaurants are generally marked up 100 percent (and sometimes more) over retail, per bottle, so you'll almost certainly save by buying your own bottle and then paying the corkage fee at the restaurant (usually $15-20).

And finally, don't feel that you have to have a white tablecloth under your plate to have a great meal. Use Chowhound to scout out the great ethnic restaurants wherever you're going. If that happens to be DC, you'll find just about anything your palate desires--neighborhoods in the Virginia suburbs known for their incredible Vietnamese cuisine, Chinatown, Ethiopian restaurants near Georgetown--and almost all of them are less expensive (sometimes greatly so) than the trendy, high-priced joints.

If you've scraped together even a tiny travel fund for the summer, you can still eat and sleep in style--just do a little homework first, and make sure you're getting the most for those precious travel dollars.

Let's play get the look for (a LOT) less again--this time, the preppy look

2009-05-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Let's play around again with InStyle magazine's Shop It! feature for summer, this time taking a look at their weekend-out lineup for a preppy look.

The pieces are all fun, casual and feature soft peach and aqua colors. But the price tag for everything on the page? Hope you're sitting down: it'll cost you $2,337.

Can we do better than that? Without bringing back too many election flashbacks--Yes, we can!

First stop, Target. Let's replace the $475 gold designer tote with another gold designer tote--try this one from Felix Rey for Target, on sale for $31.48. You'll find an almost identical coral-colored polo by Mossimo, on sale for $6.99 (it'll go back to $9.99 when the sale ends). The v-neck sweater? Mossimo/Black has one for $17.99 in more than 10 colors (including pink, like the one in the magazine feature).

Target recently began carrying an expanded selection of scarves, which are a super-hot accessory right now--try this floral scarf for $13.49, or find another one you like better, all within a $12-15 range.

So what about that sweet white eyelet dress? Strapless, with an oh-so-flattering empire waist--think that's a one-of-a-kind that you'll never find for less? Oh, ye of little faith. Alloy has one that's almost identical--white eyelet, strapless, empire waist--for $42.50.

In place of the pricy designer jean, Newport News has a colored jean in a range of colors, in a very slimming classic cut and just a touch of Lycra, for $19.00. They also have a shirred bikini similar to the InStyle choice; it's from their figure-flattering ShapeFX line, and on sale for $49.00. If you want to cut down even more on that price and go with a slightly different style, both Newport News and Target have their mix-and-match swim separates on sale right now, so you can build your own bikini for even less than the budget choice I've linked to.

And finally, the jewelry. Let's head back to my new favorite source for accessories, Sam Moon. You'll find a very similar gold chain and beaded necklace there for $9.95--oh, and it comes with matching earrings, too, included in the price. They also have a sculpted gold bangle that's almost indistinguishable from the designer offering, just $3.50 each.

That covers everything, so let's add it all up. If you were to buy the budget versions of everything in the preppy lineup, including three each of the sculpted gold bangles, the total comes to $200.90--and just like our last time around, that comes in at less than 10 percent of what the designer pieces would cost.

Plan on doing any entertaining this summer? Check out Pier 1's sale.

2009-05-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Pier 1 Imports is having a big 50 percent off sale right now, and includes a lot of seasonal and outdoor items such as votive lanterns and chandeliers, glazed ceramic pots, and stone garden decor.

In addition to the big clearance sale, they have great specials on all their outdoor entertaining supplies, as seen in this promotional flyer, and you'll find everything from melamine serveware in bright summer patterns to poolside supplies and patio decor.

If you're opting for a "stay-cation" this year to save funds, you can still brighten up your yard or patio and engage in a little budget-minded party time. You can check in at Target, IKEA and Cost Plus World Market for inexpensive summertime gear, too--and, as I suggested a few days ago, don't forget your local 99 Cent store, because they're also a good place to find inexpensive seasonal entertaining goodies such as colorful plastic plates and glasses.

Great freebie at EyesLipsFace.com

2009-05-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

If you get tired of dragging all your makeup around on trips (or just get tired of sorting out the essentials into your travel bag), you'll definitely want to check this out.

With a $15 minimum purchase, you can get EyesLipsFace.com's mini makeup kit, a $15 value, free. I happen to have this little gem, and it's a great all-in-one, grab-and-go kit perfect for travel.

It folds up to a tiny 4 inches square (and one inch deep), but when you open it up and fold out the little trays, this is what you'll find:

9 eyeshadow shades
1 cream eyeshadow shade
1 blush
1 bronzer
10 lip gloss shades
1 brow powder
1 eye liner pencil
1 dual ended eyeshadow applicator and brush
1 face brush
1 lip brush
1 mirror

Pretty nifty, huh? Toss in a tube of mascara, and you're all set. Just use the coupon code FREEMINI at checkout, and remember--if your purchase is $20 or more, you'll also get a free magazine subscription; the current offer is for Health magazine.

Why good skincare is important, even in a recession--part 2

2009-05-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

So consider this my attempt to freak you out (a little) about why it's so important to take good care of your skin, even when economic times are tough. TotalBeauty.com just published a list of the 13 worst-skin cities, and it isn't pretty.

Every part of the country has at least one metropolitan area that makes the list, and the negatives that add up to a bad rating include everything from smoking statistics to stress to pollution to overly humid and overly arid locales.

It's just another reminder that the environmental conditions no matter where we live probably take a negative toll on our skin unless we take steps to protect it. So, while the list may be scary, all those negative factors can be mitigated by good skincare habit.

Take a look at yesterday's post, and take the time to keep up at least a minimal skincare regimen to take good care of you.

Have you recession-proofed your skincare routine?

2009-05-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

As people begin cutting back on non-essentials to survive the recession, some of the first things to go are high-ticket non-essentials, and for a lot of us that includes the skincare products we all love so much. The to-die-for facial cream or super-moisturizing masque might be much-loved, but when it comes to wondering if you'll have enough extra cash to buy groceries, plunking down $50 or $75 or more for a tiny jar of cream suddenly seems the height of folly.

The June issue of Marie Claire magazine features a cover story on "budget" skincare; their grand total for recommended budget products for a woman in her 30s is $278.21. That's for enough product to last you about six weeks.

I'm not sure the editors of the magazine truly understand what "recession-proof skincare" means for those of us struggling through the bad economy, because $278.21 so entirely exceeds my budget that the magazine's total is just laughable. What chagrins me most about articles like this, however, is knowing that women out there will read it, see the outrageous "budget" price tag, and resign themselves to abandoning their skincare routine because they think good products are still beyond their fiscal reach.

But just because the magazine editors don't get it, and just because you've had to cut back, do not resign yourself to abandoning your skincare regimen.

I've previously shared my recipe for homemade makeup remover, and raved about my favorite inexpensive skincare line, Boots No. 7. Those are a good start. I'll write about other bargain products in the future, and I'm on the hunt for more skincare recipes that'll put you in league with the most prestigious spas, many of whom make their fabulous creams, scrubs and masques from items you'll find in your own pantry.

Don't forget, however, that there's more you can do to care for your skin from the inside out--and these reminders are important no matter what the condition of the economy.

Drink plenty of water. Dehydrated skin will make fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent.
Get plenty of sleep. It'll reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes.
Eat a few servings a week of cold-water fish like salmon. The Omega-3 oils in the fish are vital for skin to renew itself (plus, it's good for your heart). If you're concerned about mercury levels in farm-raised salmon, then check the freezer case at the supermarket for wild-caught Alaskan salmon--it'll probably be cheaper than you think, too.
Always cleanse your face before bedtime, even if you just use a quick option such as a makeup remover wipe. The dirt and grime that accumulate over the course of a day can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Always wear sunscreen, and make sure your foundation contains a sunscreen. I use mineral makeup, which has a 15 SPF sunscreen, and has protected me against many unexpected extended sun sessions--walks at the farmers' market, etc. EyesLipsFace.com carries a mineral line with a $5 mineral foundation--and it contains a 15 SPF sunscreen. That should fit into anyone's budget.

As long as times are tough, daily budget struggles take a toll on the psyche, and neglecting your skincare regimen will only make it worse. Remember to take care of yourself, inside and out--and be aware that there are very, very inexpensive options out there that'll allow you to maintain a soul-boosting personal care routine. You'll feel better, and your skin will thank you.

You do frequent your local 99 Cent Store, don't you?

2009-05-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well, you should. If you do patronize yours--whether it's the western 99 Cent Only chain or some derivation in another region of the country--then I'm not about to tell you anything you don't know.

But for those of you who previously wrote it off as a repository of cheap plastic crap nobody wants and packaged foods of dubious date and origin, you might want to give it another look.

When you do, you'll find an impressive array of kitchen gadgets, a huge selection of (mostly desirable) canned foods, frozen foods, spices and--believe it or not--tons of fresh produce, eggs and breads. And, as this is the 99 Cent Only store, you can load up your fridge and cabinets without dropping too much coin. See the pic here? That's $25 of randomly selected food that we picked up on an impromptu stop there this week. As you can see, in with the canned food is fresh celery, green onion, romaine lettuce, low-fat Breyer's ice cream, tortillas, sparkling mineral water, low-cal frozen dinners--quite a haul. And a nutritious haul, at that.

You'll even find gourmet goodies there--jars of marinated artichoke hearts, tins of oysters, imported crackers, sun-dried tomatoes--so it's not a bad place to check when you're stocking up to entertain. So promising are their offerings these days, that it's spawned a 99 Cent Only Store Cookbook, filled with recipes using--you guessed it--nutritious meals using ingredients easily found at the store. And the cookbook, in turn, has spawned a blog, where you can get a heads-up on new shipments of especially good stuff, along with occasional recipes.

Still think the 99 Cent Only Store is beneath you? Hey, even NPR covered the only-a-dollar awesomeness recently, and you can listen to it here.

And while the edible goodies at the 99 cent store should be enough to get you in the door, don't forget to check the personal care aisles, too. Toothpaste, shampoo, lotions--all those things that add up so quickly at the drugstore--won't wipe out your pocketbook here, and you may be surprised at the brand names you find on the shelves. With most of us cutting back and watching what we spend a lot more closely these days, it's a relief to be able to walk into a store like this, stock up on everything we need--including fresh, nutritious produce--and spend no more than $20.

It's time for another episode of get the look for (a LOT) less

2009-05-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

As each season turns, InStyle magazine runs a few put-it-all-together pages for an assortment of looks. Over the next few weeks, I'm going to take each of this summer's looks that they present, and put it together for you for much less.

First up: the Urbanite look. InStyle has put together a nice collection of separates and accessories that'll last you through a summer weekend: shorts, a top, a sundress, a bikini, a coverup (which can double as a casual dress or topper over jeans or capris), embellished sandals, a set of 3 bangles, a straw hat and a patent leather bag. Total for all the pieces: $2,242.

That's just a little bit out of my budget; I'm guessing it is for yours, too. But everything on that page is fabulous. Can you get almost identical pieces for much less?

I'm Budget Girl, and that's why I'm here.

First up, the accessories: the straw hat, $10 at Sam Moon. Set of bangles? I'll go you two better with a set of five charm bangles from Sam Moon for $4.95. And the patent handbag? $23.95, also at Sam Moon.

Those white cotton short-shorts are cute, but a bit much at $295. Find almost identical white linen tie-front shorts at Victoria's Secret, on sale for $19.99. The tunic dress (and part-time swim cover)? How about $44.50 at Alloy.com. The $315 chiffon blouse? There are at least seven very similar to it at Forever21.com, but I like this one best, at $22.80. Instead of the pricy green silk sundress, Victoria's Secret has this one, very flattering with the ruched front and in a range of summer brights, on sale for $18.99.

And finally, the swimsuit and sandals? Target's swim separates are on sale for $14.99 for each piece, and you have the advantage of choosing not just the color and pattern, but which top and bottom styles look best for your figure. And you'll find a bejeweled sandal very similar to the one in the magazine feature at Alloy.com for $29.50.

So, what's the damage if you go for the budget versions of every piece in that urbanite weekend ensemble, even accessories? $204.66, less than one-tenth the price of the ensemble featured in the magazine. I'll leave you to ponder that (and click away on the budget-priced links), and I'll be back with another look for even less in a few days.

Exciting changes coming soon!

2009-05-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Budget Girl has been under the weather all day, so I have no detailed budgety items to pass along this evening.

However, I thought it would be a good time to let you know that this blog is moving to its very own website in about a week. It'll be easy to find, and I'll post a permanent link here to make sure you can find your way there.

The new, improved site will be expanded, with posts divided by topic; you'll have a weekly newsletter subscription option as well, and a new link for up-to-the-minute Twitter posts--all geared toward keeping you informed on all the best budget fashion and lifestyle info out there. I'm very excited about what's on the way, and hope you'll enjoy it as much as I am as I put the finishing touches on the new site.

Over the next few days, I'll be posting some look-for-less features on great summer ensembles, so be sure to check back daily!

Big summer markdowns gearing up--well, just about everywhere.

2009-05-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

And it's just in time for summer, so the timing couldn't be better. The markdowns seem to be coming a little sooner this year (and seem to be a little more dramatic), which is probably because of the economy. Hey, we'll take our breaks wherever we can get them, no?

The first one you may want to check out is J.Jill's big sale. There are markdowns site-wide, and now through May 25, you'll get an additional 40 percent off all J.Jill Outlet items. Have your eye on something that isn't on sale yet? Take 20 percent off any full-priced item with the coupon code 20MAY09, and all full-priced shoes will get a $15 discount at checkout.

J.C. Penney has all their summer dresses on sale, along with their entire inventory of swimwear, and even the i heart ronson line has several pieces on markdown. To cap off the sales, you'll get free shipping on orders of $99 or more.

You'll find the same kind of deals at Newport News, with a serious dress sale, all the swimwear marked down, and through Memorial Day weekend, you can take an additional 30 percent off already marked down items with the promo code 502 at checkout.

Old Navy has their summer lineup on sale, with particularly good $5, $10 and $15 deals on everything from shorts to fun and breezy summer dresses. Lots of color going on in Old Navy's clothes this summer, so there are some really fun pieces to play around with.

Just about everywhere you look, you'll find good markdowns on summer clothes--whether online or in stores. I could've gone on for paragraph after paragraph listing all of the sales, but this hits the high point. Besides, I'll leave some of the fun of the hunt to you. Why should I have all the fun?

Want deeply discounted services at top salons? Go here.

2009-05-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

It's a brilliant idea, really--work with top salons who, like the rest of us, are hurting a bit in the current economy, and find a way to get them booked up during dead hours if they offer the services at a discount.

I give you Lifebooker.com. It's a relatively new site, and for now covers salons in the New York and Los Angeles areas only, but they expect to expand nationwide very soon.

Here's how it works--you search for salon and spa services online, and you're given available time, the amount of the discount--as much as 50% in most cases, with occasional specials for even bigger discounts--and book your service for the available time, much the way opentable.com works for restaurant reservations.

Lifebooker began its online service about a year and a half ago for salons and spas in New York City, and just added Los Angeles a couple of months ago. You can search by service, price, neighborhood, salon name or appointment time. And if you go back and add a review after your service, you'll earn "Reward Dollars," cash-back credits that you can use on future appointments. They offer everything from standard salon services (for women and men) to waxing to tanning to full-blow spa packages.

If those highlights are looking a little faded or your layers have disappeared, if your eyebrows make you look like Groucho Marx or you just want a massage, you'll find great deals on Lifebooker. For those of you in other cities, keep an eye out for their entry into your market, and I'll update here whenever I see new cities added to the menu.

Great summer-weight cardigan on sale at J. Crew

2009-05-18T10:21:00.001-07:00

I'm a die-hard sweater girl, so I'm always reluctant to put away the heavier knits when warmer weather arrives. I'd always rather wear a cardigan than a blazer on any given day (unless formality and business situations dictate otherwise), and if I stumble upon a warm-weather alternative to my beloved sweaters, then I'm a happy girl.

And this makes me very happy.

J. Crew has a lightweight jersey cardigan that'll double for everything its heavier cousins do, but without overheating you. It comes in a range of eight different colors, and normally sells for $49.50, which is pretty reasonable, but it's just gone on sale for $39.50.

That puts it right into the "rush out and buy that puppy NOW" category for me. I'm picking a couple up, probably one in a neutral or black, and the other in that gorgeous coral. J. Crew rarely offers coupon codes, so you just have to wait for markdowns to get good deals. This is one of those good deals.

The easiest way to save money on your wardrobe: take care of what you already have

2009-05-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

All of us undoubtedly have had that one article of clothing or pair of shoes we loved so much that we just wore it to death, until it literally began to come apart. Over the long long run, there's no way to avoid that, but it is possible to extend the life of your favorite and essential wardrobe pieces so that you can get a lot of wear out of them.

The first and easiest thing you can do is remember to hang-dry any delicates or cotton-content clothes. Dryers are tough on fabrics, and letting them air-dry keeps them from shrinking and fading. Invest in a $20 drying rack and set it up where there's decent ventilation (so that they don't develop a mildewed smell).

Dryers aren't the only things that are tough on clothes--so are dry cleaners, but they're a necessary (and expensive) evil. Or are they? If you haven't discovered the Dryel home dry cleaning kits, give them a try. Good Housekeeping approves, and so do I--the kit really does work, and it's much gentler on your clothes. The kit costs around $10, but you'll find manufacturer coupons for it often, and the big drugstore chains have it on sale regularly.

Once you take your clothes out of the Dryel bag, that brings us to the other tool you should have on hand to keep your clothes looking like new, and that's a small handheld steamer. This will put the finishing--and professional-looking--touch on your dry cleanables (and on all your other clothes that usually feel the touch of the iron).

A steamer will do more than get rid of wrinkles, too. It'll put creases where you need them and restore the nap on fabrics like velvet. It's also easier on clothes than a steam iron, so you can say goodbye to that unwanted sheen that cotton and rayon clothes get from an overly hot iron. I own the Joy Mangano steamer, and it works like a champ. It doesn't take up a lot of room, and it's small enough to stick in the suitcase when I go out of town. You can pick one up for around $30 from HSN.

And your shoes should get a little attention, too. Learn how to polish your shoes (ask your dad or your brother if you've never tried it). Get rid of most scuff marks on lighter-colored shoes by gently scrubbing with a little toothpaste. Seek out your local shoe repair shop, and take your shoes in when a heel breaks or a sole wears down, instead of throwing the shoes in the trash. I have a pair of cowboy boots that are my go-to footwear with jeans, and I've been wearing them since I was in high school. They're well-made Acmes, but I've worn them just about to death. When the soles finally gave out on me about six months ago, there was no way I was about to toss them--I love those boots, and they were perfectly broken in. $30 and a trip to the shoe repair store later, I had new leather soles on them, and I continue to wear them every time the jeans go on.

No matter how well you care for your clothes, there are some things that can't be avoided--but in most cases, they can be fixed. Keep those extra buttons that come with your clothes--find a place to store them so that you can find them again when you need to sew on a lost or loose button. Never picked up a needle and thread before? No problem. YouTube has a wealth of how-to videos on just about any subject, including how to sew on a button, so you see how to do it (instead of just reading instructions).

For quick treatment of spills and spots, keep a few Shout wipes tucked in your purse. I'm aware that Tide also makes a stain remover pen, but I've tried it and it didn't work anywhere close to as well as the Shout wipes do; those little towelettes have saved many a garment of mine from permanent spots from mustard, marinara, red wine--and on and on. I'm a klutz, and I spill, so I really can't live without my Shout wipes.

For perspiration stains that develop over time around collars and under arms, there's a fix for that, too, and it's probably sitting in your medicine cabinet right now. The humble aspirin is a miracle worker for removing sweat stains from cotton and cotton-blend clothes. Just crush a tablet into some warm water, and soak the stained area in the solution before going into the laundry as usual. The video here will show you a demonstration of how this works--I was amazed when I discovered the trick.

When we talk about having a wardrobe of essential pieces, the unspoken idea is that we need to care for those pieces so that they last a really long time. Classics don't go out of style, so do what you can to make sure you don't have continually reinvest in replacement pieces.

Hair. Don't ignore it; it doesn't have to be expensive.

2009-05-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

I'm speaking more to myself than any of you, I think--I have hair paranoia and a very small budget. I've had one too many bad cut over the years, so I'm instantly suspicious of every new stylist I go to--which is unfair to the stylist (mostly).

For me, it's like going to the dentist, but without all the pain (oh, but the pain will come later--I'm always sure of it). I dread the price tag, I dread getting a stylist who gives me a blank look and just nods a lot when I try to explain what I want--even as I'm pointing to the picture I brought with me. I dread the possibility of getting a stylist in a bad mood. Run, do not walk, to the nearest exit if your stylist seems grumpy--trust me on this. I dread the bad cut that I probably won't get, but that I'm afraid I will get--truly, I do have hair paranoia. I like my hair. I have pretty nice hair. I'm picky about my hair--probably too picky. And I don't want anybody to mess it up.

There's a not-small part of me that's a little like the Stuart character on the old Mad TV skit. On the inside, I'm all "LET ME DO IT!" And that's not terribly helpful, so I'm working on that.

So why this discussion of my personal hair psychosis? Well, it's a lead in, of course. I need my hair trimmed and my layers spiffed up. Honestly, I needed it done a few months ago. The situation is rapidly approaching "dire." Split ends? I'd rather not talk about that, thank you very much. As I mope around trying to decide exactly when and where to submit myself to the shears, I realize I'm probably not alone in wanting the best value for my money when it comes to salon services. That part I'm not paranoid about at all--there are some marvelous options out there that some of you may not be aware of.

We all know the budget-priced salons such as Fantastic Sam's and SuperCuts and Great Clips--get a cut and style for around $20, not including tip (yes, you DO have to tip--20 percent is the norm).

But there are other, better options. Pull out your yellow pages or go to Yelp.com--one of the greatest consumer review sites on the web, especially for restaurants, but hair salons will be covered, too--and search for beauty schools. Just about everybody has a beauty school in their town, or at least fairly close by, and they all offer extremely inexpensive styling services.

Don't recoil at the idea if you haven't tried before--they won't be turning Edward Scissorhands loose on you unsupervised. The stylists you get for these cuts will be advanced students at the end of their training (only then are they turned loose on real, live heads), all of whom are closely supervised by licensed instructors. It's probably one of the safest places to go for a haircut and feel confident that you'll come out with a great cut.

The prices for these services will range from $1o-20, and be prepared to spend a little time in the chair. The student is going to be extra-careful to get that cut just right, and will consult frequently with their instructor during the process. This is a good thing--just be patient and enjoy the ride.

As paranoid as I am about my hair (hey, I never said it was rational), I'm at least smart enough to know that I have one of the best stylists' schools in the country just down the road from me--the Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica is one of the most prestigious beauty academies in the nation, and I'll be sitting my fanny down for the 2- to 3-hour experience next weekend. It's a little more expensive there, so I'll be out around $25 (plus tip), but that's still a huge savings over the fancy salons here in Los Angeles.

Many of these schools offer a full range of salon services, so you can also get a great deal on highlights, color, perms--even facials and manicures in most cases. Call them up, ask about their schedule and pricing, and give it a try.

How about a little (jewelry) drama in your life?

2009-05-15T14:49:00.001-07:00

No, really--Jewelry Drama. I saw their small display ad in the back pages of Rolling Stone

magazine, of all places, a few years ago, and they became an instant favorite of mine when I checked out their website.

Their prices are oh-em-gee low, and their jewelry is designer-inspired; think Tiffany, Judith Ripka, David Yurman--you get the idea.

I'm smitten with the Hidalgo-esque enameled rings. They offer 3 different styles in a rainbow of colors, and all will stack and mix-and-match nicely. The style pictured here is $14.95, a fraction of what the sales tax would be for a Hidalgo ring. Most of their jewelry--including the enameled rings--ships free, too.

You'll also find bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants, but their ring selection is the real knockout. If you've stared longingly at that Cartier ad, and then laughed at your own fleeting folly, go here. They probably have a (very) similar design, but with a guilt-free price tag.

Embrace your inner geek.

2009-05-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am an unrepentant gadget freak. If it's a tech gadget--or, really, any kind of gadget with a definite "neato" factor--I'm all about that.

But gadgets can be expensive. Naturally, I've looked around for killer deals on tech devices in the same way I have an eagle-eye for fashion deals. And there are some really, really great deals out there. One weekly email I always look forward to is from Buy.com, with their LONG list of weekly deals. Their specials every week range from hardcore computer equipment (USB hubs, external hard drives, etc.) to things such as watches or LCD frames or digital cameras. It's a veritable pot pourri of gadgety goodness, and their prices are just about impossible to beat.

One of this week's deals is for the GE designer photophone, pictured here. So, that's cool, right? Cordless phone and LCD photo frame in one. But it's better than that. Link photos to phone numbers, and it acts as a visual caller ID. Say you're elbows deep into dinner prep, the phone rings, and you have to make the decision whether it's worth dashing across the room dripping food all over the floor. No problem! Just cast a glance at the photophone, and see if mom's pic has popped up on the screen, or if it's some nameless bozo trying to sell you an extended car warranty (you're getting those annoying robocalls, too, aren't you?). And it has other nifty gadgety functions besides that one. This week, the photophone is a whopping 69 percent off, just $39.99. Oh, and shipping's free, too. I love that.

The Buy.com weekly deals are a great starting point to do father's day shopping, too--I know, you're feeling pleased with yourself for remembering mother's day, but don't forget about dad! How about a handsome, almost $500 stainless steel watch? Weekly deal has this Invicta men's watch for $89, discounted from $495. And free shipping.

And Buy.com is much more than gadgets (though I do love those gadgets). They offer deep discounts on books, and you'll also find such non-gadget items including fragrances and jewelry, so check over there frequently, as you never know what kind of crazy deal they'll offer on any of those things. If you sign up for their email list, they won't bombard you--you'll get an utterly reasonable single email a week with details on all of their weekly specials. Those car warranty telemarketers could learn a valuable lesson from Buy.com's example. So, go sign up, and embrace your inner geek.

Keep these two items on hand, and you are entertainment-ready

2009-05-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

And, naturally, that's entertainment-ready on a budget. Even if you don't cook, I promise you you can whip up amazing and impressive appetizers and tarts with just minutes of prep time. No, really. Are you capable of cutting a sandwich in half? Chopping up some fruit or vegetables? Grating some cheese? Those are all the skills you'll need.

What, and why? Puff Pastry. Go. Get some. Keep a package or two in your freezer. It's in the freezer section, probably near the bags of frozen fruit and frozen, pre-made pie shells. You can pull it out, thaw it, and use it to make an almost infinite variety of appetizers both sweet and savory, or larger-format tarts and galettes.

And when I say "cook" for these things, all you'll have to do is cut up the puff pastry, and pile it up with whatever you choose to go on it; consider the pastry your pallete. Depending on what recipe you grab in a panic, you might have to saute some vegetables before spooning them onto your puff pastry squares, but that's about the maximum effort here. See? Told you it'd be easy.

If you go to my favorite recipe source, Epicurious.com (the collected recipes of Gourmet, Bon Appetit and Food & Wine magazines, among others), you'll get 289 possibilities. If you search more widely on Google, there are almost too many to count. The results you'll get on Epicurious are pretty dependable, however, and the reviews section is both accurate and a great source for more detailed instructions and suggestions for how to improve upon recipes.

Now that you have the puff pastry on hand, all you'll have to do when guests drop by on short notice is thaw out the pastry, check for a quick recipe, and perhaps dash to the supermarket to get one or two ingredients (if you don't already have them on hand).

An easy savory example is this recipe for a mushroom and leek galette, which you can either make full size, or downsize to mini-galettes. Spend 10-15 minutes chopping and sauteeing, a few more assembling, then it's into the oven--you can take a deep breath and wait for your guests to arrive and be terribly impressed with your gourmet tasties. Open a bottle of wine and assemble a quick cheese tray, and you'll put the Barefoot Contessa to shame without even breaking a sweat.

Prefer something on the sweet side? Oh, even easier. Pick up a few of whichever fruit is in season--strawberries, blueberries, peaches, segments of sweet tangerine--slice some up, and toss with sugar. The technical term for tossing with sugar is "maceration," and it'll both sweeten the fruit and draw out its juices. Cut out squares of puff pastry, sprinkle with sugar and bake. Take them out of the oven, pull them in half as you would a biscuit (they'll be very flaky). Put one half of the pastry on a plate, spoon on some fruit, top with the other half, and top that with some whipped cream. Dust with cinnamon or cardamom if you're feeling extra-fancy. It'll look beautiful, and taste even better.

See? I told you that was easy. Now, for ingredient number 2 to keep on hand--a good but inexpensive sauvignon blanc. I prefer Geyser Peak's, because their budget-line sauvignon blanc is always outstanding, widely available--your supermarket probably has it, no matter where you live--and it'll run you about $10 maximum. It's crisp and citrus-y, and pairs well with just about anything, unless you're doing a heavy sauce or red meat, which you probably won't be doing with puff pastry. Keep it in the fridge so it'll be chilled and ready to go whenever you need it.

Keep these two things around, and you'll always be ready to entertain at a moment's notice, and on a shoestring. And you'll look masterful doing so, which is always a bonus. Happy partying!

Update: Remember those bargain-priced eyeglasses?

2009-05-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

You may recall I wrote about Zenni Optical and their you-must-be-kidding prices on prescription eyeglasses awhile back. A couple of you have asked how I liked them, so here's my review.

Well, after three and a half weeks, my order finally arrived. First, let me grouse a little about how long it took to receive them. Their FAQ section estimates a 2-week wait to receive your order, and mine took substantially longer than that. I called and spoke to their customer service department about the delay, and they said they've been swamped with orders the last few months. It seems many, many of us shopping on a budget have found Zenni--their sales have almost tripled in the last five months, and they're almost overwhelmed with business. While it's nice to see somebody doing well in this recession, I was less than thrilled with the delivery time. I'm a want-it-now kind of gal, so if it's going to take 3.5 weeks, then please tell me it's going to take 3.5 weeks so that I can adjust my expectations accordingly.

To their credit, however, they were very responsive in keeping me updated with delivery estimates and tracking information, so they do pay attention to their customers. The rep I spoke with said that in light of the huge rush of business, they may amend their FAQ section to give a more realistic expected delivery time.

Given their amazing prices, that's really a minor complaint. So, now that I have them, what do I think? LOVE them. The prescription was perfect (no errors), the frames fit, and were exactly as pictured on the website. I'll probably order a few more pair, just because the idea of $20 for a complete pair of glasses is irresistable, and just because their frame styles are so much fun. Definitely give Zenni a try if you're looking to save some serious cash on your eyeglasses, but do be prepared to wait a few weeks to get them. Unless you're in the midst of some kind of eyewear emergency, it's absolutely worth it.

Step right up--wardrobe essentials at Old Navy at ridiculously low prices

2009-05-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

I've gone into some detail in an earlier post about the importance of having a foundation of essential garments in your wardrobe, all of which can be the basis for an almost infinite number of outfits no matter the time of year.

I was, of course, riffing on Tim Gunn's excellent "10 Essentials" list, and it's a guide all of us should be familiar with--it's also available in book form, as Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style (Tim Gunn's Guide to Style).

So, I try to keep my fashion radar up for good deals on the wardrobe essentials, and pass them along to you as I find them. Which brings us (if a little long-windedly) to tonight's topic, the excellent classic trench at Old Navy.

It's a steal at $49.50, and is traditionally tailored, doubled-breasted, and with a tie belt and faux leather-covered buttons. It's a timeless style, but you'll have a hard time finding it for a better price.

If you sign up for Old Navy's email newsletter, they'll send you a $10 off $50 purchase--you know I always dig around for ways to sweeten already great bargains, so take advantage of that.

I also noticed their classic white shirt--another wardrobe essential--is currently on sale for $15. It's crisp cotton with just a touch of stretch, and comes in several colors. At that price, you could pick up a white shirt (or two), and perhaps one in French blue.

These are items that will never go out of style, and easily pair with any number of other separates (dress slacks, a pencil skirt--even jeans), and everyone should have these in their closet. At these prices, it's much less painful on the pocketbook to add them if you don't already have them.

A little Sunday afternoon closet-shopping

2009-05-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

I've had a fashion crush on all things apple-green ever since I picked up the free green straw tote at Ulta with my fragrance purchase a few weeks ago. Problem is, that straw tote is the only thing I own in that color, and I certainly don't have the disposable income at the moment to go on an apple-green shopping spree.

So, after obsessing over my wardrobe possibilities for a few days, I finally had my "aha!" moment. I was officially on the hunt for an apple-green sleeveless top to wear with the black pencil skirt that's one of my wardrobe staples. After flipping through catalogs from Newport News, Victoria's Secret, J. Crew and Chadwicks and coming up empty, I was off to eBay.

A quick search for "sleeveless green" in the sub-category of women's tops, and I found exactly what I was looking for: a new-with-tags apple-green sleeveless silk blouse, with a special free-shipping offer. Nicely, tailored, too. Perfect! So I put in a bid, was outbid this morning, and hovered over the auction like the good little sniper I am, and re-bid this afternoon. I was victorious!

The strappy black gladiator platform sandals I just picked up to go with the black surplice dress I just posted about earlier today will go perfectly with the outfit, and all I need now is a choker-length (or slightly longer) chunky black necklace to complete the outfit. Those sandals, incidentallly, will go with many, many outfits, and will likely be the only pair of high-heeled sandals I buy this spring and summer.

My cost for the blouse was $20.50 after re-bidding--still a great deal for a brand new designer silk shell--and not counting whatever jewelry I find to go with (which will probably come from Sam Moon and cost no more than $10-$15), that was my total (new) cash outlay for the outfit. This is an excellent example of how and why to have a foundation of certain key pieces in your wardrobe, and how to work with them to get an almost infinite number of looks. A pencil skirt is especially flexible, and works for an enormous variety of looks--this one will be bright, spring-y and trendy, but it'll go back just as easily to classic cool-weather looks for work this fall and winter.

Black surplice dress with gladiator heels - get the look for less.

2009-05-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

The surplice dress continues to be one of the hottest styles for tops and dresses, probably because it's an almost universally flattering style.

But if you wander around your local mall, you'll find the prices can be a little steep. One of my favorite boutiques--if a bit on the high end for me--is White House/Black Market. They carry a version of the surplice dress in black that you've seen featured in O magazine, among other places, and it has a price tag of $148.00.

That's a little outside my budget at the moment, and probably is for you, too. However, you'll find an almost identical version of the dress at Newport News for just $49 (that's it pictured here in this post). Factor in any of several 15 percent off coupons that are easily found on a quick google search, and the deal is even better.

The surplice dress pairs beautifully with this season's strappy gladiator platform sandals, but those are often priced well into the stratosphere, too. A little savvy shopping will get you Steve Madden's Madden Girl Kenyaa sandals for an utterly reasonable $39 at DSW (with free shipping under their current promotion, using the coupon code MYSHIP).

With the dress and shoes coming in at around $90, you're saving at least 2/3 the price this outfit would run you if you went with the more expensive options (the option you see in the magazine features, specifically). If you have any cash left, you can pick up a handbag and jewelry for a few bucks more at Sam Moon, which I told you about a few days ago.

It's a look that transitions perfectly from day into evening, and you can put the whole outfit together for much less--just remember which stores and catalog companies carry similar pieces, and go on the hunt for the magazine-featured outfit that you adore, but pick it up for a fraction of the price.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month--and Olay wants you to get a FREE skin cancer screening

2009-05-08T11:15:00.001-07:00

It's hard to find anything more budget-friendly than "free." Olay has generously set up a program with dermatologists all over the country to offer free skin cancer screenings. FREE. No co-pay, no nothing. No insurance (or anything else) required.

Before you just shrug that off, take a look at some of these skin cancer statistics from the American Cancer Society:

One person dies of skin cancer every hour in the United States*

62,480 people were diagnosed with melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) in 2008

Melanoma is the seventh most common form of cancer among women

One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer over the course of their lives and one in 200 women aged 40-59 will develop melanoma

When detected and treated early, the five year survival rate for melanoma is 99%, but once it has spread, that number drops to only 15%*

UV exposure at tanning salons is just as risky as sunbathing outside

People with fair skin that burns rather than tans, people with red hair and people with blue eyes are at greater risk of developing skin cancer

People who have many (extensive) freckles on their upper back are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer

People who have a history of sunburns, especially during childhood, are at a greater risk

The depletion of the ozone layer may be significantly affecting the incidence of melanoma
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and exposure at high altitudes are the most dangerous times to be exposed to the sun

Those with an impaired immune system — especially those who have had an organ transplant, leukemia or lymphoma — are at a greater risk of melanoma

According to one study, the use of a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher during the first 18 years of life would cut lifetime risk of melanoma by 78%

Those are pretty sobering statistics, so give some thought to taking advantage of the free screening. You can find a list of participating dermatologists in your area here, and can also email your girlfriends with a heads-up. Heck, make it a group activity, and take a group of friends with you so you can all take advantage of the free screening.

Taking care of your skin is much more than a surface-level vanity activity--your very life may depend on it. Go see Dr. Dermatologist for the screening, and always wear sunscreen!

Spend $20 at Eyes Lips Face and get a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate. AND a free magazine subscription.

2009-05-07T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here's another of e.l.f.'s crazy-good deals. You remember e.l.f., don't you? The place with the $1 cosmetics? See, I told you it was crazy-good (there's a link to their site on the left side of this page). They also have a mineral makeup line and a "studio" line (think Smashbox) that run a few dollars more, but still a bargain at $3-$5 for most items.

So, this is the newest deal: spend a minimum of $20, and they'll send you a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate with your order. If you go to Restaurant.com's website and type in your zip code, it'll give you an exhaustive list of all the restaurants in your area that accept the gift certificates--there are almost too many to count in my neighborhood.

And in addition, you still get their usual bonus with a $20 minimum purchase--a free magazine subscription. Today's selection is Health magazine, but they rotate different magazines for that freebie every couple of days (so it may be something completely different tomorrow).

I raved about my new favorite nail polish color from e.l.f. in a post a few weeks ago, and it still happily adorns my toes. They've just added several new colors to their lineup, so take a look at what's there--it's now sandal season, so don't neglect those toesies (or the rest of your feet now on display for all the world to see--exfoliate & moisturize, ladies!).

Paint up those toes for a night on the town, and head for your favorite dining establishment with a $25 gift certificate in your pocket. e.l.f.'s got you covered.

Love Your Body special - 20 percent off, today only

2009-05-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are Love Your Body members--or are thinking of joining--today is one of the Body Shop's customer appreciation days where your usual 10 percent discount is doubled to 20 percent, and that's good on sale items, too.

What's on sale? Mother's Day gift packages--how timely!--and their Spa Wisdom line, which is my favorite. If you purchase a Love Your Body membership today and spend a minimum of $50, you've already paid for the membership, and then continue to enjoy your discount and other benefits all year long.

As I've said before, this is one of the only loyalty programs that cost you something to join that I wholeheartedly approve of. The 20 percent offer is good in-store or online, but early shoppers in store will also receive a sample of Divine Chocolates. That's right--free chocolate AND a deep discount. I'm so there.

Another outstanding eBay seller: Perfume Depot

2009-05-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's tough to find a better eBay seller: feedback of 99.7% on more than 83,000 sales, doing business on the auction website since 2001. Those are precisely the kind of sellers I look for when I shop on eBay, especially if I'm buying something that has a possibility of being counterfeited--in this case, perfume.

So, when I recently fell passionately head-over-heels in love with BVLGARI's new Jasmin Noir fragrance (oh, you just have no idea--it's beyond heavenly), I decided to price-check on eBay. Why not just run over to my fave beauty spot, Ulta, and pick some up? Well, Jasmin Noir is seriously a-spensive. A 1.7 oz. of the Eau de Parfum spray--that's the small bottle--retails for $102.

When I regained consciousness after what I will refer to for history's sake as the BVLGARI Price Shock Incident, I headed over to eBay. There were several sellers with decent prices, but the feedback numbers were iffy, and nobody could touch Perfume Depot's prices. My total for the BVLGARI, plus shipping, was $42.49, more than 50 percent off retail. I ordered it on Saturday night, and it was delivered today, three business days later, after shipping from the other coast. It arrived factory-sealed--as promised in the auction description--and smells just as heavenly as it did the first time I tried some on in a store.

They're now on my list of favorite sellers, and for good reason. In addition to the fantastic prices, they have a mind-boggling selection of fragrances for women (and men!). Check them out next time you're ready to buy any kind of fragrance, and save yourself some serious money.

Sam Moon: cheap chic accessory heaven!

2009-05-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

Those of you who live in the greater Dallas area are probably already familiar with the wonderful world of Sam Moon--Budget Sister is a huge fan of the store, and frequently calls to excitedly review her latest purchases.

I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the Dallas store, but I have been to the website, and it's quite a treasure trove of bargain-priced and super-trendy handbags, luggage, jewelry and accessories. It reminds me a little of Santee Alley in Los Angeles' fashion district--but that's something I'll write about later.

The company got its start in 1984 as a wholesale importer of a wide range of goods, as the Sam Moon Trading Company. They would eventually open retail stores for home decor (sadly, no online version of this store yet) and luggage and gifts, which is where you'll find all the great deals on accessories.

My sister tells me their in-store selection is exponentially bigger than what's offered online, but I'm still impressed with the selection at the online store. They have an enormous variety of handbags, covering all the current trends. Most of the prices are a few dollars either side of $20 on the purses, which is as good or better than Target.

Their jewelry is also trendy (but there's also a selection of rhinestone jewelry for evening wear). Big, chunky rings are probably the hottest jewelry trend this summer--they look fabulous paired with the also-hot maxi dress--and Sam Moon has a huge selection. The ring pictured here is $10, and believe it or not, that's one of the more expensive rings in the lineup. You'll also find big, chunky necklaces, eye-catching pendants, earrings and every kind of bangle and cuff bracelet you can imagine--and then some.

They also have a line of fashion watches, most around $10. You'll find bangle watches, traditional leather-band watches, rhinestone bracelet watches and charm bracelet watches. You can treat yourself to an entire wardrobe of fashion watches for what you'd pay for your run-of-the-mill department store watch.

You'll also find belts, hair accessories, sunglasses, and even a large line of luggage and luggage sets. They don't publish coupon codes (that I've been able to find, anyway), but their prices are so low it really doesn't matter. Their shipping charges are low and reasonable as well. If you're on the hunt for new, up-to-date accessories, you'll probably find everything you're looking for at Sam Moon. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to snag that pink faux-leather handbag up there.

It's cheaper to stay in and entertain. Are you prepared?

2009-05-04T20:01:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my occasional "lifestyle" posts (just to give you a break from the relentlessly fabulous fashion). Most of us are eating out a lot less often, and since it's more fun to eat with friends, a lot of us are probably thinking about entertaining at home more than we did before. If you do, you'll find that it's not just good for your budget, but good for your body.

Does the very idea make you look around your kitchen wondering how on earth to do that? Be bold, fellow budget girls. Cooking is not difficult (I promise!), and you can equip your kitchen like a pro on a tiny budget.

Over the coming months, I'll devote posts to entertaining ideas--which will, necessarily, involve cooking--as well as the occasional budget menu, so I thought it might be helpful to get you started with a very basic guide to quality kitchen equipment that doesn't break the bank. First, don't think in terms of sets. You don't need an entire set of cookware, and you don't need an entire set of knives. You'll only ever use 2-3 pieces in each set, so why spend all that money? Besides, it'll take up precious cabinet space, and that's already a precious commodity for most of us.

I've collected a basic assortment of kitchen equipment here, so you can peruse what's there and see if there are any pieces you need to add to your collection.

You can cook just about anything under the sun with just 3-4 very basic pieces of cookware--a saute pan, a dutch oven, a medium-sized saucepot, and either a cast iron skillet or a nonstick skillet. For knives--which are the most important tools in your kitchen--you'll get by nicely with just a chef's knife and a paring knife. You can spend a small fortune on knives, but you don't have to. The equipment testers at Cook's Illustrated magazine looked at a range of knives about five years ago, and their budget choice was a Victorinox chef's knife that runs around $20--a far cry from the $100 and up you'll pay for the high-end knives. Is it as good as the pro-level carbon steel knife? No, but if you care for it and keep it honed regularly, it should serve you well for a very long time.

And so on, for just about every category of kitchen equipment. An important piece for anybody's kitchen is an enameled cast iron dutch oven, but the big name brands cost more than $200. You don't have to spend that much. There's a cheaper version (I happen to own this one) for $40; it gets heavy use, and is holding up as well as the expensive one would. And while we're on the subject of that enameled dutch oven, I have to stop and emphasize one of the most important things you need to do that'll help you care for your kitchen tools--do not use metal utensils on them. Ever. Throw them out, and get wooden or nylon tools, but don't come near your cookware with metal. If you do, I'll show up on your doorstep to scold you. Just ask Budget Boyfriend--he's finally learned that metal is a no-no, but not before ruining a perfectly innocent nonstick skillet.

It can be daunting trying to track down inexpensive but good-quality kitchen tools--it took me years to accumulate all of mine. Take a look at my link, and you'll find them all in one place, and then decide for yourself what you need.

Once you have your equipment ready, cook. No, really--just cook. For those of you who don't, or who don't think you can--you're wrong! Cooking good, fresh, healthy food is really quite simple--just arm yourself with a little knowledge. You can, quite literally, learn everything you need to know from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything. It's exhaustive, and well-written. And very, very undaunting.

Beyond that, there are so many online resources it's hard to know where to begin, but start here: Michael Ruhlman's blog. Ruhlman is a writer-cook who's written some of the best books you'll find on cooking and what it takes--and what it means--to be a chef. You'll find online tutorials with plenty of photos on the most basic elements of cooking. He's fun to read, and he links to dozens of other outstanding food blogs, so check those out, too.

Another good blog for those of us on a budget is Pay Less For Food, and an excellent testimonial to the possibilities of cooking with fresh, organic food while on a strict budget can be found here. Shun processed foods. Acquaint yourself with your local farmers' market. Start skimming Ruhlman's blog (and the others he links to). And then: pull out your knives, fire up your stove, and start cooking. There are few things more satisfying, healthier, and, with a little savvy, few things more budget-friendly.

Every dress on sale at Kohl's, plus a 10% off coupon code

2009-05-02T19:13:00.001-07:00

Kohl's is another discount retailer who's begun bringing in name designers in recent years, to great success. Their Vera Wang line is consistently fabulous, as is Dana Buchman's line.

All of their dresses--designer and otherwise--are on sale right now, some more than 50% off. The one that caught my eye is the smashingly great trench dress, pictured here, for $50 (originally $100). Pair it with black patent pumps and a pearl necklace, and you won't find a more classic look anywhere.

You can get an additional 10 percent off your order through May 10--just use the coupon code MORE4MOM. If you're a Kohl's charge cardholder, do a quick search for coupon codes and you'll find discounts even better than the 10 percent.

Mother's day is just over a week away--here are some quick & easy deals to help you take care of mom

2009-05-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder that Mother's Day is coming up quickly (next Sunday, May 10th)--got your card yet? Some small token of your love for mom all lined up? No?

Don't panic; there's still time. You can pick out a mother's day card from Hallmark's site--free!!--register as a user, pick a card and customize the text, and they'll mail it for you FREE if you use this link, and the code CARD4MOM at checkout.

If you'd like to send your mom flowers but fainted last time you called the florist for prices, surf on over to ProFlowers.com. You can get the arrangement pictured here--1 dozen assorted-color roses--with a box of chocolate and free vase, all for $19.99 (plus shipping).

Other good deals that might come in handy for Mother's Day: $10 off a purchase of $50, or $25 off a $100 purchase at Philosophy, use coupon code mothersday; and don't forget about the deal I mentioned a few days ago, 20% off and a free pearl necklace with purchase at Ice.com.

And if you're lucky enough to live close to your mom (mine's on the other side of the country, unfortunately), how about taking her out on Mother's Day? I'm a huge fan of OpenTable.com, an online reservations site that'll get you hooked up with the best restaurants in your area. You accumulate points for every reservation, and those add up to cash-back certificates to use on future dinners out. Not only will OpenTable give you precise availability for reservations, but you can also search for special Mother's Day deals and menus in your area.

You're now armed with all the deal-getting, money-saving information you need to treat your mother to a wonderful day. Now, sit up straight and then go clean your room.

A serious post about the economy, and what this blog is all about (and a request for your input)

2009-04-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

You may have seen the April 27 edition of Time magazine and their cover story about "The New Frugality," which examines how dramatically the current recession (or is it a depression?) has affected all of us. They feature 15 people who've been affected in some way by the economic crisis in their "Thrift Nation" piece, and the stories are excruciating to read.

In short, a lot of us are in a lot of pain, financially and emotionally. And we're reacting by undergoing a collective sea-change in consumer habits. According to Time's poll, 48 percent of us think the economy has gotten worse, and a combined 50 percent of us think it'll be at least 1-2 years before things improve. Whether it's that gloomy outlook or just downright dire financial circumstances, we're all reacting to the current economic climate.

Because so many of us are now un- or under-employed--or fear we might be if the economy gets worse--our spending habits have changed dramatically. 63 percent of us have cut back on entertainment since the downturn, and that number jumps to 72 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds. And it's not just how much we're spending that's changed, it's what we're spending it on. An Associated Press story today details how we're all cutting back on luxury items, and switching from status labels and brand names to cheaper store brands. Also, the U.S. Commerce Department reported today that consumer spending is down for the third straight month, and income growth is down for the second straight month. We're all feeling the pain, and it's showing in big, measurable numbers.

The one tiny bright spot in this is that consumer saving habits are changing, too--more of us are trying to put away what little extra we have instead of further inflating our personal debt. It's far too early to tell if this trend will continue, but a Gallup poll earlier this week indicates that at least a third of us who are already cutting back on spending plan to continue our newly thrifty ways.

Hopefully, that means we're all in good company here at Budget Girl, so the budget-minded posts will continue with gusto.

As I was reading the Time story, however, and casting a sidelong glance at this blog, I wondered how glib all of the happy shopping posts might sound to those of us who are watching our spending with tight fists and knotted stomachs. To be clear: do I honestly expect that most of you are going to be blithely clicking your way to all of those deals I dutifully summarize for you throughout the week? Absolutely not.

What I do hope is that some of the tips and deal alerts come in handy for those of you with limited budgets who are trying to update your wardrobe for interviews, or look for ways to continue to take care of yourselves--haircare, skincare, etc.--while stopping at the drugstore more often instead of going to the cosmetics counters at the department store. Or perhaps I can just help those of you looking to have a little fun still be able to do so without spending next week's grocery fund.

For the record, I've been cutting back, too, so the recent downturn has put those budget skills I'm so proud of to the test in ways I never anticipated. And I'm surviving (knock wood), and hope you are, too.

For all the fashion-happy fun I try to have here, I do take the budget aspect of it very seriously. And that's where you come in. Your input is invaluable to me--input on what you're spending (and where and how), what you need, what your thoughts are on how our individual lifestyles are transforming during the economic downturn. I'd love to know how you're getting by, and hear any rants, confessions, suggestions, ideas--really, anything--any of your thoughts about this blog and about you. You can leave those thoughts in the comments section here, or if you're more comfortable with something less public, then please drop me an email at chickonabudget@gmail.com.

I'm confident we can all get through this together, and our collective knowledge on how to survive is key to that survival. Don't be bashful--let's hear what you have to say.

A Budget Girl Book Review - Great party guide for those of us on a budget

2009-04-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Love to entertain, but afraid you'll go broke planning a party? Never have any good ideas for what to serve, or how to serve it? How about a quick reference guide that'll help with all of the above? InStyle magazine's InStyle Parties may be the one and only book you'll need to keep handy to answer all of those questions.

I find this book especially helpful, whether I'm looking for specific ideas and recipes, or just using it to do some internal brainstorming. They cover everything from invitations to decorating to recipes, so you're covered beginning to end on any kind of soiree you want to throw.

Invites? It gives you a basic guide for how to word them and when to send them out--and being a stickler for basic etiquette, I strongly approve of this tip-of-the-hat to social custom. While the InStyle guide notes that you can order custom invitations from your local stationery store, Budget Girl would like to note that you can create beautiful invitations all by yourself with the help of a computer and cardstock (along with any kind of snazzy or handmade papers you want to add to the mix) that you can pick up at Target or an office supply store. Much, much cheaper that way, and you can create something truly you.

Will there be any tippling at your party? The guide gives you a rundown on how to stock a basic bar, from booze to glassware. It also offers a short primer on different liquor, beer and wines, and tells you how much alcohol per person to plan for (recipes will come a little later).

The food section is a little lean, but that may be my personal bias (I love to cook, and think party food should get LOTS of attention). Still, it does give you some pointers on how to design a menu, along with a few suggestions for basic party fare such as cheese plates.

The first section concludes with guides on tableware, decor, and--the most important part--the hostess (with a quick reminder of what your responsibilities are to your guests).

And then we're on to the good stuff--party ideas! The main subsections cover dinner parties, holiday parties, occasions and theme parties, and summer parties, with multiple sample party ideas under each category, including sample menus, recipes for those menus, bar drinks (with recipes), and suggestions for decor, tableware and invitations. And there's a timetable for each party idea, beginning with the invitations and going all the way down to when to prep and serve the food.

The recipes are all simple to prepare (and some look quite delicious), and the ideas for decor and tableware are basic enough that any of us on a budget can use them as a starting point and find our way to a fabulous party look at a much lower price. Stick with fresh, seasonal foods, and your food budget for parties will go a long way. I'll write more about that later (but not now, since this post is all about the party guide). As party books go, this one's pretty complete for guiding you through the process from concept to party time; couple that with your own budget ingenuity, and you'll be your own belle of the ball.

Top-quality skincare at budget prices, from Nottingham, England--Robin Hood would approve!

2009-04-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

You may have heard the raves about the Boots skincare line for awhile now--outstanding skincare products that work well on sensitive skin, and priced for those of us on a budget. It's been stateside for a couple of years, but for awhile it seemed our European friends would have the Boots skincare line all to themselves for eternity.

Created in 1849 by John Boot in his first pharmacy store in Nottingham, England, Boots has been providing women on the other side of the Atlantic with outstanding and inexpensive skincare for more than 150 years now--made with quality ingredients, and never tested on animals (you may have noticed by now that I prefer cosmetics makers who take a cruelty-free approach to their products).

They also make cosmetics and bath and body products, but their skincare line is the real standout, especially the Boots No. 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum. European women went wild for this product when it was first introduced, and for good reason. It's super-light and non-greasy, and with 4 weeks of continued use, you'll notice fine lines reduced, pores minimized, and skin brightened. This is a permanent fixture on my bathroom shelf, so consider me one of the legion of fans. Considering the astronomical price of similar products (La Mer? Stri-Vectin?), Boots No. 7 is a steal at $21.99, and you'll find it at Target or CVS drugstores.

I use it with their Time Dimensions moisturizers, which have to be the best-smelling products I've ever used (no, really--you won't believe how wonderful they smell!). I can't quite put my finger on whether it's a sweet scent or a floral scent--probably somewhere in between--but it smells absolutely heavenly. And at $17.99 for a decent-sized jar, it's just right for my budget.

Love those fun, trendy costume jewelry pieces?

2009-04-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Have a few hundred (or more!) each to spend on them? Yeah, me neither. I don't mind spending a little cash on truly nice jewelry, but I'm always hesitant to drop huge sums on pieces that are more trendy than classic. Or sometimes I'm simply unsure a piece is something I'll like six months from now.

Not a problem. What, you doubted that I have a few go-to sources for way-cheap cheap chic? You must know me better than that by now.

One of my more recent finds is a little out-of-the-way website, shopthelook.net. They specialize in costume jewelry and just a few accessories such as scarves and headbands, but they have a fun and edgy selection, and the prices are super-low.

See the ring to the right there? Notice the resemblance to a famous designer style? (*cough* Cartier *cough*) That'll set you back $10, and that's representative of their prices for everything (most are in the $10-$14 range).

They also have a sale section, and you can sign up for their email list to be notified of specials. Oh, and free shipping with a purchase of $50 or more. If you're making a smaller purchase (say, that $10 ring, for example), you'll find their shipping rates low as well.

Swimwear (and more) on sale this week at Target

2009-04-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Get 'em while they're cheap. Target is running a great sale this week on all of its mix-n-match swim pieces. If you haven't been lately and seen what's on the racks, they have a good selection of patterns and styles, so there's something to suit just about every body type. The individual top and bottom pieces are on sale for $14 each, and their one-piece suits are on sale as well.

If you haven't braved the dressing room to buy a swimsuit in awhile (hey, we've all been there), and aren't sure what will look best on you, surf over to stylelist and take a look at their swimsuit guide that shows which styles look best on different body types. It's a great resource (as is so much of their site).

Being able to pick up a stylish swimsuit (that looks good, too) for $28 is a rare bargain these days, so take advantage of the sale this week.

They have several other of-the-moment casual separates on sale this week as well, including the Xhilaration boho dress for $18, down from $24.99. It comes in several patterns, and would look fabulous paired with a fitted denim jacket.

And one more sale item to note in this week's Target ad are the Gilligan & O'Malley bras, which are on sale 2 for $20. For those of you who don't know, the Gilligan & O'Malley line at Target is made by Victoria's Secret. Please, no stampeding, and yes, I know that's a heck of a deal compared to what the VS lingerie goes for these days.

Happy shopping, and don't forget the sunscreen!

A quick tip on a couple of nice--and inexpensive--home decor sources

2009-04-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

We all like to have a nice living space, one that reflects who we are and makes us feel relaxed and happy. But most of us don't have the budget to hire an interior designer, so we put together what we can, the best we can. And we try not to spend a king's ransom in the process.

There are so many ways to find decorating ideas we like--Pottery Barn and other home furnishings catalogs, home magazines like Dwell and Metropolitcan Home. But taking those ideas and translating them into something usable and affordable is the real challenge. IKEA is always a great place to browse, and so are Target and eBay. As I've mentioned before, eBay is a marvelous place to hunt for home decor items (as well as fashion, jewelry, shoes and accessories), and I've accumulated a list of favorite sellers over the years. It's time to share a couple more with you.

If you like Asian themes or accents, then check out the offerings of Chinese Traditional and Fun Alliance. Both began as eBay sellers, but have gone on to have stand-alone online stores. I've purchased extensively from both of them over the years, and have a pretty nice collection of original Chinese watercolors and calligraphy paintings from them. Their prices are astonishingly good, and the sheer volume of paintings and scrolls that Chinese Traditional offers may just overwhelm you. The scroll I've pictured here is from their site. Oh, and shipping is included on all of their pieces--so a good deal just got a whole lot better.

Fun Alliance, hosted by Kam Leung, offers a slightly different selection of items, and you'll find things like yixing teapots, textiles and bamboo sculptures in addition to original paintings and scrolls. And, Kam's a funny guy. He writes travelogues from his ongoing adventures and posts them on his site--along with gorgeous photographs--so you may get distracted for awhile reading all about Kam's trips. Two of my favorite pieces came from his eBay sales several years ago--a watercolor of two horses, and an especially stunning watercolor of plum blossoms. Kam has a great eye for art (he re-sells pieces he buys and sometimes commissions from local artists), so you can be confident in the quality of the pieces he sells.

I think you'll have fun browsing those two stores, and if Asian art isn't your thing, just wait a bit. I'll be back soon with more out-of-the-way stores with great finds.

When was the last time you took a vacation? - Part 2

2009-04-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Now that I've gotten your attention about the importance of taking time off from work once in awhile, let's expand a bit from super-inexpensive weekend getaways to something a bit more ambitious.

Think package deals and discount offers, because you can save huge amounts of money by going that route. But how do you find out about them? Especially the super-secret, really great discount offers for airfare and hotels and package deals? Email, of course. If you google "discount travel website," you'll get more than 5 million results. Not all of those are going to be discount travel sites, obviously, but it does give you an idea of what's out there. Take a look around using a search engine, and find a few that offer email lists you can subscribe to. The two primary newsletters I keep a close eye on are Travelzoo and Vacations to Go. The first is a kind of clearinghouse for every manner of travel or vacation deal you can imagine, and the second is all about cruises (and more about that in a moment).

If you sign up for Travelzoo's newsletter, you'll get an email every Wednesday with their top 20 travel deals, which can range from airfare deals to discounted vacation packages to killer rates on hotels. They primarily link to other travel sites, so they're a good clearinghouse to keep an eye on. And if you don't want to wait for your weekly email, you can always surf over to their site and see what deals they're linking to. They even feature a "deals near you" search feature so you can look around for those inexpensive weekend getaways I talked about in Part 1 earlier today.

Vacations to Go is strictly about cruises, and they REALLY have the lowdown on all the lowest cruise prices. I have a love-hate thing with cruises, and I've been on three of them. And had a blast every time. The "hate" part comes from the fact that you're on a ship for most of the trip, and even the shore stops are brief and limiting, which is frustrating if you like to explore--which I do. But I also love cruises. The ships are beautiful, and if you just want to relax, you can sprawl out on a lounge chair all day, gaze at the sea, sleep, read, drink, or all of the above--whatever helps you relax. Cruises are also marvelous values, because everything is included (except booze). The food is usually outstanding, and with impressive variety, and--my number one favorite thing about cruises--there's 24-hour complimentary room service. You'll be amazed how quickly you become happily accustomed to having coffee and croissants (or whatever on the menu strikes your fancy) delivered to your room at whatever hour you desire. It's almost impossible to match the value for hotel and dining that you'll get on a cruise, so keep those in mind if you just need to unwind for a few days. If you live near a port, you can find 3- and 4-day cruises for about $199 per person, and if you're looking for longer excursions, the deals are even better when you break it down on a value-per-day basis.

In addition to those two sites for tracking all deeply discounted travel opportunities, sign up for emails from the big travel booking sites like Orbitz and Travelocity. They won't give you the smorgasboard of packages the big clearinghouse sites do, but they will alert you to steep discounts on air travel and hotels.

If you can sock away $50 or $100 a month, or save up a little overtime pay, the travel deals--really, really good travel deals--are out there by the score; it's just a matter of keeping an eye out for them, and snagging the one you want when you see it.

When was the last time you took a vacation? - Part 1

2009-04-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a pot-kettle-black moment for you, because I'm the world's worst at never quite getting around to taking time off work, even though I know the break will refresh me mentally and emotionally and keep my stress at healthier levels. I do try to get away on weekends whenever I can, though, which is easier on the budget, and still rewards me with some much-needed stress relief.

With the economy floundering and so many people un- or under-employed, it's not realistic to suggest that somebody hop a flight to Europe and get away for a couple of weeks. Most of us are in no position at all to take a vacation like that, but if at all possible, we should still make an effort to take some kind of break, even if it's just for a weekend.

Why is it so important? Well, our very lives--and even our job security, believe it or not--may depend on it. A study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health explored how much stress the American worker is under these days, and it probably won't surprise you to learn that the answer is that we're all pretty stressed out. Forty percent of workers say they're very stressed out by their jobs, and 26 percent say they often feel burned out at work. That has a negative effect on productivity, so even when you think you're working your hardest, you could be putting yourself into a situation where mistakes (or worse) are more likely. Here's an excerpt from the study that should get your attention:

Short-lived or infrequent episodes of stress pose little risk. But when stressful situations go unresolved, the body is kept in a constant state of activation, which increases the rate of wear and tear to biological systems. Ultimately, fatigue or damage results, and the ability of the body to repair and defend itself can become seriously compromised. As a result, the riskof injury or disease escalates.

In the past 20 years, many studies have looked at the relationship between job stress and a variety of ailments. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach and headache, and disturbed relationships with family and friends are examples of stress-related problems that are quick to develop and are commonly seen in these studies. These early signs of job stress are usually easy to recognize. But the effects of job stress on chronic diseases are more difficult to see because chronic diseases take a long time to develop and can be influenced by many factors other than stress. Nonetheless, evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems—especially cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders.

That's serious stuff. The great paradox is that we're all the most reluctant to take time off from work at the times we probably most need to. If you absolutely cannot take time off work, or you don't have the funds to take a "real" vacation--or both--then at least try to plan something to get away for a weekend, or even a long weekend, if you can spare just one day off from work.

I know how tough it is to plan a getaway, even a simple weekend affair, when you're already counting pennies at the grocery store. But if you can squirrel away just a little extra cash, there are some pretty good deals out there, and some strategies for getting the maximum bang for your mini-vacation buck. When I plan a weekend away, I usually do one of two things.

My quick-and-easy (and cheap) weekend away usually involves picking a destination a few hours from home, and then looking for budget motels in the area. Living in California, I'm fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful park land as well as interesting small towns to escape to, so it's never too hard to find someplace to go. But no matter where you live, there's bound to be something an hour or two down the road to explore and get your mind off all the stresses of work. Discounted motel rates are not that hard to come by, especially if you have a AAA membership (which offers discounts for more items than you may be aware of), or have a frequent-stayer membership at a hotel chain--those are free to join, and offer rewards ranging from points redeemable for gift cards, to free motel stays. And almost every hotel chain offers such a program, so check their websites for information on how to join and what the benefits are.

My favorite, and the one where I'm a frequent-stayer member (even though I don't stay that frequently!) is Best Western. Their inns are all independently owned, and there's been a big push in recent years to renovate the motels. As a result, there are some pretty nice Best Westerns out there, and their rates are still in the budget range. My points have been accumulating for a couple of years, and I'll have a free stay or two available to use after my next weekend away (most likely at the lovely Fireside Inn, pictured above, in Cambria, California). We'll probably only be able to get away for a single Saturday night, but we'll stretch the weekend out by leaving at daybreak on Saturday and enjoying a liesurely drive up the coast (so thank goodness gas prices are stable, and I drive a fuel-efficient car), and then taking our time coming back on Sunday. Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast these days, so that's one meal we don't have to pay for, and a quick internet search will turn up other budget dining choices along the way. If you do just a little homework, you can find countless ways to save money on trips like this, and make them a semi-regular reality.

If that's even too much for your budget--and it often is for mine--when was the last time you went camping? That's probably the most inexpensive getaway you'll find, and there are few things as refreshing and soul-renewing as getting away from city (or even suburban) life and sleeping outdoors. It requires so little to make one of these trips--a tent and sleeping bags are the bare minimum--and you don't have to have top-of-the-line, super-expensive gear (sorry, REI). If you have a discount sporting goods store in your area, such as Big 5 Sporting Goods, watch their sale circulars, because you can often pick up the basics for camping at really deep discounts. eBay has some sellers who specialize in discounted camping gear, such as The Bargain Outfitters or Timberwolf Sports.

Even Target and KMart carry camping gear, and often close out last-season items at clearance prices. Still too much? Ask around. Chances are, you have a friend who's well-stocked for these weekend expeditions, and he or she would probably be happy to lend you their camping gear for a weekend. And always watch craigslist, because people sell (cheaply!) or even give away camping gear that's been cluttering up their garages.

Once you've got the gear covered, you're a couple of mouse clicks away from a wealth of information on where to camp in your area. No matter where you live, you'll have a state park or national forest or recreation area with a campground within easy driving distance, and the fees are generally in the $5-$15 per night range. Plan out a couple of easy and cheap meals (cold or heated on a camp stove) for just a few dollars, and you're ready to go. For under $100--and maybe for less than $50--you can go to sleep listening to crickets chirp, and wake up to birds singing, and hear nary a car horn or car alarm. Clear your mind, take a lot of deep breaths, and come back home better armed to fight another day.

Happy Earth Day--shop green!

2009-04-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

While I always shop with my budget in mind, I also try extra-hard to be a green consumer as much as possible. Fortunately, as more and more green options become available, the prices get better and better.

So in honor of Earth Day, I want to remind you all that in addition to looking great and living well, we should also do our best to live green. A recent discovery of mine makes this easier than ever: Priscilla Woolworth's Eco-Friendly General Store. Think of them as a green version of Restoration Hardware--they carry eco-garden products, eco-home products, green pet stuff, eco-friendly personal care products, books, gifts, and on and on.

Many of my other favorite stores are doing their part for Earth Day, too. At the Body Shop, you'll get the organic cotton canvas bag pictured here, free with any $30 purchase. The Body Shop is already high on my list of great green retailers, because their packaging is made from recycled materials, and their products are all from sustainable sources. They're also cruelty-free (no animal testing).

Cost Plus World Market is offering a free canvas tote with a $10 purchase, and they, too, carry a good assortment of organic, free-trade and eco-friendly products. Budget grocery chain Fresh & Easy--a favorite of mine, and within walking distance of Budget Girl's domicile!--is also offering a free canvas tote with a minimum $10 purchase. With all these canvas bags being given away, I hope we're all making the effort to keep a few in our cars or folded and tucked into our handbags so that we can finally kick the disposable bag habit.

And to move beyond shopping green to truly living green (on a budget!), be sure to visit my dear friends' site, Green Grrl's Excellent Eco-Adventure. And note that they're permanently listed in my favorite links along the left side of this page, so they're always just a click away. They're completely committed to turning the not-so-green house they recently purchased into a truly green home. They're documenting their progress blog-style and letting us share in the fun.

Mother's Day discount and free gift at Ice.com

2009-04-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a deal for you from Ice.com--just in time for Mother's Day--that hits all three of my top budget shopping strategies. Free shipping? Check. 20% discount on your purchase? Check. Free gift with purchase? Check. And it's a nice one, too--a multi-colored cultured pearl necklace, valued at $100 retail. You'll need this link to get the freebie and discount.

I've shopped often at Ice.com over the years, and have always been satisfied with the quality. In addition to the generous discount deals they offer seemingly non-stop, they also offer the option of paying in installments (interest-free, no credit approval required). They've come in handy for me on many a birthday, Christmas and, yes, Mother's Day.

There's no minimum order requirement to get the free pearl necklace, so browse around and get a little somethin'-somethin' for your mom--or yourself.

One of my favorite catalog companies you've never heard of: Body Central

2009-04-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Why do I love Body Central? Well, naturally--their prices are amazing and their styles are up-to-the-minute. I received their latest catalog in the mail yesterday, and saw several new additions worth passing along.

I don't even remember how I first discovered them; I think I just ended up on their mailing list somehow a few years ago, and I've been happily shopping them ever since. They're part of the same corporate family as the Body Shop stores you've probably seen in your local mall (the clothing stores, not the bath and body product store that I also love), and they've been around since 1973.

Most of their styles tend toward the fitted and sexy, sometimes a bit too much so for my taste, but those are far outnumbered by the great deals on must-have pieces. This year's biggest trend, the maxi dress, is well represented at Body Central. I like the one pictured here, a steal at $32.50, and oh-so-flattering with that vertical stripe and empire waist. They have several other maxi styles available, all ranging from $24.50 to $32.50.

Another item I have my eye on is the tattoo design tee, very reminiscent of the much more expensive Ed Hardy styles. This one will set you back $9.50 (no, that price isn't a typo). They have a few different styles in the tattoo art tees, too, so you have more than one to choose from.

You'll also find tops and dresses with jewelry-like embellishments, jeans, capris, shorts, and a huge array of tees, tops and summer dresses. Most items in the catalog range from $15 to $30, which won't strain anybody's budget.

They also feature an impressive selection of accessories, from belts and jewelry to handbags and sunglasses (and a slightly smaller selection of shoes), and as with the clothes, you'll find the prices irresistably low.

They feature a "deal of the week," that you can be alerted to via email by signing up here, and their sale prices are, well, even more insanely low than their regular prices.

I've yet to find any coupon codes for Body Central, but their prices are so low and their shipping charges reasonable, so they still rank at the top of my favorite online retailers.

Rue La La et ooh la la!

2009-04-20T15:51:00.001-07:00

Once in a great, great while, I come across a true designer bargain. Now, keep in mind--what Budget Girl considers a bargain has certain parameters. A designer purse marked from $700 to $400, for example, does not fall within those parameters. It may be utterly fabulous, but I'm far too practical a soul to splurge to that degree.

But sometimes, when all the planets align, there are true designer deals out there to be had. And my new favorite bargain destination is the invitation-only Rue La La (fear not, the details on how to get your invite are below).

Enter: Rue La La. They open members-only online "boutiques" several times a week, each featuring a specific and very desirable designer. Recent seletions have included Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Robert Rodriguez and Anne Klein Boutiques. You'll find true couture fashion--for women and men--as well as sportswear, and all manner of accessories and shoes. They've also recently begun including home furnishing boutiques--just last week featured boutiques Villeroy & Boch and Henkels cutlery.

Items featured are all from current-season lines, at discounts ranging from 30 to 80 percent off retail. Some of the items are still several stratospheres above what I consider budget prices, but I recently picked up a fabulous designer knit dress for $29. It's worth browsing the boutiques each day to see what's out there, especially if you're looking for classic wardrobe essentials--the kind that are worth a little extra investment.

Membership at Rue La La requires no obligation on your part, but it is invitation only. Once you get the invite and sign up at their site, you'll get emails a few times a week alerting you to upcoming boutiques and the day and time they'll debut on Rue La La's website, and it's up to you whether you want to surf over and do some browsing. If you'd like an invite, send an email to me at chickonabudget@gmail.com, with the words "Rue La La invite" in the subject line (and your email address will never, ever be used or passed along for any other purpose). I'll have the invite sent over to you within 24 hours of your request, and then you can shop to your heart's content.

I heart I Heart Ronson!

2009-04-19T18:30:00.001-07:00

The trend of cutting-edge designers at discount retailers continues, and I couldn't be happier about it.

Rushing to line up behind Target's brilliantly successful move to bring cusp-of-fashion designers into the discount level is (drumroll!) J.C. Penney. They've added several good designer lines the last couple of years, but the addition of Charlotte Ronson's I Heart Ronson line brings the retailer up to a whole new, tres haute level.

The line debuted online in February, and has now made it to the racks of most J.C. Penney stores. Ronson has been designing for almost 10 years, and specializes in an ultra-cool urban hipster look. It's casual and fun, and the J.C. Penney pieces are priced in the $20-$50 range, which makes the line must-have cheap chic.

According to the Los Angeles Times, J.C. Penney "soft-launched" the line for spring with a limited selection in stores, but will ramp up the selection for summer, with that lineup hitting the stores this month.

As more and more retailers rush to follow Target's example, we all reap the benefits, with cutting-edge fashion finally within our limited-budget reach. Viva fashionistas!

I am a budget wine crusader. You should be, too.

2009-04-18T18:31:00.000-07:00

Good wine is a necessity of life for me.
~ Thomas Jefferson

It's good for your heart, it's loaded with antioxidants, French women drink it daily and stay thin, and it tastes so, so good. What's not to love about wine?

And why aren't you drinking it more often? If you do drink it often, then just consider yourself part of the choir as I preach on.

Far too many people are intimidated by the very idea of wine, either because they don't know much about it, or because they think the only good wine is expensive wine (not true). Or if they aren't intimidated by it, they're unimpressed with it, because they've just grabbed random bottles on sale at the supermarket without understanding anything at all about wine.

While you don't need to take a sommelier course to become a savvy wine buyer, a little know-how will lead you to some good wines, and also give you that great lightbulb moment when you realize that you can get some very good wines for under $10 a bottle, and some spectacular wines for $20 or less. Gone are the days when anything under $10 sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Boone's Farm and jug wines; it's easy to find drinkable wines for bargain prices if you're armed with just a little knowledge. But you need to be willing to try, and you'd do well to learn a little about basic varietals and the countries that produce the best versions of them. The three things to remember are read, taste, and take chances.

Read. It's easy to be overwhelmed with the amount of information out there--in books and on the internet--so try to find one good comprehensive source. I highly recommend Karen MacNeil's The Wine Bible, which is truly encyclopedic (and a hefty 900+ pages), but also very reasonably priced. The link I provided takes you to Amazon, with their oh-so-affordable price of $12.97, a considerable discount off the cover price. MacNeil covers all the varietals--the different wine grapes, such as cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay--and all the major wine-producing regions around the world. Within those chapters, she also covers the major producers in each area as well as some of the more notable wines for each. Her writing style is fun, passionate and knowledgeable, so it makes for an easy and enjoyable read.

Robert Parker, one of the most respected wine critics in the world, has published a good glossary of wine terminology on his site; read it A to Z. And more specifically regarding budget wines, look for Robert Parker's "value list," published in his Wine Advocate (usually in late August). His recommendations on that list are reliably good wines that won't clean out your bank account. A summary of his 2008 list is here. When you're at your local wine store--or, if you have one in your area, Beverages & More--pay attention to the hang tags on the wine shelf. Most wine merchants post the positive ratings their wines have gotten, so pay attention to them; they're usually a good guide if you're at a complete loss for what to buy.

Taste. I was very fortunate to live in northern California for a few years, and took full advantage of my location to visit as many tasting rooms as possible at local wineries. Visiting a winery's tasting room is great fun, and you should ask the tasting room staff as many questions as you can think of regarding the varietals they produce in general, and their winemaking process specifically. Most of them are delighted to have an engaged, interested customer, and you can learn a great deal from these people--I certainly did. Wines are being produced all over the country now, so it's highly likely there's a winery within easy distance from your house. And if there isn't, call around to your local wine merchants and high-end supermarkets, because most of them offer regular wine tastings. You'll probably have to pay a nominal fee, but that's usually refunded if you make a purchase. As with visiting tasting rooms, it's a wonderful way not just to taste good wines, but--even more important--to find out what you like. You'll begin to learn, by taste, the characteristics of the major varietals, and understand why certain wines pair better with certain foods.

Take chances! So you're standing in front of that infinitely long shelf of red wines at Cost Plus World Market, most of them are under $10, and you haven't a clue which one to buy to go with dinner. Even the most novice-y of wine novices can make a safe guess (and safe purchase) for a bottle of wine. See that Spanish red blend with the hang tag showing an 88 rating by Wilfred Wong for $7? Go for it. It's highly unlikely you'll pick up a bad bottle of wine; it should at least be drinkable, and you may be pleasantly surprised and stumble on a real winner. And if you just absolutely hate it, re-cork it, put it in the fridge, and use it when you cook. As you take more chances, both your knowledge and your confidence will grow, and before you know it, you'll be a confident wine consumer who sidles up to perplexed-looking strangers to offer a "you know, this one's quite good--we had it with dinner last week, and loved it!"

I firmly believe the world would be a better place if everybody drank a glass or two of wine every night. We'd almost certainly be healthier, and probably a little happier, too. The quality of budget-priced wines has improved dramatically over the last 15 years, so you're almost assured a drinkable bottle if not a stellar bottle, even if you paid no more than $7 dollars for it. I'll continue to share specific bargain wines that I come across, and as this site expands in the coming months, I'll add special sections with my own wine notes I've compiled over the years on my favorite varietals and producers. We may all be cutting back and eating at home more often during these leaner times, but with good wines at pauper's prices, we can still dine like kings in our own modest little kitchens.

One of my favorite jewelry resources: CaratGems on eBay

2009-04-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

I've been an eBay member for many years now, and have slowly cultivated a list of favorite sellers I go back to again and again because they offer incredible products at unbeatable prices.

One of my very favorites is CaratGems, who specializes in hand-crafted sterling silver and gemstone jewelry reminiscent of designer Nicky Butler's--and, in fact, CaratGems' jewelry is made by the same artisans--but at a fraction of the price. How much of a savings are we talking about? Well, Butler's pieces run in the $200-$300 range, and most of CaratGems pieces (necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings and earrings) sell for between $19 and $39.

They've been selling their jewelry on eBay for over 10 years, and have a feedback rating of better than 99 percent. Their jewelry is imported directly from Jaipur, India, where it's crafted by second-generation artisans, and the seller is a GIA-certified gemologist. In other words, he knows his stuff, and stands behind the excellent products he sells.

Most of the pieces feature heavy carat weight in genuine semi-precious stones (such as the piece I've pictured here), and all the designs are trademarked. I've purchased five or so pieces from him over the years, and I'm extremely pleased with the quality (and the inevitable compliments I get). The pieces are unique, comfortable to wear, and a truly good jewelry investment.

Sneak peek for Ulta's big spring sale

2009-04-17T12:19:00.001-07:00

Some of you may have already received your latest Ulta sale catalog--what, you're not an Ulta Club member yet? Well, go here, and sign thyself up. They'll shower you with money-off coupons and discounts and rewards certificates based on your quarterly purchases, and they have fabulous sales.

Back to the matter at hand, though: their annual spring sale kicks off this Sunday, and as usual, they're offering a can't-pass-up gift with any $30 fragrance purchase (just in time for mother's day!). This freebie is your choice of one of four straw totes--the apple green is especially gorgeous.

There's also a $3.50 off a minimum $10 purchase coupon, always a good one--my favorite lip color, Max Factor's Lipfinity, is $10.49 at Ulta, so I adore the $3.50 coupons. And don't forget that several of the designer perfumes offer their own gifts with purchase this time of year, so you can get that freebie and the straw tote, and come away with quite the haul. More on the specifics of the sale on Sunday, so keep your eyes peeled for the sale catalog in your mailbox or Sunday newspaper.

One of the best spa experiences you'll ever have--even if you're on a budget!

2009-04-16T10:05:00.001-07:00

I've been kicking around a post idea for awhile about my favorite spa, and after getting a couple of impossible-to-pass-up specials via their email list this week, decided that time is of the essence.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona, California, is my happy place. I know I'm not the only person who feels this way, and after you visit the first time, you'll probably agree. This is of special interest to those of you in southern California, as it's just 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles, but if you've been thinking about a visit to our beautiful west coast, Glen Ivy should definitely be on your list of activities.

Glen Ivy isn't just a full service spa, but an honest-to-goodness hot springs and true day spa and resort. We humans have been dipping our toes in the geothermally heated, mineral-rich waters there for thousands of years--first the native Americans, then Spanish settlers, all the way up to current day. The hot springs as a resort has seen many incarnations over the years, first catering to weary travelers almost 150 years ago. It still beckons to those of us who need an "aaahhhhh" day, and does so at a remarkabe price (more on that in a moment). They were the winner of Spa Magazine's 2008 Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Hot Springs and Most Affordable Spa in America.

In addition to a full menu of spa services that can be purchased a la carte, Glen Ivy in Corona features mineral baths (contained in a large pool and several smaller satellite pools that will accommodate two people each) fed by those wonderful hot springs, a therapeutic red clay mud bath, a large lounge pool, saunas, steam rooms, roman baths and large shower and locker areas for men and women, complete with towel service, the use of all of which are included in the resort's very reasonable entrance price of $48 per person on weekends, and just $35 per person Monday through Friday, and is open to all visitors age 16 or older (age 18 minimum for the spa's massage services).

A co-worker of mine had raved about Glen Ivy for about a year before I finally went my first time. My sister was in town for a visit, and we're both spa fanatics, so we decided a visit to Glen Ivy should be on our itinerary during her stay. We went on a Tuesday to take advantage of the lower weekday prices, and each scheduled a pedicure in addition. We were delighted to discover that driving from Los Angeles to Glen Ivy took us against--instead of in--rush-hour traffic coming and going, so that was a bonus. We arrived around 10 a.m., and had no trouble finding a spot to park (also included in the price). The resort resembles a desert oasis, welcoming and lushly landscaped. We were checked in quickly and amiably at the front desk, given an informative brochure to help us find our way around, and made our way to the large shower and locker facilities to change into our swimsuits. We'd heeded the advice on the website to bring a dark-colored swimsuit (alternatively, just bring along an old one that won't mind a few stains) because the red clay mud can leave stains on fabric. The women's shower and locker area is expansive, clean and beautifully designed; we felt relaxed already!

We hit the mud bath first, because both of us were dying to try it--we read the brochure more closely later, and realized that's recommended AFTER the mineral baths (oops!) so we'll know better next time--and took turns coating each other head to toe with the slippery stuff. You'll love the mud--it smells wonderful--and can purchase some to take home with you at the bargain price of $18 for a 14.5 oz. jar.

We settled into lounge chairs to bask in the sun while the mud dried, then helped each other rinse off in the outdoor shower nearby. It was a warm day, so we were delighted to see a table with complimentary ice-cold water to keep us hydrated; they have a couple of these stationed around the resort, and also offer a smoothie bar as well as a cafe with light and reasonably priced fare.

After the mud bath, you can take advantage of the Grotto (for an additional $25), which is an underground cavern--literally, a quick elevator ride down--where you'll be misted with cool mineral water and "painted" with an all-over green moisturizing masque containing sea kelp and aloe vera, which smells even better than the mud masque (amazing, but true). Then move into the hydrating chamber to let the masque do its magic, and enjoy a cup of green tea or a crisp green apple in the cool mist chamber. No appointment is necessary for the Grotto, but there may be a waiting list on very busy days. Here are the other areas of interest (all included in the price of admission):

Lap Pool—the perfect pool for swimming laps or performing aerobics.
Vista Spa—relax while taking in majestic views of the valley.
Saline Pool—heal aching muscles and joints with an epsom salt soak.
Terrace Pools—a designated quiet area shaded by surrounding trees.

Once all the mud was washed away, we headed for the mineral baths, which were warm and wonderfully soothing. We spent the rest of the day (before AND after our pedicures) lazing about the lounge pool, chatting and reading magazines, and were both sad to see the day come to an end. We left with lovely pink toes, and refreshed and lifted spirits, and vowed we'd be back.

I was smitten with Glen Ivy, and immediately signed up for their email list when I returned home. If you do so, you'll receive frequent discount offers. I'll be back on my birthday next month to take advantage of their free admission (must be on your actual birthday, and you must show ID for verification), and also have my eye on their current specials:

On April 21, 22, 28 and 30, Glen Ivy is offering 2-for-1 admission for their President's Special stress relief package. This is an email-only offer, but if you sign up for their email list any time before April 30, you'll receive the email with the President's Special offer.

Now through April 20, you can purchase $100 Glen Ivy gift cards--which may be used for admission to the resort as well as spa services--for just $75 each, and if you purchase two gift cards, you'll get a free Glen Ivy admission pass. That's a fantastic deal! The gift cards must be purchased online to get the special sale price.

You can (and should) sign up for their email list here, and be the first to find out about upcoming promotions. I can think of no better way to treat yourself to some serious stress relief than to spend a day at Glen Ivy. Even if you forego the separate spa services, you still get a day of incredible pampering (and that wonderful mud bath!) and lounging in and by the pools for that low admission price. It's a beautiful place, it's relaxing, and after you experience it for the first time, you'll promise yourself you'll come back often.

A quick p.s. to those of you outside of southern California: check out Spa Finder, and sign up for their email list. There are many great spa specials out there to be found, especially as spas try to stay competitive in such a tough economy. You can search for the deals on Spa Finder, and keep up with the latest offers via their email news letter.

And a little something for the man in your life

2009-04-16T09:53:00.001-07:00

Here's a great (and inexpensive) buy for father's day, graduation or just to make someone's day. Jewelry Shopping Club offers one deal per day, at a greatly reduced price and with free shipping. Each day's special is posted at 10 a.m. west coast time, and often sells out quickly.

Today's is a men's bracelet, with smooth hypo-allergenic stainless steel loops and a rubberized black band. It's a nice, sleek design, which makes it appropriate for any setting. Length is 8 1/4 inches, and the stainless steel loops are each 1/2 inch wide. It's $12.99, inclusive, and comes in a free gift box.

Weekend sale roundup - lots of great discounts out there through this weekend only

2009-04-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'll just cram these all in a quick post so that you have the who-where-when-how-much-will-I-save.

Victoria's Secret: You can still get the $20 of $100 purchase with the 09SPRING coupon code, or you can get 25 percent off one item through Sunday only, and the code for that deal is 25SAV

DSW Shoes: $10 off a $50 regular-price purchase, either in store or online. Click on the link to get a printable coupon, or use code GETTEN for online shopping.

Express: Get an additional 20 percent off clearance prices (some already as much as 50 percent off); no code needed, discount is given at checkout. Online or in store.

Cost Plus World Market: Family & Friends sale weekend, where you'll get 25% off home furnishings, decor, gifts and more. You'll need to sign up for their email list at the link (or sign in to your account) to get the discount or printable coupon, which you can then forward to--of course--friends & family.

It's time for springtime BOGO at Payless

2009-04-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

This is another retailer you should revisit if you'd previously written them off as too cheap-looking or not fashion-forward enough. Their styles are fresh and updated, and they've brought in designers for their own lines in much the same way Target has.

In addition to the mainstream Dexter and American Eagle brands (and those include men's shoes, too, incidentally), Payless now carries shoes by designers Abaete, Lela Rose, alicia + olivia, and zoe&zac, and that's not even the entire list. If you're passing up Payless because you think they have nothing to offer, you're missing out.

Their line of handbags has been similarly updated, so you can do quite well on both shoes and handbags without breaking the bank--especially when their BOGO promotions are underway.

I've been frustrated in the past when I saw a pair of shoes in one of their Sunday ad circulars but arrived at my local store to find it out of stock in my size. Fortunately, you can shop from Payless' website now and have the shoes shipped to your local store for pickup, which saves you shipping charges (you can also have them shipped directly to your address, but unless you buy $50 or more, you'll have to pay shipping charges). Unless I'm on a browsing mission, that's the only way I shop with Payless anymore, and it's wonderfully headache-free.

Their spring lines have the usual assortment of strappy sandals and colorful flats, but you'll also find very up-to-the-moment stacked-heel platform sandals and romanesque flat sandals.

And because this post is coming around just a week shy of Earth Day, I also want to point out Payless' latest charitable endeavor:

Payless ShoeSource® will contribute $1 to The Nature Conservancy'sPlant a Billion Trees Campaign for each resuable bag purchased from 4/13/09 to 12/31/09 and $1 from each zoe&zac™ branded product sold between 4/13/09 and 5/4/09. Payless ShoeSource® will make a minimum total contribution for 2009 of $100,000 from the sales of these items and other merchandise in 2009.

Go check out what's new on their website, take advantage of the BOGO promotion while it lasts (now through May 4), save the shipping charges by having your order sent to the store, and take it all home in a reusable bag--save some money, do a little good for the environment, and look fabulous from the ankles down.

Don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on eyeglasses? You'll love this.

2009-04-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Budget Girl is, to some extent, also blind-as-a-bat girl. Okay, not really blind, but I am far-sighted, and have worn glasses since second grade. About two weeks ago, my favorite pair of glasses broke irreparably. I've spent the ensuing couple of weeks sulking over the dearly departed frames, and wondering where on earth I was going to find the money to buy new glasses. Those of you who wear them know they can be hideously expensive.

I'd just about resigned myself to digging around for a Lenscrafters coupon, when I saw a mention on a craiglist forum today for Zenni Optical. Insane prices, they said. I figured it was worth taking a look, so off I went.

Insane doesn't begin to describe it.

I found a pair of half-rimmed glasses almost identical to my broken pair, and after waiting a few minutes for my eye doctor (the delightful Dr. Pachman) to fax me my prescription for reference, I purchased a pair with lightweight lenses and all the premium coatings for $25.85--including shipping. They probably heard my squeals of joy all the way up in San Rafael, where Zenni's lab is located. Yup, these are Made in the USA glasses, too. I have no idea how they do what they do, but it's an amazing deal.

They have a huge variety of frames, including plenty that are truly leading-edge fashion frames that'll rival any of the designer frames you'd find in your local optical boutique. The most expensive frames I saw on their site were $29.95, but they start as low as $8.00. You can have tinting added (and turn them into prescription sunglasses) for $4.95. Or, if you're feeling extra-posh, you can order photochromic lenses (like the expensive Transitions lenses) for an extra $39.95 if you want to go totally over the top. However, to their bargain-driven credit, Zenni points out on their info page for them that photochromic lenses never darken as much as most people like, and seldom darken at all from inside a car with UV-blocking windshield, so they recommend you just go for the $4.95 sunglass tinting. Here's what you get with every pair:

High quality stylish frame
Thin and Light 1.57 index lens
Anti Scratch Coating
Full UV Protection
Lens edge polishing and beveling
Quality Hard Eyeglass case
Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
Full Guarantee

If you're wary of ordering online without trying them on, then take the time to go to the mall and find an optical shop, and spend a little time trying on frames. Figure out what you like, take notes, and then go back to Zenni's site and find an equivalent pair. Delivery takes about a week, so I should be getting mine early next week. And I'll probably give in to temptation and order a pair of prescription sunglasses tomorrow (with the frames I like, it'll cost me a whopping $18).

And now that I've pointed you to the cheapest-ever eyeglasses, I have to give a shout-out to my favorite contact lens store. Because I sit in front of a computer all day, I have problems with dry eyes, and the only contacts I can wear that don't drive me nuts are Acuvue's Oasys lenses. They're great, but they're spendy. AC Lens, by far, has the best price on them. I found them after an internet search for online contact lens stores a couple of years ago, and I've been a devoted customer ever since. The lowest prices anywhere, you can always find a coupon code for free shipping or a discount (or both!), they ship quickly and have great customer service.

So, there you are. No matter what kind of vision correction you choose, there's an online retailer out there who'll save you a substantial amount of money. Now I think I'll go order those prescription sunglasses!

The LA Times Festival of Books - Feed your head! It's fun, and FREE!

2009-04-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are in Southern California, we're less than two weeks away from my favorite event ever--the Los Angeles Times' annual Festival of Books, held on the campus of UCLA on April 25 and 26. I'm a life-long bookworm, and when I first attended way back in 2000, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven

If you've never been before, it's two days of books, authors, current events discussions, kids' activities, cooking demos, and more, on a scale you have to see to believe. The first book festival was held in 1996, and was an immediate success. It now sees more then 130,000 attendees each year and is the country's biggest and most prestigious book festival. And you thought LA was filled with shallow people who never read! It does this lit lover's heart good to see so many people turn out for an event centered around the book.

There's an impressive list of speakers and panelists, found here, most of whom also do book signings in designated areas after their appearances (good to know for those of you who collect books). A sprawling event on UCLA's beautiful campus, the festival also includes nearly 300 exhibitor booths representing booksellers (many of whom offer discounts to festival attendees!), publishers, literacy and cultural organizations. There are cooking demos by celebrity chefs, and countless activities and performances for children (and those of us who are kids at heart). The dining options have evolved nicely over the years, and there's now a pretty impressive food court set up, and vendors for the usual ice cream, bottled water and frozen lemonade stationed around the festival area. The weather is always glorious, too (so don't forget to bring your sunscreen). You can review the schedule of panels and speakers here, or look for the special section for the festival in this Sunday's Los Angeles Times (April 19).

Admission is free, but you'll need tickets to get into the formal author events. Tickets will become available on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at 12 noon through Ticketmaster.com for a nominal fee of $.75 per ticket. Tickets will also be available at select Southern California Ticketmaster locations including select Macy’s locations, Ritmo Latino, at the Beverly Center’s information booth. These tickets are free with a $.75 service charge both online and participating retailers. In the interest of promoting literacy, Ticketmaster has reduced its normal service charges to this nominal amount. There will be a small number of tickets reserved for same-day pickup at a special area at the festival, but they begin handing them out at 8 a.m. and they go fast. I was there last year at 7:15 a.m., because I'd missed my Ticketmaster window of opportunity, and there was already a line of over 100 people in front of me!

And for those of you who aren't in the Los Angeles area, don't feel left out--a quick google search turned up similar book festivals all over the country, including festivals in Baton Rouge, Philadelphia, Tucson, Nashville, South Dakota, Atlanta, Austin, Delaware, Brooklyn, and on and on. Seek out these events, because they're great fun.

Tired of mismatched dishes and drinkware?

2009-04-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

It's not often you get a chance to replace everything in your cabinet at once--most of us just don't have the budget for it. But here's your chance, if you live near an IKEA store. It probably doesn't surprise any of you that Budget Girl is a huge IKEA fan, but this is an unusually good deal, even by IKEA standards.

For one day only--Sunday, April 19th--you can pick up their Startbox Plus for more than 50 percent off its usual low price. For $39.99, you'll get a service for six of dishes, silverware and glassware (including wineglasses!). It's in a clean, basic white, which makes it perfect for any occasion, and any decor.

If that bargain isn't one you need at the moment, you can still stop by and check out their new summer inventory. Most people think of IKEA as a place for inexpensive assemble-it-yourself furniture, but they have a great selection of colorful, seasonal items for summertime entertaining and decorating, and at the expected IKEA prices (think Pier I for those of us on a budget). I like the set of two etched glass hanging tealight holders, $4.99 for a set of 2, and the colorful sandwich trays, $1.49 each, which are reusable and great for outdoor entertaining. Take that, Martha Stewart!

And if you get there in the morning, you can enjoy breakfast on IKEA Friday through Sunday. It's their 99-cent breakfast--a generous helping of potatoes, bacon and scrambled eggs--and coffee, gratis for this weekend only. The restaurant usually opens before the main store does, so check your local hours to find out when breakfast is served near you.

One of my favorite products ever, with a free trial

2009-04-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Beauty on the outside begins with what we put into our bodies, no? If you're counting calories, or just want something on hand at work when you're too busy to leave the office for lunch, boy have I got a deal for you.

Okay, my own personal testimonial first: I LOVE Andrew Lessman's Secure meal replacement shakes. Really, really love them. I bought some on a special on HSN a couple of years ago, and I'm completely addicted. I'd long been fond of making smoothies and protein shakes using various protein powders I picked up at places like GNC or Trader Joe's, but Secure just blows them all right out of the water. They aren't chalky, they don't have a weird taste (or aftertaste), and they're delicious. They're also loaded with lots of vitamins and minerals, as well as a healthy amount of soy protein per shake. You can mix them with water, milk or soy milk; you can mix two together, like the chocolate and coffee flavors, and you can blend them with frozen fruit.

Oh, and did I mention that each shake has fewer than 70 calories per serving? Yes, I thought you'd like that part. They're a guilt-free meal replacement, and Mr. Lessman is generously offering a FREE 30-count variety pack right now through his company's website--you only pay $7.95 shipping--so get it while you can (because I have no idea how long he'll offer such a great deal). I've already ordered (and received) my variety pack, and I can assure you there's no catch and no obligation to buy anything else--but I bet you'll be back for more once you try them. You get a sample of all six flavors in the variety pack: chocolate, coffee, vanilla (my favorite), peanut butter, pina colada and mixed berry. And they're all good.

And as a shout-out to my dear friends, the GreenGrrls, you might also be interested to know that Lessman's ProCaps Laboratories production facility is a green operation, running on 100 percent solar power. If you want to feel good about buying great products from a company that takes environmental responsibility seriously, you'll be hard-pressed to find one with more integrity than Lessman's. Your money is truly well-spent there.

I keep a large canister of the vanilla Secure on hand (you can buy it in canisters or in boxes of individual servings), and use it to make my oh-no-I'm-late-for-work, running-out-the-door breakfast. I mix in 1 cup of unsweetened soy milk, and either 1 cup of frozen blueberries, or, if I'm in the mood for something more tropical, 1/2 of a frozen banana and some frozen mango chunks. A quick spin in the blender, and I have a delicious breakfast that's actually good for me. A little protein, some vitamins, a little fruit--win! And a delicious "win," too. Go, now. Take advantage of the free offer, and have a smoothie on me.

Budget-priced evening dresses, made in the USA!

2009-04-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

We're on our way into wedding and vacation season (and, for those of you in high school or with daughters in high school, prom season). What to wear, what to wear?

How about something gorgeous that's made right here in the USA, and priced from $35 to $65?

I first discovered Buy in America's site when I was looking for a cocktail dress to wear on a cruise about five years ago, and I've been back several times since then. I'm seriously considering ordering that pretty little number to the right of this text, in fact. They've been in business since 1986, making and selling formal and cocktail dresses in the fashion district right here in sunny Los Angeles.

Their variety is good (they also offer plus size gowns), and they offer accessories such as matching purses and shawls as well. They ship same or next day, and have a reasonable return policy (always important to consider when shopping online).

If you have a big occasion coming up and nothing to wear, or just want to re-stock your closet with a Little Black Dress, you should definitely check out Buy in America.

Free (almost) genuine gemstone jewelry

2009-04-11T19:08:00.000-07:00

What budget girl wouldn't love that? One of my favorite sites that I check regularly for guilt-free impulse shopping is Silver Jewelry Club. They offer four pieces of jewelry, each for 15 minutes each, and there's a countdown clock under each piece. If you miss out on one, keep your eyes peeled and it may come around again (but no promises).

Why do I say "almost" free? Well, you do have to pay a flat $6.99 for shipping, but that's infinitely reasonable considering what you get in return--high quality sterling silver and genuine gemstones, usually in the 1-carat range. I've bought many, many pieces from them over the years, and I've always been impressed with the quality of the gemstones. It's one of the things I'm rather picky about, so getting stones that are intensely colored (the amethyst is never faded, the garnet always deep red) is what keeps me coming back again and again and again.

Their usual offerings are rings, earrings and pendants--and if you don't have a chain for the pendant, you can add on a sterling silver box chain--a sturdy link, not a delicate, easy-to-break link like a cable chain--with your choice of lengths, for $4. Again, a great deal.

It's a great way to build a casual jewelry wardrobe, and also a great place to go to pick up an inexpensive (but quality) gift for someone.

Eco-friendly designer fashions coming to Target

2009-04-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

You may already have noticed my fondness for Target fashions--who wouldn't love a company that had Isaac Mizrahi designing for it? Mizrahi has, sadly (for those of us on a budget), moved on to bigger and better things at fashion house Liz Claiborne, but Target continues to bring cutting-edge designers to its shoppers at un-designer prices as part of its GO International program.

Next up is Loomstate, the work of designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn, featuring clothes for men and women made entirely of 100 percent certified organic cotton.

If you were to pick up anything from these designers' lines at a boutique, they'd run you hundreds of dollars per piece. At Target, they'll be priced from $14.99 to $44.99, and will feature shirts, shorts, dresses, jackets, themed tees and swimwear. As with the other GO International designers, these will be available for a limited time only. The line debuts in stores on April 19 and will be gone by May 16, so act quickly.

The men's pieces will go nicely with the Converse canvas shoes Target now carries (full time, not a limited run), and the women's with the new Miss Trish of Capri sandals that recently hit the shelves there. Designer pieces at Target prices--ah, the democratization of fashion!

When shopping can make the world a better place

2009-04-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

The suggestion sounds ridiculous, but hear me out: Global Girlfriend, which is part of the Greater Good network of sites (which feature the click-a-day sites including The Hunger Site and The Breast Cancer Site) features handmade artisan products ranging from jewelry to soap to clothes, and a portion of every sale will help improve the lives of women around the world. What's really amazing are the shockingly reasonable prices on everything in their store--anybody on a budget can shop there, find beautiful items, and not go broke doing so. Because I think it's important and worth stating in its entirety, here's the lowdown from their site explaining what they do and how they do it:

Global Girlfriend was created in 2003 to help women worldwide gain economic security while providing you unique products and a simple way to help women in need. Our fair-trade boutique offers a line of trend-setting, women-made, fair-trade products including stylish apparel, accessories and gifts with one purpose -- helping women in need help themselves. We believe passionately that economic opportunity for women holds the promise for real change in the world; because when women have an income, they reinvest in themselves and in their children's health, education and nutrition, building stronger families and communities over time. Many women try desperately to make a living selling their artisan-quality goods but find that they have little access to market opportunities. Through fair-trade practices, Global Girlfriend brings the work of these disadvantaged groups directly to you. Global Girlfriend believes in forming long-term partnerships that provide women a fair living wage with equal employment opportunities, healthy and safe working conditions, technical assistance and development strategies to foster prosperity and reduce poverty.

Women Made
We know that economic opportunities for women holds the promise for real change because with a sustainable income over time, a woman invests in her family's health and education -- things that really help break the cycle of poverty.
Fair Trade
We also know that for women to thrive, those opportunities must reflect fair working conditions, many times non-traditional ones like working from home, and access to resources that provide a gateway into the global economy
Eco-Friendly
We share one earth and it must be healthy for us all to thrive. We support women in producing products that solve their community environmental issues, producing healthier children, rivers, skies and world.

Global Girlfriend directs the charity royalty from each purchase to Camfed (Campaign for Female Education), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women. Camfed works directly with girls and women in rural areas of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana and Tanzania, providing educational and economic opportunities.

The charity royalty from each purchase at Global Girlfriend is directed to Camfed's seed money microgrant and microcredit program. Camfed's seed money micro-grant program is uniquely run by young women for young women, creating a bond of female solidarity that is integral to its success. Young women in the seed money program receive an initial microgrant, which they do not have to repay, in order to launch a small business venture, thus benefiting themselves, their families, and their entire communities.

With mother's day, father's day and graduation all just around the corner, a lot of us are budgeting carefully to find something nice to give to those we love. They have a huge variety of items, and there's something for every budget. They also offer a low, fixed shipping price of $3.95. We can all feel good about where our money is going, and also have the pleasure of giving something truly lovely and unique. That's a win-win situation for everybody.

Show your body some love!

2009-04-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

There are only 2 loyalty programs I recommend that require a fee to join--and one of them is The Body Shop's Love Your Body club. If you shop with them regularly, this program more than pays for itself. I wavered on joining, but realized that I would use it enough to make it pay. The prices on all their products are reasonable, they're always running some kind of special, everything is cruelty-free and green, and they make really, really good stuff. Five years after first signing up, I'm still a member.

The two things I use the most are their body butters (especially the shea body butter) and their home fragrance oils. I'm kind of a candle-holic, and the oils are cheaper to use and last longer than candles. I've also recently started using their Vitamin C skincare line, including the microdermabrasion scrub and peel (2 separate products), and love that, too.

The good news is, if you do shop with them with any regularity, your renewal each year will be free if you make a minimum number of purchases; I have yet to pay to renew since initially joining. So what do you get for the $10 sign-up fee? Behold:

10% off all qualifying1purchases from The Body Shop
A birthday gift when you come in during your birthday month (retail value up to $10)
Exclusive email updates on what's happening in our shops
Special offers by e-mail and direct mail
Special Savings during "Customer Appreciation days"
Rewards with fourth and eighth qualifying purchase
Earn your fourth point, and choose a free product valued at up to $15
Earn your eighth point, and choose a free product valued at up to $25 and a free membership renewal

They also run 20% customer discount days a couple of times a year, which can make for a substantial discount. The benefits of the Love Your Body club make the $10 fee look like a bargain--especially the $50 in freebies with qualifying purchases--so give it a try.

Do-it-yourself makeup remover

2009-04-08T21:16:00.001-07:00

Not only will this save you a LOT of money compared to what you're probably shelling out for department store brands, but it's also extremely gentle and good for your skin.

This works especially well if you wear waterproof mascara or any of the all-day lip stains such as Max Factor's Lipfinity, all of which require an oil-based makeup remover.

It's a cinch to mix up--mix equal parts (approximately) of baby oil and cold cream--store brands work just fine, and save you even more money--until you have a thin-ish lotion consistency. Pour carefully into a small squeeze bottle that you can pick up where you find travel toiletry containers, and voila! Super easy, super inexpensive, and great for your skin. A little goes a long way, so this will last you quite awhile, too.

Deal alert No. 2: $20 off $100 at Victoria's Secret

2009-04-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

A deal at 20 percent off is one of the best I've seen from Victoria's Secret in awhile, so this is a good time to go shopping.

They don't often make it onto my list of super-bargain retailers, but they do run fantastic sales. If you can couple a few sale finds with the discount, you're doing quite well. Most of their bras and bra tops are all on sale now, as are their summer dresses. It's not often you can get the jump on the season with a good sale, and this is one of those times. And their winter clearance still offers a few great items at killer prices, if you're in the market for something a little warmer.

Those of you on their mailing list will already have received the offer via email, but the coupon code to use at checkout is 09SPRING, and it's good through April 16.

Deal alert: $15 off $60 purchase at Express

2009-04-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

That's a 25 percent discount, and coupled with the big sale they have going at the moment, that can add up to quite a deal for you. If you don't shop regularly at Express, the most important thing I need to bring to your attention is their excellent and always flattering Editor Pant. I affectionately refer to these as the Amazing *bleep* Pants--we'll omit inappropriate language, but let's just say they make your a--uh, fanny--look amazing.

They've expanded the line over the years to include cropped pants and a variety of leg styles, from wide to flared to skinny, so there's an Editor Pant out there for everybody. My favorite is the flared leg, which looks great as a work pant. They use top-quality fabrics, and they're as well made as any tailored pants you'll find. And with their current offer of buy one pair, get the second for 50 percent off, they're also one of the best deals you'll find on pants.

I've mentioned this before, but be sure to join their mailing list if you aren't already on it. In addition to receiving regular email alerts on deals and sales, you'll get discount cards in the mail from time to time that you can use in store or online. You'll get a 15% discount offer just for signing up. Between their sales and the discount deals, Express is always a great place to shop for those of us with a limited clothes budget. The coupon code for the current deal is 2809, or look for the link on their home page to print a coupon for shopping in store.

Quality cosmetics, $1 each. Seriously? Seriously.

2009-04-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Go, now, do not pause, do not slow down, just go (and you can thank me later). e.l.f. cosmetics (that's eyes, lips, face) is my new favorite shop. I'd seen mentions of them for awhile in magazines here and there, but for some unknown reason--temporary insanity, perhaps?--I'd never surfed over to the website. Silly me. Silly, over-paying, missing-out-on-the-fun me.

I went on a completely unrestrained shopping spree, and ran the full gamut from makeup to makeup brushes, to nail polish and tools, to body products. We're talking "I'll take one of EVERYTHING!" kind of shopping spree. I spent $36, including shipping. Is it fun? Yes, it's fun. But I'm also really impressed with the quality. There are two items I wouldn't buy again--the nail file set and the nail block, whose quality was just so-so--but everything else is in heavy rotation in my makeup lineup right now, and I'm uniformly pleased.

They have higher-end lines aside from the $1 items, specifically their mineral makeup line and their studio line (think: like Smashbox or MAC), whose items fall into the ridiculously reasonable $3-$5 range. I ordered the mineral blush and a couple of mineral eye shadows, and all compare quite nicely with the significantly more expensive boutique and department store brands I've tried. I'll be back for more products from this line.

They have all the cosmetics and tools your heart could ever desire, as well as lines of nail products and bath and body products. Their polish in blush (see pic) may well be my go-to color for summer; it's a slightly pinkish gold pearl, a gorgeous color--and is not chipping off or wearing away after a week of wear.

The other product I'm over the moon about is their Shimmering Facial Whip luminizer. Yep, it's just $1, and it works as well for me as my old standby, Benefit's $24 High Beam luminizer. I think the math speaks for itself, no?

Their shower gel (the only bath product of theirs I ordered) is a generous 14.2 oz., and scented nicely. I tried the peony petal and vanilla coconut scents--yum. It's a bargain at $4. They also offer nicely packaged gift sets of their bath products at equally bargain prices, so it's a nice option for an inexpensive gift.

They offer great discounts on their home page--the current offer is 50 percent off their mineral line with a minimum e.l.f. purchase of $25 (coupon code is EGMINA), and you're offered free magazine subscriptions--good magazines, too, such as Lucky and Teen Vogue--with every order (minimum $15 order). If you sign up for their email and newsletter mailing list, you'll also find offers in your inbox at least once a week. You can earn credits toward future cash-off discounts by referring friends, so there's another benefit for you. e.l.f. pushes every one of my bargain-hunter buttons (and in the best possible way), so it gets my highest recommendation.

If you haven't looked lately, mosey over to Chadwicks.com

2009-04-06T21:09:00.001-07:00

It seems as if I talk to more and more people who've lost their jobs (three more this past weekend at a family gathering), so I know a lot of you are gearing up to put yourselves back on the market to find new jobs, and maybe even entirely new careers.

Pulling together a wardrobe for a job hunt is stressful enough, but when you're doing so on an extremely limited budget, it can be downright daunting.

The first thing to do, always, is to shop your own closet. Find those key pieces, hopefully, and then take a hard look at what you absolutely must have. Maybe the white shirt or blouse you wear with your suit is yellowed or stained or snagged; some things may not fit so well anymore, or maybe your interview suit blazer is noticeably out of style or out of season. Figure out what you have that you can use, and then figure out what your budget is for the missing pieces. Chadwicks--yes, frumpy, not-exactly-stylish Chadwicks--might be your best resource (and your biggest surprise).

I hadn't perused their catalog in awhile, and was pleasantly surprised recently to see up-to-date career separates (and at their usual low prices), especially their blazers and jackets. They're another retailer for whom you can always find coupon codes online for discounts or free shipping, so the deals are even better when you factor that in. Sign up for their email list, and you'll get regular discount offers in your inbox. They even have a decent selection of pumps and loafers to pair with suits. You might find better prices on those at Target, or maybe even Payless, so shop strategically before you tap into those precious funds.

These are tough times, and it's easy to be overwhelmed by all you have to do when you find yourself unexpectedly on the interview trail again, so take a deep breath and plunge into that closet, and shop strategically for the pieces you need to replace or update. There are very workable options out there for even the most modest budget.

Bliss Spa's product of the month--a worthy indulgence

2009-04-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is an offer worth passing along: although I wouldn't normally consider Bliss's spa products to be an everyday option for those of us who are budget-minded, some products are simply too awesome not to enjoy every once in awhile, and when that product meets with my "never buy something without getting something in return" philosophy, well, I'll indulge. Last Sunday I told you about Trader Joe's affordable body scrubs, so here's one that's more of a luxury.

First, about the product: this is one of my favorite body products ever. It's a body scrub that will make your skin feel amazing, and leave you feeling invigorated. Here's Bliss's description for the particulars:

Why we love it
•stimulates the senses with rosemary and eucalyptus
•hydrates the skin with algae extract and glycerin
•self heating formula gently exfoliates the skin with sea salts

Our legendary all-over sea salt body scrub is oil-free, super-softening, self-heating and spiked with eucalyptus and rosemary oils. It's the ultimate do-it-yourself spa-strength skin smoother.

A jar will last you a few months with weekly or bi-weekly use, and because it's oil-free, it's wonderfully non-messy to use (you won't have a greasy, gritty jar of product sitting in your shower).

Now, about the deal: through April 10 (this coming Friday), you'll get free shipping and a free 2.5 ounce Bliss Naked Body Butter with your purchase. The offer code to use at checkout is 039908. That's a good enough deal that I won't cringe too much at the indulgence. Bliss is a great company whose house-brand products are consistently high quality, and if you're ever in one of the cities where their spas are located, save up and treat yourself to one of their many spa treatments (or two). If you sign up for their email and mailing list, you'll get periodic catalogs, always with a tempting offer, as well as an email reminder of my favorite thing about shopping with Bliss: if you shop with them during your birthday month, you'll get 10 percent off your purchase.

Great product for do-it-yourself brow waxing

2009-04-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Since most of us seem to be cutting back on non-essentials lately, salon services are probably some of the first things to go. You may not have $25 once a month to get your brows waxed, but that doesn't mean you have to leave them ungroomed, nor does it mean you have to become re-acquainted with a tweezer (ow!).

One of my favorite products--the Nads for facial hair--recently got a makeover, and the applicator is now about as idiot-proof as you'll find. Instead of a gloppy, sticker applicator, the Nads facial wand now has a dial-up base (much like you'd have for a lipstick) that dispenses the gel a drop at a time. Brilliant!

If you haven't used this before, the facial wand is a great place to start, and the pen-like tip of the applicator makes it easy to apply with precision to the brow (or upper lip) area. The kit sells for just under $10 at drugstores, and also includes 10 fabric removal strips, and 4 soothing wipes to clean the skin post-waxing. The fabric strips can be rinsed in hot water after use, dried and used again. MUCH better than kits that use wax. The wand should last you for many months, and save you beaucoup bucks in salon charges. Go forth and groom those brows, ladies!

The wonderful world of Bijoux Terner

2009-04-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

Stuck at the airport? That might not be as awful as you're thinking. Mixed in with all the over-priced souvenir stands and food courts, you may just find one of the best bargain shopping spots out there--Bijoux Terner (or, as my sister and I call it, the $10 store).

They carry nothing but accessories, handbags and jewelry, and if you've never wandered into one of their boutiques before, you'll be amazed at the variety. Watches, costume jewelry (both funky and formal), pashminas, scarves, purses large and small, casual and dressy, wallets, and even some men's items--ties, men's watches, wallets, etc. Once in awhile they'll have a corner devoted to items for the home--coffee sets, sushi sets, throws. And everything is a flat price of $10.

The quality for price is surprisingly good, too. I have a couple of Bijoux Terner purses I've been using for 4-5 years now, and they're still holding up nicely. Same for a pashmina or three. It's one of those rare places where you can go nuts loading up on goodies, and still not do too much damage to your bank account.

According to their corporate history, this is how the company evolved:

Established in the early 1970s, Bijoux Terner dedicated itself to creating elegant and luxurious accessories for the fashionable woman. Inspired by the high-end fashion trends around the world, Bijoux Terner became a trendsetter associated with sophistication, stylishness, and quality.

Their company listing says they now have more than 500 boutiques in 60 countries around the world, and if you've wandered through any sizable airport terminals lately, you've probably seen one of their stores. They've also set up shop in resorts, on cruise ships and at casinos--my mom often shops the boutique in the Beau Rivage casino in Biloxi, Mississippi (and she sometimes sends me Bijoux Terner care packages--go, mom!).

It's a great place to shop for yourself, or to dash through between flights and pick up a gift to tuck way for holidays or birthdays. The next time you find yourself stuck on a long layover, take a stroll around the terminal--if you're lucky, you'll find a Bijoux Terner boutique to while away the hours.

My fashion find of the week: an extremely versatile blouse.

2009-04-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

This blouse is so great, it could almost count as one of your basic wardrobe essentials. It's from Newport News, and a bargain at $29. Coupon codes can be found here, among other places, to get you an even better deal on it. I saved over $17 (I ordered this blouse, and a 3-pack of jewel-tone split-neck tees on sale for $18). It took multiple attempts using coupon codes I searched for online, but I ended up getting free shipping and 15 percent off--you can combine coupons at Newport News--for a total of $41 and change. Always, always look for coupon codes when you shop online!

It'll pair beautifully with skirts and pants, and even with jeans. Tuck it in, leave it untucked, or belt it. Go bare and show off your shoulders and arms, or wear a cardigan or blazer over it. There are dozens of combinations you can use with this blouse, and the simple black and white print is easy to match. They offer a coordinating belt for $24, but you can probably pick up a wide black (or white) belt at Target or Forever 21 for less than that, assuming you don't already own one.

I just ordered mine, and thought I'd give everyone else a heads-up. It's a great buy.

My take on Tim Gunn's 10 wardrobe essentials

2009-03-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

We can (and should) all have a good foundation wardrobe. By that, I mean we should all have a set of basic pieces that work well in every season, no matter the trends (and can be worked in with trends), and they don't have to be expensive. They should, however, be of good quality, so consider them investment pieces, and shop with that in mind. With so many people unfortunately back in the job market, it seems like a good time to remind everybody how to build a wardrobe of essentials and make sure you have everything you need for job interviews. The good thing is, you probably have a lot of what you need already.

So, before you go shopping, you must do the one thing we all dread: clean out your closet. Or, as Uncle Tim (that would be style expert Tim Gunn, my pretend adopted uncle) says: "edit" your closet. If you'll look to the left on this page, I have a link to his style guide; it's a worthwhile addition to your bookshelf.

Take everything out of your closet. Yes, everything. Go through piece by piece, and try on everything (yes, everything). Whatever doesn't fit, is faded or worn, or so hilariously out of fashion that you can't remember why you ever bought it in the first place, fold neatly and put in a box to take to Goodwill (don't forget to ask for a receipt for your taxes). A good rule is that if you haven't worn it in 6-9 months, out it goes; you probably won't ever wear it again. Once you've gone through everything and purged, take an inventory of what's there. Set aside anything that needs to go to the dry cleaner (and then remember to take it).

Now you're ready to take inventory of what you've got on hand. I'm a devout believer in Tim Gunn's "10 Essential Items Every Woman Needs." It's a great basic list, and a good foundation on which to build a wardrobe, especially a career wardrobe. In a moment, I'll tell you some places where you can pick up those items, but first--his list, with my comments added:

1. Basic black dress. Don't necessarily think little black dress here, especially if it's critical that you put together a good career or interview wardrobe; what works well as a good wardrobe essential is a basic black shell dress that can be worn with a cardigan or blazer, dressed up with a scarf, or just worn by itself with a simple strand of pearls.

2. Trench Coat. This is a wildly popular piece right now, with budget-minded places such as Target and Old Navy selling them in a range of bright colors and patterns; those are certainly fun, but make sure you have a good basic trench in a neutral color before you go nuts with all the colorful options. Look for one that's lined, includes a belt, and has a good, classic fit (single- or double-breasted is up to you and should be whichever looks best on you).

3. Classic dress pants. This is one piece where fit is critical. You need to know which styles look best on you, but a good mid-rise with a slightly wide, flared leg is flattering on just about everyone. Look for quality construction, because you'll want these to last, and you should also go for a good fabric like a lightweight worsted wool or poly blend. Darks or neutrals are best for color, because they'll be the most versatile with other pieces.

4. Classic white shirt. This may be a recommended "piece" for your wardrobe, but I'd recommend having 2 or 3 of these, perhaps in a color or two in addition to white (off white or blue work well). Places like the Gap have these as a year-round staple, so they're easy to find. On days where you're running late and can't decide what to wear, grab this, a cardigan and your dress pants, and you're set.

5. Skirt. Think knee-length or slightly (but not too much) above the knee. A-line, straight or pencil skirt are all flattering on almost everyone, and can be paired endlessly with other items. As with the pants, you're best served to go with a dark or neutral for greater versatility.

6. Blazer. Nipped-in profiles with 3/4 sleevess are all the rage now, but don't think that means you have to overlook a classically tailored blazer. Those never go out of style, and will probably have greater wardrobe longevity than the shrunken variety that dominates right now. That said, the more fitted, smaller silhouette can be extremely flattering, and is a knockout combo with a pencil skirt (or paired with jeans). Again, know what looks best on you.

7. Day Dress. This can be something as simple and basic as a shirtdress, or something trendier, like a kimono-style dress. Try to choose something that works well with the rest of your wardrobe, especially if you're on the interview trail. A blazer over a shirtdress, for example, is a workable alternative to the more traditional business suit uniform.

8. Cashmere sweater. Gunn has this on the list because it's a classic, and because they wear well with good care. You can throw this together with a skirt or pants for an easy, elegant work outfit, and feel good about yourself with the luxurious touch of that soft knit against the skin. Feeling good about ourselves is as important as looking good, and having a piece like this in your wardrobe is a functional indulgence.

9. Jeans. Good jeans, specifically--not ratty, torn or acid-washed jeans. Not faded jeans. Look for a good dark jean that fits you as a good pair of dress pants would--in other words, do not buy jeans so tight they look like they're painted on. The same rule for fit with dress pants applies here, too--a mid-rise with a slightly wide, flared leg (or bootcut, in jeans) is a great look. They're most flattering paired with heels, but if you're just not in the mood to wear heels with your jeans, at least go for a modest heel--my go-to is a good pair of cowboy boots with a 2-inch heel. It gives a longer, slimmer look.

10. A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit. This is the only item on which I differ from Uncle Tim; I've just never liked sweatsuits, even the "dressier" French velour sets that are so popular now, but that's me. There are some darling matched sweatsuits out there, so if that's what you feel comfy in on weekends, go for it. I'll make no. 10 "jeans, part 2," and keep a spare pair around.

So, you've purged your closet, inventoried the good stuff that's left, and you need to add a few pieces to fill out your basic wardrobe. Where to go without spending too much? Well, for basic white shirts, the Gap is always a good choice; even better is a Gap outlet if you have one nearby. They have almost everything the retail stores do, but they're discounted and they run great sales.

For pants, skirts and blazers, the Gap is good, as is Express. If you add yourself to Express' mailing list, you'll start receiving discount cards in the mail--good ones, too. If you prefer catalog or online shopping, Newport News and Chadwicks offer great career pieces at low prices, and you can always find coupon codes online for both stores to improve the already good deals. For department store shopping, J.C. Penney has great career pieces and good prices. And don't forget to check out the racks at Target, because they're adding more and more career separates with really up-to-the-moment styling.

And, as I recommended in an earlier post, don't forget to shop eBay. I picked up a nicely tailored trench coat for $60, and a Ralph Lauren pink cashmere cardigan for $60; both were brand new with tags still on them--and both are key items on Gunn's list.

Now would be a great chance to use the comments section here--I'd love to know where you find your bargains, so please feel free to share!

Sunless tanning lotion--it's easy if you know how to use it.

2009-03-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Most of us like a little color on us--on our legs, at the very least--as we come into spring and summer. Ghastly white legs emerging in skirts and shorts after a long, cold winter doesn't attract the kind of attention we're hoping for, after all. A nice tan (real or not-so-real) gives you a healthy look, and has the added bonus of giving a slimming appearance--and who doesn't want that?

Surely we all know by now to wear lots of sunblock and avoid the shoe leather look, but should we really expect to shell out $35 or more for a professional spray tan session? Surely not. This is a budget blog, after all!

Fortunately for us palefaces, the quality of self-tanners has improved dramatically over the last several years. No more scary orange faux tans, if you know a few secrets for good application. My biggest recommendation is going with one of the self-tanning daily moisturizers instead of the slightly more potent sunless tanning lotions. I like these better for a couple of reasons; one, the funky chemical smell that plagues self-tanners is much, much less noticeable with these, and two, they build a tan gradually, making much of the process goof-proof for you. My personal favorite, Loreal's Sublime Glow, is pictured here--I like this one because it also has a very subtle luminizer, so, true to its name, you get a nice glow to go with your (gradual) tan. And I like the scent. Olay's is also quite good, as is Ulta's private brand. There are countless others available, and prices run the gamut. I've had marvelous results with the drugstore varieties, so don't feel as if you have to go for a spendy department store brand. Also, whether you go for the light/medium or medium/dark in any of those is up to you and how courageous you feel. After several applications, it all looks pretty much the same, but the medium/dark moisturizers will build up a little more quickly.

Now for the really important tips. If you're going to apply and maintain a sunless tan, and want it to look real (and really good), invest in a good body scrub and a box of latex gloves. Trust me on the gloves--they keep your hands from turning dark orange-y brown after application. No matter how thoroughly I wash and exfoliate my hands after applying tanner, I still end up with brown places--not an attractive look, unless you want to look like you have dirty hands. One box will easily last you all spring and summer (and well into the fall). I get mine on eBay for around $5 a box, but you can also get them at any medical supply store.

You'll want to use the body scrub right before applying the tanner (an hour or two before bedtime is good) to slough off as much dead skin as possible. Think of it as starting with a clean, fresh canvas. Then apply moisturizer (not the tanning kind) to your knees, elbows, feet and ankles. Those areas have thicker, drier skin that tends to pick up concentrated amounts of self-tanner, and you'll have noticeably darker (and, yes, orange/brown) spots there if you don't take this precaution. The moisturizer acts to both dilute the self-tanner a little, and prevent the thicker skin from soaking up too much of the color. Once the color begins to show--usually in 8 to 12 hours--take a good look in the mirror and check for uneven places or overly brown knees and elbows. If you have dark spots, use some of the body scrub to exfoliate away; you should be able to even up most of the mishap, though it might take a day or two to competely even out.

If you're using the daily moisturizer (more dilute) self-tanner, it'll take 3-4 consecutive days of application to build a good tan. This is where it becomes goof-proof, because you can easily touch up uneven areas and build a nice even tan with few noticeable boo-boos along the way. Once you've got a good base tan established, maintenance is easy at just a couple of applications a week. Enjoy that (completely fake and wonderfully healthy) sun-kissed look!

Do-it-yourself spa treatments: Really, just do it!

2009-03-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

The pleasure of do-it-yourself spa treatments cannot be overstated or overrated, especially on a Sunday evening after a long, tiring weekend (like tonight, for example).

As soon as I finish this blog post, I'll be taking my own advice and making use of, among other things, the product pictured at right--Trader Joe's Grapefruit & Chamomile Sea Salt Scrub. It'll run you all of $6.99, an unquestionable bargain. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, check eBay or have a friend who does have a Trader Joe's in their town send you some. They also have a lavender sea salt scrub and a tangerine sugar scrub, all priced at $6.99, and all three are great quality.

If none of the above are options for you, you can pick up similar items in the same general price range at stores like Target, Rite-Aid and Ulta. There are many spa-quality products out there at drugstore prices, so treat yourself and keep some on hand. They're nice to have around when you can't afford a $75 spa treatment, or when it's just too late in the evening to go to the spa (say, late on a Sunday night). In addition to scrubs, you'll find various moisturizing body masques, home microdermabrasion kits, all manner of sponges and loofahs, and on and on. Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't pamper yourself, and doing so is a wonderful stress reliever--and who couldn't use a little stress relief these days?

You have an enormous, inexpensive international bazaar at your fingertips.

2009-03-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

It's eBay.

While eBay is best known for being a gigantic virtual flea market, what a lot of people don't realize is that there are thousands of sellers who run virtual stores specializing in every product under the sun, and a great many of those happen to be stores featuring new clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories. It's like having access to an enormous import/export mall that's open 24 hours a day.

It'll take some searching to find the stores you like, but once you do--assuming you have an eBay account (hint: GET ONE if you don't have one)--you can save the stores to your favorite seller list, which allows you to find them again easily whenever you want to shop with them again. Over the years, I've become a regular customer to several sellers who carry consistently high-quality, reasonably priced items. One of my favorites, pictured above, specializes in handmade silver and gemstone jewelry imported from India, for sale at a fraction of what you'll find similar items priced at in catalogs or department stores.

I also have favorite stores that I go to often for handbags, shoes, and scarves & wraps. One of the regular features of this blog will be frequent features on some of my favorite eBay sellers (or your favorites, if you'll be kind enough to pass along your suggestions). You can easily find designer wear at deep discounts off retail; one of my best buys last summer was a pair of brand-new-in-the-box Carlos Santana strappy sandals that sold for almost $100 at Macy's, but I picked up on eBay for $30.

Some general caveats for those who aren't regular eBay shoppers:

1. Make sure you're aware of the seller's return policy; most sellers won't allow returns unless there's a defect or damage of some kind. Once you buy it, you're probably stuck with it.

2. Always check the shipping charges before bidding. Most sellers charge reasonable shipping and handling fees, but some are outrageous and out of proportion with what you're buying. You may think you're getting a great deal on the item, but when you see a $20 or $30 shipping charge, it's not such a great deal after all.

3. If you have any questions at all about an item, ask the seller before you bid. Most are happy to answer questions, and it helps you be sure you're bidding on something you actually want.

4. Always, always check a seller's feedback. The eBay community is its own better business bureau, and buyer feedback is very dependable. If a high-volume seller only has 98% positive feedback with a lot of recent negative marks, you might want to think twice before bidding on anything from their store. As a rule, I look for 99% or better feedback if I'm buying from a high-volume seller.

And one tip unique to anybody shopping for clothes on eBay: there are many sellers who carry clothes marketed directly from Asia (usually Hong Kong). I've never been disappointed in the quality of the garments I've bought from those sellers, but be aware that sizes on clothes coming from those countries tend to run small compared to U.S. sizes (sometimes much smaller). The better sellers include the measurements on garments they sell, so that leaves it up to you to know what your own measurements are, and whether that gorgeous blouse you're lusting after is actually going to fit when it arrives in the mail.

eBay is one of the best resources for somebody shopping on a budget. You can find absolute steals on designer clothes and shoes if you're a diligent shopper, and you'll also find really unique and beautiful items--especially from the international sellers--at great prices.

Loyalty programs-if you're going to shop, then make sure you're rewarded for it.

2009-03-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

This week, I found $10 in my mailbox.

Okay, not exactly--but close. I'd earned another reward certificate from DSW Shoes, good for $10 off any purchase, no minimum purchase required. I shop their sales--which are good--and try to shop only on double- or triple-point days. It doesn't take long to rack up the 1,500 points needed for a reward certificate; you get 10 points for every dollar spent, and if you're getting double or triple points, the points add up in no time.

In addition to the reward certificates, I routinely get email offers for discounts or free shipping, and postcards in the mail for percentages or dollar discounts (the best was a $20 off a $50 minimum purchase back in November). Needless to say, I'm going to do most of my shoe shopping at DSW with payoffs like that. The price range is broad--budget lines as well as designer lines--and their clearance racks are always good for a bargain find or two.

There's no cost to sign up--you get those deals in exchange for your address and the data they keep on your shopping habits (which helps them market what moves, what their customers want--so this helps you in the long run, too).

More and more retailers, both online and in real life, are offering loyalty programs like this. It allows them to build valuable demographic data to improve their marketing and sales, and builds a regular--loyal--customer base. Most of the loyalty programs are free, and you should sign up for every one of them you can find. Even if it takes you a long time to accumulate rewards, you'll still get valuable offers and discounts along the way, which all add up to saving you money. A few loyalty programs have a small fee, and I'll write more about those in a few days. Some of them are worth it, some aren't. But with the free programs, it's a total win for you. You may have a few more wallet cards or key fobs to carry around with you, but that's a small inconvenience when you consider the money those programs will save you.

Quickie deal alert: 25% off EVERYTHING at the Container Store

2009-03-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Container Store has a great email list you might want to sign up for (and they're not terribly annoying--just the occasional email to notify about good sales). The one I just got has a link to their site where you can get 25% off the entire store-including sale items. The checkout code is CLUTTERCREW, or you can go to their website here and print out a coupon to use in-store. The offer is good through April 13.

Happy organizing!

Like free music? Me, too!

2009-03-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

I love a good freebie, especially when the freebie can be uploaded to my beloved iPod. There are two ways to get new (free) downloads every week. One is to go to the iTunes store, and check the "Free on iTunes" section every week, where you'll be able to download 3-4 free songs of iTune's choosing. Hey, don't look a gift iTune in the mouth; it's free, after all. Download them, give them a listen, and you might discover artists you weren't aware of before. I created a "Freebie Mix" playlist on my iPod, so I have an easy way to navigate to the downloads and try them out.

The other way to get iTunes swag is to step inside your local Starbucks each week and pick up one of the cards pictured here. They put a new one out each Tuesday, and there's a download code on the back of the card. Just click "Redeem" on the main page of the iTunes store, and follow the directions for entering the code. The Starbucks choices are usually pretty good; I've gotten freebies from Dido, Brandi Carlile, Amy McDonald and Paul Weller, for example. The code is good for a few weeks, so if you forget one in your wallet for a few days, you don't necessarily have to toss it.

You don't have to buy anything--the card rack will be in plain view on one of the counters. Just grab and go (if you can resist the lure of the latte, that is).

Get that outfit for under $100--here's how we do it.

2009-03-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick example of what I talked about in my welcome post: it's really not that hard to put together designer looks with new, off-the-rack pieces, for under $100. I'll post more examples in the coming days based on specific comparisons to ensembles featured in current magazines, but to get started, here's one I put together in late December based on a look I saw in a Neiman Marcus catalog. The outfit in the catalog would've cost more than $900; I put mine together for $62, counting what I paid for one existing piece in my closet.

Here's what I was able to buy: pink tailored dress slacks--fully lined, mind you--from the now-defunct (and much lamented by me) Steve & Barry's, $9; black ballet-neck top with 3/4 sleeves (this is the piece I already owned), from Chadwicks for $8, purchased in a pack of three in black, white and pink for $24; nova plaid scarf in pink, from an eBay seller, $10 including shipping; pink and black flats from Newport News, $12.99 on clearance; a pink/neutral handbag from an import/export clothing store here in Los Angeles (more on those in a future post!), $10; and a silver-finish bracelet watch from a local costume jewelry store, $12 (click on the pic to see a bigger version). For both the online retailers, I had coupon codes that gave me an even better deal--free shipping from Newport News and 2o percent off my total purchase from Chadwicks.

This is how I shop. In general, I've built a basic wardrobe of classics (like a good trench coat, black shell dress, etc.) and essentials like the ballet neck tops. When I see a current look that I like in a catalog or a fashion magazine, I set out to assemble as close an imitation as possible, and using pieces I already own wherever I can. It's fun, it saves me a significant amount of money while allowing me to look great for work, and because I've learned where to find the best pieces at the lowest prices, it's easy to do. And you can do the same.

Monday Night Quickie - a great deal on wineglasses

2009-03-23T21:09:00.001-07:00

I was sorting through the Sunday sale ads, and saw this bargain at Cost Plus World Market. This one's great for a couple of reasons--one, you get a dozen 13 oz. wineglasses, suitable for red or white, for about $1.75 each, and two, they come in a sturdy cardboard storage box. Most of us don't have tons of kitchen cabinet space, so having this storage-ready to stow away in a closet until you're ready to entertain is a nice bonus. And at that price, nobody's going to be terribly upset if one gets broken (as you would be if one of your $4o Riedel glasses ended up broken).

Cost Plus is always a fun place to search out bargains--they have fantastic sales--and you're as likely to find a unique scarf or necklace as you are something for the house. It's one of my favorite places to browse.

Let's get started.

2009-03-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

First things first: the easiest and most effective thing you can do to start tracking great deals—for both brick & mortar stores and online retailers—is sign up for email lists, request catalogs and enroll in every loyalty program you come across. You may think you won’t ever use it if, say, you seldom shop at Kohl’s, but trust me: once in awhile, you’ll get an offer for a discount or other deal exactly when you need it that ONE time you will go to Kohl’s for a pencil skirt, or a cardigan, or some candles for the living room.

Yes, you’ll get a lot of emails from retailers, and you’ll get a lot of catalogs in the mail. Sort through the emails, and keep track of the better deals and how long you have to use them before they expire. You’ll delete a lot you’ll never use, but you’ll also develop a feel for how often they run sales, and how good the deal you’re offered is. As for the catalogs you receive via snail mail, use them for ideas to put together outfits you like—for less money than those outfits in the catalogs would cost you—or decorating tips for your home. When you’re done, just remember—recycle, recycle, recycle. An example: I recently saw an open-shelf china cabinet in a Pottery Barn catalog that I loved, but the shelf cost around $600. Out of my budget. However, with a little searching, I found an almost identical shelf unit at IKEA (in a lighter finish wood that I like better) for $129. That’s why I always flip through those catalogs before tossing them in the recycle bin. It’s a minor annoyance, but those emails and catalogs have been instrumental in saving me a substantial amount of money over the years.

Once you’ve done that, your number one rule should be that you never buy something—online or in person—without some kind of discount or gift with purchase. Before you purchase anything online, go to one of the many online coupon sites such as Ultimate Coupons or Coupon Cabin, and search for coupon codes for the online retailer you’re shopping. You’ll almost always find either a free shipping code or some other discount (usually 10-15 percent). If you’re shopping in person, check the stores’ websites before you go to see if they have any printable coupons for use in the store, and also check the first section of your local newspaper for coupons (Sundays are when you’ll likely find them), or offers for gifts-with-purchase (GWP) for cosmetics and fragrance. Clinique makes a night cream I can’t live without, but I don’t buy a new jar until I know they’ve got a GWP promotion in effect at one of my local department stores. The freebies I get are good for my travel kit, and I can usually find some use for the free cosmetics bag that inevitably comes with it.

Always make sure you get something in return for your business, whether it’s a discount or a gift. And if you’re savvy—and this is what I’ll show you in future posts—you’ll learn how to use those discounts in combination with sales so that you maximize your spending dollar. I’ll post more about loyalty programs in a day or two, but in the meantime get busy signing up for those emails and catalogs!

Welcome!

2009-03-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hi! You found my new blog. I thought I’d better set out a quick summary of what I intend to do here, so everyone knows what to expect, and, hopefully, what to look forward to.

In my eternal attempt to keep up with trends and present a sharp professional image at work (not to mention my affection for all things sparkly and pretty), I’ve developed keen bargain-hunting skills with an eye towards style. Thanks in part to career choices that allowed me to follow my heart, but left me with a tiny bank account—newspaper reporter, college instructor, litigation assistant—I’ve never found myself with a big budget for clothes, accessories, and other fun things like spa treatments and various spendy accoutrements for entertaining. Did I let that stop me? Of course not. I knew there had to be a way to get the things I desired without bankrupting myself. And so there is! And that’s what I’m here to share.

I’ve learned that it’s surprisingly easy to replicate designer outfits, pamper yourself, furnish your home, and entertain if you know where to look, as well as when and how to find the best bargains. The emphasis here will not be on one-of-a-kind things you can find at thrift shops or garage sales, because they don’t really help you. You can look, and go “gee, that’s neat,” but where can you get the same thing? Vintage shops are great, and useful for some things, but I’m going to show you where to shop and find brand new, modestly priced things that almost anybody can find no matter where they are. My favorite places are discount stores like Target and Kohl’s, online retailers and eBay. You may be astonished, in fact, at what you can find on eBay.

See an outfit in that latest issue of Vogue that’s to die for, but that you just don’t have an extra $800 to rush out and buy? I’ll show you how to seek out near-identical pieces so you can have that ensemble for a song; my usual goal is to replicate any look for under $100, including shoes and accessories when possible. I’ll include photos and links and all other relevant information so that you can replicate these, too, if you so desire.

Do you love pedicures and the occasional massage? I’ll keep tabs on spa specials and bargains out there, because we all deserve to pamper ourselves once in awhile. Do you love quality cosmetics for a polished look at work or a night out, but don’t have $250 to drop at the MAC counter? I’ll show you some outstanding bargains you’ll love.

I’ll be on the lookout for sales and specials from both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers, and pass those along weekly. I’ll spotlight ensembles—both work and casual—from current fashion magazines, and track down the pieces to show you how to assemble that look for a fraction of the price. And I won’t just show you the pieces and say “go get ‘em,” I’ll show you the hunting techniques so you’ll learn how to find these bargains on your own, too. And if any of you have any feedback, suggestions or requests—I want to hear from you! Drop me an email at chickonabudget@gmail.com, and we’ll go hunting together.

Welcome, and enjoy!