The Budget Fashionista

So, you’re ready to hit the after-Christmas sales, and just happen to have a gift or two that doesn’t fit or doesn’t fit. As eager as you are to make the switch for something you really love—at a discount, yet—we suggest you hold that thought. Return lines are notoriously long this time of year—nobody’s going to be in any kind of festive, good cheer holiday mood at this point, and you’re really just going to make yourself miserable. Wait out the …

It goes without saying that the New Year is all about new beginnings, and here at The Budget Fashionista, we’re thinking about what we can do to start things off on the right (very fashionable) foot. If you’re in the same frame of mind, read on— Take care of business. Meaning financial business—if your best intentions to create a budget and stick to it fell short last year, now’s the time to start fresh. Take inventory of your earning and spending, …

Alexia Admor Black Lace Dress, $84.99 at Bluefly.com Dear Budget Fashionista, My Prom is right around the corner and I need help finding a prom dress on a budget. I have about $100 spend. Help! Answer: You’re in luck, the best time to purchase your prom dress is right now. Most stores are having huge sales on their holiday formal wear and you can find a great, perhaps even designer, prom dress for less than $100. If you’re into vintage …

Photo: New York Daily News Dear Budget Fashionista, I love your site and was wondering if you have any advice or tips for becoming a professional blogger. Answer: There’s no magic, instant way to become a professional bloggers. I blogged for 2 years before TBF started to really take off. But with hard work and persistence you can make your blog a success. Here’s some tips I’ve learned along the way. Be an Original. Read other fashion blogs and do the …

Finding a bra that provides support and comfort can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack: frustrating, tedious, and nearly impossible. Here are some quick tips for a finding a bra that fits. When you find your size, try these bra- fitting tips: 1. The strap around your body should be firm but comfortable. When you stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at …

There’s no reason that you can’t get a perfectly lovely wedding dress that makes you feel fantastic, without breaking the bank at that haute bridal boutique. Here’s some tips on scoring a cheap wedding dress. 1. Hit the thrift stores. While the rest of what you find there might have been worn to death, most bridal dresses have, of course, been worn only once. Even if it doesn’t fit perfectly, the cash you save will allow you to get it …

You might think it’s old fashioned, that you’re too haute and hip for them, but truly there’s nothing more timeless than a string of pearls. Before you go out to purchase yours, here are some tips to follow: 1. Decide on the type of pearl you want. The three basic types of pearls are cultured, natural, and imitation. Imitation are fine for costume jewelry, but if you’re looking for an investment piece, you’ll want natural or cultured. Natural, however, are …

If you have credit cards, chances are you're paying interest on the balances you carry. Unless your wallet is packed with cards that are still in the introductory period of no interest, odds are also good that you might be paying too much for interest. After all, if you stay on top of your payments consistently while also cheerfully paying any fees that you incur then that makes you a valuable customer. You may be surprised at how eagerly your …