Before you start trying on dresses, looking for reception venues or obsessing over wedding colors, there’s something much more important you should be working on: Your Wedding Budget.

Yeah, I know, the “B” word can be pretty scary during the wedding planning process, but if you tackle it at the beginning, things will be much easier for you. Don’t skip this step!

I’ve met with lots of couples who go to wedding shows and immediately start pricing out the cost of vendors. Usually, they freak out when they add up the costs of all the vendors they love and figure out that they will have to spend $75,000 on their wedding.

Relax.

If you approach the budget by adding up all of the vendors you think you want to include in your wedding, you will come up with a big number. I promise. So, to save your sanity, take this approach instead:

Click For Tips On How To Figure Out Your Wedding Budget

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1) Paint your walls. Painting is the cheapest way to transform a room. For around $20, you’ll have a  brand new look in no time.

2) Paint your cabinets. Give them a fresh coat of paint, and they’ll look brand new!

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3) Replace those worn-out towels.  Stock up on some new fluffy towels, you can’t go wrong with white!

4) Replace your shower curtain.  Get rid of that plain boring shower liner and replace it with one that reflects your style!

ione-gallery id=”1657805″ src=”http://hellobeautiful.com”]

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1) Display tarnished silver vases or bowls and fill them with dead flowers.

2) Place inexpensive spider webbing across books or furniture.

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3) Place a pumpkin next to your fireplace.

4) Throw some black tablecloths on tables to give them an eerie look. Set a table with white napkins tied with black and orange ribbon.

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Here are a few simple steps to make a bed, and make your room appear less cluttered and chaotic.

1) Gather Supplies

Choose bed linens that are comfortable and beautiful for you. If you like the way a bed skirt makes your room look, then by all means grab your favorite. If you’re more minimalistic in your bed linen approach, that’s fine too. A bed that is made, however simply, is still a major improvement over a mass of pillows and blankets.

2) Remove Used Linens
Take off the used linens and put them in the laundry. Shake out any mattress pads, pillow protectors, and comforters that don’t need to be laundered.If you use a bed skirt and it needs to be laundered, remove and replace it.

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3 )Put the Bottom Sheet On
If your bottom sheet is fitted, simply slip the corner pockets onto the ends of the bed and adjust the fitted sheet around the perimeter underneath the mattress pad and mattress. If your bottom sheet is flat, arrange the sheet so that 1 foot of sheet hangs over the edge of the top of your bed. Beginning with the sides of the bed create hospital corners and fold under the mattress and mattress pad. Continue on each side, creasing and folding as you go.

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Control the clutter - Stash your beauty products in the medicine cabinet, under the vanity or in a linen closet. Get rid of the unused lipsticks and eyeshadows that are just taking up space.

Introduce Color- Add inexpensive vibrant towels and area rugs.

Cookie-Cutter Mirror? Swap it out for a new one or add a frame to your existing one.

Accessories - Roll your bath towels tightly and place them in a round basket. Buy an inexpensive a shower curtain, and new shower curtain rings. Add some art on a floating shelf.

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How do you pick the right photographer? Search wedding magazines and websites for photographers that you like. Examine the styles of different photographers and figure out what you like most. Do you like the fact that one photographer shoots mostly in black & white? Do you like the fact that one manages to capture the sentimental details, like a tear rolling down your father’s cheek? Or do you want someone who offers over-the-top albums?

Many people get shocked when they start shopping wedding photographers. Some photographers start their fees at $1500 and go up as high as $10,000. As a result, many brides are tempted to pay a friend or family member a couple of hundred dollars to bring their digital camera to the church. Yes, this is a cost-effective way to get wedding photos. HOWEVER….remember that this is one of the most important days of your life and probably one of the biggest parties you will ever throw. It’s important to have a professional capture the details of the day. A professional has tons of equipment to balance light and shadow. They often have assistants who can take photos at a different part of the event while the main photographer is shooting something else. They have multiple cameras and backup batteries. They have everything they need to react to emergencies, dark ceremony locations, reception locations that are too bright and zillions of other scenarios that might pop up.

Your family member who has a camera from Best Buy doesn’t have all of the equipment to make your photos to look the best that they possibly can. The flash on their point and shoot digital camera isn’t going to generate enough light to show off your intricate wedding day makeup.

I’ve seen so many brides spend $2000 or $3000 on wedding limos and $300 on wedding photography. I have yet to see a bride who wasn’t disappointed with the end results of the pictures. I always here things like, “They didn’t get a full-length photo of me in my dress,” or “Why didn’t they get a picture of me and my 95-year old grandmother?”

Again, this is one of the biggest days of your life. You hire professionals to handle other aspects of your wedding. Why wouldn’t you hire a professional to capture the images from your wedding day? Your memory will fade, but great photos will last a lifetime. It’s worth it to you to invest in the product that will last forever. You can’t get a do-over on your wedding day if your photographer misses your first kiss or the moment when you jump the broom. Why take the risk? I always suggest to brides that they spend as much as they can afford to on hiring someone who can ensure that the special moments from the day are captured.

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1. Prop Up Art to Conceal Cords. Lean frames against a wall to hide wires and outlets. Layer them for extra impact.

2. Turn a Quilt Into a Headboard. Got a plain-Jane bed? Give it character―and warm it up, too―by draping a quilt over the frame.

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3) Dress Up a Dresser With Ribbons. Don’t let all those scraps you’ve been saving from holidays and birthday parties go to waste. Transform a child’s bedroom by tying colorful ribbons around the knobs on a chest of drawers―or the stem of a lamp or the legs of a table

4) Hang Photos and Artwork on One Wall. Your family pictures have more impact when they’re grouped together. A word to the wise: Before you do any hanging, arrange the pieces on the floor to get a sense of how they’ll look on the wall. And never mind if the frames don’t match.

5) Stash Toiletries in Mismatched Tableware. Just because your vanity is a catchall for makeup doesn’t mean it can’t look put-together. Place a platter on top and fill it with seldom-seen china pieces, like a sugar bowl and a creamer, that can hold cotton balls, nail files, and brushes.

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1) Create A Holiday Shopping Budget And Stick With It. No need to try to keep up with the Joneses’. First look at your overall budget to determine what you can and are willing to spend this holiday season. Remember that time is tough for many people, so it’s okay to not spend a lot of money this year. Be realistic. Next, sit down with your family and make a list of everyone you are going to buy gift for. Next to their name, write an amount you are going to spend on them.

2) Get a gift receipt. Gift exchanges do happen, so be prepared by providing a gift receipt. That will ensure that the recipient gets a proper store credit. Purchases made in November and December are often eligible for extended return or exchange privileges.

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3) Buy Online. Buying online is a great way to save money when you are shopping for presents.

4) Avoid priority shipping. The deadline for free holiday shipping from major retailers generally expires about a week before Christmas. Keep in mind that ordering one-day service can add $20 or more and does not typically guarantee delivery within 24 hours. The arrival date is calculated from the moment the package is shipped, so factor in two or three days of processing time (unless otherwise stated). Read the fine print before rushing a delivery.

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Here are some tips on how create a personal spa in your bathroom without breaking the bank:

1) Paint the color of your walls a soothing color like blue, a pastel green, or even a pale lilac.

2) Invest in large, thick 100 percent cotton bath towels.

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3) Make sure you have plenty of soft washcloths, scented soaps and candles on hand.

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Here are some quick and easy ways to decorate your bathroom:

1) Buy a shower curtain with a design. It is the biggest source of color in your bathroom besides the walls. A solid bold color will also do the trick.

2) Paint your walls in a color that match one of the colors in your shower curtain. If you chose a shower curtain with a solid color, pick a complementary color. Remember, light colors will make the bathroom appear larger.

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3) Add new towel racks. Placing them by the tub or over the toilet are good, convenient locations. Also, have some place for your hand towels close to the sink.

4) Buy towels that compliment the shower curtain. Take some extra towels, roll them up, and place them in a small basket placed on the floor or on a shelf for a little extra pizazz.

5) Purchase rugs for the bathroom floor that match the towel colors. You need at least one rug in front of the bathtub. I don’t like placing rugs by the sink and toilet, but that’s a personal choice.

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When you’re working on a budget, it’s pretty hard to maintain your hair and makeup without sacrificing your sense of style. Luckily, there are easy adjustments you can make to your regimen that will save you precious pennies without sacrificing your style. Here are 5 easy ways to save on beauty from sheknows.com:

Dye your own roots!

Dyeing your own roots is much cheaper then going to a salon for a touch-up. A box of hair dye costs less than $15, whereas a hair salon usually charges more than $50 for a touch-up — coloring your own roots also helps stretch your color between visits. For those of you who have not colored your own hair before, ask a friend to help you to avoid missing sections.

Choose a hairstyle that is easy to maintain

The shorter your hair the more often you will have to get your hair cut, which means you can spend up to twice as much a year on haircuts. However, if you have a hairstyle that is medium to long in length, you can usually stretch your haircuts for two to three months with occasional trims in between visits.

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Get trims between visits

Some salons will offer to trim your hair for less than a regular cut between visits. If your salon does not offer that service, go to Great Clips or Cost Cutters for a cheap trim. This will keep your hair looking healthy and keep you from heading back to the salon and paying full price for another styled cut.

Beauty schools are another great alternative for cheaper haircuts and manicures

Although we are often skeptical about being guinea pigs, especially when it comes to our hair, beauty schools charge far less than salons and they are required to have you leave satisfied with your hair cut/color. With the money you saved on your hair, you can get an inexpensive manicure as well.

Buy in bulk

Beauty stores like Ulta or Sally Beauty Supply usually have sales on their large bottles of hair products (usually buy one get one sales); this is the time to stock up on your favorite products.

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Ah….the drama of the wedding budget. So many people to invite. So many things you want to do. So little money to spend. How do you make your wedding dreams fit your budget reality??

I always suggest that you start with a reality check. The majority of brides salivate over the idea of a Saturday night wedding, an open bar, live musicians at the ceremony, a choice of filet mignon or lobster at the reception, tons of flowers, a live R&B or jazz band and a wedding cake that rivals those in wedding magazines. All of these ideas are GREAT. However, when your budget is $10,000 and your guest list boasts more than 200 attendees….it’s time for a reality check.

The majority of your budget (approximately half) will go to food and beverage. Flowers, cake, lighting, live musicians, linens, transportation, stationery and honeymoon costs also add up. So, what do you do? Examine your guest list. Yes, it would be great to invite every single person you know. But reality may not allow it. Think about those people on your list. Do you HAVE to invite ALL of those people?? Everyone from Girl Scouts when you were in the 4th grade? All of your parents’ co-workers? Your 3rd cousin’s best friend? The reality is that it is a lot cheaper to feed 75 guests than it is to feed 200. Consider a micro-wedding. It can be small, intimate, romantic and memorable. Your dollars can go so much farther if you have to spend less on feeding tons of folks. You might not be able to have everything that you imagine, but you can get a lot closer to your reality if you cut some of those people off of your list.

It may seem cruel at first, but think about. Wouldn’t you rather have some of those important wedding elements that you’ve fantasized about for months? Or do you want to do want to do scaled down versions of ALL of your ideas to accommodate more guests? Are you prepared to sacrifice the elegant, 5-course meal that you imagined for the typical hotel chicken and rice plated dinner because it’s cheaper?

So, when you’re searching the internet and saving photos of your fantasy dress, your fantasy flower arrangements and your fantasy 7-tier wedding cake, think of the guest list and remember what you’ve always heard…..less IS more!!

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In your attempt at budgeting money, you have probably cut back on your daily excursion to Starbucks, eaten out less, and taken the bus or subway to avoid costly cabs. However, your new fiscally responsible lifestyle doesn’t have to interfere with your love life. Avoid more tired dinner dates followed by movies. Below are our top 8 picks for budget-friendly dates:

1. Bring the theater to you- If you have access to a patio or outdoor space, all you need is a projector and you have yourself a foolproof date. Pop your own popcorn, lay out a blanket, and just wait for the sun to set. Although you may have to wait until the weather warms up a bit for this one, what could be more romantic than viewing your favorite film together out in the fresh air?

2. Fondue for two - Don’t be fooled by the fancy name– making fondue is a cinch. Start the evening snacking on baguettes dipped in melted cheese and end it by dipping fresh fruit into melted chocolate. You are sure to impress your date with your creativity. Here is a great recipe to get you started.

3. Go to an outdoor concert – If the weather is nice out, take advantage of the many free outdoor concerts in your city. Pack up a blanket and some snacks to enjoy while rocking to the beat. Visit MetroMix.com to view the upcoming concerts in your area.

4. Theme nights – Put a twist on your classic dinner and a movie night by basing your food and film choices on a particular country. Roll your own sushi and watch a Japanese flick over some sake, or venture into France over a bottle of French wine and a wedge of brie. Although this borders on slightly cheesy, it will definitely spice up the cliché dinner-and-a-movie date while allowing you to save money at home. READ MORE HERE!

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(From sheknows.com)

It’s 2010! There’s never been a better time for new beginnings, a time to quit your old bad habits and change for the better. Common New Year’s resolutions such as dieting and exercise are not always easy to follow and they certainly aren’t fun. But you’ll reap the rewards for years to come if you are able to stick to it!

What components of your personal financial plan need updating or improvement this year? With the uncertainty of the economy these days, 2010 might be the year some of you establish a financial plan for the very first time. Where do you start? To help you establish a financial New Year’s resolution, SheKnows offers a checklist of the most important components of a personal financial plan:

1. Credit Management

If not for high-interest credit cards, American household finances would be a lot healthier. While ‘plastic’ is certainly more convenient than carrying cash, the money you spend on interest could be put to much better use. This year, make a resolution to allocate a little more money towards the outstanding balance of your credit card and don’t be content with only paying the minimum amount required. But your New Year’s resolution on credit should go further – make it your goal to pay off high-interest accounts first.

2. Household Budget

It might seem simple but this important task is often overlooked. Establishing a household budget (and sticking to it) can help you avoid overspending and unnecessary credit usage. By knowing exactly where your money is going, you may be surprised to find out what your monthly ‘unnecessary’ expenditures add up to… $700 on restaurant, how about you start packing a lunch!

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3. Emergency Savings

Last year the economy hit hard, but we are not recession free just yet. How long could you manage to pay your bills if you were temporarily out of work? As a general rule of thumb, you should have enough funds to keep your household afloat for 5-8 months. (Yes, we’re serious!) It doesn’t have to be cash in the bank, the same purpose could be served using a credit line or short-term investments that can easily be sold to generate cash.

4. Property and Liability Insurance

Every year at the very least, take a careful look at your auto and homeowner’s insurance. Make sure you’re carrying more than the minimum liability limits for auto insurance. For example, the Colorado minimums aren’t enough to cover the costs of a serious car accident today so be sure to check what your state minimums are and ensure you are fully covered. It’s a good idea to also look at your homeowner’s limits and if it has kept pace with the increased value of your home. If you’re a renter, consider buying renter’s insurance – it’s very affordable and can save you a bundle in the event of a theft or if you’re sued for an injury on your premises.

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These days, seems like everyone’s looking to stretch a buck and cut down on grocery spending—while still enjoying great-tasting dishes. These new $10 Spot recipes definitely fit the bill. Here’s one entree and side dish (see below the gallery) for you to do over the weekend!

Coconut Mango Chicken with Black Beans (4 Servings, Prep: 15 min., Cook: 15 min.)

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk
1 mango, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
Salt and pepper
Two 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped mint

Directions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned, about 3 minutes. Add the coriander, and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth, lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits; transfer to a plate. Add the coconut milk to the skillet, increase the heat and boil to reduce by half, about 4 minutes. Stir in the mango and cook until warmed through. Return the chicken to the skillet, toss and remove from the heat; season with salt and pepper.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, simmer the black beans over low heat. Stir in the lime juice and 3 tablespoons mint.
3. Divide the beans among 4 plates. Top with the chicken and remaining mint.

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Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Pecans (4 Servings, Prep: 10 min, Cook: 1 hour)

Ingredients:
3 ounces wild rice (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 pound orzo pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Half of a 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, drained
Salt

Directions:
1. Cook the wild rice according to package directions; transfer to a large bowl. Meanwhile, in a pot of boiling, salted water, cook the orzo until al dente; drain. Add to the wild rice.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the pecans and sage and cook, stirring frequently, until the nuts are toasted and the mushrooms are tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the peas and chickpeas. Add the vegetable mixture to the orzo mixture; season with salt.

It’s the final party of the year so you might as well go out with a bang! Hear are our top 10 New Year’s Ever party dresses – think body-hugging fits, bright colors, and things that shimmer and shine!

Metallic Petals Shoulder Dress, $24.80

Shimmer & Sequin Tube Dress, $24.80

Leopard & Lace Dress, $36.00

High Sheen Dress, $22.80

Petal Fold Tulip Dress, $45.89

Rosette Hem Dress, $14.99

Satin Belted Dress, $39.00

Studded Zip-Up Dress, $27.80

Farrah Ribbon Dress, $44.50

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Okay so, you have not started any of your Christmas shopping and there’s only one day left. There is very little time, but if you are a bite creative then you can figure out the perfect gift for the people in your life. There are plenty of things that can be gifted with little to no cash –remember, it’s the thought that counts.

According to parenting.ivilliage.com there are plenty of last minute gifts out there that won’t break the bank.

The Gift of food: Food is another thoughtful gift that will be appreciated and won’t contribute to the after-holiday clutter. Restaurant gift certificates are popular. Parents of young children often can’t afford to pay for dinner, tickets to an event and babysitting. Covering the meal might get them out of the house. And, of course, you can cook for someone. One advantage of cooking ahead and freezing is that you always have a meal in the freezer that you could share with someone else. Or, include all the ingredients for a favorite dish, the recipe and any special utensils in a pan or baking dish. Baked goodies are always a popular gift.

The Gift of your time: You might choose tickets to a concert, a sporting event, movies or a play and then go together. You can also make a coupon book. Use your imagination. Coupons for babysitting are perfect in homes with young children. Coupons for hugs are welcome everywhere! Or, why not write a letter or poem to a special person to let them know just how special they are to you? You don’t have to be Shakespeare to put words together that describe your feelings. Sometimes it’s a simple note from the heart that is most precious.

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Give a gift of remembrance. Gifts that help us to remember this holiday — and the people we are sharing it with — don’t have to be big and extravagant to be appreciated. Special ornaments make good gifts, and you don’t have to choose the most expensive. If you can sign and date the back of the ornament with a sharp-tipped permanent marker it will bring up happy memories every year. Or, you can make a donation in someone’s honor. A gift that keeps on giving. It could be to their favorite charity, a donation to a zoo, where they could be a “foster parent” to an animal they can visit and enjoy. You can even plant a tree for your loved one.

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The holidays are upon us, and it can be a little overwhelming finding the perfect gift for your special someone among all of the lackluster choices out there. Here is Hello Beautiful’s list of the top gifts under $100, to help you make a big impression this Christmas without breaking the bank.

Check them out in this gallery, and click below for where to buy info:

1.) Godiva Holiday Cheer Gift Basket $75.00

2.) Pommery 2002 Brut Gold Pop Vintage Champagne $17.00

3.) Victoria’s Secret Pajamas $39.50

4.) Juicy Couture Pave Starter Charm Necklace $60

15.) Dooney & Bourke Crystal Sport Watch $95

6.) Coach Madison Ocelot Small Wallet $98

7.) Coach Pop C Wristlet $48

8.) Coach Fiona Signature Flat $98

9.) Juicy Couture Flannel Logo Boxers $32

10.) Juicy Couture ‘Days of the Week’ Boyshorts (Nordstrom Exclusive) $78

11.) Nordstrom Slouchy Eco Tote with Pouch $21.95

12.) Spring Street Design Group ‘Pond Critters’ Handbag Hanger $28

13.) Tiffany Notes Band Ring $100

14.) Monster Heartbeats by Lady Gaga Headphones $99

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Sure, you’ll be buying Christmas gifts for your parents, siblings, and significant others this year, but make sure not to forget your best friend! Here are 15 gifts, all for $50 or under, that you can get your bestie. Click the links below the gallery to find out where you can order or buy each item.

Love Note Necklace, $18

Deux Lux Embroidered Satchel, $50

Sateen Holly Dress, $45

Wallpaper Projects Book, $23

Spinning Bird Jewelry Stand, $32

Annabelle Tee Dress, $50

Petit Four Lip Gloss, $18

Happy Hour Kit, $16

Stitch Detail Cocoon Cardigan, $48

Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $20

Cocoon Chainlink Scarf, $34

Pop Art Color Camera, $10

Snake Bangle Watch, $28

Retro Block iPod Speaker, $25-$30

Picture Window, 2 for $25

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Looking good doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. The cost of makeup, skincare products, haircare items and other beauty products can really add up. However, you don’t have to go broke to look beautiful. Follow these simple to tips to save money on beauty products:

1) Sign up for email newsletters from your fave brands. They constantly have special offers and discounts just for subscribers.

2) Social networking is your friend. Become fans of your fave brands on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter. Some offer specials just for their fans and followers.

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3) Sephora weekly specials and sales. Check these sections on Sephora.com for major savings on products, including tons of seasonal palettes and gift sets. Some specials are also in Sephora stores, so keep your eyes open the next time you stop by one.

4) Check “vintage/last call/buh-byes” sections of your fave brands’ websites. These are the sections with products that are being discontinued, or just having the packaging changed.

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No need to fret this Thanksgiving; HelloBeautiful has done the dirty work for you. We’ve compiled a list of the upcoming holidays Top 10 must-have items, and they’re all for under $30. Check the gallery below for photos of each, and click the links to find out where to find them!

DECORATING:

Candles
A medley of market-fresh fall candlelight. An incredibly realistic reproduction of fall produce lights up the home with decorative seasonal appeal. $2.95 – $5.95.

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COOKING:

Turkey Roasting For Dummies Kit
This all-inclusive kit helps you master the art of roasting, providing all the right tools for the job including a For Dummies® instruction pamphlet. The roasting pan will distribute the heat evenly around the bird. The rack props the bird up off the bottom of pan. It comes with a baster, too! $24.99.

Gravy Separator
When you’re making gravies, this cup quickly separates meat and poultry juices from fat while the removable strainer eliminates the need for a separate sieve. Just fill the cup with drippings – fat rises to the top, and the low spout pours off the juices. The glass beaker is microwavable and oven and dishwasher safe. $24-28.

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Meat Thermometer
This digital thermometer’s large numerals afford a precise reading instantly, while ensuring that your meats and poultry are cooked to a safe internal temperature and the desired “done”-ness. Quickly responding to temperatures from -40° to 446°F, it’s fitted with a handy pocket clip. $20.

Turkey-Shaped Cookie Cutters:
Cookie fans will gobble the treats cut from this fun seasonal icon. Generous sizes provides plenty of room for decorating. They’re made of tinplate, and they’re hand washable. $2.95.

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SERVING:

Turkey Felt Potholder & Mitt:
When it’s turkey time in the kitchen, set the mood with these fun felt hand protectors embroidered with brightly colored turkey “pilgrims.” They’re 70% wool and 30% nylon with rayon embroidery. Machine washable. $4.95 – $6.95.

Decorative Plates
Showcase the fruits of your kitchen efforts in these finely crafted, dishwasher safe earthenware plates; the colors remind one of the seasonal harvest and the fluted edges look almost pie-like. $7.95 – $8.95

Gala Glasses
Classics never go out of style. Traditional silhouettes in crystal-clear glass are sized just right for favorite martinis, cognacs, and wines. $3.95.

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SWEETS:

Maple Butter “Leaves,” Dark Chocolate “Acorns,” and Gingerbread Cookies
Rich, dark chocolate is shaped into a detailed oak leaf and acorn, and leaf- and acorn-shaped cookies with seasonal flavors make these all-natural snacks the perfect dessert! $5.95.

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TO-GO:

Tupperware’s “Divided Dish”
Refrigerate, reheat, serve and store your own three-course meal in this dinner plate-sized divided dish. A virtually liquid-tight steam-vent seal makes this ideal for storing and reheating leftovers! $15.

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For many women, a $1,000 dress is something they admire in the pages of a glossy magazine or see draped on the frame of a celebrity — not an item hanging in their closet.

But a nascent Web site called Rent the Runway is hoping to make high-end fashions much more accessible and almost as easy as renting a movie from Netflix.

The mail-order service, which finishes the testing phase on Monday, allows women to rent dresses from notable fashion designers like for roughly one-tenth of what they would cost to buy in a retail store.

The rentals run $50 to $200 for a four-night loan and are shipped directly to the customer’s doorstep. After wearing the dress, she puts it into a prepaid envelope and drops it in the mail. Dry cleaning is included in the price, but damage insurance costs $5, and in the case of outright destruction of the dress, the renter is responsible for the full retail price.

Rent the Runway was founded by two recent Harvard Business School graduates, Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Carter Fleiss. Ms. Hyman got the idea for the service last year after watching her younger sister agonize over whether to buy an expensive new outfit to wear to a wedding. “Here was this young girl who loves fashion and was willing to spend a good portion of her salary on a dress that she’s only going to wear once or twice, and I thought, there has to be a solution for this. (From The New York Times)

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Oftentimes we get caught off guard by our busy work schedules, family, kids, the whole nine yards. Some of us get downright lazy on how we look and what we wear. It is important to always remember, your outward appearance can leave a lasting impression on those around you like your friends, co-workers, etc.

Now I’m not saying you should be spending beau coup bucks on your wardrobe, especially if you don’t have it! However, what I am saying is that you can totally achieve the look for less, if you just put a little thought and effort into the way you look. But before we send you shopping there are some rules to this:

Girls:

1) It is imperative to wear proper undergarments! Be mindful of those dreadful panty lines, thongs peeking out of your jeans, belly fat protruding you get the drift

2) Butt Crack- JUST NOT CUTE. Unless you are a newborn baby, no one needs to see that

3) Ashy Back Muffin-tops- Please don’t squeeze yourselves into jeans that are two sizes too small- You end up looking way bigger and sloppy in your clothes

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Guys:

4) Please stop wearing Doo Rags on the street. We know you got or want to keep your waves in tact, but there’s a time and a place for everything.

5) Absolutely no matching suits and shoes-no blue gator and blue suits, especially on the NYC subway.

Style profile: Kristen Noel

Take a look at the hottest celeb pics on the net!

For the Sasha Fierce look: first, be brave by wearing just a leotard, seven inch heels, over sized gold ear rings and metallic gloves. But there are plenty more celebs that have very distinctive styles that are totally do-able looks for Halloween 2009.

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Do you want to give your bedroom a makeover but just don’t have the money? Here are some easy and cheap tips to give your room a whole new look and feel without spending a lot of money.

1) Check out online auction sites, thrift stores and the local dollar store for blankets, decorative pillows, accessories etc. You can find some great deals and unique items to help change the look of your room.

2)  Wall Art. Scour thrift shops and yard sales for mirrors large and small. Paint them all white or black. Group together on the wall to add pizzazz to the wall.

How to organize your bedroom

3) Look in your other rooms to see if you have any items or furniture you can move to your bedroom. Look in storage and see if any of those things you packed away can be brought out again and servce a new function in the bedroom.

4) Painting is an easy way to change the look of a room. It quickly changes the room and you can do it for under $25.

5)  Headboard. Group those same mirrors together above the bed to give the impression of a headboard. Or cut two pieces of heavy cardboard or foam core the height and width of a poster. Then frame each board with a poster sized black frame. Mount the two frames over the bed for an elegant headboard.

How to make a headboard

Check out the hottest celeb pics on the net!

One of our favorite America’s Next Top Model winners (other than Eva) is none other that Dani herself from Season 6. Here she is modeling this seasons hottest trends, all for under $100. There’s no need to break the bank when you can look this good for less. (Essence.com)

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Can you remember life before $100 sneakers and $5 coffee, when people actually lived on what they earned and still had a little something socked away for a rainy day? The economy may be in the doldrums, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live well.

Here are some tips from sheknows.com:

Use third party services to access events
I’m all about taking advantage of the culture offered in one of the best cities in the nation, and I’m not going to let a little pesky cash crunch stop me! I’ve utilized things like rush discounts and sites like goldstar.com to get heavily reduced prices for theater tickets, shows, concerts, etc. Goldstar.com offers tickets to events in your city, often for half the price of the box office. And many theaters hold some last-minute rush tickets at discounted rates. You just have to be flexible. Another option is to buy tickets early and get the cheapest seats available. I’ve watched many Broadway musicals from the nosebleeds, but I only paid $25 for my seat. I’d much rather have seen it from far away than not seen it at all!

Single? Start saving now!!

Happy hour is truly happy
If you need a night out, plan ahead to take advantage of drink or food specials during a happy hour. My favorite happy hour is a sushi place near me that offers a happy hour menu where everything is five dollars. We can each get a drink, a sushi roll and split an appetizer for $25. Sounds good to me! Prix Fixe is another good way to go, if you’re looking for quantity AND savings! Deals exist at even the trendiest spots, you just have to seek them out.

Become a member
My husband and I are members at several museums around the city. This means we get virtually free entertainment. All our memberships have been $100. Memberships include admittance for the member and a guest. Considering most museums cost about $25 per person for a one-time entrance, we just have to go together twice, and we’ve paid for it. In some cases, we frequent the museums a couple times a month. It’s a great way to experience the culture of a city without putting up much cash.

By doing a bit of planning and evaluating, there’s no reason you have to choose between spending a ton of money, or staying home on a Saturday night!

How to build a wardrobe on a budget

Check out the hottest celeb pics on the net!

From jeans to dresses (and everything in between), you can build a stylish wardrobe without spending a lot of money. Find out where to shop and how to save on your favorite everyday looks with these budget style tips from Glamour magazine:

Take inventory
Before you run out to the shopping mall, you need to take inventory of what clothes you have. Start by going through your closet piece by piece. Make four piles – keep, toss, give away and fix.

If you have any clothing that’s beyond repair, toss it. Clothes that you will never wear again but are in decent shape, you can give away. If you are feeling ambitious, you can try to sell them on ebay or to a thrift shop. Take garments that need alterations or repairs to the tailor (or fix them yourself) as soon as possible. Don’t put it off or you’ll never do it.

In your “keep” pile, separate your clothes by category (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, etc.) and then split them into color schemes (neutrals, brights and prints).

Start with the classics
After you take inventory, you should have a good idea what you need. To build a fantastic wardrobe, you need to have several classic pieces that are versatile.

Classics that never go out of style include:

* Little black dress
* Knee-length wool skirt
* Flat front pants (light and dark)
* Tunic-length sweater
* Perfect blazer
* White button-down shirt
* Shirtdress or wrap dress
* Black pumps

How to: Organize your fall wardrobe

Accessorize!
A great way to completely change the look of an outfit is with accessories. A different scarf, belt, bag or jewelry can change your look from formal and sophisticated to funky and fun.

Fashion jewelry is inexpensive. Pick out a few pairs of dangling earrings, a statement necklace and a stack of bangles or a cuff bracelet.

Select three handbags. An everyday bag that is roomy and stylish in a neutral color, a smaller evening bag that is a little glitzy, and a tote bag or oversized satchel in a fun color or patent leather.

Start with five fantastic pairs of shoes. You don’t need dozens of pairs of shoes to look good. Five pairs that you really love will get you started – a black pump, a dressy slingback, a classic boot, a low-heeled sandal, and a casual skimmer.

Fall must-have shoe game

Shopping tips
Select solid tops that can be worn with everything from jeans to a business suit. When picking tops, keep in mind the colors of the bottoms that you already own. Try to make sure that each piece can be worn in at least three outfits.

Steer clear of anything that is too trendy. Low-rise jeans looked great to everybody a few years back, but now high waisted skirts and slacks are in. If you will only wear something for a month or two, it has no business being in your wardrobe.

Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. A $100 business suit certainly is a good deal. But if you only wear suits a few times a year, it’s not worth it. Sheepskin snowboots at a 50 percent discount are a great buy, but not if you live in Phoenix.

Develop your own personal style. Instead of always following the latest trends, find your own individual style. For example, if belted tunics or wrap dresses are your thing, then there’s no reason not to have a few of them in your closet.

The most important thing about building a wardrobe on a budget is to make sure you like what you wearing. No matter how good a sale is, you have to wear the garment for it to be worth the cost. Even if it takes a little extra time or planning, find clothing that you really love.

Check out our fall must-have bags gallery: