Ah yes, that time of year has arrived once again: shorts weather. You may love it, you may dread it, you may be torn between the two, but you can’t deny it’s upon us. And it’s time to shave your legs.

Even if you’re hating your pasty white, unworked-out legs these days, there will come a time in the near future that you’ll be so hot you’ll have no choice but to put on some shorts. And when that day comes, you’ll want to be prepared. Good thing there are tons of adorable shorts out there right now that will not only keep you cool this summer, but they’ll keep your wallet full, too. Below, 8 of my favorites.

Being a girl has its perks, especially when it comes to scoring free drinks at the bar. But being a girl also takes a lot of work and costs a whole lot o’ cashola. Just think about all the things we need to pay for that guys don’t: waxing, haircare, makeup, Spanx, the list goes on.

Yeah, keeping ourselves groomed and primped is not easy on the wallet, but it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg (or a month’s rent).  Here are some of my favorite beauty products that all come in under 20 buckaroos. These things are just as fabulous as the expensive stuff and, hey, anything that’ll make me feel purty without making me cringe at the price is good by me. (Side Note:  You can get a lot of this stuff on Drugstore.com, an awesome website that carries nearly every beauty item you can imagine and has great deals on ‘em too.)

I am one of those girls who looks dead without a little gloss smeared across my lips and MAC’s lipglass is one of my personal faves. It’s ultra glossy, which is ultra sexy, and it lasts a really long time. There are tons of color options but  “Looks Like Sin” and “Lust” are by far my favorites.

Okay, so maybe you’re thinking, “This is supposed to be an article about beauty products, what is chafing gel doing on the list?”  Well, here’s a tip: this chafing gel does the exact same job as those super expensive-o make-up primers (like Smashbox’s oh-so-popular Photo Finish, which costs at least $36), and it costs under $8!  And – bonus! – for us curvy girls, it does its job and works wonderfully against that frustrating and painful chafing you can get in the summertime.

After years of buying uber-expensive mascaras and still having a hard time finding one I totally love, I discovered Lash Blast by Covergirl.  For under $10, it gives you gorgeous thick lashes without clumping. It even won an Allure Editor’s Choice Award, so you know it’s gonna rock your socks.

Unless I’m going out on the town, I usually only put on powder to smooth out my skin, rather than clogging my pores with foundation on a daily basis, and I love Loreal’s True Match.  They have a wide array of colors and it gives great coverage without feeling thick.

Blush is another one of my daily essentials; it gives me just enough color so I look so fresh and so clean and, you know, alive. I love Sephora’s line; it goes on nicely and naturally, there are a number of colors perfect for different skin tones, and it’s totally budget-friendly.

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical when I first heard of this product a few years back. I mean, the ’80s-looking bottle is enough to scare anyone off. But I decided to give it a go (my legs looked nearly transparent) and I loooooved it.  It’s not like self-tanner so if you end up streaked, it easily washes off. Really, though, it’s quite easy to do without looking streaky or blotchy, and it truly does smooth out my legs significantly.  Perfect for short shorts, skirts and dresses in the summertime.

There’s really not much that makes me happier after a long week than going to get a mani-pedi with the latest OPI shade. They definitely have the highest quality polish (the stuff lasts over a week) and an insanely large collection of colors ranging from the most basic nudes to gorgeous reds to everything fun & funky in between.  This season they introduced the Hong Kong collection, which I’m totes feelin’, especially this beautiful blue that looks splendid on my freshly pedicured toes.

I will never understand how companies can charge up to $30 for a shine spray. I mean, how hard is it to make?! That’s why I’m head over heels for this Matrix Shine Mist. It gives my hair a lovely shine, helps with frizz and fly-aways, and is made especially for all of us color-treated ladies out there. Oh, and it’s under $10.

It may not always be easy being a girl, but these products certainly help. And with all the money you save, you won’t even need boys to buy you drinks at the bar.

I’ll admit, a few years ago when leggings came back in style, I thought there was no way I’d wear them. In fact, I told everyone I knew that I’d rather “walk around pants-less than try and pass off some leggings as pants.”

Obviously, I’ve since eaten my words. Leggings are now a staple in my wardrobe and I often wonder how I lived without them. They’re versatile, comfortable and affordable. I wear them to the gym, to class, to work and to party. Not even jeans can do that. And there are so. many. different kinds now! Forget those basic blacks, leggings come in all sorts of colors and patterns now, meaning even more opportunities to wear ‘em. Here are a few pairs you can rock out for under $20.

Betsey Johnson is known for her fun, flirty styles and these snakeskin print leggings live up to her reputation.  You can wear these with a graphic tee for daytime or a sexy top and stilettos for night.

Take a walk on the wild side (or pay homage to Peggy Bundy) with these leopard print leggings. Yes, they seem like a lot, but leopard is very big this season and you can easily tone these down by pairing them with an oversized solid top and some basic black flats.

Think of these baby blues like a pair of jeans: they’re neutral and will go with just about anything. My pick: an oversized tee or button down and a pair of sandals or flats.

If you’re not quite ready for a patterned legging but you’re sick of your boring black pair, these are for you. The zippers on the ankles give them just a little extra spunk and they look adorable with flats.

The lace/damask print on these is casual enough to be worn with a plain top for daytime classes, but stylish enough to be paired with heels and a sexy top for a night out with your fabulous friends.

Denim leggings (AKA jeggings) are back for another season and finding this pair at Anthropologie for half-price makes ‘em even sweeter.

So they’re not technically UNDER $20 (they’re exactly $20), but, really, $20 is totally worth it for a pair of adorable, vintage-inspired pedal pushers.

Who says you can’t go bright? The pop of color and classic plaid print is a perfect spring combo. Throw a loose black or white tank on top and you’re done.

Now that Spring is officially here and I’ve busted out my flip flops, I can’t wipe this loopy grin off my face. It just makes me so happy, especially after the winter we had in New York. I swear, if I had to step in one more brown, slushy puddle I was going to kick someone. But now that all those nasty puddles are gone and the restaurants are setting up their outside tables, all I can think about is iced coffee, al fresco cocktails, the joy that comes from going out without having to lug a giant coat along, and SUNDRESSES!

Summer sundresses are awesome for so many reasons:  they’re comfy, they’re cute and they’re totally versatile.  You can pair ‘em with all kinds of shoes (flats, sandals, heels, wedges, boots; you name it, it can work), and you can wear ‘em over a bikini, for those last warm days on campus, or for a night out.

Go for any of these babies that are all under $20 and really, you can’t go wrong.

The colors, the light fabric and the water color flowers on this halter dress just scream summer. Wear it for some daytime errands with a pair of white wedges, or go man hunting at night with a pair of sexy nude pumps.

Think there’s no such thing as a black sundress? This adorable frock from Target proves otherwise. Add some bright bangles for a summery pop of color.

I have no words for the perfection that is this denim dress. The neckline is perfect, the rouching is perfect, the length is perfect, and the price is beyond perfect.

This floral number will not only look perfect with some gladiator sandals all summer long, but come fall you can pull on an oversized cardi, some tights, and black ankle booties and keep on lovin’ it.

Coral looks great against some summer sun kissed skin. Accessorize with lots of gold or some bright pops of turquoise.

You don’t need to have a yacht to embrace nautical style. But if you do have a yacht and want to invite me, I’ll definitely come in this adorable dress.

I love the combination of black and bright pinks in this dress. It can easily go from day to night, class to dinner, or beach to bar.

If I didn’t already have a boyfriend, I’d marry this dress. The cut is flattering, the buttons are adorable and you can easily jazz it up with some funky bracelets.

Oh yes, the most tried and true wardrobe staple known to man (and woman): jeans.

Jeans are an amazingly versatile little thing: you can dress them up or dress them down; wear them in winter or summer: and find them in a seemingly unlimited variety of cuts, colors and styles.  Denim is ALWAYS in in some form or another, and this season is no exception.

Be on the lookout for denim in all forms: jackets, vests, dresses, and even shoes. Not that you should wear them all together. In fact, please don’t. But throwing in the perfect piece – whether it’s some adorable boyfriend jeans, a sexy mini or a pair of  ballet flats – is always welcome and always works. Especially when you’re dealing with cuteness like this.

Jean jackets were IT in the ’80s and ’90s and they’re makin’ a major comeback in the ’10s. They’re perfect for spring because they fall between a heavy coat and a cardi, so they’ll keep you warm without making you sweat.

It’s hard to go wrong with a shirt dress and a shirt dress in denim?  You’re all set for that first picnic in the park.  Add your own belt for a pop of color or wear it as is with a cute pair of flats or some wedges.

Jean shorts are an American classic and a pair for under 10 bucks?  You can’t really beat that.

A denim mini is a must and this one works because it’s casual enough to wear to the beach, but can also be dressed up for a night out with the chicas.

Denim shirts are huge this season and this one will look adorable worn open over a tank with a great necklace or loads of bangles. Pair it with shorts and some Chuck Taylors or flats for the perfect spring look.

So I’m slightly in love with these darling ballet flats and think they’d be ridiculously cute with a flowy white or pastel sundress.

Denim leggings (or jeggings if you prefer) are back this season and these capri style are perfect for the spring/summer months.

Boyfriend jeans are also here to stay (for this season, at least), and these mix in more than one trend. The light, distressed denim with the railroad stripe print gives them an added little oomph. Perfect for day with a basic tee or rock ‘em at night with a cami and some killer heels.

There isn’t much else to say except, perhaps, “hooray for jeans!”  Really, could we live without ‘em?  I don’t think so. And at prices like these, we definitely don’t have to.

Every year, as the snow melts and we are once again able to break out the flippy floppies, we begin to see flowers popping up everywhere. And I’m not just talking about in planters and vases. Florals are consistently a huge spring trend, and this year is no exception.

But there is one difference for Spring, 2010; this year’s florals are taking us back to a simpler time. A time before the Jersey Shore when Blossom, Saved By The Bell and (the original) 90210 were dominating the TV lineup. Yes, the ’90s are knockin’, so open up that closet and let them in.

These 2 pairs of shorts scream early ’90s and will look perfect for spring with a solid top and a cute pair of flat sandals.

Dress this skirt up easily with a black tank and a pair of heels, or work it for day with a white top and some gladiator sandals.

OK, so this blazer looks super “grandma’s going to play bridge,” but take away all that pink and you’ve got the perfect Spring accessory. Throw it on over a white tee and some leggings, add an oversized bag and you’ve got an eye-catching ensemble for a casual day.

Only want a touch of floral? Go for these sunglasses.

I love how vintage these earrings look and how something so small can really add some glam to a basic white-top-and-jeans ensemble.

This tank will work fantastically with everything from jeans to shorts to a tiered skirt. A totally versatile piece that can be casual or dressy.

Just looking at this cami makes me drool for iced coffees and a good book on a blanket behind the dorms. Pair it with some boyfriend jeans for the day, or put it under a blazer with some black skinnies (and a hot pair of strappy heels) for night.

It’s been a long, cold winter, but March and Spring Break are finally here! For those of you spending a week in a warm and sunny environment, here are some Spring-Break-I’m-going-to-paradise-and-I-need-to-look-cute-and-show-off-my-bangin-bod essentials for under $20.

And you know what that means: more margarita money.

Obviously, a bathing suit is the first thing on your list and Forever 21 has a great line of suits that are all $21 or less.  This is just one of my personal faves. The color will look great against your skin and you can pull off those straps easily to avoid an ugly tan line.

Chances are, if you’re anything like me, you’re white as a ghost and ready to look sun-kissed again.  But skip those harmful UV rays at the tanning beds and use this awesome spray tan from Vicky’s Secret.

And speaking of harmful UV rays, you’ll want to be sure to avoid those as much as possible if you don’t want to look like a raisin by the time you’re 25. So make it a point to slather on the sunscreen every morning before you hit the beach! Neutrogena’s sunscreen is consistently ranked at the top and the sheerness of it won’t leave you feeling sticky or icky, which means you can go from day to night easily and comfortably.

Cover-ups are great for those treks to the beach or pool and this one is cute enough that you can still feel sexy when you pop into bar for some beachside cocktails.

Flip flops are another beach necessity, so why not trade in those rubber ones for some that are stylish enough to wear for dinner or a night out on the town.  Once again, these make the transition from beach to party easy, and make the walk home from said party pain free.

You can’t go on vacay without some cute shades, but rather than spending oodles on the hottest designer look, grab some that cost under $10 so you don’t flip when they get scratched by sand, swiped by the pool or taken by the ocean. (And at under $6, you can grab up a couple pairs so you have back-ups.) I love the retro feel of this pair and the fact that the large frames will protect your hungover eyes from that bright sun is just an added bonus.

Keep those premature wrinkles away and look chic doing it with a chic, floppy sun hat.

You’ll want your clothes to do double duty on Spring Break (so you don’t have to pay extra when your suitcase doubles the weight allowance for the flight) so a  tailored pair of denim shorts is key. These are casual enough to wear with your bikini, but the dark wash and added details are nice enough to rock with a pair of wedges and a tight tank for a night on the town.

If Punxsutawney Phil was correct this year, we now only have 3 more weeks of winter, which means we can soon wash away those winter blues and bust out those spring styles.  This year, Pantone’s top color will be turquoise, which is not only a fun, bright color that can be mixed with everything from neutrals to browns to other brights, but it looks great on nearly everyone.

And with Spring Break comin’ quick, now is the perfect time to nab some turquoise!

Here are some great choices under 20 buckaroos that’ll perfectly highlight spring’s most popular hue.

Sure, it looks like your average tank top, but that scoop neck and racer back gives it a whole new dimension. Put this on with a bright bib necklace and some skinny jeans for the ultimate summer look.

I dunno about you, but I’m def looking forward to busting out my flip flops and showin’ off my fresh pedi once the warm weather hits, and these (paired with the perfect tan) will look totally fab with shorts, jeans or sun dresses.  The ultimate spring/summer solution.

And speaking of pedis, how can you resist this awesome turquoise nail polish? It’s funky, fresh and different. Love it.

It’s like those designers at Target heard my prayers. Behold: the cutest romper ever. Both rompers and florals are sure to be everywhere this spring, and this one (notice those ruffles!) is just too cute for words.

Looking for just a burst of color?  Go for this floral cocktail ring.

Cute, colorful and comfy: your go-to summer skirt, for sure. Wear it during the day over a swimsuit with a white ribbed tank, or tuck in something a little tighter and a lot lower for an evening on the town.

These shoes will be absolutely A-dorable with leggings, skinny jeans or a skirt.

Colored denim will be back this season, so why not throw on some turquoise jeans?  With a white tee and sandals these would be totally cute and perfect for your first spring picnic, those last few weeks of the semester or even a casual dinner date.

This Sunday is February 14th, that equally loved and dreaded holiday all about looooove.  While you may be worrying about whether you have a date or not, there’s no need to worry about what you’re gonna wear. There are tons of affordable and adorable options out there for any of those V-Day plans: hot date, night out with the girls or staying in on the couch watching sappy movies and eating cartons of ice cream.

Valentine’s Day is all about red, pink, and hearts so whether you choose to vamp it up in a sexy red dress, add a burst of festive color with tights or shoes, or show your heart with accessories, you can easily incorporate the day’s theme into a cute look that isn’t over-the-top.

Here are a few of my favorite options…

If you’ve got a hot date or you’re just out lookin’ for a hot date, a red dress is key. Sure, you could go with the LBD, but that’s boring! Red just screams, “Look at me!” so take advantage! And don’t worry, both of these dresses can be worn again and again. They may even last you longer than your Valentine….

Pair either of these bold and flattering red skirts with a basic black or white tank, some black tights and a pair of hot pumps and you’re ready for the big night.

Who says you can’t get into the Valentine’s spirit at home? These pants would pair perfectly with some Oreo Truffles and a Modern Family (on Hulu) marathon.

For those of you who don’t look good in red but still wanna wear your heart on your sleeve lips on your chest, Forever’s got you covered. Layer this conversation piece over a pair of skinny jeans and top the look off with a boyfriend blazer and you’ve got a look that will start conversations all night.

These earrings are super cute in that “I look totally vintage” sort of way. Wear them to add a little hint of love to your V-day look, or rock them year round. At under $3, you really can’t go wrong.

Valentine’s Day or no Valentine’s Day, these cut-out booties would look H-O-T with a pair of jeans and a basic top.

I love tights. They not only keep me warm during the winter, but they’re also a fun way to express my personal style and give my outfit a little extra pizzazz.

Tights have been pretty popular for a few seasons now (thank god – no one wants to wear their annoying sister, hose, during the cold months) and there are tons of different styles out there ranging from funky to sexy to feminine. The surprising news is, tights can get really pricey. I’m not sure how something that rips so easily can cost so much, but I am not the one making the rules. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options that don’t skimp on the style, and here are a few choices that will look fab without hurting your wallet.

If you’re tired of boring black tights but aren’t quite ready to make the plunge into something bright (see below) these tights from Forever 21 are perfect. They have subtle designs that add just the right amount of interest to your basic look. You can wear them with pumps, over-the-knee boots and everything in between.

These tights, from an awesome website dedicated to tights and only tights, are a total statement piece. Throw them on with your LBD and you’ve got yourself one hot (and easy) outfit!

It’s hard to stand out in the drab blacks and grays that come with this dreary season. But for less than $7, you can slip these babies on and instantly add a little heat to those cold, winter nights.

Unless you’re Britney at the Grammys (seriously, who is her stylist?!), fishnets look hot. And this pair of tights that only looks like fishnets gives you the hot and the classy all in one. It is possible!

If you need a little something to keep you warm, these cable-knit tights are perfect. They are thick and fuzzy (like a sweater for your legs) and opaque (so you don’t have to shave ‘em).

I just love these. L-O-V-E. The only thing I love more than these fun and funky tights is the website where I found ‘em. We Love Colors has a massive selection of tights in all different patterns, colors and styles.

I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how these would look on most people. I am sure, however, that anyone who can pull these off would look really, really awesome.