As summer internships and jobs wrap up and summer comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to make a quick getaway before school starts. Don’t worry–you don’t need a lot of money to get away and enjoy a little piece of summer if you follow this guide!

Set a Budget!

The first thing you need to do is look at your funds and see how much money you have to spend; a.k.a. “create a budget.”

Choose a Destination!

Once that is in order, you can decide where your destination will be. If you have enough available funds, you might choose to go somewhere further away from home, but if money is an issue, weekend or day trips may be your savoir.

• Got Dough?-Places like Florida, or the Carolinas might tickle your fancy, and probably will be able to accommodate you on short notice, whereas places like the Bahamas may be booked.
• Low on Dough?-Places like Washington, DC, Gettysburg, PA, NYC, or the Jersey beaches make perfect day trips. There is a lot to do in these areas, but not too much that you would be overwhelmed or run out of time to do the things you want. You can visit trazzler.com to find more local getaways near you.

Decide Whether to Fly or Drive!

If you are choosing a local day trip, of course you would drive. But if you are choosing a destination that can be reached by both car and plane, choosing the right option can make the trip cost less. To make it easy, befrugal.com has come up with a “fly or drive” calculator; you can view it here. But be careful: one thing the site doesn’t factor in is food and overnight stays. While driving might be cheaper, once you add in meals for everyone during the drive or an overnight stay at a hotel, driving could actually be more costly than you’d imagined.

• If you chose to fly…–Check websites like Expedia and Travelocity for deals on flights. You can get flights cheaper at these sites than through the airports. You may also want to look into the package deals they offer, where the flight and hotel are combined at one price.
• If you chose to drive…–When driving, remember to plan ahead. That means: pack snacks to save money on food for the drive; don’t wait until last minute to get gas—look for cheaper stations by checking Gasbuddy.com, which tells you the cheapest gas locations near you, from your smartphone.

Choose somewhere to stay!

Before you call up a hotel and book your room, check out other options. On Craigslist, you can find people who are renting out their condos and homes for a week to a month and may be a cost-savvy option. You can also use Cheaprooms.com to find cheaper hotel rates.

Eat well, but cheap, on vacation!

The best way to save money on vacation is to grocery shop and cook at your house/hotel. If cooking while on vacation is too much work for you, at least buy breakfast and lunch items, such as cereal and sandwich items, which are quick and easy to make.

If you want to do dinner out, plan ahead. Use restaurant.com to research restaurants close to where you are staying. You can get $25 restaurant gift cards for just $2 at restaurant.com, making a $50 dinner bill just $27!

Have fun with coupons!

Doing activities that are free is always a good route to go, such as hitting the beach, visiting a park, or sightseeing. However, if you need a bigger adrenaline rush and want to be more extreme, find coupons and deals on sites like Groupon.com. There, you can find discount prices for anything from white water rafting to skydiving.

Now that you know how it’s done, it’s time to put your plan in action and have a nice getaway without breaking the bank—or your budget!

I’m just going to start this off by saying I would have absolutely no qualms switching lives with Leigh Lezark for a day, or a month, or longer.

I don’t remember how or when I first heard her name, but I immediately wished my name was an alliteration that easily rolled off the tongue like hers. Too bad we can’t always get what we want (thanks, parents!). On the bright side, something we can achieve is her effortlessly bad-ass sense of style.

For those of you still wondering, Leigh Lezark is a DJ in the trio Misshapes in New York City.  Oh yeah, and she’s a model.  Yes, a DJ and a model.  Très, très jaloux (which is French for, I’m mad envious).

DJ Leigh and her Misshapes posse like to bump electronica and indie rock.  They are also known to attract the Hispter crowd, but I try to stay open-minded to the boundary-pushing that she, and her party-mates, tend to inspire people with. I just love their sound. I also find Leigh Lezark incredibly chic, cool and mysterious with her all-black ensembles, signature jet-black bob and aversion to ever smiling in a photograph. And while The Misshapes tend to dress in some brands that are a bit out of my league (Alexandre Herchcovitch, House of Holland, Imitation of Christ, Jeremy Scott, Obesity and Speed, Pleasure Principle, to name a few), I’m going to toss some more affordable options in your general direction.

Because you don’t have to spend like a DJ/model to dress like one.

Product Info: Shiny tank body-suit -American Apparel, $34.00; High-waist jeans -Urban Outfitters, $64.00; Draped cardigan -Wet Seal, $14.99; Studded booties -Forever 21, $36.40; Sunglasses -Bleudame.com, $5.00; Studded handbag – Aldo $24.49

I like this outfit because while it still exemplifies Leigh’s personal style, anyone can make it their own for class, a party, or even a not-so-strict-uniformed job. You can really turn the rocker edginess up or down depending on what you’re going for. Plus, most of us already own all the separate components that make up the basic structure of this look; just grab shoes, a bag, or even a stack of bangles with some studs and you’ve got the Leigh Lezark edge. Now work on that pose and pout and you’re good to go.

To help answer this question, I’ve compiled a list of things that I feel are, and aren’t, worth the splurge during our sad and painful recession. My basic rule of thumb? Things that last are worth the cash.

What’s worth it:

Jeans. I always used to laugh at the fact that my friends paid $200+ for jeans…until I tried on my first pair of J-Brands. While you can find cheaper options, the fact of the matter is, most designer jeans are better quality. Invest in a few pairs. They feel softer, they fit better, and they last longer. Your wallet might not thank you but your tush sure will! J-Brand, Hudson, and True Religions are my top picks.

The Iphone–If you can get your fam to join in. Individual plans are pricey, but with a family plan, the monthly rates are much more affordable. The iPhone beats all other cellular choices, plain and simple; it’s genius combo of visual voicemail, thousands of apps (including Shazam, which can detect any song playing nearby and tell you what it is), iPod, internet, and more makes it the clear choice. So worth it.

Haircuts/Hair dying. If you’re looking to change your hairstyle or color dramatically, please go to a salon. Now I’m not saying you should spend $200 to get a trim, but good haircutters/colorists can really make a difference on your do (mom, I hope you’re reading this—put that herbal essences hair-dye DOWN!). So when should you indulge? When you want layers, highlights, or to alter your color dramatically. Or you can get your friend to “work her magic,” just don’t come crying to me when you’re locks are purple and lopsided.

Basics. But only ones that you will use and use and use. This includes: a little black dress, a spring jacket, a few pairs of jeans (see above), a pair of STURDY flip flops–Reef, Teva, JCrew (watch out for water on those last ones–very durable, but zero traction)–etc. You be the judge of what’s a necessity…but don’t go overboard. Those Prada shoes are NOT basics.

What’s not:

Heels: While our feet are precious, you can pamper them without spending hundreds of dollars. There are great shoes out there that are well made, and bargains. I don’t know about you, but when I wear heels out to party, they are usually covered in dirt, sweat, and other people’s footprints by the time I get home. Point being, I’m not about to go throw my savings on a pair of Jimmy Choo’s. Instead, I love to shoe-shop at victoriassecret.com, shiekhshoes and DSW. To get your fix of strappy goodness, check out these (cheap!) beauties.

Manicures: Unless you’re extremely uncoordinated, DIY manicures can yield results just as pretty as those from a salon. Even better than do-it-yourself? Grab a friend and paint each other’s nails. One tip: After clipping, filing, and moisturizing your hands, buff each nail’s surface with a very rough buffer—this will help the polish stick and stay put for weeks. For summer, I adore bright shades. Try Essie, a cheap polish brand that has everything from neon yellows (great with tan/dark skin) to bright reds (beautiful on the fair).

Toiletries: Taking care of your body and face is important, no doubt, but people really underestimate the effectiveness that cheaper products can have. My $7 face cream has quenched my skin’s thirst just as well as my friend’s $50 bottle has quenched hers. And my Maybeline mascara has plumped my lashes just as well as that Dior Show I mistakenly purchased once. Until your skin is ridden with wrinkles and you need some serious skin care products, stick to affordable options.

Underwear: My opinion on undergarments? If they’re not visible, they shouldn’t be blasting your budget. And as for the claim that guys like when girls wear expensive, intricate lingerie? It’s false. I can assure you that the guy you’re sleeping with won’t care whether you’re wearing a bra from gap or La Perla–he’ll just wanna get that thing off! That said, it’s fun to feel comfy and sexy, even if you’re alone in the comfort of your own dorm room. Victoria’s Secret’s 5/25 undies deals are awesome, and they come in tons of cute styles, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice feeling sexy for staying on a budget.

Sunglasses: While designer shades can look pretty sleek, $15 ones can too. And since I lose my sunglasses about every 5 minutes, spending hundreds on them seems pretty dumb. Urban has a lot of funky choices that will fit a tight budget.

Gym Membership: Most universities and colleges offer on-campus gyms, but if you’re a graduate, or your school is lacking facilities, take the opportunity to get outside. Spending hundreds on a gym membership is not worth it when you have the great outdoors! Run, walk, hike, or do some at-home workouts—for free! Whatever floats your boat.

For the last few months, every Monday I’ve highlighted a star who I believe epitomizes style, whether because she takes risks and sets trends, or because she puts together simple ensembles that perfectly highlight her assets. In honor of the new year, I thought we should take a trip down fashion memory lane and see some of 2008′s best dressed stars. These ladies are all style icons of our time for different reasons and I’d jump at the opportunity to invade their closets any day. (To see more of these ladies’ perfect fashion choices, click on their pictures!)

1. Anne Hathaway:

Anne’s a new one on best dressed lists this year; in the past she was never really a stand out when it came to fashion/style, but ever since her break up with that loser bf of hers, she’s been shining as bright as can be. Anne makes fashion choices that are edgy yet classic and the gir knows how to play up her beauty. She’s been a great example for women all over the globe that you can come out of a bad relationship better than before, and for that alone she gets major props.

2. Rihanna:

Rihanna is probably the edgiest star on my list. She has a style that’s all her own and she owns it. Even her edgy hair cut has been an inspiration this year. She wears bright colors, interesting cuts, and always looks smokin’. There’s a reason Rihanna was the first person I chose to be a Style Idol; she tells young women that it’s possible to play up your personal, unique style, to make it look fabulous and to have fun doing it.

3. Leighton Meester:

Leighton is another new comer on the fashion scene, but she’s come in with a bang. Known for her preppy Upper East Side look on Gossip Girl, on the red carpet and out & about, Leighton has a fun, flirty style that utilizes classic designers but puts a young & modern twist on their classic styles. Leighton is a gorgeous gal who knows just how to play up her fresh-faced good looks and her beautiful body.

4. Michelle Obama:

This has been a huge year for politics and for the Obamas and Michelle Obama has been in the epicenter of that, not only for her devotion to her family and her husband’s campaign and her calm and cool demeanor, but also for her keen fashion sense. She’s been touted as the Jackie O of our generation and what she plans to wear on inauguration night is the talk of the town. There is no denying that she consistently looks put-together and stylish, but also professional and well-suited to be the President’s wife. She’s also won praise for the fact that many of her fashion choices are in an affordable price range and easily accessible to the average American woman. I must admit that I, too, am eager to see what she dons on January 20th.

5. Heidi Klum:

Last but not least is Heidi Klum. Though she hasn’t been on my Style Idol list (yet), she is constantly photographed looking absolutely gorgeous and glam. Heidi not only has an amazing body for anyone, let alone a mom of 3 (!), she’s got a look about her that is stunning, but has a girl-next-door air that still makes her likable; she is the woman women want to be. She comes across as fun and funny, yet she always looks polished and stylish. It’s no wonder she hosts one of the top fashion shows on television; her personal style, whether in jeans and a tank or a gorgeous John Galliano gown, is one us mere mortals can only hope to obtain.

Who do you think was best dressed this year?

Even if you traded in that hard-earned internship for a paid job delivering pizzas; even if you dropped out of school and stopped paying tuition; even if you sold a kidney, maybe two, on the black market in Thailand you still wouldn’t be able to afford a pair of $14,000 knee high alligator boots from Manolo Blahnik, or a $20,000 Hermes “Birkin” bag.

If you’re a dedicated follower of fashion like me, but poor as hell (like me), you need to know about these discount shopping websites: (In alphabetical order.)

amazon.com This site isn’t just for discounted books anymore. Amazon’s apparel and accessories department offers equally amazing deals on clothing, bags, and shoes from all the top labels. There are deals for every price range from over-the-knee patent boots from Jimmy Choo for $379 ($620 off the original price) to Seven7 skinny jeans for $18, a 70% mark down.

asos.com As Seen on Screen is a British company that specializes in trendy fashion items that are based on (or the same as) items worn by your favorite celebrities. They’ve got ASOS brand leather knee-high gladiators in the style of Ashley Olsen for £55 (about $102), a studded belt identical to the one Carrie wore in the “Sex and the City” movie for £15 (about $28), and an amazing selection of items from independent designers like a sheer chiffon floral top by To Love Kuvaa for £30 (about $56).

cutesygirl.com This site has some of the cheapest designer knock-offs you’ll find anywhere on the web. They’ve got a pair of Lindsay Lohan style liquid leggings for $20 and an adorable cropped houndstooth jacket for only $36.

fashionjunkee.com This is by far the best place to find imitation designer purses. If you’re thousands of miles from Canal Street (or if the idea of Canal Street makes you retch), you’ll love Fashion Junkee. Their “Inspired by Marc Jacobs” Stam bag is a ridiculously low $46, and their “Inspired by Balenciaga” motorcycle bag is only $58 and comes in twenty different colors.

forever21.com This is the store that definitely sucks away the biggest portion of my paycheck. See a plaid Dolce & Gabbana skirt on the fall runway you’re dying to have? Chances are they’ve got a similar item in their store for about a thousand dollars less. But the store can get crowded, and the music they play is annoying, so shopping online is a godsend. They add new merchandise everyday so visit often. Also, be sure to check out their higher end (as in, a few extra Hamiltons) label Twelve by Twelve and their accessories line For Love 21.

knowlabel.com This isn’t a designer label (Know Label, get it?), but if you don’t care what the tag says then this is an amazing website to find high quality clothing at low prices. My favorite items include a little black party dress with rosettes in the style of Philip Lim for $48, and a white silk pleated babydoll top with black ribbon trim that looks like it was taken off the back of Chloe Sevigny, also only $48.

newport-news.com This site is really all about the shoes. They’ve got dresses, bikinis, and lingerie, but these items tend to be for older women, mostly in their 30s. Skip over that stuff and go right to the footwear. They’ve got a pair of studded platform oxford booties currently on sale for $39 (was $49) that I’ve been dying to buy and classic t-strap pumps in a range of colors for only $29.

rustyzipper.com This is like a flea market you don’t have to wake up at 6 AM and drive to. They’ve got hundreds of vintage items for men and women all for around $30. Shoes, pants, dresses, all categorized by style (“Disco,” “Hippie,” etc.) and era (from the 1940s to today).

target.com I try to stay away from actual Target stores because I find that I walk in just trying to buy paper towels and come home with two bras, a pair of jeans, and a George Foreman Grill. I stick to target.com to keep myself from over-shopping and to make sure that what I walk in for is what I walk away with. In recent years they’ve also earned major style points with their Go International designer labels. Currently it’s Richard Chai’s turn, but my favorite was definitely Proenza Schouler’s line. I wear their bustier top all the time!

topshop.com Supposedly the British high street chain Topshop is coming to America, but until it makes it to your city, you’ll have to settle for browsing the runway worthy duds and Kate Moss designed separates online.

Has anyone got a favorite discount shopping site they’d like to add to this list? I’m always looking for new places to burn through my savings.

I found shorts to ride up, leaving me constantly trying to pick a wedgie when no one was looking (yet someone always managed to see). And let’s face it- unless you have legs like Gisele Bundchen walking around on a summer day can be more than quite uncomfortable in a pair of short shorts.

But these past few season’s shorts have been unavoidable. They have been everywhere and they have been CUTE. With heels? Cute. With sandals? Also cute!

Much like that annoying tag-along friend of yours, shorts have found their way into every occasion. From bars to the beach shorts have become appropriate (and trendy) attire.

So it would only be appropriate that before it gets too cold (although I’m sure some freshman girl will be wearing them to the bar- in January- with no coat and you will obviously spend at least five mintues talking about how ridiculous she looks before you realize that you did that too) that I bring you:

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: YOU Wear Short Shorts!

High Waisted jean shorts- High-waisted shorts make your legs look like they go on forever. Not to mention these are so super affordable! So ladies- start NAIR-ing! (Seriously when was the last time you thought about Nair?!)

White button down shirt from the Gap- this also comes in honeysuckle yellow, which I think could be adorable with the shade of the jean shorts. But nevertheless, a good button down is a wardrobe essential. Throw a cami under it and roll up those sleeves.

I know this isn’t in Rhianna’s look, but with September approaching you may need a cute sweater to throw on, in which case I propose this boyfriend cardigan. Leave it unbuttoned for a casual look or button it up and throw a belt around it to keep it more pulled together.

Tote bag- You love me ladies because I always have you in mind! Not only did I find this cute (and cheap!) distressed black tote, but I found another option that is great for all you class-going gals… a fabulous looking black tote that is made for dragging your computer along, too. Holl-er.

Navy Patent Flats. Navy is THE color to have. Okay I know I said last week that Purple is THE color to have. And it is… but so is navy. It’s all about navy’s and purple’s…and patent. And these patent flats are so fab I maaaay just have to order them in Navy. And in yellow. And in gray. (Which are also THE colors to have. Oops.)

Bangles. Throw on what you have or try these adorable enamel big bangles or these small ones from Old Navy. Mix and match- just throw a bunch on and get to class!

Sunglasses. Sure everyone says big sunglasses make you look like a bug, but who cares when they are so cute? Besides, you will need something to hide that hangover from when you decided to hit the bars instead of the books last night… I love these because they are two toned black and green. I also love them because they are cheap. Sold.

What’s so great about this shorts trend is that it’s so easy to take your look from work/class to the beach and then out… take off the button down and flats, throw on a ruffled tank and a pair of wedges and please don’t stop the music!!