I am a major-league cheapskate, so I have always liked to stretch my dollars like they’re Gumby figurines. Now that the economy is sinking like an anchor, I have collected a few more tips to stretch them even further. And I’m happy to share.

1. Reuse plastic bags.

Does this seem like a no-brainer? I hope not, because for the longest time it just didn’t occur to me. You can reuse plastic grocery bags to carry your lunch (or various other sundries). You can also reuse plastic Ziploc bags—unless I’ve filled them with raw meat, I just rinse the bags with soapy water, run clean water over them, and let them dry. Ta-da! Ready to be used again.

2. Shop thrift.

You guys probably do this anyway, but try doing it exclusively for a month, just to see what happens. For clothes, shoes, and accessories only, pick up everything you need or want at thrift stores, secondhand shops, or consignment stores. You’d be amazed at some of the great stuff you can find. Last month I picked up a brand-new French Connection dress at a thrift shop for six bucks, no joke. Read More »

Cute, yellow, cheap. In other words, perfect.

I like this dress because it looks so easy. It’s so put-together without any mess.

And, again. Mustard yellow. Need I say more? Read More »

I love me some Forever 21.

When I have a bad day, I’ll stop by their two-story store in Union Square and buy myself an adorable will-rip-in-three-weeks-but-who-cares- because-it’s-so-adorable shirt. When I have a good day, I’ll push through the crowds on Broadway and purchase a bright sweater that 17 other girls probably have, but because it’s so bright and cute, I don’t care. Yes, Forever 21 is my fountain of cheap and trendy.

But it may also be my Bible Study Group in disguise.

What am I talking about, you ask? Well, the other day, after throwing one of their trademarked yellow shopping bags onto my bed, I happened to catch a glimpse of the underside of said bag. What I saw there stopped my spiritual- yet-vehemently-non- organized-religious heart dead.

John 3:16.

There it was, in tiny, black letters. A Bible verse. A freaking Bible verse! Read More »

Living in New York City, I’m the kind of girl who needs to carry my life around with me in one huge bag. I’m like Mary Poppins, if you need it I have it!

So if there’s one thing I know it’s come Fall weather, it’s super important to be prepared. This means a good (preferably long) sweater, a cute hat, an umbrella…and a pair of galoshes!

If you make like a Boy Scout you’ll never find yourself to be uncomfortable. Taking off layers is way better than shivering on the street corner, cursing your wet feet.

But here’s a question: why are people still buying designer rainboots? They are a huge waste of money, no matter how important you think being trendy is. It’s much easier (and easier on your wallet) to go to the shoe store–Payless works–and pick up a pair for $20.

A smarter fall splurge? A raincoat!

Picking the perfect jacket for the fall is way more important than picking out what goes on your feet…a coat is practically your outfit when the weather turns gray.

Why not buy something to last? Check out Burberry or Gucci or you just have to go the designer route, if not there are other more…eccentric jackets that will make you stand out from the masses this fall. Read More »

Moving SUCKS. In any capacity, really — from apartment to apartment, dorm room to home room, home room to dorm room, even across a room. Generally, I try to move as little as possible.

So when I was told by my landlord that I needed to be out of my apartment by May 31st because of “renovations,” I was a little upset. To add insult to injury, the landlord also informed me that these “renovations,” which include but are not limited to things like granite countertops and slate flooring (things a college student really needs!), would cause my little studio’s rent to increase by $150.

Not. Cool. I had no choice but to move.

Despite my bitterness over being uprooted so suddenly and heartlessly, I tried not let the situation stress me out. The entire year, I had prided myself on living lightly, frugally — It seemed as if my only possessions were a frying pan, a laptop, and a rainbow assortment of tank tops. Moving, I thought, would be a cinch. Just throw everything into a box and haul ass. Read More »