So, you’re at the newly refurbished mall with your friends. Some out-of-town architects have tried to give your childhood mall major face lift. It kinda worked, but you still remember when you hung out there and it looked more like a scene from Mall Rats – not exactly the most glamorous image, right?

Anyways, you and your buddies have decided to cruise the new boutiques, while also trying to avoid all the people you hated in high school (thankfully, you were smart and went OUT OF STATE for your college degree). Regardless of how maxed out your credit cards are, or the fact that your bank account is close to being in the negative, you find yourself tempted, enticed, and nearly seduced by the merchandise. That’s when you realize that those architects didn’t do such a bad job after all.

You’re eyeing the new display cases, admiring the artificial, yet calming ambiance, wanting to give into temptation, and, well, just buy a bunch of really nice “stuff.” But resist that temptation, girl! It’s fine to admire things. Hell, go ahead and drool if you like, but spending your money, say, at a place like Nordstrom or Macy’s is just foolish.

These days, you can head to a nearby outlet store or a place like Marshall’s and actually find similar, if not the very same items you found at the nicer stores in the mall. Not only that, it’s going to be a hell of a lot cheaper! Sure, discount stores like Marshall’s can make you feel a little icky (do take a shower afterwards). They don’t after all have gleaming marble floors or overwhelmingly helpful employees, but those types of places are where you find awesome deals and some fabulous, one-of-a-kind pieces.

I was inspired to write this piece because I recently bought the most beautiful mint green jacket. It’s an Oscar de La Renta, and instead of shelling out $800 (yes, darlings, that was its original price) for it, I only paid $90! It’s classic, and is gonna look great with the white dress that I recently purchased on-line – now, I can’t wait for summer! My hunt, of course, isn’t over just yet. I still have to find some hot summer shoes.

Awesome! I can advertise the truth at last!

There’s no shame in being le broke, whether you’re in college or just out of it. The trick is to live it up without blowing through your checking account. Truthfully, the percentage of recent college grads making bank isn’t that high, we just have a lovely little tendency to live beyond our means and lack patience.

Label whores, I address you first. I’m one of you. The trick here is to get the look without going broke. Sales are where it’s at.

Instead of shopping consistently, go less often and go for classic pieces. Hit up outlet malls (there are some fantastic ones out there. In the tri-state area, I fully endorse Woodbury Commons, where I snagged a pair of Dior shades for $60 this summer and have seen BCBG at 75% off), wait until end-of-season, whatever. If it must be designer, you can tough it out until you can afford it. Trendpieces are best left to Forever21 and H&M.

Foodies. After moving to New York I can only aspire to join your ranks. If wining and dining is what you love, you don’t have to give it up entirely; just do it in moderation. Maybe instead of trying all the fancy new restaurants, limit to one a month. Go places where you can share plates with friends or try everyone else’s (tapas is huge right now).

Seriously, you learn to appreciate food if you’ve got to prepare it, and cooking can actually be pretty fun. Plus it ups your value as a roommate. Just try it. You may surprise yourself!

Social butterflies? Leave the top shelf alone. You do not make the kind of money that pays for Grey Goose. Unless it’s a gift, stick to mid-range or even well drinks. Also, I fully endorse pregaming. You can make your drinks as stiff as you like at home and then minimize how many you buy, and how much you tip, at the bar.

Split a cab with friends or make sure there is a sober driver. And by sober I mean SOBER, not “okay after 3 or 4-ish”. If it’s a true college-town, walk it out.

Movie whores? Wait til it comes out on DVD and rent. Actually, only in NY is this truly expensive, so I suggest a movie night out in lieu of a bar night if you want to save cash and relax. Also, make like a little kid and sneak in your own gummy bears to avoid any astronomical concession costs (I must say, though, movie theater popcorn is my personal weakness and worth every penny in my opinion).

Other ideas for saving those dollas and having fun? Tell us what you got!