In the meantime, my search for the perfect costume is greatly aided by all the fabulous “sexy” don’ts we’re getting from you, our lovely readers. You know what not to wear…and maybe that $100 prize from American Apparel will help you guys put together the best costume on campus.  Or you can just buy fabulous tee shirts to wear to class.

There’s still time to enter our contest, but first be sure you haven’t missed any of the week’s most major stories:

-One Duke Student took kissing and telling to a whole new level.

-But before there was a Duke F*ck List, CC writers were getting busy in public.  Read one writer’s take on the experience.

-Rite-Aid becomes a whole new kind of treasure chest as we reveal all the different ways you can use cheap, common pharmacy items in new ways!

- We lusted for Austin, TX! And we think you totally should, too.

- Yup, procrastination still sucks.  But does it suck more than that ten-page history paper?

- Speaking of procrastination, we’ve got just the tool to help you do it right.

- Our resident sorority girl helped us navigate those often-tricky date parties.  Tip: Don’t ditch your man.

- So long teen years!  We don’t miss you at all.

- We tried to figure out why men think they’re just so damn good at sex while we’re left a little blah…

- Looking ahead to the holidays, the journey home can be very traumatic.  Especially when you’re trying to please everyone.

After struggling fiercely in college to stay off the streets (I’m not exactly Mrs. Bill Gates) I’ve come to discover that tons of your everyday cheapo toiletries have tons of additional uses. Next to  Rachel Zoe re-runs and chocolate chip cookies, the dollar aisle that’s located in every drug store should be every college girl’s best friend. Who needs all of that expensive Sephora stuff when you have the budget of a homeless man paired with the crafty mind of a student]?

It’s time to take a trip to the toiletry dollar aisle, people. It’s a party back there.

[Click on any image to see the gallery!]

So there you have it. Ten cheap items that will save you tons of dough. Do you know of more products with even more uses? Let us know!

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.

Makeup cases have come a long way since your 6th grade pink plastic Caboodle and I’m not going to criticize you if you still have it sitting on your dresser, but perhaps you could upgrade your travel style for this occasion. Below are some great cases and bags to help bring your necessities abroad.

Mark expandable black cosmetics case- by Avon- $12: This compact black case has an adorable pink lining and with one zip it expands even further to store more beauty supplies. It is super cheap and even includes a pocket to store full sized brushes.

Bare Escentuals Wine Train Case- $40: This train case can store your makeup at home and also on-the-go. The plastic storage unit inside comes out so that it can be cleaned. It is made of shiny, merlot-colored, polka dotted fabric and is perfect for storing all kinds of makeup and brushes.

e.l.f Metallic makeup organizer- $10: Like all things e.l.f, this makeup organizer is cute and cheap. It has magnetic closure and several pockets, and comes in four metallic shades…I’d go with bronze to match your beach tan.

Kate Spade Lawn Chair Cosmetics Case- $93.99: If you have the money to splurge, this Kate Spade bag is gorgeous and will prove to be a good purchase for years to come. At Overstock.com this bag is cheaper than usual and is pretty large so it can store your other toiletry needs as well.

Betseyville On The Prowl Cosmetics Case- $16.99: This Betsey Johnson colorful zebra printed cosmetics case is super small, so it’s probably better for weekend trips. So if you’ve got a short trip planned this break, check it out.

Vera Bradley Travel Cosmetics Case- $48: This makeup case is really roomy with 8 divided areas. Like all Vera Bradley items, this case is bright and springy and comes in 21 patterns.

Another travel tip: When you don’t want to carry your big shampoo bottles and hair gels check out these mini plastic cases from the container store. They are sturdy, perfectly sized, and super cheap. Get a mini shampoo bottle for only $1.29. Just remember to check all these items at the airport- 3oz is the liquid maximum for carry on bags! Have fun ladies, I’ll be thinking of you as I suffer in this north east tundra…