~*♥*~Cheapanista~*♥*~

I enjoy beauty treatments almost as much as I enjoy spending money wisely and paying less whenever I can. And if like me, your name isn't Elin Nordegren and you didn't just receive a $750 divorce settlement, chances are you do too. For the longest time, I spent money on my hair, nails and other necesitties without a care simply because I could afford it. But not anymore.

HAIR & NAILS
When my hair is not braided or weaved- which is always free courtesy of my mother, I spent $180 to have it washed and blown just the way I like with an additional $172 for French Mani/Pedis at a local nail spa- excluding tips. It's not a lot considering that it only adds up to $352 for an eight week period, but as the queen of thrifty I knew I could do better.

I recently started going to my local Cosmetology school to get my hair and nails done. And for the ridiculous prices they offer these services for, I don't mind that under the (close) supervision of a licensed cosmetologist, a student will wash, blow and iron or curl my hair for the amazingly low price of $11 and a quality hot oil french manicure costs me $5.


BODY & SKIN
I grew up in Dakar,Senegal- where exfoliating skin in the shower is a daily routine. I still use the same scrubbing fishnets (sprinkled with baby oil) I used to whether I am taking a shower or a bath. But the one thing that always changes is the shower gel I fall in love with. My recent favorite was Bath & Body Works' $10.50 per 10 oz. That is until I discovered the better and much cheaper- at a mere $3.49 per 12 oz. version from Suave.


MIND & SOUL
It's true that the best things in life are free and when it comes down to it nothing beats borrowing a must read book or the latest DVD release from the Library. Share

When it comes to feet,Sam Edelman shoes are some of the most fashionable and comfortable shoes on the planet. For the longest time, I've dreamt of owning a few pairs but just couldn't justify the prices to myself. Well, on one of my recent trips to a discount retail, I stumbled upon cheapanista heaven. Rows, upon rows of Sam Edelman, L.A.M.B, Coach and Michael Kors shoes at prices so low only Marshalls' could pull this off. Since I live in the beautiful State of Massachusetts where there are no sales taxes on shoes and clothing (I know you are jealous now), I bought the above pair on sale for $44. I love my Sammies so much I still keep them in the box when unworn.

But to be honest, the best part about owning a pair of the Daria sandals isn't the many compliments I get every time I step out in them or how beautiful they are ( and make my feet look). It's that at this very moment, they are still being sold at retail stores for $125 and up. So take that Sam Edelman. I ♥ you, but as a true cheapanista, I don't love you enough to give you more money than I really have to.

There are a lot of places online and off where you can find the same great shoes cheaper than at department or specialty stores. If the thought of waiting for a layaway to clear makes you wanna hurl, then look for places like HSN and QVC. They offer high quality products (anything from Kitchenware to designer duds) with flexpay options. And nothing beats cheap, interest free monthly payments. Share

The heat was killing me. So if you can pick your jaw off the floor and ignore the chicken legs long enough, you will notice that the print on the dress is almost a perfect match to the one on my shoes. While I found them both at Marshall's, the Max Studio dress was only $40 and my Guess? cork wedges were on sale for $30. My earrings (Gold, Silver and Gun Metal) are from a wholesale jewelry store in NYC and cost me about $5. Not bad for a day of dressing on the cheap, don’t you think? Share