Need Advice for Great Shopping Places on a Budget.

I have to tell you that I love thrift stores. I know you are probably thinking 'yuck', but I am a very tasteful sustah and I like dressing uniquely.

I really love Burlington Coat Factory for clothes, shoes and accessories!

I go to Ross and Target for the clothes. Target isn't as cheap as they used to be but have a great return policy so If I don't really like it when I get home, I just return it. They so have a great clearance rack though so you might find what you're looking for that's inexpensive. As far as make-up, I've been saving couplons for Loreal and stuff like that and have been buying that at Target as well. Mostly, my make up consists of purple or green eye liner and mascara and I will admit that I haven't found a make-up that I really am in love with, but at least I have found something that is doable. I do miss the days that I used to but Lancome or Clinique and loved my eyeliners, but those days are not today!! I like getting my legs waxed so I look for Groupons, Living Social, and I got a amazing one from San Diego Deals. If you are interested, shoot me a email off line and I can send you a link. Some of them give a referral bonus.

Feel GREAT about yourself! You're starting the process and doing a wonderful job!!

Marshalls and TJMax are carrying a lot of good brands of clothing. I love to shop there.

Check out Kolhs. They have a nice selection of clothes and jewelry at great prices and they always have discounts. If you sign up on line you will get email discounts.

The large discount stores are really getting into what is current! The clothes might not be the best quality (you won't find a coat you can wear for 20 years), but they work for our situation. I would suggest getting basics though, so you can mix and match outfits and get the most bang out of your money. Try Walmart, Target, Kmart, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory etc. You should be able to find clothes, shoes, and jewelry there.

As for makeup, you can get that at those too, or drugstores. You can always go to a department store and get a makeover done, and the lady will explain what works for you. I would suggest buying at least one small item from her though, for her time. Then you can take what you have learned and go to an inexpensive store for the rest. You have to know your skin though. If your skin is very sensitive, and you are wanting a foundation or powder for it, you might want to get a more expensive brand that is hypoallergenic or otherwise designed for sensitive skin. You can even get these at drugstores, but they won't be the absolute cheapest there.

As for salons, you can go to a super cuts or fantastic sams or other chain. Wash your hair before you leave, and let them know you so not want a wash. This will cut the cost down. Also, It will cut the cost more if you do not have it blowdried/styled, but I do not recommend this if you are getting anything other than a straight cut. You want to see the final result of the cut, and it will look different when it is wet. Another option is to go to beauty/ cosmotology schools (Marinellos, or a community college). This will be very inexpensive, but it will take FOREVER for any service you want done. The students are really careful of what they are doing because they are still learning. You have to be willing to put yourself in the hands of the student, but don't worry too much because the teachers are right there to correct anything if it needs it.

Sign up for LivingSocial and Groupon emails. Both of them allow you to specify the area you live in. Then wait for the great deals. I see deals ALL of the time for salons.

And, find the thrift stores in your area. Or if there's a nearby area that's a little more upscale, it might have better stuff. We find the greatest deals at thrift store. I found a rarely used expensive name brand purse for $7. And my younger daughter likes Justice brand which can get pricey, I've been finding for just a few bucks. We recently bought her a great coat for her halloween costume - $5! And, our thrift store also has jewelry!!

Payless shoes is cheap for shoes.

Also, Ulta doesn't have the greatest prices for makeup except for when they have sales. Currently running a buy 2 get 2 free deal with free shipping if you spend $25. http://www.ulta.com/images/marketing/weekly_2012/wk4012/w...

Take care of yourself.

I just want to say KUIDOS to you .... this is the first step for YOU - you deserve it and your family deserves it .... foremost YOU! You will be amazed at what a cute outfit and a little lipgloss will do!! I also think the TJMAXX/Marshalls are great places to start - also Target - they have great return policies incase you aren't quite in the mood to try on there - i like the idea about going to a dept store to get your make up done then by what you like ..... CVS/Target and Rite Aid - even Walgreens have sales all the time - you can try and if you dont like - you can return that too ..... good luck!! I am proud of you .....

I like Old Navy and Forever 21 for inexpensive clothes. No, they're not going to last for a long time, but they're cute and they're cheap and make you feel a little fun. Target too. And no, I'm not a tiny little thing. I'm 42 and a size 8/10;)

I second going to cosmetology schools for pedicures/manicures. I'm a stickler about my hair though, so I do pay a lot for that. Have you thought about looking on Groupon? There are some nice salons that offer services at a discount by their new stylists. Sometimes, the stylists aren't "new"/straight out of school, but might just have moved here and are trying to build up their clientele.

Good job trying to take care of yourself so that you feel good;)

See if there is a Fashion Q near you - cheap clothes but some cute stuff. Also, go online to Old Navy and check out the sale section regularly - it is hit or miss but great deals. I used to get brows/lip waxed but it needed to be cut out of the budget so I've been using the Olay cream hair removal - pretty good stuff. Good for you for taking care of your self and have fun!