Dear Budget Babe,
I love shopping online at UK retailers such as TopShop but I have trouble converting pounds to dollars. As a result, I end up spending much more than I bargained for! What's the easiest way for a computationally-challenged gal to, well, do the math? — Twiggy

BB: These days, you don't have to be a jet-setter to shop overseas - purchasing fashionable fineries from around the world can be achieved with the click of a mouse. It's important, however, to pay close attention to shipping costs, return policies, and to know exactly how much you're spending when you're not dealing with familiar dollars and cents.

"Guesstimating" is great, but for a foolproof way to convert currencies down to the penny, head to (where else?) Google: Simply enter the conversion you'd like done into the Google search box and hit "Enter" or click the Google Search button.

Here are some sample queries:

£45.00 in dollars
37 british money to US money
20.50 pounds in U.S. dollars
98 euros to British pounds

Number-crunching was never so simple - or so chic.


Got a question for The Budget Babe? E-mail us at info(at)thebudgetbabe.com

UPDATE: And the winner of our Airwalk contest is.......Jennifer Gann!! Congratulations, Jennifer, and a great big thank you to all 244 people who participated.



PLEASE NOTE: This contest has ended.

Kick off the New Year in some free kicks! Tell us whether you prefer shoes that slip on OR lace up in the comment section below and one lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive this brand new pair of women's SIZE 8 Airwalk sneaks! (Note: This is the only pair - no other sizes or styles are available for this giveaway.)

This fresh Limited Edition Airwalk style features a red heart-n-dagger emblem on the toe with a ribbon banner that reads, "1986 - Airwalk," commemorating the year that the popular boardsport fashion brand got its start.

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Contest is only open to residents living in the United States or Canada. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on January 4 to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced on January 5. Good luck!

Special thanks to Eileen from Turner PR for making this contest possible!

Victoria's Secret's Semi-Annual Sale is going on now. Time to trade those mismatched sweats you've been sleeping in for a cheerful and snuggly set of thermal long jane pajamas, on sale for $29.99. And you just can't go wrong with Victoria's Secret Pink classic bikinis, now just 5 for $25. Tip: It's a smart idea to routinely go through your undergarment drawer and purge anything that isn't in tip-top shape, so now's a great time to stock up and say, "Out with the old and in with the new!" Plus, if you've been considering getting in step with the popular rain boot - or wellie - trend, cop a pair of these eye-catching Rubber rain boots, on clearance for just $14.99.

Sale details...
Sleepwear: 25%-60% off
Clothing: Up to 50% off
Bras: $12.99 and up
Panties: $3.99 and up
Shoes: Up to 50% off over 250 styles

Got something to say about Victoria's Secret? Share it here. >>

Kohls: Two-Day New Year's Sale. Prices good Tuesday and Wednesday only.
UrbanOutfitters: Take an additional 25% off what's already on sale. Offer ends Sunday.
Bloomingdale's: The After Christmas Sale. Extra 50% off a great selection of already reduced merchandise in Sales & Values through January 1st.
Neiman Marcus: Take an extra 50% off sale items during their After Christmas Sale. Ends 1/4/08 at 8 AM CT.
E.l.f.: Get a free Candy Shop lip tin in Cherry Bomb with your next purchase of $25 or more now through January 15th. Enter code EGTINBM
ALSO Enjoy a one-year subscription to Working Mother magazine included with your purchase of $20 or more, a $9.99 value.
Target: Last chance to shop GO Designer Erin Fetherston, departing 1/5/08.
Aerosoles: Through 1/1/08, get $20 off any footwear purchase of $100 or more with promo code GFT2X7. Plus, save up to 70% on end-of-season clearance items and get free shipping on every order.
eLuxury.com: Take an additional 30% off all sale items.
Nordstrom: Online winter savings of 33% off or more.
Macy's: After Christmas Sale, save 20-65% off select styles.
Anthropologie: Annual Boxing Day Sale, save on apparel, accessories, shoes and more.
Shopbop: Shop new markdowns in their sale department and designer boutique.
JCPenney: Save 50-70% off during their after Christmas clearance sale.

Plus, don't miss these upcoming Gilt Groupe sales (Aren't a member yet? Get your exclusive Budget Babe reader VIP invite here.):

• Hollywould footwear on January 8th at 11:00 a.m. EST


• Earnest Sewn denim on January 9th at 12:00 p.m. EST


• Natori lingerie on January 10th at 11:00 a.m. EST.

At the start of the New Year, it's customary to pause and consider where we've been and where we'd like to go. New Year's resolutions come into play as we set a course for a better and brighter future - and that includes upping the ante when it comes to our personal style, health and beauty. Why not pledge to make this year your most fabulous year to date? Here are a few suggestions to help get you inspired:

• Reduce your credit card debt. We all know what it feels like to have a hefty credit card balance looming over you - it makes you anxious, upset and less able to enjoy shopping when you know you shouldn't be. So why not tackle it once and for all? Begin by paying more than the minimum payment required each month, on time. Cut up your current cards or hide them so you won't be tempted to use them (just don't cancel your accounts as you'll still need these to build good credit).


• Quit an ugly habit like nail biting or smoking. We know it's tough and won't happen overnight, but offer these suggestions: Go for manicures to lessen the temptation to bite your nails. Find a support network to help you kick that smoking habit for good. Replace your bad habits with something positive instead.


• Experiment with new fashions or beauty routines. In addition to the usual style ruts to which we all succumb, many of us feel obligated or pressured to dress a certain way all the time - perhaps it's what others expect of us, or the sole way that we imagine seeing ourselves. Give yourself permission to branch out and be fearless with fashion, even if it means ruffling some feathers and getting questioned by family and friends.


• Adopt one healthier eating habit and one healthier exercise habit. Rather than set yourself up for failure with some unrealistic fitness goal, why not take just one small step (that will yield big results over time) towards better health? For instance, consider eliminating soda from your diet, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.


• Organize your closet. Was there ever a more daunting obstacle? Overcome this Herculean task with the proper storage containers - shelving, shoe bins, padded hangers and the like. Take stock of what you own and then edit, edit, edit!


...and of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!