Shoshanna' Marrakesh Embroidered Dolman Dress says global chic, but the pricetag is oh-so-steep. Either stalk this stunner until it goes on sale, or pick up Forever 21's China Pattern Dress now for less. Finish the look with a pair of versatile gladiator-inspired wedge sandals, like these ELLE Aphrodite Wedge Sandals on sale at Kohl's.

In an effort to cut back on beauty expenses, The Budget Beauty Babe reviews a how-to-do-your-own-hair DVD. —BB


by The Budget Beauty Babe
Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to see Confessions of a Shopaholic (great movie, I recommend it if you haven’t seen it) and it got me thinking: In what ways can women cut back in this economy in order to save some money? Like, reeeally save some serious cash?

A couple of years ago, when my own finances were particularly tight, I decided to start cutting and coloring my own hair. When I received really positive feedback about how my hair looked, I realized what a good idea it was, and I stuck with it. While this method of saving a buck may not be for everyone, I suggest toying with the idea at least for a moment to see if there’s a chance you can’t do at least one thing at home and save some cash.

Today's sales at Gilt Groupe include a Winter Accessories Sale (featuring hat designer-to-the-stars Eugenia Kim), Ben-Amun jewelry (and you thought Erickson Beamon for Target was expensive!), Michelle Vale Handbags, and Effortless Outfitting. All sales start today, Thursday 2/27 at 12 PM ET. Use this link to join the sales: http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe

At first glance, you might think you're looking at a pair of matching shoes, but you'd be mistaken: The shoe on the left is by Nine West, it's called the Lawrence Pump and it retails for $78.95 at Endless.com. The shoe on the right is available at Target (I should know, I bought them less than two weeks ago!), it's called the Pari by Mossimo and sells for $29.99. I really love this style shoe, it's subdued enough for the office yet fun enough for drinks after. And amidst a flurry of strappy gladiators and cage heels (many of which are undeniably fierce), this shoe doesn't scream trend whore. It just whispers, tee.

Left: Nine West Lawrence Pump, $78.85 at Endless.com
Right: Mossimo Pari Sandal, $29.99 at Target.com

Forever 21 has just launched their new swimwear collection, and there are some really cute pieces. There's a limited selection of styles available online, plus more styles in stores. Prices range from $12.80 each for bikini tops and bottoms to $22.80 for a monokini. I never felt it was reasonable to pay a lot of money for a tiny scrap of fabric that just barely covers your lady parts, so I think beach babes should definitely check out this collection for inexpensive swimwear. Keep reading for more pics. Thanks to reader Alison Y. for the tip!