Isn’t it the best when you go shopping and get a ton of awesome stuff at great prices? Hayley did some thrift store shopping recently and she was able to make some fabulous purchases on the cheap. Now she wants to share what she bought with all of you!

So what exactly did Hayley buy during her thrifting adventure? Watch the video now to find out! Oh, and if you’re interested in following Hayley’s example, be sure to check out our thrift store shopping tips! Of course, be back again tomorrow afternoon for another new episode of What’s Up With Hayley!

Have you ever gone shopping at a thrift store? What did you buy when you went thrifting? Tell us in the comments!

Hayley looks up sexy words on Urban Dictionary.

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That said, there is definitely a way that you can do prom on the cheap and still have things be as glamorous as ever. It usually just takes a little bit of work and patience to hunt for sales and get everything squared away while sticking to your budget during your prom preparation.

But let’s be honest, us lazy girls want immediate satisfaction and zero effort. Well, there are still definitely ways to do prom on a low-budget… like, a very low budget. While I can’t promise the same results as a plan that’s been put in place for weeks and weeks leading up until prom, here are ten ways to have the effortless and cheap prom of your dreams.

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Achieve Big Hair

Big hair is a fun look for prom, so instead of spending hours with the curling iron and emptying cans of hairspray, just quit washing your hair in those two weeks up to prom. Not only will you save money on your usual shampoo and conditioner, but as it becomes more of a tangled, gnarly mess, you'll basically have the big beehive (or is it birds nest?) hair you've always wanted for prom without salon prices.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Delicious Makeup

Makeup can be pricey, but really what is it more than just adding a little decoration to your face? For a low-cost option, just don't be so picky when you're eating pre-prom. That blue cake frosting will totally make your eyes pop and that juice lingering around your mouth will make for wonderful lipstick. You get to be a messy eater and have a colorfully adorned face in one? Nailed it.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Get Social Media Savvy

So there's this trend of people posting their prom dress pictures online so nobody wears the same dress, right? Well once your friend buys her non-refundable gown, casually mention how you think you saw someone from school post that exact same one. Okay, you may need to create a fake profile to "prove" this is a "true" story, but when she goes out to buy a brand-new prom, she surely won't let that "duplicate" dress go to waste. Oh, did you want a free prom dress for being such a good friend? Why sure!

Source: Shutterstock.com

DIY Glitter Everywhere

You could delicately glue individual sequins onto a dress for DIY glam, but let's speed up the process. Just totally dunk a plain dress you have lying around into a big vat of glue, then roll it into a big pile of glitter. That's basically how glitter clothes get made, right? Make sure you time it perfectly so you're not completely drenched in glue when you put on the dress, but it also hasn't dried in a hard slab of fabric that rains glitter everywhere and has no arm holes any more.

Sources: Shutterstock.com (Glue & Glitter)

The Art Of Draping

Pull a Maria von Trapp, and use the fabric you have hung up as your curtains as ready-to-go dress fabric. If I've learned anything from Project Runway, it's that draping is very elegant, so just figure out a way to envelope yourself in that fabric (maybe shake out the dust first) and you'll surely have a very elegant, no-sew prom dress. Be like Maria and then make outfits for eight of your friends, too!

Source: Shutterstock.com

A Chauffeur Alternative

Can't afford a limo for prom? That doesn't mean you still can't have a driver! Conveniently forget to put gas in the car and realize you need to call a tow truck in order to get to prom. It's basically like having a chauffeur, without needing to book that limo in advance!

Source: Shutterstock.com

Corsage Chic

Corsages and boutonnieres are deceptively expensive. While we have a fabulous tutorial for a DIY corsage, you can make things even cheaper by just getting creative with your greens. Cauliflower sort of looks like a blooming flower, so just stick last night's leftovers on your wrist for a low-cost corsage. Pull a dandelion up at the roots to pin on as a guy's boutonniere - I mean, a little dirt won't hurt! All free.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Rock Some Rocks

Definitely brag about all the "rocks" you'll be wearing to prom. Sure, people might think you mean giant, blinged-out gems, but no, just really bring some literal rocks. They are way cheaper (just grab a few in your driveway), plus you'll look totally unique. Glue a couple to a chain and you have a glam necklace and I bet nobody will be able to tell the difference between your rocks and your friend's giant diamond earrings.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Glide In Style

Why buy shoes for prom if they'll be hidden under a long dress? The solution is to rock those old inline skates you have laying your basement. They're free, you'll get the same height as your heels and it minimizes how much you'll have to move your feet around on the dance floor (hooray for laziness!). Plus, you'll literally look like you are gliding across the room and that's pretty much the ultimate goal in pageantry. Such an elegant, low-cost choice.

Source: Shutterstock.com

Be A Trendsetter

Just skip all the fanfare and wear your regular digs to prom. That cuts down on your time spent prepping (time is money, people!) and people will probably see you as an avant-garde trendsetter. Plus, if you went for a real cheap prom and didn't even buy a ticket, it'll be easy to stealthily get into the dance if you're wearing regular clothes and not a poofy dress.

Source: Shutterstock.com

How much money are you planning to spend on prom? Want are some real ways that you think you can save money on prom this year? Tell us in the comments!

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Source: ShutterStock

Aw, girl! Hold on, I’m just giving you a virtual hug. Okay, now onto the advice.

I think it’s super sweet that you want to help your parents out with their financial problems. Money issues are never fun and they can hurt a family a lot. It’s so great that you’re willing to help your parents and offer them some of your money. However, here’s the thing: this isn’t your responsibility.

I’m not saying that your parents should have to deal with this completely on their own and I’m not saying that there aren’t some things you can do to help. All I’m saying is that I don’t want you to carry this burden on your back. Unfortunately, unless you win the lottery, there isn’t much you can do right now to relieve your parents’ debt. That’s something they need to figure out between themselves. As a teen, you don’t need the stress of these financial problems on top of the stress of everything else you have to worry about – school, friends, crushes, whatever.

That being said, there are a few things you can do to make things easier for your parents. Is it possible for you to get a part-time job? Only do this if you have time and it’s not going to completely interfere with school. One great idea for a job is babysitting – it’s easy to work around, you get to hang out with kids and you can usually make a pretty decent amount of money. Find out if you have any relatives, friends or neighbors who need a babysitter and ask them to spread the word that you’re looking. If you’re old enough, try getting a job in a clothing store, restaurant or anywhere else you hang out.

If you’re not old enough for a job or you just don’t have the time, then the only thing you can do is try not asking your parents for money unless you absolutely need it. I know that can be super hard, especially if your friends are always getting new clothes and tech stuff. I’m not saying you should never ask your parents for money – just maybe hold off on trying to buy a new iPad or that new jacket you don’t really need.

In the end, just remember what I said above: this isn’t your responsibility. If you can help a little, that’s great – I’m sure your parents will appreciate it and any little bit counts. But if you can’t, don’t stress. Even if they seem angry and frustrated, your parents know that this isn’t your fault and they’re not blaming you for anything. If you’re really upset about this, talk to them and let them reassure you.

take care,
Heather

What’s on your mind? Heather can help! Send her your question at heather@gurl.com

If your parents pay for school, does that mean you’ll get better grades?

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Do you waste your money?

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How Do You Spend Money

1. Eat in

Rather than hurting your wallet with the constant expense of dining out, head to the nearest grocery store to stock up on treats that will last you through the week. It doesn’t have to affect your time with friends either. Instead of meeting them at the dining hall, invite them over for a nice home cooked meal.

2. Avoid Your Campus Bookstore

Actually, try to avoid anything you can buy at school. Both public and private schools jack up the prices of practically everything. Not only are textbook prices more expensive, but so is everything else (Trust us, that loose leaf paper is so much cheaper at Walgreens). For your books, sites like Chegg and eCampus are incredible money-savers because you can rent books for up to 90% off the retail price. Plus you won’t have to worry about the sellback process at the end of the semester.

3. Bring the Movie Theater to You

Do you know how much a trip to the movies costs now? About the same amount as purchasing three previously-used flicks at an FYE or an online video store. gURL, that’s a little insane. Think about that next time Friday night rolls around, especially since most colleges show the same films for movie nights only a month or two later… for free!

4. Walk

It may sound simple, but this is actually one of the biggest money-saving tips. Whether you take public transportation or drive your own car, it all adds up to big bucks if you don’t use your feet – or even a bike. So if you normally drive across campus to go to your friends’ dorms, don’t be lazy. This is the perfect way to save some extra cash and get a mini-workout along the way.

5. Share Your Dorm

The idea of a single room all to yourself can be tempting as you progress through school. No one really wants to share a room if they don’t have to. But even if you can afford a single, the more people you share a space with, the cheaper it will be. And this doesn’t just apply to dorms – off-campus housing works the exact same way. Is it inconvenient? At times. Is it worth it? More often than not.

6. Skip the Gym

No, we’re not saying you should give up on fitness completely. Instead, try to get your workout in at the school gym or in a park. This way you can skip the overpriced gym membership (and never have to worry about the sweaty/creepy old guy on the elliptical next to you).

7. Make Your Own Coffee

Before a long, dragged-out school day, it can be tempting (and way faster) to pop into a Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks, order a Venti espresso and be on your way. However, if you wake up a mere five minutes earlier, you can make yourself the same piping hot caffeinated beverage for a fraction of the price.

WDYT, gURLs? Are these realistic for your lifestyle? Have any of your own school money-saving tips? Discuss below.