The littlest nightingale. A bird and locket necklace.

No. 9, ode to Chanel. A vintage bowed bottle necklace.

Brule bride. A vintage locket necklace.

Start early. I know you hear it every year, but it seriously helps & works. Start picking up gifts for people on your list early in the year and stash them away. That way you’re not hit with so many purchases at one time. Try setting a reminder in your cell phone for early next year to remind you to start putting money away.

Shop the sales; use your frequent buyer programs and coupons. Sign up for discount cards and offers in stores that you plan to shop in. They will likely send you emails, so create an email account just for sale offers and promotions if you don’t want them in your regular email. Stores will often sent out coupons and special offers via email and this can be helpful for shopping as well. Be sure to pay attention to your emails and the sale papers, even though it does take time out of your schedule you can often save a lot of money by reading through offers and shopping the sales.

Save, save, save. I set up a Christmas Club account at my credit union and I’m so happy when it’s time to shop, and the money is there for me. I transfer a predetermined amount to the account at a predetermined interval and the money is automatically transferred to my regular account in November. Just in time for all the sales! Check with your bank or credit union to see if they have similar accounts. If you don’t have access to this type of account, transfer money on your own to a separate savings account each payday in order to prepare yourself for Christmas. Small amounts add up, so just start somewhere.

Utilize the internet. I have said this before and I’ll say it again…I love Amazon.com! They ARE the online marketplace when it comes to steals and deals. Before you head to the store, check out Amazon to see if you can score the same items for cheaper. Free shipping is offered on order over $25 (just allow adequate time) and they often have special offers as well. Also Wal-Mart offers free site to store shipping, so while you may not want to deal with the hassle of scouring the store, buy it online, have it shipped to your local store (for free) and just pick it up. Also check out eBay for great deals on holiday items, especially if you’re looking for something very specific. The internet is also a great place to compare prices and features before heading out to the store so you can determine where to best spend your dollars.

It’s not too late this year to make Christmas shopping still work, make some sacrifices for the next few paychecks and put the money away in a separate account. This will at least give you a small fortune (depending on how much you can sacrifice) to spend on gift shopping.

Get creative with your shopping, instead of spending a lot of money, try to think of gifts that will mean a lot to the people on your list. This may help you cut down on some of your spending and although the gifts won’t cost as much, they’ll be worth more to the recipient.

At all costs, avoid using your credit card for holiday shopping because when it’s all said and done it will likely bring you grief instead of holiday joy.

What other holiday shopping tips and tricks do you have that are {budget}fab*?

Image courtesy of versacreations.net

{budget}fab* is offering 30% off holiday styling sessions for all those in need!  ‘Tis the season to be fab* so why not let the {budget}fab* team ensure that you are the belle of the holiday ball or the most gorgeous hostess at  holiday dinners.  All styling sessions include a free 1 hour consultation so we can determine your personal needs.

{budget}fab* is based in the DC Metropolitan area, but don’t fret.  We can even style you virtually and provide personalized  tips!!

For more information contact us at fashionbailout{at}budgetfab{dot}com.  You will be glad you did!

For more information on our styling services click here.

This film is the work of the folks behind the website BlackandMarriedWithKids.com.  The documentary is an effort to combat negative stereotypes of black marriage and parenting. Couples and experts discuss topics such as the image of black marriages and families, the effect the Obamas will have on marriage in the black community and the importance of parenting.

Click our affiliate link to purchase the DVD.

Old Navy has up to 50% off of their outerwear this week only, check out these {budget}fab* coats: 

Give and Get by Budget Fab featuring Old Navy

What other fab* items did you spot at Old Navy, Banana Republic, Gap, and Athleta to use the Give & Get offer with?

Click here for more information and enjoy!

The always informative Mainstreet.com has a great article on how to get started on applying for a seasonal job early.  Check it out here.

Have you ever done seasonal work to have more cash during a certain time of year?

Jen

Congratulations!!!!

On {budget}fab*…

• Looking for more ways to pinch pennies?  Try avoiding vending machines.
• Are you a Christian Siriano of Project Runway fan?  Looking for help to develop a personal style?  Need something to read?  Check out Fierce Style by Christian Siriano.
• Here are some fab* tips on getting a great fall/winter coat that will keep you warm without adding too much bulk.

Other {blog}fab*…

• Have a coat from last season you love?  Give it new life with these suggestions from The Personal Style Consultant.
• Check out a super simple, super cute DIY table number project on Style Me Pretty.
• DC area folks, Gossip on 23rd, a fab* boutique in Arlington, is having a two-year anniversary party.  Visit The Capitol Fashionista for details.  If you do decide to go, we’ll see you there!

image via theybf.com

Serena Williams looked amazing while at Harrod’s in London pubbing her new book.  Create this look for yourself for less!

• Turtleneck dress, $36.00
• Oval locket necklace, $5.80
• Leggings, $7.99
• Velvet boots, $30.80