by LJ Innes

Created on: September 14, 2009   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

Beauty on a Budget: The Single Girl's Guide to Staying Fashionable in a Recession.

No one needs to point out to a single gal that living through a recession can be difficult, especially when you work in an office with executives who aren't feeling the recession as much. When you come to work, you are expected to look good, quaffed and manicured, shoes that don't squeak and outfits that look professional. But with the ever shrinking amount of "disposable" income, what are you to do when the hair needs a dye job, the shoes are all in need of replacement or repair, and the clothes start to look tattered?

The first thing to do, no matter how much or little money you have is to Walk Tall. Whether you're wearing Manolos or flip flops, the first thing people notice is your confidence. Be confident no matter what the outfit, no matter how you feel inside about how you look on the outside, don't show it ... just show confidence. You give off a vibe to the people who are checking you out. Say to yourself - "I have a reason for wearing flip flops that you may not be privy to" - smile, be friendly and walk tall, head high.

Here are some other scenarios you may be facing at the moment, and how to get around them.

Need Hair Dyed:

Quick Fix: Put your hair up for work. Pulling the bangs or front area of your hair back over your part and securing it with a tiny hair clips can conceal roots that would otherwise stand out. Move the clip slightly forward to give hair a little bump. Very fashionable.

Cheap Fix: Buy a box of dye and do it yourself. This can be a bit messy, but take precautions. Have two pairs of clear plastic gloves. One for dying and the other for after the dye has cured and for when you rinse your hair out. Putting on a fresh pair of gloves, prevents those nasty dye stains on your hands, under nails, and everywhere else. Keep the gloves on until you've rinsed out all of the color. Then remove them and give your head another quick scrub with fingers before putting in the conditioner.

Need New Shoes:

Quick Fix: There really is no quick fix for shoes that have a nail for a heel or a ripped seam, you can either balance on the nails, and walk on tip-toes on ceramic floors, or you can wear sneakers and say you forgot your shoes - but that won't last all week.

Cheap Fix: Can't afford a new pair of shoes? Take your shoes to the shoe repair guy. Paying $7 or $8 for new heel covers is much cheaper than buying new shoes, and way cheaper than throwing your back out of whack,

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