When did being a woman become so expensive? Even the basic beauty routine can put a hurting on the pocketbook these days, and if you've got an addiction to something like nail polish (guiltily raises her hands), you might as well just tell the accounting department to divert a chunk of your paycheck to the local beauty store.

Unless, that is, you are a devotee of the beauty hack? I'm talking about the little tricks that help you cut corners -- and costs!

Oh how I love the Oscars! My favorite part is the pre-show red carpet, especially during those years when the celebs get really wild, bold or weird (remember Bjork’s swan dress?). Last night there were tons of gorgeous gowns, but nothing really surprising, except when I heard Helen Hunt tell Ryan Seacrest who designed her dress ... H&M!

Say wha? Seacrest looked pretty astonished too, and Hunt laughed, "Isn't that sexy?" Well, yes, yes it is Helen! Affordable fashion is always sexy, right ladeez? Hmm -- hold that “affordable” thought...  

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the holiday battle of the bulge has officially begun. Oh yeah, you know what I'm talkin' about. The pants are a little tighter, you're opting for cozy sweaters, and although you're super excited about that holiday party coming up -- you're dreading slipping into something a little more ... revealing.

Heck, I'm right there with ya. We've already tackled holiday dresses that hide winter weight, now it's time to talk accessories. Yes, you heard that right. The right accessories can help you look trim this holiday season, and I'm not just talking about a brand new pair of Spanx. Check out 5 slimming accessories to complete your holiday look:

I'm just going to cut to the chase here, ladies.

Target and Neiman Marcus have partnered for a holiday design collection and I AM DROOLING.

The collection includes clothing and accessories created by 24 of the world's top designers for men, women, and children, as well as other holiday gift items.

To give you an idea of the designs, just LOOK at this $99.99 Robert Rodriguez dress! Is it not TO DIE FOR?

Keep reading to see more of my favorite selections, and to find out when the collection will be available!

At my polling place today, as far as I could tell, they did NOT have "I Voted" stickers. And for that, I'm all sorts of bummed, because as it turns out, waltzing around with that simple declaration will score you some SUPER deals. It's not just restaurants rewarding us for participating in our democracy with freebies and discounts galore ...

Retail stores and shopping websites are getting in on the fun, too, offering 20-50 percent off some of the season's cutest styles to celebrate Election Day! (And don't worry, depending on the store, you don't necessarily have to show proof of having hit the polls. But surely, it wouldn't hurt to get out there and VOTE!)

Believe it or not, the holiday shopping season is upon us. Even though many of us didn't even get to soak up the Halloween season thanks to Hurricane Sandy, it's time to shift gears and prepare to fill our bellies up and empty out our pockets ... and our piggy banks ... and our savings accounts. But believe it or not, there are a helluva lot of ways to beat the AMEX charges and save cash on toys.

Now, if you're anything like me, you're shaking your head and saying 'Oh yeah, sister, been there, tried that ... it just ain't gonna work', but just trust me on this one, k? There's a way to save, stay in line with your budget, and actually enjoy the holiday season with friends, family, and without all the added stress. Check out our top five money-saving tricks:

Quilted clothing, shoes, and accessories are back in style this fall, but you've got to be careful with this look or risk looking like your mom.

(Not that your mom isn't divine and very stylish. It's just that she's. Your mom.)

These RED Valentino flats are adorable and oh-so-of-the-moment.

They're also $295. Sad face.

But don't worry, girls. I've got some great quilted buys that'll fit the bill this fall without making you look frumpy -- click through to see them!

And tell me in the comments: What do you think of the quilted trend?

Good thing payday is at the end of the month 'cause, ladies, it's time to go shoooppppiiiiinggggggg! Labor Day Weekend means one thing and one thing only -- SALES. Big sales. Huuuuuge sales. Slash, slash, slash. Roll 'em back. Keep rollin'. Slice and dice those designer costs. Deals! Discounts! Savings! Like wait all year long for these sales 'cause they're so fun and fabulous and everything we love is discounted for cheaper and yay. Now it's finally time to shop 'til we drop. Literally -- because there is no way I'm missing any of those door-buster deals. So pass the kids off to the men. Today is all about the women. And the sales.

So ladies, ready to see all the deals and discounts stores have lined up for Labor Day Weekend? Go on, check 'em out ... and try not to cry tears of joy. I mean, try. It's a beautiful thing, I know, just do your best to keep it together. Here goes: