The Best Things in Life Are Free...

Anyone who works or knows someone who works probably also knows someone who has been laid off or has been laid off themselves. I'm no exception to that rule (luckily, I still have a job). So a fashion blog with tips on what to buy can seem a little gratuitous. I have done a total overhaul in the way I shop and what and when I buy. Getting a great deal or getting something for nothing means more to me today than ever before. In this respect, I started thinking about ideas to help keep our chins up and maintain great style in this rocky economy. I think this especially important if you've lost your job or face monthly lay-offs with bated breath. Below you'll find 10 tips for fashion, beauty, fitness and small treats to help you keep your sanity, all under $10.

1. Get a bank account that offers reward points. You can rack up points for paying bills and doing your everyday banking. You reap the benefits without the temptation of a credit line. I have a Citibank account and I accumulate a couple thousand points a month. You can redeem them for airline tickets, electronics, cash or gift cards. If things are tight, you can treat yourself without the guilt. I plan on using mine to buy myself a new watch!

2. Check out free classes at yoga studios, pilates studios or gyms. In these tight times these facilities are DESPERATE to get new clients in the door. A lot of studios offer the first class free or hold "demo" classes that are free. One of the priciest gyms in the city emails me incessantly with new offers, and this week's is a free week membership. If you already have a gym membership, freeze it for a couple months and hit up some freebies!

3. For a free night out, look for gallery openings, wine tastings and promotional parties. Meet up with your friends, sip some cocktails and soak in some culture (or just people watch). In New York there are tons of parties every night, but these events are becoming a more and more popular in cities all over the country. I've even been lucky enough to score a couple of gift bags.

4. Hit the make-up counters in the major department stores for samples. In the past I've scored samples of Lancome mascara, Clinique lip gloss and Laura Mercier cleanser. If you have no room in your budget for extras, these little treats are a super pick-me-up.

5. Buy a great, high quality bottle of nail polish in the season's hottest color. You can get one (I like Essie and OPI) for under $10 - far less than even the cheapest mani/pedi. I love looking down and seeing a brightly polished toes and chip-free fingers. If you do at home mani/pedis, you'll be able to keep your nails perfectly maintained without breaking the bank. If you need all of the supplies, you can easily get a professional nail file, buffer, top and base coat and pumice stone for under $25, but think of all the cash and time you'll save not schlepping to the nail place. Plus, salon mani/pedis will start to be the treat they really should be.

6. Treat yourself to a latte and a magazine. Some days you need to escape the rat race and relax with celebrity gossip, Martha or what ever mag whets your whistle. Even better, chill at Barnes and Noble or Borders and read the mags for free while you sip your latte. Better yet, get a subscription to your favorite magazine, and you'll have something to look forward to every month for the cost of a couple of newstand purchases.

7. Clean out your closet, room or apartment. Give old, good condition clothes to charity. Donate the canned soup you got on sale but didn't really care for. Vacuum under the bed and file old bills and statements. Feel a sense of accomplishment. Then go out and reward yourself with fresh flowers. They're proven to make you happy.

8. Hold a movie night. Invite a couple friends and have them each bring something. A couple bring wine, one brings dessert, one brings some antipasti veggies, etc. You provide some prosciutto or salami and some cheese. Drink wine, nosh on antipasti, watch a movie and gossip. Good friends, good food, good flick, what else do you need???

9. Take a look through your newly organized closet. Shake up your everyday outfits by adding tights or a jacket. Try a thin sweater under a suit or short-sleeves over long. Step outside your comfort zone. Add some pizazz with a new piece of jewelry. Check out H&M, Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe for of-the-moment styles for just a couple bucks.

10. Volunteer. It's free and anyone can do it. The sense of pride and the joy of giving back will give you an inner glow that will last for weeks. These are the times when we need to be thankful for all we have and give to those who have less (or nothing at all).

Finally, take care of yourself. I know I've said this before, but it's the best thing you can do for yourself. When you take care of yourself, it shows you have confidence, and that's the first step to truly great style.