12 Ways to Save Money on Beauty & Fashion

In today's economy, saving money can be a pretty nifty thing. For some, living frugally and saving money is a natural thing to do and something they've always done. For others, being frugal is an entirely new concept and some people have no idea where to begin. Well, if you're one of those people, start here. This is part six in a series of money saving tips -- for more tips on saving even more money, see the rest of Isabella Snow's Frugal Living Series.

1. Make your own clothes.

I can't sew at all, but if you can make your own clothes you can save a fortune. And if you make them for your kids, too, you save a mint! Sewing machines are highly affordable these days and cost less than a designer pair of jeans. Patterns make it easy (erm, at least, easy for other people, LOL) and the final results can be fabulous. You get a cool hobby, save money, and your friends will all be impressed!

2. Cut your own hair if you can

I cut my own hair and have done for more than a decade. I started doing it because most hairdressers don't know how to cut my type of hair, but now that I see how much I save by doing it myself ($60 for a haircut!) I would not want to waste money on something I can do myself. I've also cut the hair of many ex boyfriends. If you can cut your own hair, you will save a lot of money. Try a Flowbee! If you can't cut your own hair, try a beauty school and let a student cut your hair.

3. Recycle your clothes.

I used to love trading clothes with friends of mine. If you're tired of your clothes but can't afford to buy new ones, host a party and trade them! It can be really fun. You can also take your clothes into a thrift shop, sell them and use that money to get more clothes.

4. Mend your clothes.

A lot of people will throw damaged clothing away, but they can often be repaired for much less than the cost of buying new ones. Visit a family-run dry cleaners and you will often find very good clothing repair rates.

5. Re-sole your shoes.

Got a problem with your shoes? Soles worn out? Take them to a shoe repairman. Obama does it, why shouldn't you? I've got a pair of well-made hiking boots that I plan to repair if they start to wear out.

6. Have clothes altered.

Lost weight? Gained weight? Have the waist taken in or out of your pants and that will save you a lot of money. Tired of that floor-length skirt? Make it knee length! Or mini!

7. Hand clothes down.

What is wrong with hand me down clothes that are in good condition? Nothing. I used to love getting clothes from my sister. I used to beg her for them. If you've got lots of kids, this can save you lots of money. If people have something to say about it, they're jerks.

8. Shop online clearance/ off season in shops.

Nearly everything I wear is J.Crew or Gap, and most of the tops are about $40 at full price. So I buy them online during the clearance sale when they only cost about $10 -- sometimes cheaper when you buy 2 at the same time. Or go to your favorite shop during the end of season sales. You can get winter coats for cheap, or summer clothes for cheap if you buy them in opposite seasons.

9. Buy from clothing discounters.

TJ Maxx and other stores that sell name brands for less often were able to do so because they were selling huge lots of "slightly irregular" clothing. Personally, I was never able to see the difference, and I doubt anyone else would be able to either. Same clothes, cheaper prices.

10. Buy in bigger volume.

Shampoo and conditioner are cheaper when bought in bigger bottles. A 6 pack of razors are cheaper than buying two. An economy pack of tampons is cheaper than buying 8. You get the idea.

11. Do your own manicure and pedicure.

These things can really get expensive if you go to the spa. Do them at home and save a fortune.

12. Get your massage from a massage student.

This is on the list because massage actually is very, very good for your health, and they don't have to be a "luxury" if you go to a massage school and let a student work on you for a reasonable fee.