10 Lifehacks For The Fabulously Frugal Ladies Of LA

When you live in LA you are surrounded by the most beautiful people, the most fabulous restaurants and nightlife options to last until you are 90. But how do you keep up with the Kardashian’s when you can barely pay for that next tank of gas? Here are ten ways to stay on your LA-Game when your budget’s a Z-Game.

1. 1. Dress The Part

I don’t know if I can properly express how deep my love is for Crossroads Trading Co. It’s on-trend, almost-new, brandname clothing at a drastically discounted price (I'm talking $300 dresses for $20?!!!). That being said, not every Crossroads is created equal. Hit up the one on Santa Monica Blvd. for the most carefully curated loot. Added perk: no crazed sale-stalker atmosphere! This is discount shopping California style, aka a totally relaxed experience. Did I instill you with Crossroads curiosity yet? Maybe all caps will help...OHMYGODITSSOGOODGO!!!!

2. Beauty Without Breaking The Bank

Sephora samples, Sephora samples, Sephora samples (try saying that five times fast). If you've been living under a rock and don't know what Sephora is, it's an international retailer of all kinds of beauty products with multiple stores all over LA. The best part? They are BIG on giving out samples! So, if you’re used to wheeling and dealing step right up to any Sephora sales rep and ask for what you want! It's literally part of their job to give you a sample of it. If you’re feeling sheepish (or a born Canadian like me) try this approach, "I tried X face cream, eye shadow, lipstick, etc. It made me break out. Do you mind giving me some samples of a few different brands so I can try them at home to see how my skin reacts?" You’re guaranteed to come out with a bag full of FREEBEE beauty!

3. I Like My Martini Like I Like My Men...

Ah, Happy Hour in LA. It’s this magical time between roughly 4-7pm when Angelenos forgo fighting LA rush hour and drink their cares away for half price!! Providing just enough of a buzz to float home on (in an Lyft of course, road safety people!). The best part of Happy Hour? Places that would otherwise break your weekly budget with a single martini, serve up high-end cocktails and snacks for a fraction of the cost. So throw on those knockoff shades, toss back a few mojitos, and rub shoulders with LA’s finest without the anxiety of your credit card declining at the end of it all! Some spots I have spent many an early evening at are: Sawyer, Kettle Black, Le Petit Paris, Luchini and L&E Oyster Bar.

Most of these are on the east side, but Happy Hour is everywhere in LA, here’s a list of some other great options (which is updated every month!)

4. Get Fit For Free

No money for a gym membership? No problem! This is a big city and everyone is obsessed with working out. Dance, pilates, yoga, circuit training, the list is endless and the fitness market is so saturated competition for customers is fierce! Which is why most places offer a free first class. So…make the rounds! This winter I managed to take free classes twice a week for TWO MONTHS! That's a lot of squats to Kanye. I systematically worked my way from Glendale to Venice, trying anything and everything that sounded fun. Reformer Pilates? LA’s got you covered! Circuit Training with Australian styles? That’s a thing! Aerobic Drumming? Why not!

Try these to feel the burn: Wanderlust yoga, Pop Physique, Sunset Bike House, Gold’s Gym, Club Pilates and Set & Flow Yoga.

5. Back Back Back It Up!

Park on the side streets! It’s a mystery to me why more people don’t park on a side street and walk a block back instead of going for valet or meter parking – take a stroll along Melrose and window shop to your hearts content, but park on one of the residential side streets off the main drag OR feel like getting your green smoothie on with the beautiful people in West Hollywood? Drive up any street north of Sunset and park for free in the Hollywood Hills rather than fight for street parking (sure it’s a walk down, but you’re in the Hollywood Hills, pretend you’re one of the rich and famous out for a mid-day stroll).

6. Tomato-Tomato, Potato-Potato

Farmer's Markets! The official way to feel like you got your Sunday brunch on without paying restaurant prices. Larchmont Farmers Market can't be beat on Sunday's. There you'll find a million free samples of fruits and veg and be wandering the stalls with the poshest of east side posh. Grab one of the best scones you'll ever have from Sugarbird (for only two dollars), a complimentary coffee sample and stroll your way up and down the strip.

Can’t make it out on a Sunday? Try one of these other fab farmers markets instead (Silverlake is especially great).

7. Pretty Woman It Up

Window shop on Rodeo Drive. Throw on your fanciest walking shoes and hit up these high end shops. Take full advantage of all the free water and coffee coming your way as you peruse these high end stores (extra points if you score champagne). No one you can't even afford a Gucci keychain... *Warning, looking confident AF is a pre-requisite.

8. Red Carpet Ready

Sign up for every ‘invite only’ list you can find. Great ones are Deadline, Advance Screenings, and Variety! For example Deadline hosts screenings and Q&A's with the stars and creators of Hollywood's hottest shows and movies. Most evenings come complete with appetizers and free drinks!

9. A House Full of New Furniture Doesn't Mean a Whole Lot

Every Sunday, Melrose Trading Post offers a curated Flea Market that’s a step above the rest. Vintage fashion, antique furniture, arts and crafts, and your good ol’ flea market assortment of random treasures. And did I mention, the admission price is only $3!?! If that's not enough incentive to go, another fun fact is when you shop or sell at Melrose Trading Post, you support youth and education at Fairfax High School.

Just not into the flea market vibe? Love Seat has you covered. Love Seat makes you feel like you’re shopping a vintage designer store for a fraction of the price.

10. Wanderlust

One of the best parts of LA is the endless supply of places to explore for no cost, and when it’s sunny all the time you have no excuse to take full advantage.

The obvious ones – Griffith Park , Runyon Canyon and The Getty Centre (and Villa).

My personal recommendations: the Venice Canals , The Broad, Grand Central Market (yah, you can pay for some amazing food here, but you can also wander, people watch and taste a free sample or two for nothing) and LACMA (free for LA residents after 3pm, T, T, Th, F)!