What have your friends done for you lately?

And of course....quickly followed by what have you done for your friends lately?



A good deal is your best friend or is your best friend holding your next great deal?



Look we've all had those moments when you open your closets, drawers, whatever and go "I have nothing to wear!" It's the worse when followed by "I am broke." What to do? I learned young, whenever you are low....turn to your girlfriends! So let's try that now...



#1 - Clothes Swap! If you are broke and need new outfits, 10 to 1 so does a girlfriend....Ask and closest raid! Important rule, set expectations of guidelines: condition returned, dry clean or washed, and due date prior to borrowing. You don't want to ruin a friendship over this so be up front with your expectations. But let's be honest if you are the same size as your girlfriend and she has a habit of giving designer clothes to goodwill barely worn....let her know you'll happily be her favorite charity!



#2 - Trade and Trade well! If life is all about the hookup then start with your friends. We learned in school all about East Indian Trade Routes...did we learn nothing? What do you have someone might want and what do they have in return? Are you working at the GAP and holding a 50% Friends and Family Discount....why not trade with your friend that is a hairstylist for those blond highlight you can't afford? Have a friend that works for Delta with buddy passes to fly, why not offer your hotel discount and together make vacation magic! Usually you look at your own hookup as unimpressive, but undoubtedly there is someone out there who will what to partake! Maybe you have a gift card to Southwest you don't need and a friend has cash and willing to pay for it....you can pay down that credit card!

Warning: Don't get your friends fired, and know your company policy on sharing the perks. Enough Said.



#3 - Editing! The best deal is sometimes not getting that _____ (fill in your guilty pleasure) at all. When you have 16 dresses in that dressing room, and you feel you need them all, you can not live without them....a girlfriend is in desperate need. A honest friend will let you know which truly look amazing and which you can't see fully in that 2 way mirror and need to go. Bring your girlfriends shopping so you don't overspend.....Coco Chanel once said "You usually need to take off the last thing you put on." She didn't mean this but I usually add "your credit card" to that statement.



#4 - Advertising! Girlfriends are walking talking ads, they can try out those trendy pumps or new length skirt...does it work? do you really like it? When they have gotten that blazer you've been eyeing, ask where it come from!!! Don't be shy! When you get there....it'll will probably be there still and on clearance....



In closing, your honor, Girlfriends are key is finding the next best deals! But remember, their friendship is more important than that amazing designer dress in their closet you want.....