Ms Fab Frugalista

You've got just 500 bucks and want to go on a shopping spree. Don't think you can buy nothing with 'only' Rs 500. Think again.

Hit the streets with your gang of girls, haggle over prices, catch-up on gossip over street food and buy, buy, buy…

To the Tee

Among the many must-haves in a girl's shopping list, a trendy T-shirt rules. You can pick a sporty tee for Rs 100 or buy racer-backs, ganjis and spaghettis for anywhere between Rs 50 and Rs 80.

The best places to hunt for these are Linking road, Hill Road, Lokhandwala Market and Colaba Causeway in Mumbai, Janpath and Sarojini in Delhi; and in Bangalore, hit Brigade Road, Commercial Street and Vittal Mallya Road.

Shorty shorts

You can buy sexy stripped hot pants, bermuda shorts or plain dhoti pants for just Rs100. They are comfy, perfect for summertime and you can also wear them during monsoons.

Slip them on

Get a collection of funky coloured slip-ons because they are a rage this summer. You can get a pair of kolhapuris too if it suits your taste.

But check the sole for a good grip to avoid a bad fall. Street prices for slip-ons range between Rs 80 and Rs 150.

Get dressy

A girl's wardrobe is incomplete without a doll-like dress. If you hunt the streets, you would find that these come in a whole range of styles and sizes from ultra-minis to maxis.

So, you must try them on before spending because there is no exchange-after-purchase when it comes to street shopping. Don't pay more than Rs 250 for dresses.

The trinkets

Now that you have the essentials in place, get the perfect summery look by accessorising well. Buy some coloured or patterned bangles, funky looking anklets and small studs for your ears. A blingy, colourful toe ring will look great on your foot.

Finally, a bold neck-piece in stone or wood will complete the look. Your accessories shopping would total up to not more than Rs 100 or Rs 150.

Mass-shopping tool

'Too expensive' should not exist in your dictionary if you've mastered a shopaholic's greatest weapon - bargain! The fun part about street shopping is the haggling over prices, because you can bring out the drama queen within you.

If you really like something and the shopkeeper is unwilling to reduce the price, act hopelessly helpless because you hardly have any money. Most men will succumb to a damsel in distress (he, he)! Also, the good old act of asking the price and then walking away always works.

Spend less and buy more - what better way to beat recession blues than some retail therapy!