The Ghetto Girl's Guide to Living Fabulous

Used to living large on someone else's wallet? In between sugar/mack daddies? Shoestringing on unemployment but still craving pedicures? There are ways to uphold and maintain your obnoxious standard of living even while squeaking by on rent and other necessaries.

Housing
If you're hurting for rent and are the party girl that I know you are, why not sublet? When casting about, keep an eye out for commuters that only need a crash pad for part of the week and foreign exchange students that still have trouble converting to US dollars (carry the zero). Charge what's standard for New York, and watch your budget problems disappear.

Sustenance
Happy hours and wine tastings usually provide appetizers to offset the degustatory pleasures of the bottle. If you are a social butterfly, stock up on lunch/dinner dates and parties. Also, gourmet groceries usually have samples out and about to whet shoppers' appetites. A stroll around lunch hour generally does the trick.

Side benefit of living la vida broka is that you'll get that trim figure without working that gag reflex. Besides, bulimia is soooo '90s....

Clothing
Of course, there is always the old standby plastic if you crave those must-have shoes. Sample sales are another listmaker. When dressing for the occasion, don't be afraid to splurge on that smashing dress (and return it the next day).

Makeup
When getting ready for that big night out, head toward the makeup counter at Sephora/Macy's/Bloomies. Get done up whilst learning the latest in color matching and application. Don't forget to splash on that Chanel on your way out.

Literature
Why get a grimy book at the library when you can read one for free? Go to your local overinflated bookstore superchain, cozy up in an armchair, and plow through the latest bestseller. Especially good on those rainy days when you can't work anyways.

Transport
Ridesharing is de rigeur, esp. with men. Not only is there a good chance he'll carry the fare, but you may get a little nookie afterwards, or at least the hope of another daddy linkup. When calling a car service, ask for the tricked out SUV (usually at no extra charge). That way you'll arrive in style, bonus points if you ride with your posse.

Other/Misc.
When powdering your nose or waiting to meet someone, why not at the best hotels? Four-star hotels are among the easiest places to walk into and use the facilities, esp if you act like you own the place. Just act like you ooze money, and chances are, the concierge will look out for your date in the lobby.

Sneak into your local movie theatre. Enter as patrons are exiting. Also, second-acting Broadway shows works. Some rich as folk go to be seen and then take off early. Ask for their stubs and you'll catch the rest after intermission. Who needs exposition, anyway?

Today's gem: For those of you craving getaways, hook up with the Hamptons circuit, enlist for "Shipmates", or woo a scion - bonus points if you land a trust fund baby.

Next week: Clubbing - the fourth level of Dante's inferno

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