When we talk about budget shopping, there are a few things to keep in mind. Rules, if you will. You’re welcome.

Spend smart. Resist the urge to buy any piece simply because of the price tag; unless you’re going to wear what you buy, you’re wasting your money, no matter how little — or how much — you spend. A bargain is only a good deal if it’s something that will work with your existing wardrobe.

Invest wisely. No matter how much you’re spending — $10 or $100 — the pieces you bring home should work for you; they should fit your body and your life and your style. Be open to investing in one really great piece rather than buying five so-so pieces; if you choose wisely, you will be able to wear that one sweater all the time, with lots of other pieces. And while you don’t have to spend $100 to get a great sweater, but the $10 needs to be as close to perfect as you can get.

Take care of your purchases. Treat that $10 sweater as though it cost ten times that; don’t just toss it in the laundry or on the floor. Make the effort to care for your clothes, and you will see a return on your investment. Hand wash, line dry, dry clean only when necessary.

Ok, lecture over! Let’s talk about where to find a great boyfriend cardi for spring. Here are my favs, all for under $40.

Old Navy has a nice selection of cardigans now, everything from super cute embellished cardis to classic boyfriend cardis. I love the cinch-tie cardigan pictured here because it’s a great alternative for curvy girls; it would be terrific with skinny jeans or a slim skirt, or Bermuda shorts (which are going to be huge for spring, by the way). This sweater is on sale right now for $20. That’s a deal!

Where else can you go for great sweaters on the cheap? Target has a good selection — I love this Mossimo Black boyfriend cardi ($24.99!) — in a range of colors and styles. Not all of these sweaters are available in store, but you can get all sorts of great deals on shipping, and you can return things to the store, which is huge.

Department stores are a terrific place to look for bargains, for three reasons: they often have their own in-store brands, which tend to be lower priced, they have a big turnover of merchandise, which means there is always a great sale rack, and they run constant specials, which means more discounts. Macy’s has a nice selection of sizes and styles; Marshall Fields is another good option. Department store shopping requires more energy and effort than shopping boutiques or single-label stores, but the payoff can be huge.

Your turn: what are your bargain shopping secrets? Where — or how — do you get great deals? And remember, if you have questions, ask away! Next week: building a flexible work/weekend wardrobe.

For the next few weeks, you’re in charge; I’m going to start with questions you’ve already asked, but if you have a Burning Query about where to shop or what to buy or how to wear cargo pants with heels, let’s hear it. This week, we’re revisiting laptop bags.

AJB isn’t a fan of the messenger bag. “A single zipper is much easier for accessing your stuff on a plane or in the airport security line. Also, I want a bag that holds my laptop, a few notebooks or a binder, and my lunch. It has to be lightweight, too … where can I get one like this that is actually cute?”

I get that, I really do; I’m also someone who prefers a tote to a messenger, for all the reasons AJB lays out here. And she’s right — it’s hard to find a bag that is both sturdy enough to hold everything and cute enough to really want to carry.

Believe it or not, Franklin Covey has some great laptop bags that are perfect for toting everything you need for your work day. I wandered through the Franklin Covey store at my mall recently (did you know they had stores? I did not!) and my Type A personality was soothed by all the organizing gear they offer. I like these bags because they are sturdy and well-made, and yet still pretty. And all those cool interior pockets mean you’re not constantly losing your phone or keys or pen.

Corsica Leather Bag, $240

Activa Sport Laptop bag, $125 currently $74.99

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Julia Laptop bag, $119

What’s on your mind? Need to know where to shop or what to buy or how to style it? Just ask!

Here are three of my favorite looks from the conference.

Kristen Chase, author of The Mominatrix’s Guide to Sex, pulled together a look that is both professional and true to her personality. Kristen’s look is clean and simple; her sheath dress fits perfectly and flatters her figure, and it looks professional and comfortable. The shrunken leather jacket gives her fairly conservative outfit a rough edge, which is perfect for Kristen. And those pumps — round-toed platforms, which make her legs a million miles long at the same time that they’re comfortable enough to walk in all day long — are super sexy, but in a really understated way. Just like Kristen. If you’re not blessed with those legs, look for a dress with a slightly longer hemline, but keep it above the knee.

I envy writer Rebecca Wolf’s ability to wear horizontal striped leggings and look hott in them. But while most of us might not be able to pull off this exact look, we can learn a lot from Rebecca’s strategy. She’s paired the slim leggings and a long blouse with an oversized blazer for a look that is quirky and memorable, but also totally functional. Substitute skinny jeans for the leggings and this look is perfect for running errands. And don’t forget the handbag — Rebecca’s bag is big enough to tote son Archer and daughter Fable’s things but chic enough not to look like a diaper bag.

I had breakfast with Devra Renner the other morning; when I complimented her on her blouse, she said, “Why do we only ever shop when we’re going to a conference?” Grab that conference energy, ladies, and take it to the mall this weekend — why not? Devra’s simple black top is something she can wear on a normal day at home; it was an easy chiffon fabric in a basic black, but the beautiful detailing at the neckline gave it a really pretty vibe. Devra paired it with black pants, but she could also wear this with jeans and a cardi or deep V-neck sweater, or with a slim pencil skirt.

What’s your go-to work outfit?

The key is fit.

Diana wrap shirt, Carissa Rose, $80

When you’re well-endowed, it’s crucial that everything fit properly through the bust. Start with the right bra — have a professional fitting, to make sure you get appropriate support and coverage. Once the girls are properly cantilevered, it’s time to look for some great tops.

A larger bust often means that you have to choose between a shirt that fits across the chest and one that fits in the shoulders and body. A good tailor can take your shirt in, but no one can make a too-small chest fit properly. Don’t bring home anything that doesn’t fit right across the breasts.

How do you know if your shirt fits right? It shouldn’t gap or pull across the chest, for one thing; button up shirts should lie flat at the placket. The line of your bra shouldn’t be visible through the fabric — that’s a sign that you’re pulling it too tight. And you should be able to hug someone without worrying that you’re going to rip the back seam out.

An empire waist is flattering to women with a larger bust, particularly if your large bust is balanced by a small waist. But be sure the seam hits under your breast, where your bra rests, not across your nipples. An empire waist that hits too high makes your shirt hang wrong and gives you a tummy; it also cuts your breasts in half and — ironically — makes them look larger. Go figure.

Balance a large chest with a cinched-in waist; pair your top with a wide belt, or choose a wrap shirt with a substantial sash. If the body of the shirt is too wide, have it tailored; it should fit close to the body. Pair with an A-line skirt or a pair of book-cut or wide-legged trousers.

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of my boots and my tights and my parka. I’m ready to put some spring in my wardrobe. Here are five simple ways to snap out of your winter rut.

Boyfriend cardigan, Boden USA, $88

Add some color. It’s easy to fall into the black-every-day winter rut; work some color into your closet. A bright scarf can change your look — and your attitude — and still keep you warm.

Work the layers. All but the lightest summer pieces can be worn with winter layers; try a substantial cotton dress with a chunky sweater and boots.

Mix in a trend. Boyfriend cardigans are huge for spring; you can wear yours now over a turtleneck or long sleeved tee, or with your sweater dress. Opt for a fresh, summery color — coral or pale blue or purple.

Try a new lip gloss. Or eye shadow or blush — go for a fresh look. Lips are an easy way to add color; a perfect pink is a nice balance to darker winter shades, and warms up pale winter skin.

Dress up a little. Even if you’re piling on the layers every day, you can make your look a little more festive with a pair of beautiful earrings or a bold bracelet. Treat yourself to one of spring’s hot jewelery trends — pins are back, and they’re easy to wear now, and later.

How do you break your winter rut? And what spring trends have you longing for warmer weather?

Large Rita from Queen Bee Creations, $140

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger, $105

8 Strap School Bag, $140 at U. S. E. D.

Manhattan Portage Dana’s Messenger, $78

Isis Dei Tripper, $60

That last one is my favorite — look at the lining! With the wee skulls and crossbones! So ladylike on the outside, so tough on the inside. Perfect.

The easiest outfit ever is a pair of jeans, a basic tee, and pair of beautiful flats. But not every pair of flats works with every pair of pants; it’s all about balance and proportion.

So what goes with what?

Ballet flats are an easy way to make even the most casual outfit look a little more chic, but keep your pants slim; a boot-cut or flared hem will overwhelm a pretty ballet flat. Pair ballet flats with a skinny jean or cropped trouser, or with a slightly shorter skirt (at or above the knee, ideally, to make your legs look as long as possible)

Loafers, which have a more substantial shape and slightly higher vamp, are perfect with boot-cut jeans. A wider leg trouser needs a more substantial shoe, for balance. If you prefer the light feel of a ballet flat, look for a driving moc, which will be softer but still structured enough to stand up to your jeans. (Extra bonus: Loafers can accommodate socks, which a ballet flat cannot. Good to remember on cold days.)

Boots are great with skinny pants and jeans, if you’re comfortable tucking, or with very wide-legged jeans and pants if you’re not. A flat boot is super practical, but if you want a little heel, look at a boot with a small wedge; this will give you height and traction. A pointy toe will lengthen your leg line, too.

In the end, it’s all about proportion; a delicate shoe is best with a slimmer, streamlined leg, while a wider trouser works well with heavier footwear.

What’s your go-to trouser-and-shoe combination?

I’ve been madly texting donations to the Red Cross this week (text “HATI” to 90999 to make a $10 donation — but you already knew that, didn’t you?), but I’ve also been looking for other ways to give.

My favorite do-good shopping option is TOMS shoes; for every pair of shoes you buy, a child gets a pair of shoes. Talk about walking the philanthropic walk.

TOMS are basic slip-ons that go with everything. But they come in beautiful fabrics and patterns, which makes them great for more than just kicking around on the weekend. The Silver Glitter Classics, shown here, are great with jeans and wool trousers, or even with a skirt or casual dress. And at $54, you can even buy two — and give two kids new shoes.

TOMS shoes have a leather insole and a rubber outsole, and they come with arch and heel support, so they’re comfortable enough to wear all day. If you’re looking for casual shoes with personality, try these out — you’ll look great, and every step you take will help make the world a better place.

And that is good shopping.

Your turn: Where do you shop when you’re wanting to get something and give back at the same time?

And laughing.

Last week, my friend C texted me: “What do you think of men who wear cologne to work? Do you think it sends a message?”

Ooh good question!

An informal poll on Twitter and Facebook confirmed my own gut reaction: In general, cologne at the office is a don’t, for a couple of specific reasons:

It can be overwhelming. The biggest complaint I heard about men’s cologne was that too many of the guys are erring on the side of bathing in it, rather than dabbing it on for effect. Gentlemen, if you’re going to wear cologne to work, keep it light. Ladies, same goes for you. The last thing you want is to leave an important meeting and have people buzzing about your scent — rather than your presentation.

It can be an environmental hazard. If your job puts you into close contact with other people — you’re a dentist, for example — then skip scent all together. By the same token, if your job puts into contact with lots of people during the day, especially in small places — conference rooms or elevators — think twice about cologne or perfume. You never know who might have an allergy, and you’d hate to be the source of anyone’s hives.

But what about the second part of C’s question: Does cologne at work send a message? Twitter and Facebook said yes, it does. My friend JP summed it up this way: “If [my husband] was putting on more than just aftershave to go to work, I’d think something was up.”

I have to say that I agree — but I also have to say that I’m married to a man who doesn’t wear cologne or aftershave. Ever. Then again, I’m married to a man who only wears his wedding ring about half the time, and that doesn’t bother me at all — or make me suspicious.

So I’m tossing this one out to you, dear readers: When a man wears cologne to the office, what’s the message it sends? Is the office an appropriate place for cologne, or should the menfolk save it for the weekend?

And do you wear scent to the office? Does that send a message? Or is that a completely different thing?

Ready?

Wash your face, every day. Use a gentle cleanser, formulated for your particular skin; I like Neutrogena’s Fresh Foaming Cleanser for my combination skin. Wash before bed to remove makeup and sunscreen and the daily grit; wash again in the morning if you’re using any kind of treatment products (Retin A, for example) overnight. Otherwise, you can just rise with tepid water in the morning.

Wear sunscreen, every day. A moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15 will protect your face from incidental sun exposure during your normal day, which means fewer wrinkles and age spots down the line. Using a foundation with an SPF doesn’t provide enough coverage; foundation shifts and wears off during the day, and doesn’t completely cover your face in the first place.

Wear less foundation. Keep foundation in your T zone (forehead, nose, chin) and blend carefully; choose a foundation that matches the color of your skin. Experiment with a foundation brush or sponge for proper blending, or look in to a mineral foundation. The goal is to create perfect, natural looking skin — foundation that covers your face like a mask is neither. In addition, keep foundation away from any wee wrinkles around your eyes and mouth; it will settle in the crevices and make them look worse than they are.

Clean out your makeup bag. While some makeup can be kept essentially forever (powder eye shadows and blushes, for example) other things need to be tossed regularly. Foundation and concealer will last for 12 months; mascara needs to be tossed after 4 months. Eye liners can be used until you have sharpened them all the way down; same goes for lip liners. Lipstick lasts essentially forever, as long as it’s not changing color or drying out — wipe the top clean with a tissue if it’s been sitting for a while or if you’ve been sick.

Make an appointment with a dermatologist. Ask about any skin care concerns you have (wrinkles, enlarged pores) as well as any spots on your skin that don’t look right (moles or sunspots). Don’t wait until you’re having issues with your skin — visit the dermatologist now and tell her what you’re hoping to prevent. If your goal is to be wrinkle-free at 50, celebrate your 30th birthday by chatting with a skin doctor. Prevention is the best cure.

Get the new year off to a good start with a clean makeup bag and a good skin care routine. In the next few weeks, we’ll talk about makeup bag basics, and about why you don’t really need three mascaras.

Happy New Year!

Photo: Sephora Rouge Cream lip stick, $12. Available at Sephora.com.