IS it possible to look a million dollars for just a few pounds? Can you get a glamorous Christmas party look — including professional makeup, a salon hair updo, a pair of pretty party shoes and a posh frock — without splashing the cash?

What's On challenged wannabe fashion journalist Sophie Prideaux, 19, from Barnstaple to get a professional makeover, a stylish Christmas party dress and glamorous high heels on a budget of £100 or less.

A quick scout around on Barnstaple High Street proved to Sophie glamour doesn't come cheap. Based on average prices in boutiques, high street stores and salons, Sophie's shopping wish list was looking more like £300 than £100.

Shopping Wish List:

Nail Extensions: £30

Full party make up: £25

Hair Updo: £25

Party shoes: £30

Designer or posh evening dress: £200.

Total: £310

To get her tresses dressed for less, Sophie, who is due to study Journalism at Birmingham uni, decided to visit her former college's Hair Academy based at Roundswell.

At the salon, staffed by Petroc students, hairdressing services are offered at a fraction of the price you would expect in most hairdressers. The students are gaining commercial experience before qualifying — so it's a chance to enjoy their talents before they move on to working in salons in the area.

A team of stylists washed and set Sophie's hair in rollers before styling it in a casual bun with loose curls.

"It was really relaxing having someone else to do my hair," said Sophie. "This is a look you couldn't really achieve by yourself."

Next stop was Petroc's Sanctuary Spa and Skin Care Centre, another commercial salon which is based at the college, run by students, offering state-of-the-art treatments for less. A full roster of beauty treatments were on offer (think massages to non surgical face lifts).

Sophie opted for dazzling red nail extensions with sparkling embellishments (£15) and a glamorous makeup, including false eyelashes, giving her Bambie-like peepers (£3).

"The girls in the salon were very professional and artistic and really good at what they do — I am now sporting bright scarlet Christmas nail art," she laughed.

Getting a chic dress without shelling out shed loads proved to be more of a challenge. In the end Sophie headed off to a newly opened 50/50 shop that she'd heard about in Braunton.

Launched by Cheryl Burge and Brigitte Kent with the party season in mind, Turnaround Wear is, at the time of writing, crammed full of pre-owned designer dresses and evening wear.

After trying on a whole range of frocks (Karen Miller, Dolce and Gabbana, Monsoon, In Wear and Betty Barclay to name just a few labels), Sophie opted for this fabulous fuchsia prom dress by Scene (£20). After a bit of a rummage through the shoes, handbags and jewellery she also found a pair of black high heels (£14).

"The dress is very elegant and I can't believe how reasonable it is," exclaimed Sophie.

Actual shopping list:

Nail extensions with art: £15

Make up (consultation, colour analysis, application and homecare advice): £3

Hair Updo (set and style): £10

Scene dress: £20

Party shoes: £14

Total: £62

Not only had Sophie made a saving of around £250 but she also felt a million dollars. "I feel properly pampered — it's been a lovely way to get ready to go out," she said.

Contacts:

Sanctuary Spa and Skin Care Centre, Petroc: 01271 338072.

The Hair Academy, Leisureline House, Oakwood Close, Barnstaple: 01271 314604.

Turnaround Wear, Braunton: Cheryl Burge on 07875021885.