Ok, ladies, it's that time of year - Holiday Party Season! We're supposed to appear fabulous and completely “put together” all while meeting total strangers at those company holiday festivities, the kids' school concerts, church gatherings and sing alongs, Christmas Eve Services, New Year's Eve parties and let's not forget the annual neighborhood we-all-love-to-spend-time-together-but-only-once-a-year party (just kidding….sort of). How can you possibly pull together an amazing outfit with that wow-factor without breaking the bank?
Relax...it’s your Thrifty Fashionista to the rescue. I’ve done some of the work for you in the hope that you can slow down, take a few moments to yourself and enjoy this merry time of year while feeling as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. Let's take a walk through the aisles, shall we?
While exploring retail shops that offer budget conscience yet stylish apparel, I was pleasantly surprised by Walmart’s Holiday Dress Collection and, let me tell you, I went to town. Don’t get me wrong, I am the Queen of bargain shopping and refuse to buy anything full price, but I've often overlooked Walmart. May I never do this again! My sincerest apologies to Walmart. What I enjoy about their Holiday Collection is that they offer stylish, yet affordable, pieces for every woman's taste. Add in the convenience of one-stop shopping and who wouldn't be relieved to get it all done at one place during this already chaotic time of year? While I loved their dresses, I chose to look elsewhere to accessorize. Kohl's and Payless Shoe Source won't let you down when you're looking for reasonably-priced jewelry or shoes as the finishing touch to your look. All of these ensembles can be completed for less than $50.
Not all of us, however, can pull off the one-piece dress so I've also included some pants and festive, holiday tops that, depending upon your budget, you can pair with skinny black pants or trouser pants that you may already own. If not, Walmart and Kohl's both offer a selection of affordably-priced pants for all body types and, while I was not impressed with Target's online selection, many times their in-store sale prices and selection are more generous.
When pairing your tops with your pants don’t be afraid of color and accessorizing the whole look. Because I know how tricky pants can be, always try the pants on with the different blouses before you purchase. God made each of us beautifully unique so the same pant and blouse will look completely different on your girlfriend in the fitting room next to you than it does on you and that's okay! Try on as many different style combinations as possible. If you are going for a blousier top like many that I displayed, then opt for a skinner pant. Yes, you can rock the skinny pants, ladies….trust me. It all depends on where the pant and blouse fall at your waistline and the amount of stretch and/or curvier cut of the pant. Just keep trying on various combinations and you’ll know when you find the right pair for you.
To keep from taking too big of a bite out of your holiday budget while still completing your spectacular look, use that sweater, shrug or high heels that are already in your closest. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you see what's been hiding from you in there and how it can complete your Holiday Look for less.
Feel free to play around with your look, kick it up a notch and add that extra piece of jewelry. This season it’s all about sparkle and accessories so throw on another bangle or two. Oh, and please pull out those heels, even if it’s a kitten heel. You'll feel taller and more confident with every step. Most of the fabulous pieces that I have suggested are mix-and-match which can allow you to put together several looks that work best for your style, the occasion and your mood. Have fun modeling all of your stylish combinations and let your inner diva shine through…she’s anxiously awaiting her debut!
This holiday season, let your true beauty flow and have a ball expressing your fabulous self with that perfect outfit. For a great conversation-starter, when asked where you snagged your sparkling new look, don’t be afraid to tell all of your fellow party-goers that your million dollar style cost you a mere $50 (however, the fact that you've donned your Spanx will be our little secret!). After the shock and awe subside you can share your secret for budget-conscious beauty.
Happy holidays, ladies. Now get out there and make some dazzling memories!
Nichole is a fashion loving, budget conscience wife and mom of 2 girls ages eleven and seven who also love to play dress up along with her. Nichole has worked as a stylist/client specialist at Banana Republic and currently works for Talbots. She lives in Bryn Mawr, PA with her fabulous family and dreams of helping all women realize that true beauty lies within and fashion is simply a way of expressing how amazing and fun we are! If you'd like some more personalized style advice, please feel free to contact Nichole at nicholeboris (at) yahoo (dot) com.
Such a fun article to read!
Such a fun article to read! Great ideas from this fabulous fashionista!