Priced-Out Outfit

I love me a great party outfit for NYE.  This past New Year’s Eve I wore a  dress by Rodarte for Target and I must say that I couldn’t help but smirk when the cashier said, “Oh you must be one of those fashion groupies that follows the GO International Stuff…”

Color can be difficult to pull off but it is so much more fun than the LBD (Little Black Dress) which I always seem to find myself in.  I have a set of colors that are in my “safe zone”.  Gold and Fuchsia work well for me, but I’ll guarantee you will rarely see me in baby blue.  Not. my. color.  Along with my quick and easy outfit, I threw together a quick and easy updo.  Quick and Easy seem to be life requirements for me lately.  Here is the priced out outfit and a simple how-to on the updo.

1. Gold Tulle Party Dress – Rodarte for Target ($39.99)

2. Snake Belt – Banana Republic ($14.99 ON SALE, link is to similar item not on sale)

3. Sequin Clutch – Vintage hand-me-down from my Momma.  Find a similar one here at eBags.com.

4. Strappy Platforms - Forever 21 ($23.80)

My Quick and Easy Updo:

First, it helps that I wore my hair in a messy bun at the top of my head all day.  Putting my hair up creates a texture that my naturally straight hair cannot do on its own.

Next I used a teasing comb and hairspray to tease the top of my crown.  I then started pulling sections (with my hands not a comb) twisting them into messy mini-buns on the back of my head and pinning with large bobby pins. Do not tuck in the ends of the buns, leave them out and frayed.  If you’d like you can curl them with a large barreled curling iron.  Once everything was pinned I pulled out two, one inch sections on each side of my head and braided.  I placed the braids in place with bobby pins.  This took me a total of 7 minutes.

You will most definitely see me in a similar look and updo at another event.

xoxo, Vanesa

1. Sequin Blazer – Forever 21 ($29.80)

2. Pearl and Ribbon Necklace – Forever 21 ($12.80)

3. Plaid Tunic – Style Xpress ($24.90)

4. Frayed Leggings - Forever 21 ($24.00)

5. The same black riding boots from last Priced Out Outfit Post. (They’re my winter staple!)

xoxo, Vanesa

I wore this outfit this past weekend running a flurry of errands and going to a number of events.  It was so easy to transition from one place to another as well as stress-free on and off layering.  Here are the places that helped keep this in budget:

1. Purple Beanie – Target ($12.99)
2. Fur Vest – Forever 21 ($24.80)
3. V-Neck “Boyfriend” Tee – Madewell ($18)
4. Long Cardigan – Kaitlyn Clothing ($39.90)
5. Embellished Leggings – Forever 21 ($29.00)
6. Black Riding Boots – Steve Madden ($99.00) these are a few years old.
7. Designer accessories are all gifts but I’ve listed links to great “look-a-likes”.  Chanel sunglasses, a gift from my BFF (check out FredFlare for some great, cheaper options) and Tiffany & Co necklace, a gift from my love (check out Forever21 for some great, cheaper options).

xoxo, Vanesa