Shop Around Blog

Deals, fashion, style, shopping, spas and more in Washington, DC and beyond.

Frugal Fashionista: Fit for a New Year’s Fete

A local fashion blogger comes up with not only one but two variations on a NYE look, each for around $100 and suitable for a variety of body types.

By McLean Robbins   Published Monday, December 29, 2008

In the second installment of the Frugal Fashionista, we’ve asked A Not So Capitol Idea blogger Chandler Ramelli to come up with a swoon-worthy New Year’s Eve outfit around $100.

Not familiar with the series? Here are the details: Every other week, we ask a local stylista to complete a fashion task—sometimes seasonal, sometimes fun—on a budget.

We assumed that the 34-year-old Ramelli owned basic undergarments and tights—but nothing fancy.

New Year’s Eve needs a little glitz and glam, says Ramelli, but she knows that a wear-once outfit shouldn’t cost a lot. So she immediately turned to favorite retailers such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls to satisfy her designer tastes on a discount budget.

And Ramelli didn’t disappoint: She came up with not only one but two variations on a look, each for around $100 and suitable for a variety of body types.

Here’s what she chose:

Outfit one:
Ramelli’s first outfit features a black-and-white cocktail dress paired with a pearl necklace, fishnet stockings, and patent-leather booties. We love the mix of classic and mod. This season’s “it” shoe, the bootie really makes the outfit stand out. Plus, the flattering skirt and banding around the chest make this a figure-flattering choice for a variety of figures. Yes, she’s slightly over budget, but we give her credit for finding a necklace that works in a number of situations.

1. Dress: White House/Black Market in Queenstown for $39.
2. Shoes: Nine West at both T.J. Maxx and Marshalls for $39.
3. Pearl necklace (with matching earrings) from Bella Luna in Rehoboth for $36.
Fishnet stockings from Target for $5.99.
Total: $119.

Outfit two:
We love the gold in this outfit—it’s perfect for New Year’s Eve, and the modest cut of the dress means that it works in many other situations. Plus, the dip-dye effect is fun, not cheesy. The shoes are girly and a little bit funky, and the lower heel means that your feet won’t hurt after a night of dancing. And at only $12, they’re a real bargain! We especially love that she thought to add makeup to this look. A luminizer is a grown-up alternative to glitter and a perfect add-on to the outfit.

1. Dress: Calvin Klein dress at T.J. Maxx for $29.
2. Shoes: Sam and Libby gold shoes from Marshalls for $12.
3. Pearl strands and matching earrings from Bella Luna in Rehoboth on Main Street for $36.
Stila All-Over Luminizer from Sephora for $22.
Total: $99.

What do you think of these New Year’s Eve getups? Would you wear them? What do you have planned for your outfit on December 31? Let us know in the comments below.

Think you’re a budget-balancing babe (or boy)? Send mclean.robbins@gmail.com a note if you’d like to be featured in an upcoming segment.

Previously: Frugal Fashionista: Holiday Party Chic for $50

More>> Shop Around Blog | Style | Find a Spa
 

Want to ring in 2009 in a big way? We've got the goods. From restaurant dinners to parties to the best ways to cure those inevitable hangovers, here's our guide to New Year's Eve in Washington.

-New Year's Parties, Galas and More

-Guide to Eating Out on New Year's Eve

-What's Your Best Hangover Cure?

-A New Year's Eve-Worthy Outfit—for $100

-Great New Year's Barware

-Bottomless Champagne and Mimosa Brunches

Events Finder | Happy Hour Finder | Restaurant Finder

Comments


Thank you for such a great article!!
I chose outfit #2 for tonight :)
-Chandler

Posted by: Chancy, Dec 31, 2008 06:39:10 PM

I love ballroom dancing so my outfits have to either float or swirl when I dance. I have two outfits I am considering. The first is floaty, the second swirls beautifully.

One, a knee length Maggy London lined, sleeveless, empire waisted silk dress, light steel blue in color, trimmed with darker steel blue satin around the arms and neckline. The arms are cut at a bias up to the high, round neckline. I will pair it with shimmery stockings ( already have them), silver ankle tie sandals, crystal illusion earrings, silver bangles inset with crystals and fan shaped evening purse beaded in black, silver, gunmetal,and iridescent beads. The total for this outfit is 93.50. The dress (21.51) from Ebay, shoes on sale at Group USA two years ago (12.99), bangle and earrings on sale from Avon (15.00), and my big splurge from a trip to Brevard NC several years ago, the beaded purse $45.00.

Outfit #2 is a lovely, v-necked black halter gown (ankle length), ruched and fitted throughout the torso to about 4 inches below the butt, where it flares out in panels of black satin, somewhat reminiscent of the 1920’s (?) With it I would wear beaded iridescent black shoes, the same fan shaped beaded purse, and a beaded bracelet in black, silver, gunmetal and iridescent beads. My beaded earrings are very long, very art deco, in silver and black. This outfit is a bit more expensive: $129.99 (dress from Group USA on sale $50, shoes from Marshalls on sale, $12.50, purse $45, Earrings from Ebay $16.99, and bracelet from Kohls on sale $5)

Posted by: Jodi V, Dec 30, 2008 04:23:51 PM

Post a comment

Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, we ask that you fill out the code in the image below to help us eliminate spam comments. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Washingtonian.com reserves the right to remove or edit content once posted.

Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif
Newsletter Signup
  1. Bridal Party
  2. Dining Out
  3. Kliman Online
  4. Shop Around
  5. Where & When
  6. Learn more sign_up.gif
 

Can DC’s New Digital News Operations Replace the Once-Great Newspaper Bureaus?

Gone are the robust bureaus for the Los Angeles Times, Newhouse News, and other once-healthy news organizations. Digital media bureaus now are taking their places with as many reporters and plenty of swagger. more

Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

Sip some Beaujolais Nouveau, check out the Terra Cotta warriors, see a vintage murder thriller, and more this weekend. more