Every other week, we’ll ask a local stylista to complete a task—some seasonal and some just for fun—on a budget. Think of it as a Washington-focused “The Look for Less,” the Style Network TV show that creates a particular look on a budget.
For our inaugural issue, we’ve asked resident DC blogger Makeda Saggau-Sackey of the Glamazon Diaries to come up with a holiday party outfit for under $50.
We gave her an easy go of it for this round, saying she could wear any simple black dress she had in her closet.
Saggau-Sackey, who counts Max Azria, Karl Lagerfeld, and Oscar de la Renta among her favorite designers, says that the simple strapless A-line dress from J.Crew ($98) should be a staple in any Washingtonian woman’s closet.
You can pair it with heels or pumps, hose or bare legs, and wear it just about anywhere, provided you bring along a wrap or sweater for more formal occasions, she says.
Instead of hitting her usual online retailer Gilt Groupe (which also offers bargains), department-mecca Nordstrom, or local Georgetown boutique We One You Two, Saggau-Sackey headed to cheap-chic retailers like Forever21 and Target, which offer impressive selections of trend pieces.
Target and H&M are her favorites, particularly when the stores showcases collaborations with notable designers like Commes de Garcon or Botkier.
The look she put together shows off her signature style, a mix of high fashion and polished preppy, for a price that nearly everyone can afford. Even better, the accessories can be worn individually or paired with a more casual outfit for a night on the town.
Here’s what she chose:
Polished Petal Ring – $3.80
Magnifique Rope Necklace – $11.80
Mossimo Heidi Satin Bow Heels – Black–$15.99
Forever 21 Croc Clutch – $15.80
Total: $47.39
Why we love it: It’s the perfect blend of classy and stylish, and the gold accents add a nice holiday sheen. The necklace and ring tie the look together—and she actually found a purse and shoes on the budget!
Think you’re a budget-balancing babe (or boy)? Send a note to McLean.Robbins@gmail.com if you’d like to be featured in an upcoming segment.
Next up, Chandler Ramelli of the blog A Not So Capitol Idea tackles a head-to-toe New Year’s Eve outfit for under $100.
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