Making Your Splurge Work For You

17Sep09

I know how it is. You’re browsing the floors of Neiman Marcus, knowing damn well you’re not spending any money because you have sworn to stand by your budget, then it happens. You see the perfect item, and you just have to have it! There is no way you can leave this store without it; God put it in front of you for a reason, right? Of course. But since you went and broke your strictly-sale rule, you have to make this splurge work for you. Celebrities do it all the time:

Beyonce rocked the same Alexander McQueen military jacket twice; once while shopping at Patricia Fields, and then again while strolling through the airport. Both looks casual, with one slightly dressier than the other.

Lauren Conrad wore her Elizabeth & James shorts twice; both while promoting her book LA Candy. While both looks were pretty much the same, the tops were different.

Lala Vasquez rocked her Alexander McQueen booties twice as well; the first time she rocked it was to a movie premiere in LA, then a few days later while out & about with her friend. The first look was very dressy, and red carpet worthy, while the second time it was a lot more casual and stroll friendly.

But it’s not just them, I’ll show you how:

This DAY by Birger et Mikkelsen Cropped Jacket costs $152.50 at theOutnet. And while you may see just one way to wear it when first glancing, there are plenty ways to do it!

WORK:

For the work look, you can do something office friendly, perfect for the season, but still extremely fabulous! You can follow the dress code without looking basic and too much like your co-workers. Remember: dress code isn’t the same as uniform!

A basic tank would be perfect for the office, especially under this jacket. Because of the architecture of this jacket, you do need to go all out for an under layer. Just a basic tank, in a basic solid color would be perfect for the day time, and fitting for work. You can purchase this tank for $3.50 at Forever 21.

Since the top was so simple, you can make up for it with these trendy harem pants. You must be careful how you rock it, because it’s not one of those things that just work! You know when certain things just work, without trying? Like leggings, if you make leggings look bad, then honey, there’s nothing I can do for you! You can try these draped harem pants for $29 at Forever21. It’s a classic shade of brown, and will go perfectly with the off-white colored jacket.

This simple, suede pump is perfect for work and perfect for Fall! You can get them at ASOS for $109.42.

LUNCH DATE:

Whether you’re catching up with an old friend, discussing future business, or just casually strolling the city, this look would be perfect!

This loose fitting tank would even out the loose fit of the jacket. This is especially good for those with baby guts or even muffin tops ;). You can get this tank for $21.88 at ASOS.

Who said leggings are over rated? I mean, like I said, you can’t go wrong with leggings! Especially leather leggings in Fall. You can get these leather leggings for $54.71 at ASOS.

This suede boot with patent criss cross compliments the sheer tank and leather leggings. I just love suede and patent together! You can get these Rock & Republic ankle boots for $350 at Piperlime.

Now, you couldn’t not accessorize this look! This braided stones and chains necklace is the perfect complimentary piece for this all black look. You can get this chain for $14.80 at Forever21.

DINNER DATE:

Whether you’re figuring out if the chemistry is there, or familiarizing yourself with a love once lost, this classy, sophisticated look will do the trick.

The fun animal print makes it not so serious, and the cowl neck keeps the crisp fall air away from your neck so you won’t get sick :). See, I care about you, too! You can purchase this animal print cowl neck dress for $51.06 at ASOS.

This sexy platform pump, with flirty peep toe is a great look with this animal print dress! Who says you can’t mix prints? Send them to me. You can get these bonfire pumps for $89 at Nine West.

You know the happy ending to a perfect night? Well, this is the happy ending to your perfect outfit. This metallic bronze wristlet will fit all your little necessary belongings: your lipgloss, keys, and cell phone! Because, that’s all a girl really needs :). You can get this Marc by Marc Jacobs wristlet for $158 at Shop Bop.

And there you have it: 3 looks, for 3 occasions, to mix with one item. No need to feel bad about your splurge, when you saved on the rest of your look and you can wear it on more than one instance.

Filed under: Candids, Celebs, Cheap & Chic, Designers, High-End, Make Your Splurge Work For You, Shopping   |  28 Comments
Tags: Beyonce Knowles, LaLa Vasquez, Lauren Conrad