Budget-Wise: The $100 Head to Toe Party Outfit

For this party look, I wanted to create something both sweet but edgy. The bow necklace, clutch, and tiered dress are the feminine details. The buckle and stud booties and mineral wash vest suggest something more rock star. They keep the whole look from being to saccharine. Leave the vest open so it frames the ruffle details of the dress.

Clockwise from top left: Aldo Deroruce, Ann Taylor Loft Strappy Tiered Dress, Target Mini Bow Clutch, ASOS Side Buckle Cowboy Ankle Boot, Hue Opaque Tights, and Forever 21 Mineral Wash Sleeveless Cardigan

Calculating total cost: $9.98 + $19.99 + $16.99 + $27.00 + $6.25 + 18.24 = $98.45

Leaving us with $1.55 to spare.

Christmas Wish List

Tights


Even though colored opaque tights were a fad from last winter, I can't help but to be drawn to them. They add a burst of color under a simple dress. I only started loving tights in the last year- but they have all been black. The dusty blue tights from StockinGirl look divine, and I would be delighted to own a pair.

I would also love to have a pair of absolutely lux tights in a muted grey. These Wolford tights are ideal! Comfortable, durable, and so classy. Can't say they come cheap though.



Shoes

I swore to myself that when I get married, I would wear Peter Fox. He has one of the best collections of wedding shoes. So when I saw this pair on sale for $60 (orig. $255) with the last two in my size, I was so tempted to buy them. Then I reasoned that I probably won't need wedding shoes for at least five more years and they'll just sit in the back of my closet. Maybe if someone else buys them, I won't feel so guilty.

Badgley Mischka is a label that is both coquettish and lady-like. There's an elegance to the design but little frills like pleats and beading are youthful and flirty. This shoe exudes those qualities which makes it special in any shoe closet. It's a perfect holiday party shoe. It's flat and comfortable so you can mingle for hours. The bronze beading is stunning and sure to receive compliments. To get them for under $100 at SmartBargains.com is a steal!

The thing I love most about winter is wearing boots. I can very comfortably add 3 inches to my height. Banana Republic's Charlie ankle boots are just gorgeous. I would love to trample on snow with these except for fear of getting them dirty.




Gloves

These turguoise leather gloves by Carolina Amato are simply gorgeous and classic. $26 is pretty affordable but I hope the quality is good. They are pretty, but it'll be for naught if they don't keep my fingers toasty.

DIY- Ombre Tights

I can’t believe I didn’t see this before. Remember how I was loving those gradient tights and checkered heels from the Christian Lacroix couture show. I'm still on the lookout for checkered shoes, but Fashionista's Brett Kane came up with a DIY guide so I can at least make my own ombre tights. The results look gorgeous and clean. I’ll add this project to my DIY list, but when I’ll get to it, that is the question.

Here's the complete guide for documentation purposes:

What you’ll need: A box of navy blue powder dye - try the sewing kits/cleaning supplies section at Duane Reade; a pair of opaque, white tights (American Apparel); A wastebasket; Large wooden spoon.

Step One: Fill the wastebasket with the hottest water possible. (You might want to line the wastebasket to make clean up easier). Add in the powdered dye and stir a little. Let the dye steep until its good and blue, about five minutes.

Step Two: Get your tights really wet so they can absorb the dye. Then, holding from the top, dip the feet into the blue solution until they're covered up to the knee. Immediately start to pull them out so this section remains the palest blue.

Step Three: Slowly continue to pull the tights out of the solution. This process is designed so the bottoms of the tights are the darkest navy and the tops are white, so hold the knee part in the dye for only a few seconds per dip. Continue dipping tights into the solution until the bottom is a shade darker than you want - this took us about 3 or 4 dips, over 15 minutes.

Step Four: Rinse the tights in the sink with cold water, but only from the top. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Do not ring the tights out - you’ll get
splotches that look more tie-dye than dégradé.

Step Five: Hang tights to dry overnight. We suggest a manicure during this time off since your hands will now resemble a Smurf's.

Step Six: When absolutely bone dry, slip on your new tights and prepare to be inundated with compliments.

Voilà

--BRETT
KANE