Out on the Town: Looking Chic and Affordable

Although I have become somewhat lazy about going out in my old age (I am a ripe old 32), I do still love the act of dressing up. Creating a look from head to toe will somewhat consume my mind the day of the event, if not weeks leading up to it. It really depends on where I am going and who I am going to see. I call it, "the curse of the fashion stylist".

This past Saturday, my girlfriends got together for a night on the town. This included me staying out for a whole 2 hours (if you don't include the pre-party at my friend's apartment). I warned you I have become somewhat "un-cool". Either way, I put on a cute, affordable and comfortable look for the evening.

I am all about finding the best deal and with this look, everything on me runs from free to designer discount to consignment. LOVE. Let's start with free. These black jeans (designer unknown), were given to me by a friend. She found them at a sample sale for a dollar (so not quite free), and figured they would fit someone for that price! With just a slight alteration at the waist, they were mine. With jeans costing up to $200 these days, this is quite the bargain!

Next up are my fabulous red suede booties. Totally stylish, totally comfortable. They are from Off 5th in Cleveland, Saks outlet store. I travel for good deals. They are a good color to make your look pop, not too overpowering. Muted reds are any girls friend.

As for the zebra top, I purchased it that day at Loehmann's, designer discount heaven. It was $30 from Romeo and Juliet. I spent the weekend eating and drinking my way through the universe so I needed something that would allow me to breath. Choosing a sheer top, paired with a black tank top, still showed off my silhouette without showing off my stomach. Perfection.

And finally, the accessories. Layer, layer, layer. My new Armitron watch for $70 is my favorite best friend these days. I wear it with everything. I searched high and low for an affordable gold watch. With everyone wear Michael Kors for $250, I refused to buy one and certainly not for that price. Add in tons of bangles with different widths and my giant blue stone ring from my mother's salon in Connecticut of all places, and my wrists are good as gold.

The final topper was my new Saks Fifth Avenue brand clutch bought at an East Village consignment store. This little gem found me (you don't search for specific things at crazy consignment stores) and I knew it would be a useful item in my repertoire. It is a neutral color even though it is not black or brown. For $65, the cost per wear will be well worth it.

So ladies, shop smart and think about your every purchase. Love what you buy and brand yourself is chic, stylish and affordable items!