Holiday fashion - bargainista style :)

Yes, I have a lot of stuff. And yes, I (try to) wear a lot of my stuff. When I was skinny back in my 20's, every day was a fashion show for me. I put together crazy outfits and I had the confidence to carry it off. I've been obsessed with fashion since I was a child. One of my earliest memories is my dad taking me shopping for a back to school outfit for pre-school. It was the late 70's so I picked out patchwork cords with a matching applique top LOL. These days I've been trying to harness some of the confidence of my youth and put myself together again - so my beautiful things wouldn't just be sitting in a closet anymore.

I've had orange on the brain since I saw Shira Rose from A Sequin Love Affair in a bright orange parka. When I spotted this vintage number in the thrift store I grabbed it even though it was a size too big. It's clearly a designer piece even though someone removed the label. The only tag reads size 38 - I'm guessing it's probably a US 6/8. Plus the previous owner moved the buttons over to make it larger so I'm going to have them shifted back so I can close it without it looking huge. The wool is lush and thick and the color is just wow. Did I mention it was only $15?!!

For this look, I paired the coat with my favorite Sergio Rossi boots that I scored at the Rack for just $199 last year. I got them at 14th street so I had to pay tax - a year later and I'm still annoyed about that LOL. (It would have been cheaper to ship them to NJ where I don't pay tax on shoes.) I love that the stacked heels are not too tall so they are very comfortable, especially with the rubber lug sole platform.

I have pretty skinny calves and I hate when boots look like garbage bags around your legs and ankles. I used to take my boots to the shoe repair and have them tailored to my legs for $80 - I'm sure it costs more by now. Then I discovered designer shoes and boots. There really is a HUGE difference between a Nine West and a Jimmy Choo - and I'm not just talking price. I'm talking quality and fit. The leather is nicer, the shoe is less likely to fall apart and I simply find them more comfortable. The heels tend to be better balanced and the calves tend to be narrower too. I used to swear by Jimmy Choo boots, and my old ones still fit my calves but the newer ones started cutting wider. You'll note that these Rossis don't fit like a second skin but that's OK because it's a pull-on style and they are slim enough. If these were zip-up I would probably have them taken in. It's just one of my "things."

I pulled out my new $30 Tracy Reese dress because I wanted something neutral with a print to go under the coat. The earrings were just $2.38 from Target. I love Target clearance :) 

I'm thinking next time I need a nude lip for this outfit.

Closeup of my Rebecca Minkoff Beau Snake Clutch that I scored at the sample sale for $50. It's huge and the rosegold is beautiful. I'm accessorized with my penny (as in $.01) rosegold stack rings from the Rack and my Rebecca Minkoff ($128 retail) bangle - also a penny. The black bangle is vintage and was thrifted for less than $5 (don't recall) and the gold studded cuff was a Rack find - not a penny LOL. I had to pay a whole five bucks for that one :)

For my second look, I put on my amazing Tom and Linda Platt $15 thrifted dress (probably $500-1000 for a dress like this) that I shared last month in Dress obsessed. I wasn't kidding when I said it looked better on. The fringe is perfection and I love the movement in this dress.

Gold plated hammered drop earrings are Argento Vivo, $25 from the Rack.

Recognize my accessories? All sample sale scores :) The DVF Tonda eyelash sequin clutch ($41.50, retail $395) & AV Max hammered cuff bracelet ($17, retail $32) were from the Rent the Runway, and the Submission studded patent leather sandals ($55, retail $995!) were from Tamara Mellon.

Not so basic black :)

And because I know you want to see more of the shoes LOL...here are my stilettos in the snow :)

I think it's time for a pedi...

And that's how I do designer on a dime. Lots of thrifted finds, mixed with sample sale scores, a dash of Nordstrom Rack and Target clearance :)

If I get invited to fashion week in February (HINT HINT!) I think I'd actually have stuff to wear :) More looks to come - stay tuned for part 2...

Last but not least a BIG thank you to my photographer, Meira! She's so talented, brilliant, and did I mention drop dead gorgeous? If she wasn't my niece I'd probably hate her LOL. Thanks again!

-Shoppinggal