Are you new to my Frugal Fashionista series? Find out how I dress for less with designer outfits for mere pennies on the dollar. Yes, all outfits from head to toe are less than $15, and did I mention…second hand?)
When this Frugal Fashionista arrived in New York City at the tail end of Fashion Week, all eyes were on the array of various styles that graced the run way. Twice a year, designers showcase their collections for journalists, celebrities, buyers and socialites during New York’s Fashion Week. It’s an invite only event, and no, I was not invited, but I had to ponder the huge dichotomy between my frugal fashionista choices and what Fashion Week entails.
What is the lure with fashion? Why such intrigue and emphasis?
According to the University of Michigan, Americans spent $326 billion on clothing and footwear last year. It’s my privilege to say that I did not really contribute much to that number. As much as I love fashion, I’ve realized the difference between keeping up with the Jones by dressing in the latest, greatest and most expensive outfits and just enjoying fashion, even if it’s an outfit that totals $5.
My casual and comfy outfit above screams some heeled boots or any kind of heels in general, but it was requested that I only wear closed toe flats in the Unilever test kitchen, so that completely limits the fashion sense. 🙂
Going to a Broadway show for the first time should be a monumental event, one that requires hours to choose just the right outfit. Well, not when a classy black $1 yard sale dress is your go to outfit in these situations. You know how I love all of my little black dresses, well, when in NYC do like the New Yorkers…wear black.
This classic little black dress is definitely a “Go to” item in my wardrobe; one of those key wardrobe pieces that everyone needs to own. To think that I got this second hand for a few dollars still makes me giddy. As I browsed the Broadway audience before the show, fashion was fabulous, but it just made me chuckle thinking about what those in attendance would say if I told them that for the price of their soda, I put together my whole outfit, and I would have…had they asked. 🙂 Yes, it’s surely a whole different world.
I couldn’t believe that I didn’t get a head to shot of my outfit, but back in my bathroom, I tried to catch a self photo so you could see the dress up close. The wrap gave it just the edge of sophistication and color that I desired, but I am still on the look out for some long silver rope type necklaces. That would have completed it and I haven’t been able to find any second hand. I gave it my all, but I will be buying some new very soon. In lieu of the perfect necklace, I took two that I already owned and doubled them up to give an extra pop. The silver hoop earrings were from Target for about $2. When you add costume jewelry to a classy outfit, the inexpensive factor just blends right in and I love that.
My whole outfit, with the earrings, rings up at around $10.
Let me walk down that runway at Fashion Week…do you think they’d be open to a new category? 😉
Posted at: Southern Hospitality
and you looked MARVELOUS!!!! funny how we managed to get a few shots where you look like you are all alone on Broadway! haha…….it was SO crowded, I don’t know how we pulled that off.
You ROCKED the black dress girl!!
I love these posts. It is so fun being a girl!!!!
Thanks for the encouragement to be fashionable and savvy at the same time!
I love these posts. You always look so fabulous. I love both outfits. The black dress was a steal!
Awesome post!! You look beautiful!!!!!
Your little black dress looks great on you. Is the green thing a sweater or a shawl or some hybrid of the two?
this reminds me that I need to do a post just on wraps, shawls etc. It is kind of a hybred. It has some sleeves, but than the big long pieces of fabric that hang down. If I wasn’t trying to hold the camera and take my own pic, I could have showed it better. lol If I want a more sophisticated look, I let it come off my shoulder, but it could easily be worn with jeans as well. Here’s a better pic of it…https://beautyandbedlam.com/business-casual-dress-for-less/
As a New Yawker myself, let me say, you fit right in and you look amazing. Hope Broadway was awesome and you liked your first show! Isn’t the vibe on the street amazing? I take it for granted b/c we are there all the time, but it’s something really special. Hope you have a great time!
You are too cute. Wish I could’ve rocked NYC alongside you. Here’s to hoping Unilever invites us again 🙂
Hi Jen,
I really enjoy your Frugal Fashionista series. I have always thrifted. Funny how the best things turn up there. You look great!
Nothing is trendier than green, and second-hand is very green. Being a Californian, plenty of my friends are crunchy sorts (i.e. granola -y). And many of them shop thrift exclusively as a matter of conscience. You are a trendsetter!
Fashion and Style should not be confused. One can follow fashion slavishly, spend thousands of dollars per season and still look like a scarecrow. Being truly stylish is another thing entirely, and comes much more from the self, rather than other people’s expectations.
Great black dress, by the way — body conscious and flattering.
Pairing flats with jeans is very chic and looks great. You don’t always need to go for heals or wedges!
Jen, I am going to have to join one of your frugal fashion parties. I’ve got so many great things hanging in my closet too & hardly every photograph them.
You looked great in your NY trip! Too bad we didn’t get up there at the same time. I had a ball on our trip with all those fun bloggers. NY has so much going on. We didn’t have time for a show, but I wish we had! Believe me, walking around the streets up there, I only wore flats.