Parties, functions, soirees and summer barbecues are in abundance at this time of year, but with Christmas presents, mortgages, bills and the new year ahead to think about, finding the perfect party outfit that won’t send you into cardiac arrest can prove difficult. But it doesn’t have to be! Looking good for less is a cinch, you just need to know where to look…
by Anna McDougall, Money Maven
The Dress:
There’s no reason why you can’t hit the Christmas season festivities in show stopping looks, without facing a total bank account blowout.
If you’re not already all over Roberto Cavalli’s collection for Target, you’d better put on your skates before they fly off the racks. Rescu. loves this on-trend, festive print dress from the collection that you can get for $89.00AUD.
Target also has a pretty impressive limited addition apparel, such as this monochrome Limited Editions Block Dress Cascade Frill for just $63.20AUD. Balenciaga’s latest collection, anyone?
Shoes
Who says you can’t fuel your shoe addiction without feeling guilty?
Rubi shoes is a gold mine for fashionable and low-cost footwear. The super-chic Venus Point is a party must-have heel which you can grab for a steal, on sale at $20.00AUD. The Piper Platform, in it’s summer, neon yellow and unique platform design will really set you apart from the crowd, again on sale at an unbelievable $20.00AUD. Let’s not even start on the flats range – you can stock up for every day of the week!
For quality heels, flats, wedges, pumps and sandals, Wanted Shoes is a definite go-to for fashionistas Australia-wide. The shoes range from about $50 – $200, depending on your desired style. We are loving the strappy black Milan heels by Windsor Smith for $100.00AUD and keep your summer cool with the studded Fira Ko flats on sale at $60.00AUD. Many more bargains where that came from!
Accessories
Accessories do not have to cost an arm and a leg, especially when it comes to fabulous costume jewellery, and lets be honest, we usually find accessories to match our party outfit, and you won’t be wanting to fork out for a necklace you may only wear once!
Sportsgirl offers plenty of on trend, statement pieces to become the envy of your outfit, we’re coveting the Major Jewel Necklace for $39.95. An evening clutch is another must-have this season and we are loving this elegant print on the Oversized Straw Clutch $34.95.
If oversized jewellery isn’t your thing or you’re after something a little more delicate, head to Lovisa and check out their Collette by Collette Dinnigan collection. Chic and elegant, you can get a necklace for as little as $12.99 and a fun and flirty bracelet for $16.99
Makeup
So, while we may dream of Chanel Coco Rouge lipstick in every colour, or Guerlain’s divine eye and lip palettes, they don’t always make friends with our budget. Fortunatley, there are plenty of brilliant party makeup products to get you looking red carpet ready for less.
For on trend nails, OPI’s adorable minis come in a range of Outrageous Neon colours, bound to light up any outfit at $19.95AUD.
Revlon’s 16hour Eyeshadow Quad’s come in a variety of palettes to suit any ensembe and are super long-wearing, so you know you’re getting bang for your buck. $24.95AUD
Covergirl’s lipsticks are second to none for colour – just ask Ricki-Lee! In plenty of festive and on-trend shades, we are loving the Lip Perfection Lipstick at $16.95
For party lashes without the painstaking application of false lashes, Maybelline New York give us our most dramatic lashes yet with the Falsies Flared Mascara at $19.95
