Well it is that time of the year where girls flock to find the perfect outfit for their formal events. I know that whenever I have a formal event to go to, I buy my dress almost as quickly as I can open the invite (or nowadays, click into my Facebook notification). Now I know not everyone has the same enthusiasm when it comes to shopping as I do, so I have devised a few tips for you.
You might say ‘OMG $500, that’s way above my budget’, but little did you know all these things add up.
I thought by scoring a $150 dress, I was doing great, but add a $40 spray tan, $70 make-up, $70 hair (style only), $40 manicure, $100 pair of shoes, $50 clutch, and another $100 for jewellery. Cringe, and there goes over $500. But now I can show you how to be savvy when shopping for a formal event.
Firstly for those on a budget, you will need to decide what will be you splurge item. For example, do you go all out on the dress, and save on the accessories; do you go all out on the accessories and save on the dress; or do you go all out on the hair and make-up and save on the dress and accessories. Whatever the choice, there are many options.
I thought by scoring a $150 dress, I was doing great, but add a $40 spray tan, $70 make-up, $70 hair (style only), $40 manicure, $100 pair of shoes, $50 clutch, and another $100 for jewellery. Cringe, and there goes over $500. But now I can show you how to be savvy when shopping for a formal event.
Firstly for those on a budget, you will need to decide what will be you splurge item. For example, do you go all out on the dress, and save on the accessories; do you go all out on the accessories and save on the dress; or do you go all out on the hair and make-up and save on the dress and accessories. Whatever the choice, there are many options.
Option 1:
Higher priced - dress
Savvy - Jewellery
DIY - hair and make-up
For those of you who are taking the it’s-all-about-the-dress approach, shop smart. Sure the $500 printed dress is georgeous but will that pattern out-last time; will you be over it next season? My advice, if you are spending big bucks on a dress choose block colours. You want to have the option of wearing the dress sometime again. I know you might cringe, and think fashion-repeat, but with a different group of friends you want to make sure that $500 dress gets slightly more than a mere 15 seconds of fame. Hey, I’m not saying wear it all the time, but if you are able to wear it one more time after the event, it is always a tick in my books.
Those girls wanting to save on the hair and make-up, I have one word for you…YOUTUBE.
Youtube is a saviour! Whether you want a tight chignon, or a smokey Kim Kardashian eye, Youtube will become your best friend. Once you have found your dress and accessories, take inspiration from celebs on what will be the best look (Google images will help you here). If you have details on the bustier of your dress, you may opt for having your hair back. Look at pictures from the latest red carpets to find what you like and love. Once you’ve found the make-up and hair (for make-up I suggest Pixiwoo tutorials http://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo) start practising!! Practise on yourself, practise on your friends, or if your not confident get a friend to practise on you. I can’t stress enough how important practise is, you don’t want to get to the day of the event and realise that the smokey eye that you wanted looks less Kim Kardashian, more Marilyn Manson. If you get stuck, going to places like MAC to ask for tips, is always a good idea.
Dress - ‘Cut Out Jersey Maxi’
Sizes 6-14, Red
$279.95
Bariano
http://www.bariano.com.au
Earrings - ‘Mini Crystal Dome Stud’
FA. Rose gold
$39.95
Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au/
Shoes - ‘Devotion’
Nude
Sizes 5-10
$129.95
Siren
http://www.sirenshoes.com.au
Clutch - ‘Goldie Hard Case Clutch’
FA. Rose gold
$49.95
Forever New
http://www.forevernew.com.au
GRAND TOTAL: $499.80
The earrings you will 100% wear again. They are small, and not too blingy. Shoes are definitely a keeper also. Nude goes with everything! Not to mention for you small-footed ladies, this shoe starts at a size 5.
Pair this look with some loose curls ala Lauren Conrad. We don’t have a huge statement ear here, so hair down is totally OK. Use either a curling iron, or a hair straightener, and lots of hairspry.
To finish off this look I would use a red lipstick (we all have one of these). Any red will do, just make sure that you get a friend to be on teeth patrol so you don’t end up with more lipstick on your teeth than your lips. Keep your lipstick or even a red lipgloss, in your clutch for touch ups throughout the evening. If you go a bold lip, then load up your eyes with mascara and some black eyeliner. If you prefer a bold eye, then give the red lips a miss. As far as nails go I would choose either a black, red or French (don’t introduce any new block colours. Remember your palette is Red and Nude, with some black in your make-up). And ladies, for those of you that are not naturally blessed with a sunkissed tan (the European olive skin definitely skipped me), bypass the spray-tan booth and layer up using your Model Co. tan the night before.Hair and make-up inspo:
Featured: MAC Kohl Power Pencil in Feline, MAC RiRi lipstick, MAC Tinted Lipglass in Russian Red and MAC Haute and Naughty Lash Mascara.Images courtesy of Google and MAC cosmetics
To finish off this look I would use a red lipstick (we all have one of these). Any red will do, just make sure that you get a friend to be on teeth patrol so you don’t end up with more lipstick on your teeth than your lips. Keep your lipstick or even a red lipgloss, in your clutch for touch ups throughout the evening. If you go a bold lip, then load up your eyes with mascara and some black eyeliner. If you prefer a bold eye, then give the red lips a miss. As far as nails go I would choose either a black, red or French (don’t introduce any new block colours. Remember your palette is Red and Nude, with some black in your make-up). And ladies, for those of you that are not naturally blessed with a sunkissed tan (the European olive skin definitely skipped me), bypass the spray-tan booth and layer up using your Model Co. tan the night before.Hair and make-up inspo:
Option 2:
Savvy - dress
Higher priced - accessories
DIY - hair and make-up
Savvy - dress
Higher priced - accessories
DIY - hair and make-up
If you are anything like me, and you LOVE an accessory, then places like Mimco will be your playground. Mimco are always on trend with their accessories – from their range of silver, gunmental, gold and rose-gold you are sure to find something for you. I mean, yes, I am a little biased because I worked for Mimco for many years, however, there statement pieces are so versatile. Hear me out. You may spend over $100 for a gorgeous necklace, but most of Mimco’s necklaces can be worn two ways – short and long profile. Who will know that the necklace you are wearing to your friend’s birthday is the same you wore to that formal even, only longer – no one! Keep in mind the neckline of your dress before you go shopping crazy. If you are going for a high-neck or a one-shoulder you don’t need a statement neck piece, instead let your ears do the talking with a statement earring.
Dress - ‘Saturn Wrap Dress’
Sizes 6-14, Black
$79.95
Bardot
http:/www.bardot.com.au
Earrings - ‘Simple Glamour Ear’
FA. Clear
$129.00
Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au
Shoes - ‘Foxy Platform Sandal’
Glitter
Sizes 5-10
$133.62
Jeffery Campbell
http://www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com
Clutch - ‘Mini Molten Clutch’
Mini. Patent black
$149.00
Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au
Sizes 6-14, Black
$79.95
Bardot
http:/www.bardot.com.au
Earrings - ‘Simple Glamour Ear’
FA. Clear
$129.00
Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au
Shoes - ‘Foxy Platform Sandal’
Glitter
Sizes 5-10
$133.62
Jeffery Campbell
http://www.jeffreycampbellshoes.com
Clutch - ‘Mini Molten Clutch’
Mini. Patent black
$149.00
Mimco
http://www.mimco.com.au
GRAND TOTAL: $491.57
So yes, I’m going to be the first to say that I was on the hunt for an $8.43 wrist. Don’t get me wrong, I am the queen of accessories, so can find something from any price, but I thought I’d resist, as I wanted to stay with the high-price accessories theme.
Let me say I have managed to sneak-in a JSP loves piece, the Simple Glamour Ear. These are my go to earrings, that I absolutely adore. Don’t troll through my Instagram photos to count on how many occasions I have used this ear….I think this is an absolute staple item in any girls wardrobe or should I say jewellery box.
While I am at, let me bust a myth. Formal attire doesn’t have to mean floor-length gown (however if you can see more than you bargained for when you bend – this does not count). This dress is a perfect affordable formal dress. One of my favourite things about it, is that it flatters most body types (the ruffles work wonders to hide that extra piece of chocolate cake). My sister, who for a petite girl, has one hell of a booty, decided that she loved this dress so much, that she bought it in three colours. The JC’s that are surprisingly comfortable to walk in, can even be paired with some skinny leg jeans, these are not restricted to formal wear. Another plus, they come in half sizes – why can’t all footwear take a leaf out of Mr. Campbell’s book? As for the clutch – the envelope shape speaks for itself (if you’re like me and think bigger is better, it comes in a jumbo size too – kitchen sink…check).
At the risk of sounding Kardashian Krazy (I already have a list of K names for my unborn children), Kim and her sisters pull off a tight high chignon bun. What you need for this look is a hair donut (if you don’t have one already you can find them on Ebay for 0.99c) preferably in the same colour as your hair, the handfuls of bobby pins that you are collecting in the bottom of your drawer, and some strong hairspray. Again, Youtube how to do this look. Remember, you want to show off those earrings, which is why pulling your hair back is perfect for this look.
This look would not be complete without a shimmery smokey eye. Keep in mind, smokey is a technique, it doesn’t necessarily mean dark eyes. For this look, I would use a lot of silver and grey eye shadows, with a touch of a dark colour in your crease (suggested MAC colours – Electra, the world’s most underrated colour, and Knight Devine). Below is a picture of these 2 colours, so that you can see if you can match them to the colours you already have at home. A beautiful glossy lip (nude or pink) will set this look off.
Hair and make-up inspo:
Featured: MAC eyeshadow in Electra (JSP loves) and Knight Devine, MAC Lipglass in Fashion Scoop.Images courtesy of Google and MAC cosmetics
Option 3:Savvy - dress
Savvy - accessories
Higher priced - hair and make-up
This look proves two things A- that a formal look can mean 2 pieces, and B- you can still buy a formal look outfit without blowing your budget. I have teed an extremely reasonably priced Peplum top, with a slightly higher priced skirt. The more affordable top, doesn’t cheapen a look if you pull it off correctly. I’ve also added a pop of colour through the choices of accessories, to off-set the all black look (and yes, I am a Melbournian, so I do have a wardrobe that could be easily mistaken for a rock band). This look was all about splurging on the hair, make-up, tan and nails, and this is how I did it.
Option 3:Savvy - dress
Savvy - accessories
Higher priced - hair and make-up
This look proves two things A- that a formal look can mean 2 pieces, and B- you can still buy a formal look outfit without blowing your budget. I have teed an extremely reasonably priced Peplum top, with a slightly higher priced skirt. The more affordable top, doesn’t cheapen a look if you pull it off correctly. I’ve also added a pop of colour through the choices of accessories, to off-set the all black look (and yes, I am a Melbournian, so I do have a wardrobe that could be easily mistaken for a rock band). This look was all about splurging on the hair, make-up, tan and nails, and this is how I did it.
Top- ‘Rosella Lace Peplum Top’
Sizes XXS-XXL (6-18), Black
$25.00
Supre
http://www.supre.com.au
Skirt - ‘Club Skirt’
Sizes 6-14, Black
$89.95
Bardot
http://www.bardot.com.au
Ring - ‘Cabochon Ring’
S-L. Silver and blue
$14.99
Lovisa
http://www.lovisa.com.au
Shoes - ‘Amelia’
Sizes 5-10. Blue
$149.95
Siren
http://www.sirenshoes.com.au
Clutch - ‘Sia Stud Trim Clutch’
FA. Royal blue
$19.95
Cotton On
http://shop.cottonon.com
Hair - Straight blow-wave
Local hairdresser
$40 (note: prices may vary from salon-to-salon)
Makeup - Mac Dark blue and Black Smokey eye
$70 redeemable product
Spray tan - Sun-kissed
Local beautician
$40
Nails – Shelac, dark shade
Local beautician
$40
Sizes XXS-XXL (6-18), Black
$25.00
Supre
http://www.supre.com.au
Skirt - ‘Club Skirt’
Sizes 6-14, Black
$89.95
Bardot
http://www.bardot.com.au
Ring - ‘Cabochon Ring’
S-L. Silver and blue
$14.99
Lovisa
http://www.lovisa.com.au
Shoes - ‘Amelia’
Sizes 5-10. Blue
$149.95
Siren
http://www.sirenshoes.com.au
Clutch - ‘Sia Stud Trim Clutch’
FA. Royal blue
$19.95
Cotton On
http://shop.cottonon.com
Hair - Straight blow-wave
Local hairdresser
$40 (note: prices may vary from salon-to-salon)
Makeup - Mac Dark blue and Black Smokey eye
$70 redeemable product
Spray tan - Sun-kissed
Local beautician
$40
Nails – Shelac, dark shade
Local beautician
$40
GRAND TOTAL: $489.84
The outfit is formal, but yet at the same time sexy. You have a feminine and lacy top, and an angled skirt (I even wear this skirt to work – versatile!). The shoes help boost this formal look, with that devine heel and textured finish (leather and suede). And the silver in the clutch helps break up the black and blue theme.All items in this look can be worn again – the top and heels can definitely be paired with a cute pair of shorts, or even jeans.
I am teaming this look with a professional straight blow-wave from your local hairdressers (think Jennifer Hawkins). This look suits almost everyone. In terms of the make-up redeem the products that you will need for re-touching (eg. a bronzer, or lipstick), or what you are more likely to use again. I suggest incorporating MAC’s Nehru, and using a gel eyeliner to really make your eyes pop. Google some inspiration beforehand, this way the MAC artist can see your vision, and your smokey blue eye will look more red-carpet, then Bozo the Clown.
Hair and make-up colour inspo:
Featured: MAC eyeshadow in Nehru, MAC gel eyeliner in Black Tracks, and Chanel nail lacquer in Blue Satin. Images courtesy of Google and MAC cosmetics. If you like an idea, you can mix and match. Perhaps you thought your formal dress would be stretching your budget, but it was your lucky day that it was on sale; spend those extra dollars on a MAC eyeshadow, or a hair donut. Remember, you are not constricted by your original plans. You might’ve thought that you wanted to wear a floor-length gown, however, when you walked into Sass and Bide, you’ve seen the cutest midi. Fashion is versatile! But make sure you think twice before you purchase your splurge item. Ensure that you are in love with it, and you will be for the next month. You don’t want to buy your formal attire 2 months in advance, and then when you get to the day, realise you are over it before you have even worn it. Also, don’t let a shop-assistant trick you. Remember, they are paid to tell you that the super tight dress looks amazing on your self-conscious booty; or that the really expensive earrings that you are not 100% sold on are the “last pair” – because 99.9% of the time they are not (insider tricks here). Take a few minutes, go have a skinny- cappuccino, and then come back once you have convinced yourself it is definitely something you want (the number of times I have thanked myself for not caving into my impulses!).
I am teaming this look with a professional straight blow-wave from your local hairdressers (think Jennifer Hawkins). This look suits almost everyone. In terms of the make-up redeem the products that you will need for re-touching (eg. a bronzer, or lipstick), or what you are more likely to use again. I suggest incorporating MAC’s Nehru, and using a gel eyeliner to really make your eyes pop. Google some inspiration beforehand, this way the MAC artist can see your vision, and your smokey blue eye will look more red-carpet, then Bozo the Clown.
Hair and make-up colour inspo:
Featured: MAC eyeshadow in Nehru, MAC gel eyeliner in Black Tracks, and Chanel nail lacquer in Blue Satin. Images courtesy of Google and MAC cosmetics. If you like an idea, you can mix and match. Perhaps you thought your formal dress would be stretching your budget, but it was your lucky day that it was on sale; spend those extra dollars on a MAC eyeshadow, or a hair donut. Remember, you are not constricted by your original plans. You might’ve thought that you wanted to wear a floor-length gown, however, when you walked into Sass and Bide, you’ve seen the cutest midi. Fashion is versatile! But make sure you think twice before you purchase your splurge item. Ensure that you are in love with it, and you will be for the next month. You don’t want to buy your formal attire 2 months in advance, and then when you get to the day, realise you are over it before you have even worn it. Also, don’t let a shop-assistant trick you. Remember, they are paid to tell you that the super tight dress looks amazing on your self-conscious booty; or that the really expensive earrings that you are not 100% sold on are the “last pair” – because 99.9% of the time they are not (insider tricks here). Take a few minutes, go have a skinny- cappuccino, and then come back once you have convinced yourself it is definitely something you want (the number of times I have thanked myself for not caving into my impulses!).
Now good luck ladies, enjoy your special night, make sure you pack all the essentials in your clutch (no matter how small the clutch, you can ALWAYS fit in your favourite lip gloss for retouching), and take lots of snaps. Email me snaps to be featured in the blog jspstyling@gmail.com
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