Frugal and Fab: One Zara Skirt Worn 4 Ways

Do you ever go shopping, suddenly realize you absolutely NEED something you weren’t even looking for and immediately envision a hundred different ways to wear it?  I’m sure it’s simply a shopping rationalization.  “I must have this.  It’s such an investment piece.  I can wear it a hundred different ways making each wear only $.10 per wear!”  Well this past week, I popped my head into Zara purely out of a mixture of boredom and curiosity and found myself magnetized to a simple striped skirt.  It was light and flouncy, perfect for summer and classic in color so that it would withstand the test of time (er so I figured).

I see great pieces everywhere all the time.  After all, you can’t avoid window shopping in NY as the streets are filled with tempting creations at every street corner.  You inadvertently shop whether you meant to or not!  But this find was SPECIAL.  It had the power to transform and become many different looks.  So it was without much guilt, I hurried over and prepared my $30something odd dollars knowing I was immediately expanding my wardrobe tenfold with just one frugal and fab purchase.

Here are some of my initial outfit ideas.  This first one would be great for a work day.  I just got a new job working in-house for a major retailer (running their marketing, PR and events) so I can get away with being a little more fashion forward in the workplace. I actually interviewed in this Forever 21 jacket (clearly a Fall 2009 Chanel knockoff) which is now paired with suede frilly booties, pony hair Emanuel Ungaro leopard printed tote that I bought on consignment and new Zara skirt.

This second look is more summery with the white patent leather sandals (CK thrifted) and short sleeve ruffled blouse (also from Zara).  I’m proud to say this outfit costed only about $75 head to toe.

The outfit below is made up of a Forever 21 short sleeve bow blouse, Holland and Holland cashmere sweater shirt, Storets skull tote, and jeweled flats from Chinese Laundry.  I see this as a comfortable go anywhere (errands, work, brunch) outfit.

And lastly, this is a revised version of the outfit I just wore this weekend to dinner with a friend and meetup with friends on a Sat. night.  Here, I’m wearing the Zara skirt with a Eugenia Kim hat that I bought at a sample sale, Forever 21 tank, Express chain necklace, lace clutch, and sky high stilettos from Fergie (bought at TJ Maxx).  Don’t you love a deal?

What’s your favorite look?

Frugal and Fabulous: Zac Posen for Target – Brocade dress

I tried to attend the Zac Posen Target pop-up store in NY and even scurried over in the rain 2 hours before close only to disappointingly find that they had sold out of everything and had already closed up shop!  That’s when the light bulb went off.  I’ve never done the fashion flip where you make a profit off of popular but limited edition designer clothes by buying then immediately re-selling online.  But I’ve been inspired to do so by other fashionista friends who finance their shoe fund this ingenious way.  The thought of shopping to make money always sounded enticing and I’m excited to report that I’m now a proud eBay seller with 3 brocade zip dressses being sold online.

To bid or buy it now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130386767043

Reports have noted that this dress sold out almost immediately online so I was stunned to find that I could still snag 3 at my local Target.  The trick to finding all 3 was to stalk the area like a love-torn ex because it wasn’t until the store nearly closed and I returned twice to finally find the 3 dresses magically re-appear out of thin air (probably from the littered dressing room?)   I had to quench my squeal as I furtively snatched the sz 1, 5, and 7 while in pure disbelief at my luck.   I wouldn’t have imagined I could feel such a sense of achievement from my little Target excursion but I left feeling proud and with fantasies of making a fortune on eBay 🙂

Here’s what my local Target looked like at the end of launch day 1.  Not bad for having withstood a battle storm of raging fashionistas in search of Zac, huh?

As you can see, there weren’t many sizes left for the brocade skirt and like I said, I happily snatched all the remaining brocade dresses.




Don’t mind the toilet paper images behind the fashion…the Edgewater NJ Target is under reconstruction.

What was noticeably missing from the collection were the popular:  detachable ruffle dresses, tape dress and yellow raincoat.

Did anyone get to the pop-up store shopping party in NY and live to tell about it?  Did anyone else purchase anything from the Zac Posen line – if so, do tell!

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