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?

Fab Fetes: M.A.C. Cosmetics Pro Party


The M.A.C. Cosmetics pro party, thrown twice a year in large cities all over the country brings together divas and fashionistas in the beauty industry.  Take a look at the pictures below, and you’ll wish you were one of the lucky beauty insiders who were invited to witness the colorful, zany performances by The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black. It truly was an event to remember.  Think makeup artists, models, stylists and photographers packed into a loft-like space in Soho all surrounded by surrealistic, naked, painted performers.

These naked painted performers were the Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black, an indie rock band that was soon to perform.  At first we all thought they were simply atmospheric models passing out colorful cocktails and cupcakes and making themselves available for pictures.   After all, it’s a trendy event ploy seen at many NY events.  But when these mysterious, black-toothed, painted women started lining up on stage we all knew something special was about to happen.

Check out my video of their performance of their popular song, “Actressocracy”.  You too will be enthralled by their unique look.  “Did M.A.C. supply the body paint and makeup artists,” we wondered.  Are they really not wearing any pants? The event also featured another zany performance artist…not sure what this perverted Asian dude had to do with M.A.C. Cosmetics and the beauty industry but it was shocking and buzz-worthy nonetheless.  If you’d like to see an Asian man make love to a beach ball after having defecated on it..uh click here if you dare.

If you were able to stomach the strange “artistic” works shown above, perhaps the best part of the night were the creepy Chuckie-like dolls strewn all over the venue.  The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black group babied their lookalike dolls and let others take care of them throughout the night.  See here as I pretend to take one for a stroll.

The dolls were the hit of the party.  It’s too bad, I didn’t win one during the party’s finale when they were raffling them off but maybe I’m better off sleeping soundly without one in my bedroom.  By the way, doesn’t the hair styling of this group remind you of Marc Jacob’s runway show and before that, the Times Square promotion I styled in NYC?

What do you think?  Is this pro party M.A.C. worthy or was it simply colorful art gone bad?

To see more party pictures of the lovely fashionistas that attended, view my latest FabCam entry.

© 2024 Stylishly Stella