Penny Pinching Party Wear

What to do...a slew of holiday bashes to attend but all your cash is tied up in gift-giving or your budget has simply shrunk this year. No problemo. There are deals to be had at retail and don't be afraid to raid your closet to pull together a great holiday look for nothing. You'll be surprised what you can pull together in a pinch. Update last year's silky satin blouson tie-top with a classic pencil skirt, some matted tights and this year's short booties. Throw on some faux jewels for some sparkle and you're ready to party. Or in true California style, go dressed-down and low-key and opt for some skinny jeans with knee high knitted Uggs and a beaded beach tunic à la Tori Burch (pure Malibu baby.)

Now that I've been in Cali for almost 4 years, my hubbie and I felt we finally had enough friends to invite to our traditional tree-trimming bash that we used to host in Brooklyn every year (great idea if you want to snag some cool new ornaments for your tree!) It was the first year in a long time (and two kids later) that I've had an opportunity to "dress up" for my own holiday bash. What to wear?! After raiding my sample closet (one of the benefits of being a designer) and schlepping home my wares, I actually ended up resurrecting an old shimmer spacedye dress in Aubergine from Stacia's Holiday '08 collection. I paired it with bare legs and mid-calf eggplant colored boots. I felt comfortable and festive! A few of my guests were equally stylish and understated. In pure NY style, yet au courant Cali style, one guest dressed herself completely in black but with a touch of sparkle and cozy faux fur (yes, it was quite chilly on the Westside.) Black leggings, black suede booties, a black knit mini, a black sequined blouse, and topped with a faux rabbit cropped zip jacket. Simply chic. Another guest sported chic black wide leg pants, black patent Kate Spade platforms, a Stacia gold lurex tunic circa '06, and an over-sized gold chain and beaded necklace. Classic and understated.

So don't be afraid to pinch and scour the market for some great finds, whether vintage or 70% off at your local boutique. But whatever you do, don't skimp and opt for cheap fabric. Fabric is key. If it's $29.99 at H&M, the fabric is cheap and believe me you'll look cheap. In this market, you can pay a few more bucks for a great contemporary designer without breaking the bank and actually get something that will last for more than one washing. Plus, who wants to feel cheap scratchy fabric against their skin? Not me. So check out a few of my Holiday picks found on the web at great prices, good quality, and timeless pieces you can recycle for years to come:

- J.Crew's Bria cami in ruffled silk will look timeless and chic with a bold beaded necklace and paired either with winter white pants or a metallic pencil skirt. And you can resurrect this puppy come Spring when sleeveless weather has arrived. I would keep the chill off with a vintage beaded cardi from a thrift store or a simple fringed scarf.

- The ultimate style essential or easiest way to update an outfit is to pump up your accessories. And great shoes are a must. Don't cheap out on your shoes. A great shoe can transform your whole outfit to one that's killer and not drab. There's some great deals out there on designer of-the-moment shoes. I found two on the sale page at shopbop that I recommend - a patent leather wedge that is equally chic at a party or at the office and an open toe laced up bootie by Dolce Vita (priced just right!)

-So if you have the great top and the great shoes, what to wear on the bottom? A true Calif girl would simply pair with jeans (pegged, wide-legged, or even high-waisted.) But if you really want to take it up a notch, I suggest a classic pencil skirt paired with tights and short boots or bare-legged and knee-high boots. There are many designer ones to be had online and on sale. So here again, don't skimp on fabric, go for broke so you'll have your pencil skirt for years to come (I still have my old Calvin Klein one from 1994!) Check out the Loeffler Randall one on Madison's web site in basic black but with a fashion-forward gold studded waist (and it's marked down to $177 from $295!)

-A statement necklace, a cocktail ring, or even a chunky charm bracelet can easily sparkle up your ensemble. And you can do it for cheap. THIS is where you can pinch. If you got the high-quality shoes and clothing in great fabric than you can cheap out on the jewels and go for faux. And don't be afraid to scour flea markets for your gems. I've found many great large cocktail rings at next to nothing at vintage stores, antique shops, and flea markets (I collect them!) So now's the time to pile 'em on to create a festive look for a party (sipping a cocktail with your bling is très chic!) No time to hunt for your treasures at second-hand stores, than surf on over to J.Crew. I'm rather impressed with their new jewelry line. It's very of-the-moment and at the right price. Get real, the only time you really need to shell out the bucks for jewelry is for your diamonds and Rolexes. But for trendy fashion pieces, there's no reason to pay a lot. I love the mustard colored statement necklace at J.Crew for only $100 bucks.

Okay girls, so now you're ready. There's no reason or excuse not to look chic this Holiday season, recession or not. So root through that closet of yours or scour the internet for deals and get crackin' on your next party outfit. Remember, simple and understated is always the way to go and you don't have to break the bank to do so.