Be the star of the party - Even on a budget !!

Same stylist. Two people. Two outfits. Different budgets. Same party!

Imagine you had to style two different clients, on two different budgets, I mean five times different, but to the same party! Challenging?? Of course it is! I'll explain what my choices will be and the rationale behind these choices.

When you put a lot of thought into what you wear before stepping out -normally referred to as 'making an effort' - people including strangers will subconsciously make an effort with you. On the other hand, if you put no thought to it and appear like you can't be bothered...other people will not be bothered making an effort with you. Think!

Look 1.


1. Warehouse striped blazer £75 2. Lisa Marie Fernandez black bandeau dress £340 3. Vivienne Westwood earrings £50 4. Vivienne Westwood elongated croc skin patent clutch £395 5. Jimmy Choo red patent peep toes £395

Total cost of Look 1 = £1255

Look 2.




1. New Look Bangles £6 2. Asos folded pleats navy blue dress £45 3. Betty Jackson Corsage flower necklace £20 4. Dune striped clutch bag £45 5. Dune striped court shoes £85 5.Amazon Navy blue stud earrings £18

Total cost of Look 2 = £213


I will start by stating a fact most of us already know. Women dress for the other woman, not for a man..Sorry to deflate your egos! We seek the approval of another woman or seek to be better than the other...If we had to dress for men, that will be the cheapest venture - as they are more concerned about what is in it than what is on it...fact! The approval we get off other women (peers) is what gives us the confidence that the opposite sex then feels attracted to.

When going to a party, we are more concerned about what the other woman is wearing. Some women will turn down going to a party on the basis they think the other women will out dress them or simply...they can't compete. If a woman tells you they really do not care what the other woman is wearing....that's a woman being economical with the truth..or rather living in self denial. This competition is a healthy competition, at least we strive to look better, and this results in increased self confidence. This can only be a positive outcome.

Now I have two Fab ladies with extremely different pockets. The first one has no limit on what she can spend on her clothes. Don't we all wish!! Although I feel sick when I see people spend so much on a worthless looking garment...where the price tag is only in their head! On the other hand ..the quality of an expensive or designer garment always speaks for it self.

For 'look 1', I went for a classic look. I'll rather spend so much on a classic item that can stand the test of time. The Black bandeau dress on look one has exquisite attention to detail, luxurious fabric and perfect finish. It's a star piece and worth its every penny. The elaborate Vivienne Westwood clutch is clear for all to see that the look is so on the money. The Red shoes adds a bit of drama and the striped sailor blazer adds a modern, trendy twist to the outfit .....I'm thinking city chic!

For 'look 2' .. Being on a budget, knowing she still has to compete with look 1.. If you haven't got all the money to spend on that star outfit...you can create magic, through carefully combined pieces... you could take all the attention away! The shoe and bag set was the star for me. I knew my second lady will get a compliment even from lady 1. I focused on accessorising with the elaborate necklace, loud bangles and unique shoe and bag set...I focused on making lady 2 very trendy and dramatic than classic. It's important both ladies bring different things to the table. At the end of the day, they will be sat at opposite sides of the table throwing admiring glances at each other... well who wins...you decide!


It might seem a not- so- clever move to spend so much on outfits. I will be realistic, the Vivienne Westwo0d black clutch can be paired with any outfit and will look distinct and new all the time...The blazer could be worn casually with a pair of Jeans for a casual chic look. The shoes could be worn year in - year out with so many options...They are all classic colours.

For Look 2 ...The shoe and bag set can be very choosy when it comes to pairing. It's almost an outfit in itself that wearing it too often, will ruin everything special about it...At times those inexpensive outfits work out expensive in the long run......The choice is yours..Although it goes to show, regardless of your budget, you can still look great or even better than someone who is top to bottom in designer gear...Just be creative and work on your strengths.


Finally confidence is everything ....Wearing an expensive outfit without the show of confidence in your body language knock £££$$$ off it....If you wear a cheap outfit with confidence ..walking straight with your head up and a great smile...add £££££ signs to your look!

So work it people ...Fab it always!