Sound the Alarm!

*Warning!: This outfit is a.) not for the meek, and b.) definitely a splurge.  Now, I know– red pants aren’t for everyone. Understandable. They most definitely make a statement! If they’re not really your thing, keep reading– I have a couple of solutions for you. Moving on from the pant: I’m obsessed with the sequin top paired with a denim looking button-up look!! It’s fun, and it’s a cool updated twist on a classic. Sparkle and flame need a cool down, so pair with a nude shoe and an easy going loose curl (pictured: Olivia Palermo) and a nude/pink lip. (*My fav lip product: MAC Lipglass in Underage, $14.50). Overall this ensamble commands attention and I would highly reco for any fashion fearless lady :)

The Breakdown:
Earrings: H&M 9-Pack Earrings, $5.95 (*bronze-ish pair shown)
Top: TopShop Sequin Tee in Bronze, $90.00
Top: JCrew Selvedge Chambray Popover in Dark Blue Wash, $98.00
Pants: Express Ultimate Double Weave Columnist Pant in Mars Red, $79.90
Shoes: (Bakers) Chinese Laundry Hotness Pump in Light Tan, $49.99

Total Cost of this Outfit: $323.84 (*Not including cost of lip product).

Kinda steep, but!– I did warn you… Still,

How To Save On This Outfit: 

As promised, a few solutions for the anti-red personality: This look could easily be chic and flirty with a khaki trouser or dark skinny denim.

• If opting for the denim route, cuff the bottoms 2-3” to expose the lighter blue, it adds dimension. Also go for a flat or pump that exhibits a pop of color– maybe bring back the red on your feet! 
• As for the khaki option, hint: the columnist pant also comes in khaki, but surely swap-in your own khaki pant if you own them already. As for a shoe to pair with khaki, I like this flat: Bakers Glitz Flat in Bronze, $29.99. Otherwise a pop of color in footwear would be appropriate here too.

By using pants and shoes from your own closet, you’re able to save $129.89– thus chopping down the total cost of this outfit to $193.95! No, still not inexpensive but again, I warned you this was a splurge statement ensamble.

I say go for it! Be fearless.

Peggy Olsen Got A Makeover

My favorite show at the moment is Mad Men. So, this look has a bit of a 60s vibe– emulating the fashions from the show. A blast from the past answered by one of the more popular Fashion Week trends– red suede pumps and a red lip. I often find that when the outfit is the attention-getter, pulled-back hairstyles look best– thus I've attached this Adele-inspired messy updo. Completing the look with a subtle winged liner would certainly be charming. This outfit is definitely flirty in its palette of pattern and textures, and welcomes the brisk turn of the season with a smile.

The Breakdown:

Dress: Fossil Madeline Dress in Blue, $78

Jacket: JCrew Schoolboy Blazer (Velvet) in Black, $168

Legwear: UO Pointelle Lightweight Sweater Tights in Black, $14

Shoes: Bakers Alecia Dress Pumps in Red, $79.99

Total Cost of this Outfit: $339.99

Eeeh... While this look has many components, I'm hardly convinced any one outfit should cost roughly $350.

How to Save on this Look:

The two heavy-hitters to the wallet in this scenario are both the blazer and the red pump. However, they're also two items that in my opinion pull the look together. So, here's a few less-pricey options:

• LOFT Pima Cotton 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan in Black, $34.99 (sale) –– A simple black cardigan that’s more cropped and less tunic in length would pair well with the empire waist of the dress. Downside?– it’s not as warm as a blazer, so you’d have to bring a jacket.
• UO Sparkle & Fade Cropped Ruched Sleeve Blazer in Black, $79 –– To appeal to those who would prefer a blazer over a cardigan, chew on this: No, it’s not velvet but it is cropped and it does button at the waist creating the same femme lines as the JCrew blazer, for far less I might add! (Almost $90 savings!)
• UO Kimchi Blue Suede Pointy Kitten Heel in Red, $49 — A little less aggressive than a pump, but equally as cute. This shoe definitely brings out the vintage-inspired quality of the dress more to the forefront. (Not to mention they’re $30 less expensive!)

By going the route of the UO blazer and red heel, you’re bringing the cost down to $220! I like saving $120 too!!