dc style: $1500 challenge – going out
30. Jun, 2009 by Gretchen 
4 Comments
Many of the women execs I work with are quickly able to put together outfits on their own for their nine-to-five work week, but seem to panic when it’s party time.
My $1500 wardrobe challenge focuses on getting dolled up for a night on the town while looking pretty, polished and still professional at a work-related event. You’ll notice I’ve added a rain jacket – given all the precipitation we’ve had in the mid-Atlantic this summer, you’ll want to have a chic wrap just in case the skies open as you exit that limo (hopefully!) or taxi cab.
The ensemble comes to a grand total of $1228. Consider spending the remaining $272 on a manicure, pedicure and a couple of pairs of $30 Power Panties by Spanx.
- Lined Stretch Silk Sheath Dress
, by Anne Klein New York, $395. The deep V neckline is flattering on most women, and the A-line skirt with a hint of Spandex is also quite forgiving. In a delicious slate gray, available in sizes 6-16.
- Cotton and Nylon Hooded Coat, by Eileen Fisher, $195. A perfect match for a dressy evening, but it will also work well with less formal outfits. It’s a light layer with a hint of sheen that will add interest and keep that silk dress clean if you end up in the taxi and not the limo.
- Printed Resin Bar Clutch
, by Tory Burch, $255 (on sale!). It was love at first sight when I saw this clutch at the Tory Burch boutique – unique, beautifully made, and did I mention it’s on sale?
- Stuart Weitzman Shashay Heels
, $298. The color “fire quasar” is a perfect counterpoint to the gray dress and jacket – these peep-toe patent leather shoes sport a four- inch heel and are sophisticated without being over the top.
- Handmade Triple Cascade Earrings, in aquamarine and black onyx, $85. These earbobs give off just enough sparkle and movement for a work-related event after five. From Dasha Boutique.
The outfit is beautiful. Each piece I understand can be used with other pieces. However, I was hoping that this post would be like the previous where you get multiple items to make numerous outfits for $1500.
Our challenge to the stylists was to create a recommendation of what to buy if they were given a $1500 budget. That way, they could do full wardrobes or key picks.
I like Gretchen’s reco for a night out and with the extra $272, I would certainly buy another fab dress and wrap to complete my evening wardrobe. I have a feeling Gretchen ran out of time. (these posts take a f-o-r-e-v-e-r sometimes.)
I kinda feel bad I spoiled you Shana!
But luckily I decided to focus two of my posts (out of three) on full wardrobes. Stay tuned for those!
Love the dress! Classy and not run-of-the-mill DC, so you’ll definitely get noticed, but not in a bad way – and that’s a tough tightrope to walk in DC. I’d put the $272 toward the limo, though – split with 3 friends and you’re there!
JWarfield – I like the way you think. What’s better than arriving at an event in a limo? Makes things much more festive – and I like the idea of sharing the cost!