What's hot? Mini drink pairings, high-end tequila stations, desert bars

For some, the elegance of a wedding is in the details of the décor: Antique lace overlays and sashes on gold chiavari chairs, place cards with stylized calligraphy, floral arrangements dripping with tea light candles and crystal pendants.

For others, it’s all about the food — though there are myriad details to consider when planning a meal for 200 guests who may or may not be vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergic to peanuts or shellfish.

Second only to the venue, the reception menu is one of the most impactful and memorable elements of a wedding, says George Petrocelli, director of catering at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.
So what else is new?
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Who: A Pittsburgh native (and an avid Steelers fan), 29-year-old Ceci Dadisman has owned her own boutique cultural arts marketing firm for five years. When she goes from the CeciCrea­tive office in West Palm Beach to an evening opera performance, she needs a look that transitions easily from professional to posh.

At work: "As a part of my job, I’m required to attend performances and events on behalf of my clients, including like Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Symphony, Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beach and the Royal Poinciana Chapel. I would definitely wear this day to evening, and I could switch out the accessories to something with a little more sparkle for nighttime."

Her style: "I am the queen of the pencil skirt. I’m always in high-waisted pencil skirts, blouses and pumps from Banana Republic, J.Crew and Ann Taylor."

A little tip: Weighing in at 100 pounds and barely 5 feet tall, it’s rare Ceci doesn’t have to have clothing altered to fit her petite frame, and the cost of alterations adds up quickly. "For small people, I think it’s easier to find tops in really small sizes than bottoms. So you could have staples like tailored slacks or a skirt or a basic dress and put a fun top or cheap accessories with it."

Her $100 look: Silk blouse, $35.60 (originally $44.50); pencil skirt, $14.88 (originally $69.50); necklace, $24.99 (originally $39.50); all from Ann Taylor Loft. Bracelet, $14.95, and earrings, $4.47 (originally $8.95), from New York & Company, Mall at Wellington Green. Her own Style & Co. peep-toe pumps from Macy’s.

Lindsey Potter

The Frugalista invited 5 local fru-gals to scour the Internet, consignment and thrift shops, boutique and department stores to assemble the most stylish ensemble with the lowest price tag.

The winner of the $100 prize: Lindsey Potter of Palm City. She spent $5.50 and looks like a million bucks!

THE CONSIGNMENT COVER GIRL
Lindsey Potter
Age: 30
Profession: Child portrait photographer, www.lindseypotter.com
Lives in: Palm City

Her ensemble: Abstract floral print dress, tag removed ($10), Colin Stuart peep-toe pumps ($10), red leather belt ($6), Ann Taylor cardigan ($14), all from Plato’s Closet consignment boutique in Stuart (www.platoscloset.com for other locations) Read the full story

In Sex and the City 2, the girls who helped Manolo Blahnik become a household name put the chic in sheik while visiting Abu Dhabi. We asked stylist Michelle Parparian, owner of House of Vintage in Delray Beach, to help you get the look for less. She combed area vintage and consignment boutiques to put together these four inspired ensembles:

CARRIE:

The Bohemian Diva

Carrie Bradshaw’s style combines actor Sarah Jessica Parker’s signature Old Hollywood glamour with her character’s easy breezy boho duds and a dash of ghetto fabulous (we love the blingy clover necklace she wears throughout the film). This flirty 1970s gown ($85 at Glam Vintage) needs little accessorizing, but a few vintage bangles ($25-$60 at Glam Vintage and House of Vintage) do the trick.

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Are you a Fru-gal? E-mail

The Frugalista at frugalista@pbpost.com

Fru-gal: Christine DiRocco, 44,

Lake Worth

Profession: Director of public relations, Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach

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The Frugalista isn’t the only gal in town who loves a bargain.

Meet her fellow Fru-gals!

Fru-gal: Katy Kern, 39, West Palm Beach

Profession: Owner and designer, Fresh Perspective Inc., and design blogger, withandwhere.blogspot.com

Why she’s a Smart Shopper: I shop at thrift stores (favorites include Faith Farm Ministries Thrift Store in Boynton Beach, Goodwill and the Salvation Army thrift boutiques in West Palm Beach) for furnishings because older furniture was made with real wood and will last a few lifetimes. The True Treasures consignment shops in North Palm Beach have been around for ages and have some of the best of everything: upholstery, accessories or case goods. There are always great bargains, but sometimes you just have to use your imagination to give it a new look. That’s the fun part!

Her latest snag: I found a great console for my dining room at Faith Farm for $30. I researched the manufacturer, Lexington, who originally listed the piece at $3,500. I stripped it, sanded it, removed the hardware for cleaning, primed it with Gesso, then layered more Gesso (two coats for a distressed look). For the final finish I glazed it, antiqued it and applied a good coat of clear furniture wax. Materials were around $70, so the finished piece cost me $100.

Fru-gal: Kristin Demeritt, 30,

West Palm Beach

Profession: Closer at the law firm of Cohen, Norris, Scherer, Weinberger & Wolmer

Why she’s a Smart Shopper: I love Hautelook.com for accessories and shoes, bluefly.com for all party attire and to-die-for winter coats, shopittome.com for high-ticket items that are not often on sale, and of course ruelala.com for luxury vacation daydreams.

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The Frugalista

JULIA HEGGEN

Age: 29

Profession: Nurse practitioner, St. Mary’s Medical Center

Lives in: West Palm Beach

WHY SHE’S A SMART SHOPPER: I’ve done lots of shopping at Sawgrass Mills lately. I never can go wrong there, and I always make a quick stop at IKEA, too. And of course, I never forget the local T.J.Maxx and Marshall’s. I bought a couple of tees and dresses recently – designer for a deal, although it does require some sifting!

HER LATEST SNAG: I recently did a lot of shopping at the Vero Beach outlet mall. They had Banana Republic, Gap, Polo and Ann Taylor all at discounted prices. They also had a Gymboree and Carter’s outlet for my daughter, Avery. Although this was a bit of a drive, it’s doable if you make a girls day of it.

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