As the holiday party invites pile up, the last thing a budget-conscious shopper should do is try to assemble a different outfit for every occasion.
“The least expensive way to update your holiday wardrobe is to stay focused,” says Palm Beach Gardens’ Amy Gordon, founder of ArtfulWears.com .
Invest in a single dress to transform with accessories, Gordon says. “Solid colors are best — but don’t think it has to be black. A beautiful blue, purple, red or teal can all be striking and still work with a variety of shoes, etc.”
Even easier (and cheaper): “Everyone has a black or winter-white pant or dress, or a jewel-tone blouse, which will serve as the backdrop” for all kinds of jewelry, says image consultant Cynthia Postula, who teaches a range of fashion courses at Palm Beach Community College.
Local style gurus say looking great this season requires tapping your creative spirit, not your bank account.
“It’s challenging, but definitely not impossible,” says Jeanine Recckio, beauty and lifestyle futurologist at Worth Avenue’s Mirror Mirror. “I call it ‘Cheap & Cheerful.’ No one needs to know the clever cost of it all!”
10 ways to accessorize your wardrobe and not bust your budget
1. Flat chance
“I feel like a great pair of shoes can go the distance this holiday season,” says Kourtney Pulitzer, who recently relocated her eponymous shop to West Palm Beach. “A fabulous pair of sequin ballerina flats can add that festive touch to so many things you already own.”
2. Patently pretty
“This year, my key accessory is a multi-chain necklace with pearls and a few charms on a patent leather strap,” says Amy Gordon of ArtfulWears.com. “It can easily be paired with a party dress or jeans and a tee.”
3. Clutch hit
“Find an amazing, fun handbag/clutch for the holidays,” says Lindsey Schuster of Collectable & Delectable in West Palm Beach. “Sequins are in, and a great place to find a one-of-a-kind bag like this is a consignment boutique.”
4. Wings of desire
“Feathers are the hottest trend in Paris and London right now,” says Jeanine Recckio of Worth Avenue’s Mirror Mirror. “As soon as you put a feather in your hair, you instantly feel flirty and fun! The feathers that are built right on the hair band are easy and affordable.”
5. Linked in
“Chain belts are perfect for tunics and are a quick way to dress up a holiday outfit,” says Kim Bolufe, whose Bolufe stores are located in CityPlace, Mizner Park and Town Center at Boca Raton.
6. Wrap-ture
“Wrap yourself up with a new scarf or wrap — available in all price ranges,” says Ruth Guerra of Bamboo Clothiers in Palm Beach Gardens. “It’s a great way to add color and finesse to your wardrobe.” >
7. Wrist room
“Bangles are very fashionable this season,” Bolufe says. “Adding five to seven bangles on one wrist is a great way to make a statement on a budget.”
8. Forever in bluejeans
“I am always all about denim, as it is an easy option that every girl has,” Kourtney Pulitzer says. “Do not be afraid to dress it up! Wear your jeans with a pair of strappy metallic heels and flirty party top or statement necklace to celebrate the season.”
9. Think pearls
Dip into your own jewelry box and “gather lots of pearl necklaces together, long and short, slim and wide, to spruce up a black dress or other simple party dress,” image consultant Cynthia Postula says.
10. Stranded
Recckio designed Sparkle Strands for Sephora. “They are like chic, pretty strands of sparkling icicles — only you tie each one in your hair — it’s an instant highlight.” $9 and available in eight colors.












Avoid Collectable & Delectable like the plaque. Lindsey is a very nasty, mean person who talks horribly about her customers. I would never buy anything from them again.