Belle, 

I am taking a trip to DC for New Years with the boyfriend. I am going to a New Years eve party with Hill friends. I’d obviously die to wear one of the Alice and Olivia sequin minis, but just cannot afford it on a government salary. Fiscally responsible sequin dresses seem to be non-existent. Have you seen any? I know it is holiday posting week on CHS, so I thought I would make a post request! Thanks and hope you are keeping warm up there!

S

It can be difficult to find inexpensive sequins that doesn’t look cheap, but it’s not impossible.  If I were going to head to the mall to search for a sequin dress, I would start at Arden B, French Connection or Macy’s.  But since I compose this blog using online shopping tools, I headed over to Polyvore to look for a sequin dress that wouldn’t break the bank.

Dress.  Off the Record Blue Pailette Dress ($61)

Earrings. Black Out Stud Earrings (Dillard’s, $30)

Rings.  Filigree Dome Ring (BCBG, $25) and Layered Rhinestone Pave Ring (BCBG, $88)

Shoe.  Butter Corinna Sandal (Endless, $235)

When you wear blue sequins (or black, or silver–basically any color but gold), you can go two ways with the accessories: true silver or graphite-colored.  You’re basically deciding whether you want to enhance the glitz or tone it down.  If you decide to shake what your sparkle gave you with silver accessories, choose a simple sandal, a chandelier earring, a simple ring and a basic clutch.  

When you’re wearing sequins, the dress should stand on its own.  Add accessories, but add them one at a time and then assess your situation.  If you over accessorize, you’re going to look like you’re on the way to the prom.