Filtering by Tag: holiday dressing

Handbag S.O.S: Splurge Or Save?

December 22, 2015 / Elizabeth Savetsky

’Tis the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be the season of saving. My grandparents and parents instilled in me a love for the finest things in life, as long as they were purchased half-off. I am allergic to paying full retail. Fast fashion has its time and place (thank you, UNIF, for this fluffy rainbow sweater!), but when it comes to handbags, quality really matters. I see a luxury handbag as a collectable--an investment piece that I will G-d willing, pass on to my daughters one day. If that’s not a good enough reason to splurge, here are a few more justifications that help me with my spending guilt:

A bag doesn’t get worn out like shoes.
It always fits. You can gain and lose weight and even get pregnant and it does not affect your handbag.
Even though styles and trends change, a gorgeous designer handbag will almost always stand the test of time. Even if you put it away for a couple years, when you bring it back out, it’s like an old friend. My mom has a phenomenal collection she started when she was my age. She still regularly uses the Judith Leiber bags my dad bought her in the 70’s and 80’s!

So, what am I getting at here? How can you avoid paying retail for a luxury, designer handbag this holiday season? The answer: Trendlee. Trendlee is a highly-curated site featuring pre-loved, luxury bags from brands like Hermes, Chanel, Fendi, Celine, and many more designers, at up to 80% off their retail prices. The bags are in pristine condition and you would never know they were previously owned. The only problem? Deciding which one to choose!

In case the deal wasn’t sweet enough already, use the promo code EXCESSORIESEXPERT for an extra 5% off your purchase from Trendlee!

About the Look:
We have been seeing the unconventional use of fur with accessories like handbags and shoes from Gucci, Fendi, Derek Lam, Miu Miu and many other designers. This fur Fendi bag is festive for the holiday season as seen here with metallic pairings and a chunky sweater, but will still be on-trend in the spring when worn with a retro-printed dress or ruffled blouse.

Bag: Fendi via Trendlee, Sweater: UNIF, Skirt: RE:NAMED, Necklace and Ring: Erickson Beamon (e-mail me for inquiries), Shoes: Whistles

Photography: Gl ass Foto by Brian Eisenberg

categories / Outfits
tags / fashion blogger nyc, eliz, nyc style, pixie market, luxury pre-owned bags, accessories report, pre-owned bags, nyc street style, Bag trends, Accessories trends, gold skirt, holiday party, Excessories Expert, fendi fur bag, holiday dressing, trendlee, winter fashion nyc, unif sweater, Handbag trends, holiday party look, holiday style, accessories blogger, fur bag, accessories street style

What's my secret?

December 09, 2015 / Elizabeth Savetsky

Let's talk tights. While historically categorized as an undergarment, in recent years, hosiery has become a statement-making accessory. One of the perks of cooler weather is the addition of this legwear layer. Opaque, sheer, fishnet, patterned, lace, jeweled...the possibilities for gorgeous gams are endless.

I recently paid a visit to TipToe Boutique to test-drive a few of the hundreds of styles of tights that they carry. Minus the fluorescent rainbow pair I rocked with my ugly school uniform in middle school, I have always been leery of funky tights. I have long admired the way they look on gals with supermodel-length-legs, but was worried they would be unflattering on my petite frame. I've always stuck to basic opaque and sheer solids, which frankly doesn't cut it for a connoisseur of excessive accessories.

For my entry into trendy tights territory, I decided to start with this pair of Pretty Polly Secret Sock Tights. This was an easy transition, because I love the look of over-the-knee boots. These tights are equally as flattering as OTK boots, and they give a sexy Ode To Clueless vibe. They are also unbelievably warm, because of the extra "sock" layer. At about $25 a pair, they make a great "stocking-stuffer!"

Stay tuned for more of my adventures in the world of eccentric nylons. This is an outfit I would wear to a casual, but festive holiday party. The colors are quite literal, which was unintentional, but hilarious. Especially because I am Jewish. I topped the ensemble off with my season essential: the chic black fedora. This one is by Yestadt Millinery and is also from TipToe Boutique.

For order inquiries, contact TipToe Boutique at (516) 374-1100.

categories / Outfits
tags / Accessories trends, style blogger, statement accessories, 70's style, holiday party, nyc street style, ny fashion blogger, personal style blog, fashion blogger nyc, holiday party look, Tights blog, Secret socks, holiday style, Funky tights trends, accessories street style, Nyc style, accessories blogger, 70s fashion, 70s style, 70s, nyc fashion blogger, Outfit Posts, holiday gift guide, holiday dressing, statment accessories trends, Elizabeth Savetsky, fashion blogger, Excessories Expert, nyc style, Tights trends

Fresh Eyes

December 24, 2014 / Elizabeth Savetsky

This holiday season, instead of playing it safe with a basic LBD, try to be a little creative with color. Think outside the box. Stand out in a sea of black on the party circuit by mixing rich jewel toned fabrics with metallic add-ons. Pairing warm-hued separates is a great way to rework jackets, skirts, and blouses of seasons past. I bought this "gem" of a jacket for my mama around 2007 at Arden B. (what happened to that store!?) for about $100. I thought it would be cute with a black leather skirt or jeans. Years later, I saw this Moschino satin skirt at Bergdorf Goodman for 75% off, and though I wasn't too sure how I would wear it, I couldn't resist the deal. I never imagined I would be wearing this skirt and jacket together, but the color combo of these two pieces works well because they are both from the jewel tone family.

My best outfits are almost always made up of pieces purchased at entirely different times, from entirely different places, at entirely different price points, creating a look that is completely unique and much more interesting than one designer head-to-toe. When I'm trying to pinch pennies (more often, than not!), I go into my closet with fresh eyes and try to invent new looks with old pieces. It definitely takes a lot more effort than swiping the AMEX for a new LBD, but the end result is worth it. Not feeling inspired by your closet? Invite a pal over and have her help. Sometimes you need to see your clothes through someone else's eyes. She may just help you rediscover that silk blouse you scored years ago at a DVF sample sale that's been collecting dust at the back of your closet. She may even tell you to try it on with that camel leather Rag & Bone pencil skirt that you always wear with the same cashmere turtleneck. Add heels and jewels and voila!

Jacket: Arden B., Skirt: Moschino, Sandals: Walter Steiger, Clutch: Vintage, Bracelet and Earring: Erickson Beamon

categories / Outfits
tags / holiday style, holiday dressing, holiday party, what to wear, reworked separates, jewel tones, statement accessories, statement jewelry, metallic accessories, fashion blogger, ny fashion blogger, nyc style, accessories blogger, winter accessories, holiday party look, dress to impress, accessories report, sparkling style, sparkle, shine, fabric mixing, warm colors, rich colors