Tips on How to Incorporate Designer Brands For Less Into your Wardrobe

Hi friends! This wasn’t going to be a blog post but I got so many compliments on this look for a recent luncheon, that I decided to show you how I approach buying a designer dress for an event. I am super practical about what I add to my wardrobe and want to make sure that if I sink a lot of money into an item, it will serve me well. Check out my method for incorporating designer brands for less into your wardrobe!

Shop these Designer Brands for Less:

Let’s face it: It’s unlikely that most of us will ever experience wearing the made-to-measure, high-fashion art form that is haute couture. Next, let’s think about designer fashion. The high end brands that we all covet but really don’t want to shell out the money for.  Let’s pretend for a moment, that money is no object. How would you buy your clothes? Shoes? Accessories? You still want to maximize your purchases and get a lot of bang for your buck. Right? That’s just being a smart consumer.

Recently I attended one of Dallas’ most glitzy luncheons – the Crystal Charity Ball 10 Best Dressed Luncheon. It is always held at the flagship Neiman Marcus store in downtown Dallas and promises to kick-off the social season with not only a spectacular runway fashion show directly from New York Fashion Week, but also patrons who are dressed in their absolute finest. The people watching at this event is always on point!

Neiman Marcus always partners with a designer for this event and this year it was Carolina Herrera. I’m a huge fan of the brand and was even fortunate enough to attend her show at NYFW a few years ago. I also got to meet her when she came to Dallas to open her boutique in Highland Park Village. Mrs. Herrera showed her first collection in 1981 and introduced her first bridal collection in 1987. With 72 shows and with over 37 years in the fashion industry, Caroline Herrera took her final bow after presenting her Fall 2018 collection. She hand picked American Designer Wes Gordon to take over as Creative Director for the house. That is who I am pictured with above.

The Crystal Charity Ball is a luncheon that occurs in two phases – runway seating for the show and then everyone moves to a different location for the luncheon where you are seated at round tables accommodating 10 guests. This event is one of my absolute favorites to attend each year!

Here is my approach to how to dress for the event. It’s definitely a plus to wear the designer that’s being presented. However, since the 10 ladies being honored are in the designers collection, you certainly don’t want to upstage anyone. It would be like upstaging the bride at a wedding. Let them wear the most fabulous pieces and stand out. It’s there time to shine! Additionally, there is a runway show where the full collection that was just shown at NYFW is also displayed here.

I identify a piece that I know is timeless, will work well in my wardrobe and while being a standout piece for me, will not upstage anyone being honored. I had my eye on this magnificent Caroline Herrera Cap Sleeve Asymmetrical Knot detail A-Line Middi Dress for a while. Here is my little tip for saving a little money. I waited for it to go on sale and nabbed it. One little problem – they didn’t have it in my size. But I have a solution! I ordered it in size 10 and took it to my alterations person (Anna’s Alterations – where I take everything) and had it adjusted to fit me perfectly. The cost was only $60 for all alterations giving me a fabulous couture look at a discounted price. Another way to shop designer brands for less is to look for them on The Real Real. That’s where I found last years dress. Designer fashion for less!

To cap off the look I wanted a pop of color and got it with these fabulous heels (fit true to size) and a new red clutch from one of my favorite Italian handbag designers – Officina del Poggio (linking a similar one here). I’m wearing these earrings to compliment the ensemble. Oddly enough, I even think about what I want my Drybar blow out to be so that I achieve the overall look I want. For this day, I wanted sleek hair with no fuss. How did I do?

Also, how about a big round of applause for the 10 ladies named to this years Best Dressed list. I am so proud of my dear friend Lisa C. (pictured above). Not only is she gorgeous, she is a kind and loving friend who is just as beautiful on the inside! Congratulations!

xoxo – Tanya

Shop my Crystal Charity Ball Look:

photo: iPhone

About Crystal Charity Ball:

Since 1952, the sole purpose of The Crystal Charity Ball has been to aid, support and make contributions to children’s charities in Dallas County.  As a nonprofit organization, independent of any national affiliation, members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee have raised more than $143 million for more than 140 worthy beneficiaries over the past 65 years.

In 2018, the 100 active members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee committed to raise $6,501,105. These funds will support eight commendable Dallas organizations and give children hope for a healthier more productive future. The generous spirit of Underwriters, Children’s Book participants, Silent Auction and Special Gift donors, and Contribution Ticket patrons will help turn promises into reality for children served by The Crystal Charity Ball.

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