Budget Stylista: All That Glitters is Fabulous

The jacket that started it all.

About 3 years ago, I was visiting my Grandma in… wait for it… Florida. Perusing her closet for vintage finds (clothes that are too young for her, clothes that don’t fit her, or clothes I think I can make look ‘cool’ all the while loving that I will be able to say “it was my grandma’s!”) is a standard for every trip down to the land where dinner is eaten somewhere in the 4 o’clock hour.

Over the years I’ve found some GREAT things in there. Amazing costume jewelery, crocheted ponchos (when they were at their peak) and the coolest belts. But this time, this time I stopped dead in my tracks. Behind her housecoats and orthopedic shoes, shining in all their amazing glory: 2 sequined, shoulder padded, totally rad blazers. And I was in L-O-V-E.

Keep in mind, this was long before sequins made their way back to the shelves, but I loved the extravagant elegance of it all. I loved putting it on and feeling like I should be back on stage doing my time steps and shuffling off to Buffalo. So I took them with me and finally got the confidence to wear them last year.

This season (as we pointed out yesterday) sequins are everywhere and if you haven’t gotten in on the trend yet, try it on for size. It’s intimidating on the hanger – maybe even ugly – but once you bathe yourself in the glitz that you used to only use for art projects in 2nd grade, you will never want to go back!

Of course, you gotta do it right or else you may end up looking like Cher circa 1988. The key to wearing sequin pieces is keeping everything else SIMPLE. Really simple. Super duper simple. Get it? Got it? Good.

Matte sequin mini.
This little skirt with just the right amount of sparkle is perfect for a night on the town. Pair this sexy little number with basic black tights, a solid cotton tee and a boyfriend blazer. Seriously, anyone can rock this look.

The sequin legging.
This look is a bit more daring than a simple skirt, but if you’ve got some guts (and great legs) this is a risk worth taking. Top the leggings off with a long, solid color cotton tunic (or dress!) or a sexy white button down, then slip into some basic shoes, bare accessories and a small handbag. Hot. Ness.

The sequin dress.
Though it’s got the most sparkly surface area of all, the sequin dress is probably the easiest to pull off. All you need is a pair of opaque tights and some basic black booties and you’re done.

Sequin blazer/cardigan.
This is a really fun way to do casual with an awesome twist. Layer over a cotton cami and some skinny jeans. And since your top will be doin’ all the talking, avoid any extra bling.

The sequin top.
Jeans and an oversized cardigan. Done.