Under $150: Girls' Night Out
That being said, when we saw Isabel Marant's F/W 10 collection, we knew it was precisely the look we wanted to channel when we're painting the town red. Marant eschewed her signature boots-and-minis ensembles this season, and helped set one of fall's biggest trends—the reinvention of fifties chic—instead. Models clad in skinny cropped pants, leather and denim jackets, and bow-bedecked pumps strutted down the runway with tough-girl panache, looking like cutting-edge versions of Olivia Newton-John's leather-clad Sandy in Grease. In other words, the perfect hot-meets-chic style to emulate for your next sisterly soiree.
While we direly covet every last pair of sequined pants and cuffed jeans Marant rolled out this season (not to mention her lust-worthy leathers), it is possible to emulate this aesthetic on a very limited budget. We're so sure of this fact that we put together this story to prove it! Read on for the best high-street finds, all of which are Under $150, that are sure to help you create an endless array of festive ensembles in which to live it up!, shut it down!, and p-p-p-party everyday!
Madewell The Canyon Messenger Bag ($128)
A hands-free bag is a GNO essential; after all, you'll need both paws free so you can imbibe your beverage of choice and Twitpic the night's best moments simultaneously. Luckily, we discovered a cute across-body offering from the always-beloved Madewell. The hot-red hue is right on trend with fall's call for candy apple leather and we love the silver chain and exposed zipper detailing (keep your ID right there at the ready!) that give this bag a bit of edge. Pair it with your denim and leather à la Marant or use it to inject an all-black ensemble with a pop of color!
Giles & Brother Sterling Silver Wing Earrings ($65)
Perhaps it's not the most obvious source of sartorial inspiration, but Hells Angels-inspired pieces—such as sleeveless, roughed-up denim jackets—have slowly been gunning onto the fashion scene. Accordingly, we were stoked when we found these kitschy winged earrings that allude to the infamous biker emblem while still retaining a sexy, back-of-the-Vespa sort of charm. Use them to add edge to a one-shoulder LBD or pair them with a button-up blouse, cropped jeans, and sparkly pumps for an outfit that will take you from the water-cooler to after-work drinks in fashion-forward style.
Nasty Gal Cirrus Draped Cirrus Dress ($52)
While we love Marant's cigarette-pant clad mavens, sometimes a soiree just signals for a sexy dress! We swooned for the Helmut Lang-like galactic print of Nasty Gal's version, while the shoulder-baring bodice is perfect for showing just the right amount of skin. Pair it with your peep-toe lace-up booties and a structured clutch, or snag the same dress in black and wear it with leopard wedges for an equally directional look.
MAC Haute and Naughty Lash Mascara ($18)
While we're sure you're already the mistress of the come-hither stare, isn't getting a little help from your friends what a GNO is all about? That's why we were thrilled when we discovered MAC's newest release, their seriously amazing two-in-one mascara. When you open it from the hot pink side, the wand goes through a dual-wiper, giving you a more natural look that's perfect for day—or ideal for a strong-lipped visage. However, if you have an eye for drama—or just go batty for a lashtastic look—apply it from the glittery purple side for double-coated lashes that are guaranteed to win you more than a wink and a smile.
H&M Leather Skirt ($99)
While the fall runways were awash with leather—thank you Philo, Decarnin, and Lagerfeld—assuring us that this material is still superhot-to-trot, we've always been fans of its after-hours appeal. And how could we not be? Leather is undisputedly sexy and gives every outfit a healthy dose of sophistication, particularly when the item in question is a knee-length pencil skirt. Pair with another pseudo-prim piece, like a diaphanous blouse, or simply opt for the sleekness of a colorless palette with a plain white racerback tank. Either way, we guarantee your chic silhouette will incur endless amounts of (positive) attention!
Forever 21 Gland Glitterati Heels ($22.80)
Whether it's in your kitchen or on the dance floor, a good GNO requires that you must always be prepared to bust a move. So when we spotted these sparkly stunners from Forever 21 we knew they were perfect for highlighting your twinkle toes and infusing any outfit with that much-needed verve. They lend themselves to a myriad of style situations when paired with such staples as rolled silk trousers, ripped skinnies, and pleated skirts, but they will also look acutely fashion-forward with your emerging fall essential: crimson leather pants.
BDG Twill Grazer Cigarette Pants ($49)
While black skinny jeans are always a fail-safe option, a girls' night out is the perfect time to try an eye-catching twist on this wardrobe staple! Accordingly, we selected these bold red cigarette pants. The cropped length is exactly on trend with fall's fifties vibe, plus the vivid color imbues your outfit with an added dose of fun. Wear them with a sparkly top and pointy-toe heels for a Marant-inspired night-out look.
mark No Place to Run Longwear Eyeliner ($8, available August 13th) in Steely Gaze
We know how it goes after a serious stint on the dance floor: you catch a glimpse of your face in the behind-the-bar mirror and suddenly you see raccoon eyes! While a little smudge may be fine, looking like you slept in your makeup before you even catch a cab home is decidedly un-chic. Luckily, mark's new eye pencil is the kind of friend that won't ditch you before the night is over. The liner, which comes in eight amazing colors including Solid Gold and Ultra Violet, is actually waterproof and goes on super smoothly, helping you effortlessly achieve that perfect Marant-inspired cat-eye beauty look. An eye pencil that will never stray? Now that's the kind of wingwoman we love to have by our side!
J. Crew Denim Vest ($88)
A denim vest is an unusual choice for a girls' night out, yet we find that to be part of its allure! Pair this gilet-meets-sleeveless jean jacket with some sparkly, cropped pants to make those bad boys swoon or use it to toughen up and personalize an LBD when giving out the wrong number. Another plus? If you happen to find yourself crashing at your gf's and in need of some morning-after grub, you can pair it with her favorite jeans for an equally cutting-edge denim-on-denim look.—Liza Kaplan