Versatile Holiday Wear
We're heading into that time of year when we're getting together with friends and family at home and attending office functions as well.
In The Early Show's Chic on a Shoestring, Shop Etc. magazine Editor in Chief Mandi Norwood
looks to take you easily from day to night.This season, she says, we're seeing a trend toward sexy but sophisticated. So put away the mid-drift shirts and prepare to look elegant and alluring at the same time.
Co-anchors Harry Smith, Julie Chen and Hannah Storm, along with audience member Heather Condiff, took the Chic on a Shoestring challenge. Chen won in a clean sweep.
LOOK 1, WINTER CLASSICS: The three pieces here can work with other items in your wardrobe. They're great foundation pieces. Norwood also loves the contrasting of the fabrics: It's a very modern trend now.
- Splurge:
Navy velvet blazer, $78 at The Gap; call 1-800-gapstyle for locations
Ivory turtleneck, $29.90 at H&M
Tweed pants, $79 at Benetton; call 1-800-535-4491 for locations
Grand total: $186.90
Steal:
Blazer La Redoute, $39.99; call La Redoute Catalog at 1-800-246-5111
Turtleneck, $9 at Zara stores nationwide
Pants: Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $29.99 at stores nationwide
Grand total: $78.98
What's the difference? The button-detailing and liner on the high-end blazer account for the price. The cheap sweater is made of acrylic. The pants on the splurge have great detailing stitched on. The steal pants also aren't as tailored.
LOOK 2, VICTORIAN DRESSING: This trend is very elegant. It's the new way of showing skin. It gives people just a little glimpse. It's very alluring and sexy but buttoned-up. It's comfortable and still feminine.
- Splurge:
Cotton lace blouse from Reiss, $180; Reiss store in New York City is reachable at 212-925-5707
Jeans by Loomstate, $159; Barney's New York at 212-826-8900 and Fred Segal in California at 323-651-4129
Grand total: $339
Steal:
Cotton lace blouse from Bebe, $79 at Bebe nationwide
Jeans from Levi Strauss Signature Line, $22.99 from Wal-Mart stores nationwide, or call 1-800-966-6546
Grand total: $101.99
What's the difference? The splurge blouse features finer cotton, satin piping, buttons that are satin-covered, and there are satin loops on the closures. The splurge jeans are made of organic cotton. The jeans are also tightly woven, so they'll last longer.
LOOK 3, BOHEMIAN DRESSING: This is an evolution of the hippie trend. It's not the same trend from summer. It's much more sophisticated. This is also another great example of mixing your fabrics.
- Splurge:
Shawl-collared cardigan from Project 1951, $190.00
Umpire waistline dress from Esprit, $99 at Esprit stores nationwide, 212-651-2121
Grand total: $289
Steal:
Shawl-collared cardigan from Forever 21, $19.80; Forever 21 stores nationwide, call 1-800-966-1355 for locations
Umpire waistline dress from H&M, $39.99; H&M
Grand total: $59.79
The difference: the low-end appliqué is pasted on, not sewn on.
Editor's note: The prices of the shoes and jewelry shown in the segment were not included in the totals.