Valentine’s Dresses and Tops: The Recessionista Fashion Round Up!

Pictured: Thinking Red For Valentine’s, A Vogue Magazine Cover from 1956, Photo by Norman-Parkinson

With four more days to go until Valentine’s day, I’m definitely thinking red fashion and looking around for appropriate wear at the right price. I’ve heard from several readers this week that they are also pondering their fashion choices for the upcoming weekend. With that in mind, here’s a few options that I have vetted that combine quality and price.
First on my list, is the Anthropologie sale. This requires patience but the rewards can be huge. I love the entire selection at Anthro, and I could get lost in the entire store. If I am not careful, I can fall off the Recessionista wagon and reach for the credit card. In a supreme test of shopping will, I avert my eyes from the Anthropologie full store floor and display. Instead, I now automatically make a beeline for the “back-room”, labeled with the enticing word “sale.”

Pictured: The lovely classic Moulinette Souers’ “Grand Canal” red dress from the current Anthropologie sale

The Anthropologie sale racks are now full of value. There are some very special tops, sweaters and dresses with prices as low as $19.99. There are some great values there. But, you have to take the time to wade through the mess and be sure to try things on. Their sizing varies greatly by designer. My picks from the current sale are the above silk twill red dress with the simple ruffled collar and the below black lace top. Both simple, affordable picks.

Pictured: A Black Lace Top from the current Anthropologie sale

Another item of interest is this Shapex “Sweetheart Neck” control dress now on sale. I was skeptical of these, but one of my best friends just brought one and the designs really work and are very flattering. Check their site for a whole collection of dresses with guides for the correct body type. The dresses are also available at many major retailers.

Pictured; A “lose 10 pounds instantly” dress from the Shapex Sale

Pictured: Macy’s London Times Empire Waist Dress

Macy’s has a nice selection of dresses on their current sales racks that you might want to check out. Above is one that I like.

Pictured: A casual cute top from the Gap, with a rosette at the V plunge for decoration

If you are not looking to get all dressed up, but want to take a more casual approach, check out this adorable top from the Gap. The color is gorgeous and the fit is designed to flatter. I see the handiwork of Gap head Patrick Robinson here. Check for it online or at Gap stores around the world.

Pictured: Shopping my own closet, Mi Amour, Celia Birtwell from Top Shop London

My final pick comes from my own closet. This is from the Top Shop Celia Birtwell collection a few seasons ago. I went crazy for this dress and I HAD to have it. I called all my friends overseas. I also contacted my favorite eBay sellers until my efforts were finally rewarded and I got my hands on this classic Celia print. It’s so beautiful and is a great reminder of the wonders of my own closet and past shopping trophies. My only question about wearing this, is one of season. This is really a summer dress, it’s very light. We’ll just have to see what the California weather brings to see if its wearable.

Remember to rummage through your own closet and think about things that make you feel great, but which you may not have worn in awhile. You may just find some hidden treasures as timeless as an old Vogue cover.