We’re so heartbroken the holidays are all wrapped up! Our ornaments, lights, and trees are all packed up and put away. Our ugly sweaters are folded and tucked away for next year and our gingerbread houses are broken down into tupperware. As sad as it is to say goodbye to the holidays, we’re incredibly excited for New Year’s Eve! We’ve been so excited for the holidays that we almost forgot about New Year’s Eve (almost). If you’re going out for New Year’s Eve and need to put together an outfit, we can help you out with our favorite places to go get dolled up!

Ballin On a Budget

If you need a cute outfit and spent most of your money on your secret santa, we have a few favorite stores to hit up for cheap thrills. If you’re looking for something quick and cheap just for New Year’s Eve, hit up mall stores like Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe. Both stores have lines that are designed for a more mature audience that are flattering without screaming ‘spring break’. These outfits may not last for New Year’s Eves to come, but you’ll look great for the night and it won’t break the bank.

Go Old School

If you have an afternoon to kill today or tomorrow, go thrift store hopping (just be sure to drop it off at the cleaners really quick!). Thrift stores have a TON of fun outfits right now from people donating and cleaning out their houses while on break- it’s the perfect time to find some scores.

Sweat the Small Things

If you’re out near a big city or even a college town, you’re bound to have a small indie shopping district. In LA for example, you can shop tiny boutique shops up and down Melrose and get great outfits that are hard to find. This can be a great idea if you’re going out somewhere with a lot of people- you wouldn’t want to be seen in the same outfit as someone else! Since little fashion areas tend to be smaller designers and boutique shops, just be sure to try everything on. Sometimes pieces won’t fit the same measurements as mass produced pieces.

Second Changes

Are your bridesmaids dresses picked out? Surely you had a back up (or five!) that you were thinking about for your bridal party- why not give them a turn? Hit up the bridal shop and see if you can pick up one of your second choice dresses and dance around in it just for a night. Certain shops will let you borrow a dress for a night- and it can be cheap or free if you’ve already given or promised them enough business! It can be hard to pull off, but it’s not unheard of.

Swap with a Sister

Are you always jealous of your fashionista friend? Call her up and ask to borrow something you’ve been eyeing- just be prepared to trade her those shoes she’s been dying to borrow. You can play the bride card, say you’ve been too busy shopping for her Christmas present, or just that you needed an excuse to borrow it. Good girlfriends share everything- so be ready to offer up a temporary trade. And here’s a hint from us to you- get her some coffee or macaroons she’ll probably be more likely to trust you with her vintage pieces.