Inauguration Style for Depressionaire Divas

Celebrate! It's time to get dressed up and party for all those inauguration balls. Looking glamorous doesn't mean you have to spend a lot.

Blogger Kate Michael was put to the task and came up with an inaugural-ball-worthy outfit that she herself would consider sporting to an upcoming event, all for less than $200.

Here’s what she found:

Black-and-gold strapless Jessica McClintock dress: $99.

Black splatter hoop earrings from Forever 21: $3.80.

Textured gold bangle set from Forever 21: $5.80.

Retro black-and-gold necklace from Pilgrim: $46.50.

Evita black satin clutch from Forever 21: $15.80.

Total: $170.90. ** Our first frugal fashionista to come in under budget! has done all the shopping for you if you're in Washington, DC.

Fuzzy Chenille Scarf

Nothing is more glamorous than a chenille scarf around your neck. In this cold weather, nothing is also warmer.

Here's a must-have scarf, only $4.99, that comes in beautiful red, grey, brown, silver and many more colors. From GreatLookz.com:

If you're a crocheter (and we all should be!), try this beautiful chenille yarn, only $8.50 for the 98 yards (plenty for a plush scarf) from The Yarn Co. Looking for a pattern? My favorite site for plenty of ideas is Crochet Pattern Central. Now you can cozy up in front of the fireplace and create!

Style In My Closet

Ooooh, I love coming across something that I know I can have -- and it's fashionable!

Here's a look within my reach. I have black tights, black shrug boot, and a grey cowl neck sweater. How to get a plaid skirt? Well, I have a black one (who doesn't?) that I'll drape with a plaid shawl. Or, tie a black velvet ribbon around my hips. It might look funky, but it will be different!

Check it out:

Ahhhh! Dressing for the Holidays -- Creatively!

Today's Los Angeles Times is catching on to the spirit of holiday cheer a la depression-style. Their front page offers tips, to both men and women, on how to use what they may already have in their closets with cheap accessories for that perfect, spicy, and festive look.

The trick? Glitter, glamour, color, and fabric -- accessorize with pow!

Getting dressed for holiday parties this season doesn't have to cut into your gift-buying budget (or your food budget for that matter). The key to feeling and looking festive is adding one or two inexpensive pieces to items in your wardrobe, creating a holiday ensemble that will work for an office party or a quiet gathering at home.

Read more here.