Elizabeth Banks

Congrats to Alison, the winner of our Fashion & Beauty Blogger contest! She has a great sense of style and a fun personality. And I love this premiere blog which is great advice. Let’s be bffs? - EB

Greetings, y’all! I’m Alison, creator of the blog NYC Recessionista and I am ecstatic to be guest blogging here! When I found out I won Elizabeth’s fashion & beauty blogger contest, I was so completely jazzed, I immediately started thinking about what I could share with you.

Well, a huge part of my personal style mantra is to mix “hi & lo” pieces – bargain basement and designer – in the same outfit.

Why? Because having a great combination of items and price-points in your closet can make shopping and creating outfits that much more fun.

I know I couldn’t personally afford to have all designer pieces in my closet … I am a “recessionista” and a bargain shopper after all. But on the other hand, I think it’s really important to have some high quality pieces. And if the shape or silhouette isn’t flattering, or it’s going to fall apart after one wash, then it won’t matter how much it was on sale for.

So how do you know what to splurge on and what to save on? Just my two cents:

Consider splurging on:
• A classic pencil skirt
• A structured handbag
• A beautifully tailored blouse

Better off saving on:
• T-shirts and tank tops
• Summer sandals
• Shorts and other weekend-wear

Once you have a good collection of some “hi & lo” pieces … start mixing! And while you’re mixing “hi & lo” items from your closet, don’t forget to have fun with color, pattern and texture, too. It might seem intimidating at first, but it’s easy as pie.

Hot date? Don’t be afraid to pair an Old Navy tank top with an Orla Kiely skirt:

1. Old Navy Printed Racerback Tank in Navy Floral - $14
2. Madwell Tassel Flap Bag in English Saddle - $168
3. Modcloth Draw the Line Wedge - $44.99
4. Orla Kiela Wool Blend Suiting Skirt in Mustard - $310

Workin’ 9 to 5? A Forever 21 sweater looks just right with a J. Crew pencil skirt:

1. J Crew Wixton Purse in Bright Mint - $198
2. Forever 21 Polka Dot Cardigan in Navy/Cream - $22.80
3. J Crew Petite No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Deck Stripe - $118
4. Merona Mali Flat in Natural at Target - $19.99

 Check out EB's post on Jason Wu for Target!

Ready to relax? On the weekend, fearlessly sport your Rebecca Minkoff blouse with Payless sandals:

1. Rebecca Minkoff Paolo Top in Yellow Check - $168
2. Mossimo Supply Co. Multi Woven Canteen Crossbody at Target - $19.99
3. American Eagle Whitney Sandal in Turquoise at Payless - $19.99
4. J Crew 5” Short in Arrowhead Ikat in Sapphire - $59.50

And, as you can see, each of the outfits have been finished off by some pieces that are priced somewhere in the middle.

By mixing “hi & lo” pieces, you can really strike that perfect balance between classic and on-trend, tailored and fun, preppy and bohemian.

Now that you’ve learned how to do “hi & lo” like a pro, go out there and have fun mixing & matching!

What are some of your favorite “hi & lo” pieces?

Some more fashion stuff on ElizabethBanks.com:
Fashion, Gatsby Style
What to Expect Fashion Round-Up / 03
Ready for a Neon Spring
Fashion Round-Up / 02 - Back by Popular Demand