Red Carpet Fashions For Less

There is no other awards show like the one that is approaching. One night a year we watch in awe (even if we are too tired to stay awake until the end) as celebrities walk down the red carpet in their most luxurious apparel. Dripping in jewels and chiffon, attendees of the prestigious show don designer dresses coveted by those of us who watch at home. Unfortunately, most of us do not live the life of movie stars and thus do not share the same figures in our back accounts. But that certainly doesn’t mean we can’t dress like them!

Just walking into the BCBG by Max Azria store makes you feel like you have made it in the “big time”. This season’s collection has had enough shine and sparkle to blind a shopper. With dresses ranging from $299.00 to $500.00, dressing like Reese, Drew or Kate can be easily obtained. If that is still out of your price range, many stores have amazing on trend frocks which if accessorized correctly can make you look like you just won your very own award (who hasn’t already written their mom or the year acceptance speech?). Popular retail chains like Club Monaco, Zara and H&M all carry an amazing selection of evening and cocktail wear at affordable prices.

Now an outfit isn’t complete without the bling! With endless racks and tables filled with fabulous accessories, Forever 21 has everything you need to create a glamorous look. At approximately $6.00 you can find an over sized cocktail ring just like the emerald one Angelina Jolie wore with her simple strapless black gown at the 2009 Red Carpet Event. And with these prices, you can leave the security guard at home!

Every princess needs her glass slippers, and even if Louboutin’s and Jimmy Choo’s don’t line the inside of your closet that doesn’t mean your feet have to suffer. Companies like Canada’s own Aldo shoes and Browns, carry both classic and trendy shoes that would be the perfect addition to any celeb worthy style. For many, stepping into stiletto’s sounds like torture, but for an elegant affair the fashion rule dictates going as high as you can! Just be sure to get a foot rub by your man at the end of the night (masseuse not included).

An evening ensemble isn't complete without the proverbial smoky eye. At Sephora you can find a palette composed with all the necessary tools needed to create this sexy look. The package even includes step by step instructions for how to achieve the style effortlessly. At $38.00 this is a black tie must have! While you're there, be sure to check out Sephora's own nail polish collection featuring this seasons matte finish polish in a variety of diva-esque colors all for under $10.00. Now if you could only find the time for a manicure.

Dressing like an A list celebrity has never been easier or more affordable. For under $1,000 an entire look can be put together for less than a fraction of what it would cost just to hire a stylist. Just don't be surprised if you catch the paparazzi zooming in for a close up!

Yael Panet is a wife to Darren, mother to Evan and a full-time fashionista. 

With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry working at the top Toronto fashion boutique TNT and as a personal stylist, Yael has become an expert at dressing women - from corporate professionals to stay at home moms.    

After giving birth to her daughter Evan in 2007, Yael chose to leave the retail world to focus on developing her own empire and opened Hush Couture, Canada’s first designer dress rental company.  Now with her Style Cents blog, Yael will help mummies everywhere get rid of the sweatpants and tees and bring style back into their lives. 

In her spare time Yael can be found reading magazines, scouring the stores and of course playing with her little princess.

Read Yael's blog for the best in fashion advice and tips and tricks on how to bring style into your life without breaking the bank.