The $15 Accessory That Makes Any Outfit Party Ready.

How was your weekend?

Mine was really nice. It was busy (a slumber party with a 6 year old, last minute tickets to a cozy Brian Fallon concert) but nice. Last night we stayed in with movies and sushi which was the perfect wind down! I ended up working quite a bit as I’m adding in afternoon posts everyday with some fun DIY gift ideas + recipes… I hope you’ll pop back everyday to see what’s in store!

I’ve always been really hat/headband/turban avoidant as I have a large head and a propensity for looking awkward and goofy. But this year that changed and it really all started when I was goofing around in the Gucci store with one of my girlfriends. I tried on a ridiculous $1600 sequin turban headband to be funny and then realized how much I liked it! Oops. As lovely as it was, $1600 is just insanity for a headband so I of course did not buy it, but it made me want to try out more headbands and turbans.

At a reader’s suggestion, I went to Zara and picked up a few different options. they have sooo many good ones and at $15 or $20 each I figured worst case scenario I would pass them along to a stylish (smaller headed!) friend. I was surprised by how much I ended up loving and wearing them!

Outfit Details: 

Viva Aviva Dress c/o (also available here) // Old Coat, but love this one from Ann Taylor // Zara Sparkly Headband, more options here + also love this one! // Saint Laurent Tribute Sandals // Okhtein Bag

A sparkly headband is really the best way to update your outfit and make it more festive without doing much. Think about plain jeans and a tee.

Or a cashmere sweater with a pencil skirt. Or any ordinarily casual outfit. Add a pair of heels and a good headband and the whole vibe changes – you become 100% party ready with literally just one tiny change. And you can wear them with pretty much any hairstyle. Up, down, half up… (If you’re looking for inspiration The Everygirl has a great piece on how to wear them!) So yeah. I’m definitely into them.

I ordered the Lele Sadoughi velvet one this weekend and am not sure if I will keep it (it’s far less expensive than the Gucci but still pretty spendy). I guess we’ll see! For now, I’m loving my inexpensive Zara ones. I also love this affordable lurex option, this black velvet one (great for everyday), this sequined one, these glam silver sequins and this pretty blue knotted one. It’s worth pointing out that Anthropologie has so many gorgeous options.. it’s hard to choose a favorite – maybe this silky one!

My dress is from an up & coming label Viva Aviva!

They make SUCH fun party dresses and I love their motto “If you always dress for a party, life will always be one!” A-men!!!

Also I don’t wear them here as much as I used to (only because my style has gotten a lot more casual as I’ve gotten older) but I wanted to note that my Saint Laurent Tribute sandals are still my most worn party shoe as they’re so comfortable! I bought them 7 years ago (!!!) and it’s crazy how well they’ve held up. Definitely worth the investment. I have nude, cognac, and cobalt blue too. You know what they say about when you like something to buy it in every color… 😉

Photography by Carter Fish.