Bought a big ticket dress this year? (Don’t worry–it’s worth it.) Time to go skimp on accessories without looking cheap. Here’s your very own tutorial on how to find cheap accessories and even make your own. Look like a million without spending one…
Let’s start with jewelry. This season, single pieces are the hot look. Don’t wear earrings, necklace AND a bracelet. Automatic money-saver! Depending on your dress and hair, choose one and glam it up. Head to your local bead or craft store and invest in fishing wire and beads of choice. Clasps are cheap and the only tool you’ll need is a pair of needle nose pliers. (Dig around in your dad’s toolbox.) Approximate total–$15
Skip real diamonds and pearls–you might lose them, anyway. Avoid the tears. Shop around at those cheap boutiques you frequented in middle school. For $3.99, you’d be surprised at how real a fake can look. Claire’s Boutique is our fave.
Homemade corsages and boutonnieres can be easily crafted from fresh cut flowers in the frontyard. A little wire, ribbon and hot glue and viola! A fresh and cheap way to avoid a flower shop. Don’t forget safety pins for your date’s lapel.
Add a broken piece of rhinestone or glue a hair clip on the flower for an extra touch.
Down to the clutch. Ask family members if you can dig through old boxes and Grandma’s closet. You never know what vintage surprises you’ll find. Pearls and beaded bags were super hot in the forties and fifites. Classy and one-of-a-kind with a great story to tell, a free vintage find could be a great conversation starter.
For all accessories: borrow, borrow, borrow. That bracelet your friend wore last year to semi-formal year could look great with your prom dress this season. Free and new, we promise no one will catch onto your little secret. 
We borrow all the time.
Alright, so now that you can go cheap on the sides, splurge on the main course–your dress, of course!
Shop on!