5 tips for the affordable, smashing party dress

Tonight Liesbeth and I will be on the dance floor at the Cat Carpenters. That will probably be jeans, sneakers, and a T-shirt for me. I don't really have to think about that, I can just grab it from the closet. In the coming weeks, I have more parties planned, which means we at the editorial office ask the question every hour: What should I weaaaaar? The 1st anniversary of Amayzine, the finale of Holland’s Next Topmodel where May-Britt is on the jury, a masked ball from Hermès, and the premiere of the movie Pak van mijn Hart, directed by my brother Kees.

Last year on the day of The Launch I didn't have an outfit yet. An hour before the party started, I rushed through the city on my bike in total stress looking for an outfit. I ended up spending a fortune on a top and leather pants. That won't happen to me again. At least not so close to the event and preferably not so ridiculously much money (I won't mention any amounts). I want my dress and shoes to be ready at least three days in advance for The evening.

Tips on how to score an affordable designer party dress:

- It may be that you made a one-time huge investment and therefore have a very beautiful party dress hanging in your closet. Then pimp it up with shoes that you buy especially for the occasion (ZARA has very nice affordable ones) and check out the accessories from De Bijenkorf and you have a whole new look.

- Dive into a friend's closet. For example, Liesbeth has an insanely beautiful black evening dress from Acne that I might wear to one of the parties. Free of charge. Only you have to give it back. That's a shame.

- At least 2 times a day I surf to my favorite site net-a-porter. Here and there I put some items in my shopping cart knowing that I will never check it all out. But still, the feeling of putting it in gives a huge satisfaction. Fortunately, there is also outnet.com. Well, fortunately, since I found out it exists, it's a bit less fun for my wallet. You can find the most beautiful discounted designer dresses there. Still not ZARA prices, but it saves a lot compared to the regular price.

- Also take a look at the site of Heleen Hulsmann She sells very nice second-hand designer dresses. Fendi, Celine, Lavin, Isabel Marant.

- The By Danie Vintage Store from Truce, the mother of Danie Bles, is also full of party dresses. Be careful, there are a lot of small sizes. They must have belonged to Sylvie.