Meet my friend Shawna McBean, an unofficial sister and longtime friend. Many of you may recognize her as she’s had quite a long career as a model. But few know that Shawna is the queen of re-invention, having had successful stints as a designer and real estate guru (she is the woman to call if you’re looking for a great buy in Harlem, by the way). She’s also the queen of bargain-hunting.

Long before high-low dressing became the idea du jour in fashion magazines, Shawna was known for combining high-end designers and the lowest bargain brands in a single amazing outfit. Ensembles that come to mind off the top of my head include two especially cute numbers in which she rocked Chanel ballet slipper flats and a sundress from a $5 store in Spanish Harlem and a totally unexpected combination of a Searle military coat, J-Brand jeans, blouse from Rainbow, and pumps from Payless that she personalized with old clip-on’s. She’s so good at spotting cute items in unexpected locations (who would ever see the sartorial possibility in Conway?), that I had taken to giving her money to snap up goods for me too.

Lucky for us, Shawna has joined blog land. She just started a site called Under $50 in an effort to share her tips with others, which is a good thing considering this shoddy economy we’re dealing with. Who doesn’t want a pair of $20 heels that look like they cost five times as much?

Posted: November 10th, 2008  Category: Inspiration, Wardrobe  Comments: No comments#