Last night I attended an event I look forward to every year: Housing Works Fashion for Action. I’m a huge supporter of Housing Works and their chain of thrift stores in NYC {remember my Balenciaga booties I scored from Buy the Bag?!}. Well, I don’t just love Housing Works for their fly, affordable fashion. Their mission is to help the homeless and those living with HIV/AIDS. As someone who lost her father to AIDS {you can read my store here}, I’m always advocating for any services that benefit the community.

Last night was the 10th annual Fashion for Action benefit. It’s the perfect combination of fashion and philanthropy as 250 fashion brands were on hand offering their goods at up to 70 percent off. And the proceeds benefited charity.

If you missed the opening night, here’s what went down. Plus, how you can still get your hands on some of the amazing pieces. And of course I have to show you what pieces I scored and what I wore.

More than $1 million of goods were up for grabs and the prices were serious bargains. Brands included Diane von Furstenberg, Milly, John Varvatos, Michael Kors and more. The event took place on Transgender Remembrance Day, so this year’s proceeds were dedicated to Housing Works’ HIV-positive transgender clients {transitional and permanent housing, group therapy and legal services}.

Tons of clothes were on hand, but of course I naturally gravitated toward the accessories. They’re the perfect way to dress up any outfit and especially great if you’re attending a lot of holiday parties. You can wear the same dress, but jazz it up with a statement piece and no one will ever know you’re recycling your clothes.

Shoes and handbags reigned supreme…

Different vendors had booths set up and Housing Works had a dedicated section of their own curated pieces. Vintage hats, beaded bags, patent pumps and statement accessories were overflowing.

I couldn’t believe the necklace and earrings were so affordable, $15 and $12, respectively. *Pay no attention to the kitten calendar in the background! I’m adopting a cat so I’m in serious kitty mode.*

As for my look…I rocked a sleeveless fit and flare dress I thrifted from Housing Works. I simply layered a black top {also thrifted from HW} underneath it. Tights and my trusty Pink & Pepper pumps {last seen here} added some much needed color and my leopard bag from ClosetDash was a fun print. The cape is Ellen Tracy* {get it here} via Loehmann’s and the fur collar was thrifted…also from Housing Works!

Though last night’s sale was a ticketed event, from now until Sunday, it’s open to the public. Everyone can get their hands on some designer style at a fraction of the cost.

Fashion for Action 2013 Four-Day Public Designer Sale
Date: November 21-24
Time: November 21: 5pm-8pm, November 22-24: 10am-6pm
Place: Housing Works Chelsea Thrift Shop 143 W. 17th Street
For more info: fashionforaction.com