Month: November 2015

Holiday Party Attire: Daytime Affairs

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Holiday celebrations, annual get togethers with friends, or daytime work parties create a lot of outfit opportunities in December. For daytime holiday parties either at work or around town, I need plaid, metallics, festive patterns, and some seasonal mixed media.

Outfit 1

Holiday Outfit 1

Outfit number one is a statement maker, but around the holidays, I think more is always more. I think these pieces make an impact together, but can be worn separately throughout the season for several outfits. I have and love this super soft plaid shirt from JCrew Factory. The fun metallic skirt from Banana provides texture and formality contrast (this from JCrew factory is also festive, or there are some shiny pants and a similar skirt from Loft). The tights are DKNY and the shoes are Vince Camuto.

Outfit 2

HolidayOutfit2

For a whimsical but slightly sleeker look, it would be great to do a non-ugly holiday sweater with a fashion forward pant. Something like this sweater from the Loft (it’s hard to tell but it’s white and navy), another fun Loft option, or a fun fair isle pattern. Even though it’s very trendy, the drapey pant can be both comfortable and flattering. This look would also be great with a velvet or faux leather pant. And then finish it with a classic metallic pointy toe pump or another neutral pump in your closet.

Outfit 3

holidayoutfit3

Outfit number three is a far cozier and casual look, great for a cold day. A cable sweater dress like this one from the Gap can hide a multitude of sins (or christmas cookies) and a cable sweater is festive by default. Pairing it with flat booties and cozy tights makes it extra easy. Top it with an infinity scarf and you’re all set!

Don’t forget: the key to any holiday outfit is the holiday earrings!

Earrings

Hits and Misses

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I do a lot of shopping around, waiting for sales, comparing options, and I try to be strategic with my purchases. Inevitably, some items impress me, and some disappoint. Here are some reviews on my recent purchases.

Hits

Ann Blouse

I’m always looking for a good, versatile blouse because they always multiply my outfit options more than any other piece. I recently got this one on sale at Ann Taylor. I like the pattern because it’s more interesting than plain shirt, but it’s still a neutral that’s relatively subtle. I think it will work in all four seasons.

lands end gloves

I was shopping around for leather gloves because my standard black leather gloves are way past their prime. These caught my eye at Lands End and I was impressed by the cashmere lining and the option to monogram. Not to mention, the price was on point. These will get a lot of wear this summer.

Misses

Banana Honeycomb

I was hoping this sweater from Banana would be a great neutral chunky sweater that I could wear to work with a pencil skirt or on the weekend with jeans. Two main problems: 1. the fit is bizarre, it was baggy under the arm but not a dolman sleeve which was just very bulky and unflattering; and 2. it’s super super warm, like I couldn’t wear it indoors warm. I should have taken the reviews seriously, because they practically said that word for word. It’s a return.

Banana Dress

Another Banana miss. I thought this dress would be another work or weekend option, but it was not flattering. I bought my normal size, but it seemed clingy and baggy in all the wrong places. It also had two sweatery layers of fabric which added bulk. Maybe if I sized down it would be a sleeker look, but I’m over it. Return.

Thanksgiving Tablescape

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I’m a firm believer that the Thanksgiving tablescape really adds to the day. Sure the company and food can be great, but there’s something magical about a well set table. In other news, have I mentioned that Martha Stewart is my spirit animal?

You can obviously go a few different directions with the color scheme, but my parent’s dining room has gold metallic walls, so I like to stick with warm metallics and natural tones. Here are some items I’m thinking about at the moment (not all at once, but some combination of the below). Keep in mind, I’ll be adding flowers and possibly gourds or other natural elements.

Table Linens

I’m working with a large medium stained wooden table, so I usually opt for a runner and placemats instead of a tablecloth. I crocheted a million placemats in fall colors a couple years ago, but I’m always looking for a new runner.

NateBerkusrunner

This Nate Berkus table runner from Target is my natural and metallic theme all in one!

gold-jute-table-runner

A Crate and Barrel Gold Jute table runner is both subtle and flashy at the same time.

beckett-natural-linen-table-runner

A Crate and Barrel Natural table runner would be a great backdrop for fun candle holders and is definitely seasonless.

Lighting

I like to have different levels of candles on the table. It creates a warm picturesque glow, and allows you to turn down the main lights a little bit.

cratebarrelcandle

I have been stalking these Crate and Barrel taper candle holders. They are a great modern take on taper holders.

CB2votive

A few of these little CB2 Rose Gold votive holders would be great scattered around the middle of the table.

mercury-tealights-rose-gold-o

These West Elm Mercury Glass tea lights had me at mercury glass.

Crate Hurracaine

We have a couple hurricane candle holders similar to these from Crate and Barrel, and I think they would be great with a natural colored (unscented) pillar candle, and maybe even some dried acorns or fall type things…

One More For the Road

napkinrings

I really love these horn napkin rings from West Elm.

Do you have your tablescape ready to go?