Holiday Party Attire: Evening Affairs

When I think evening holiday party, I think velvet, I think jewel tones, and I think bling. I shy away from my typical haunts like Ann Taylor or Banana Republic for special occasion dresses because I want to be a little more unique.

Work Party Dress

Vince

I think this Vince Camuto dress from Nordstrom is a great dress for evening work holiday parties because it’s flattering, fashion forward, but not risqué at all. It looks comfortable and it would be easy to accessorize. Plus it’s on sale at the moment!

Friend or Family Party Dress

ToryDress

This is a little more casual and not covered in sequins or Santa Claus. It’s giving me: I just threw this on with tights, and yet I’m the sharpest cousin/ grandchild/ high school classmate in the building. It’s Tory Burch on sale at Nordstrom. You could dress it up or dress it down, and also wear it to work.

anthro dress

For the fancier friend and family affairs, how fun is this number from Anthro? This a great combination of flattering, feminine, and comfortable (detecting a theme for my dress requirements?). Also, the emerald with the beading screams holiday. I think it would also be great for a fall or winter wedding guest dress.

New Years Eve Night Out Dress

VinceNYE

Have I mentioned I’m from New Jersey? New Year’s Eve = Sexy & Metallic. I think this is a great night out dress for the occasion. This also works great in Vegas!

Wild Card

anther jumpsuit

Everyone does a lace overlay dress, but what if you did a lace overlay jumpsuit? For those who enjoy a jumpsuit, I think it’s a good mix of the classic lace look and the modern silhouette. It’s a great alternative to a holiday party cocktail dress!

Holiday Party Attire: Daytime Affairs

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

Shopping for Summer Dresses

I know it’s only starting to feel like spring but I’ve already got summer on the brain. I have a few weddings to attend this summer, and my new hobby is dress shopping. I’m having trouble making final decisions though, so I need some help.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • Probably printed or floral, because I’ve overdone the lace overlay trend, and I don’t want to look like a bridesmaid in a plain dress.
  • Somewhat structured, at least in the bodice. I dream of a big flowy maxi dress, but if it’s not cut well for me, I know it will look like a huge tent. So I need to be strategic.
  • Budget friendly, but not a cheap throw away dress. I have limited occasions for a non-work dress, so I don’t want to break the bank.

Here are some of the top contenders:

Anthrogreen

This maxi from Anthropologie seems interesting and summery even though it’s a darker green. It’s pricy at $198, so I’m wondering if it’s worth it.

anthrotier

Another one from Anthro. It’s a little less structured, but there’s a chance that the tier on top is flattering. I think it’s really pretty and priced pretty well at $128.

nordstromfloral

This one from Nordstrom seems like a perfect spring/summer luncheon/event dress. I love a sheath dress, and it’s a decent price at $118. I think I could even pull a day to night look with it if I had an event to go to right after work.

 

NordstromdressAnother Nordstrom dress by the same designer as the one above: Adrianna Papell. I like this because it’s a twist on the standard sheath with an interesting geometric print and different neckline. Also decent price at $118.

Nordstromdress2If I were to go a lace direction, I think this option is a nice spin to the standard lace overlay. I know it looks a little blobby in this picture, but I think up close, and in person it would look a little better. It’s another Nordstrom find at $138.

 

So the question is, what do I chose? What dresses or spring/summer trends are you gravitating towards this year?