Tag: Loft

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.

Sweater Weather

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I recently did an audit (workplace jargon, you’re welcome) of my current sweater situation, and I definitely need a few refreshes. I have a tendency to buy lighter, easy care sweaters (aka hopefully machine washable and not dry clean only) that seem to wear out a little faster than some of the fancier options. I’m going to start with some very versatile basics that will give me a lot of bang for my buck. These are admittedly a little boring, but welcome to the DC dress code my friend…

Work Sweaters:

Loft Button Back Sweater

I like grabbing a couple simple, machine washable sweaters that I can easily pair with a pencil skirt, or dress pants with or without a blazer. This one from Loft fits that description perfectly at $49.50 (because you know it will go on sale).

Loft Boyfriend Cardigan

Also, one of my quickest solutions to an outfit in the winter is a buttoned up boyfriend cardigan over a sleeveless blouse or plain tee shirt (purposing the summer shirts year ’round) and dress pants or pencil skirt. And done. This one from Loft is super affordable, comes in good colors, and is machine washable- it’s the trifecta!

Nordstrom Sweater

In the fall and winter, a white cable sweater paired with a slim pair of black pants (maybe velvet black pants) is my go-to Friday outfit. I like this option from Cupcakes and Cashmere’s collection at Nordstrom, it’s a little pricer, but it’s a nice sweater.

Ann Taylor Sweater

I like to have a couple statement sweaters, and this one caught my eye from Ann Taylor. It would be really easy to pair with a navy skirt or pants. Done and done.

Weekend Sweaters:

Ann Taylor Tunic Sweater

Tunic sweaters are big this year, but I think tunics are more weekend than workplace. This one looks like polished weekend for me. So I’m thinking out to dinner with friends or a family get together around the holidays. This is Ann Taylor again.

Banana Tunic Sweater

Speaking of tunics. I want this one from Banana too. This is definitely for the dead of January when you need to be warm but look put together with some jeans or leggings.

What sweaters do you have your eye on right now?