Cookie swaps, champagne brunches, dinner parties, gift exchanges, kid's pageants and a myriad of other festive occasions. Sound familiar? The kind of occasions where you want to look festive and fun...but a cocktail dress would be overkill. And your definition of "festive" doesn't include this:
Although, to be honest, I would totally rock this one with teeny, tiny tuxedo shorts and lace tights:
In an ironic way? Funny, right? HA HA...ha?
Ok.
My point: There are a few styling tricks that I turn to all Holiday season long when I want to look "festive". Really, I should've named this post, "Captain Obvious' Tips For Festivus Style"...cause there is nothing earth-shattering here. But if you are busy (yes), tired (oh, yes) and prone to faking illness *cough* instead of venturing outside when the temperature dips (hi have we met?), then here are a few ideas for getting your holiday groove on.
Shoes and Bags Make a Difference
Well. No sh*t. (I warned you about Captain Obvious tonight...) But in all seriousness, it's like I forget this silly little rule, and then I remember it again, and it's like I've discovered a new galaxy or something.
In any case, you've seen this day outfit before here. Still one of my go-tos. So of course, adding sexy heels and a sparkly clutch has now made it my go-to for both day and night.
(wearing: J brand mid-rise cords, J.Crew cashmere v-neck sweater, Frye boots, Salt sunnies...vintage clutch, Guess heels)
Wear Sexier Tights
Lace tights are sexy. Fishnets are sexy. But...I'm actually surprised at how much sexier even regular ol' sheer black stockings are compared to my opaque Plush standbys. And sexy shoes help, of course.
(wearing: Cheap Monday sweater, J.Crew tissue turtleneck, Forever 21 faux-leather shorts, Plush tights, Mia boots, hand-knit mittens....vintage clutch, nine west booties, Hanes silk reflections with run-resistant technology c/o Hanes)
********GIVEAWAY**********Mamas, Hanes asked me if I wanted to test out their new run-resistant stockings. Considering that my days usually involve some sort of crawling-on-the-floor, I figured I could test the heck outta them. But Philly has been so warm lately, that I've pretty much only tested them at night. Want to help? I have two other pairs (both in black) in sizes A/B or C/D. Leave a comment and let me know which size you'd like to test, and how you'd test 'em.
When in Doubt, Throw on Anything That Sparkles
Have a gorgeous statement necklace? Surprisingly, me neither! In this case, pile on all of your sparkly stuff and try not to over-think. A plain tee (or turtleneck) is a great foil for this look. Pull your hair up, slick on some lipstick. Costume jewelry is actually all I'm talking about here...and if you don't have any, you can find some cheap pieces very easily. It's a cheap and easy way to make your everyday stuff "festive".
(wearing: J.crew tissue turtleneck....with a boat-load of jewels)
Awww...that little baby? It's baby Raines. And my shirt is covered with spit-up. And while I'm claiming that it's my "day" look...this pic was actually taken in the middle of the night. Sigh. Those were the days...
Lastly, A Little Skirt Goes a Long Way
One of my very favorite pairings is a cozy sweater and a glamorous skirt. It's the perfect combination of glitzy and causal. I picked up a short & tight little number from Forever 21 for $7(!). It's Mike's new favorite for date night.
I'm really on the hunt for a skirt with more...festivus. Something sequined, or lace or feathered or metallic. But I haven't found it....so I'm sticking with my little $7 number for now. But if you do have an all-out glitzy skirt, try throwing it on with a comfy, cozy sweater. You may be surprised.
(wearing: J.Crew heart sweater, scarf and plaid shirt, Joe's Jeans denim jacket, Plush tights, Forever 21 shorts, diba wedge boots, Canada mittens....vintage clutch, nine west booties)
BTW - the crowd pic? We're at Macy's in downtown Philly waiting for their light show to begin. That particular Macy's has been in the old downtown location for 100 years. I LOVE old-school department stores - it reminds me of London. Apparently, this light show is a Philadelphia holiday tradition. We grossly underestimated how many people would be there...but then were *super-excited* to see that there was room in the front! Score!
Or not. Here was our view:
LOL! Live and learn, Mamas.
xo,
S
