Holiday Dressing on Deck

Hello, holidays!

Greetings from New York. I’m happy to report that I’ve checked every Big Apple box regarding lights, brights, and holiday shopping. It was delightful and divine and perked me up. I’m a sucker for shiny things and sentiment. And there’s no place like this cuckoo town during the holidays. Pure magic.

And with the season in full swing and so many of us tossing aside our matching sweatsuits in favor of something more festive, maybe you’ve got a few parties to attend. And though the YSL le smoking pictured above sets the bar very high and is impeccably unapologetic, I’ve got some other ideas on what to wear that won’t break the bank while adding a bit of sizzle.

I’m always a fan of velvet for this time of year, and it’s popular this season. It’s so dressed but not fussy and looks beautiful against the skin. This velvet suit from Zara is a wonderful color and, as a redhead, I’d be thrilled to wear it.

On the whole other side of the fun fence is something red. I’ve realized the key to my desire to dress up is all about vintage, making it unique and far more fun. And though I don’t have an occasion to warrant the wearing of this Halston number, I do LOVE it.

Perhaps it’s just me and my distaste for oatmeal (read here); I love anything beaded for any time of day, but I particularly love how this dress is both mini and modest and super classic.

A big issue for party dressing is what to wear on top. I am still seeking the perfect opera-length coat to go with my super-long dresses, but this fur jacket is fabulous and affordable and so very now. It will look fabulous over dresses of all lengths or with trousers and a fitted turtleneck.

Going full-festive not your vibe? Go for a party for your feet. French brand Larroude makes fantastic party shoes, and these boots will dress up a simple black jumpsuit and make you feel like Bowie. So chic.

Regarding beauty during the most wonderful time, this eye palette is spendy but omg gorgeous. It’s the perfect subtle shimmer to go with your holiday looks, and that liner is one of the best for its stay-put power.

And hey, I get it. This is a tiring time of year. Tuck into a self-tan to give your mood and skin a bit of a boost. I’ve done some work for Vita Liberata, and their Heavenly Elixir is perfect for a touch of glow. It doesn’t have that yucky Fritos smell (IYKYK) and warms you up in the best of ways.

On the same note, a warm fragrance this time of year is just what the doctor ordered. Après, from the clean fragrance brand Ellis Brooklyn, smells like a winter wonderland, and I love that it’s also available as a travel size. Think crisp, alpine air mixed with bourbon, praline, and vanilla — a perfect holiday scent.

So just a few sweet and sparkly somethings for you to ponder/purchase. And most of all, I know how hard the holidays can be. Make some time for a bit of glam. XO