Friday, November 14, 2008

A Fahionable Holiday - Part 2

I LOVE Hot Pink at CHRISTmas! Magenta, Fuchsia, or whatever you call it, this hot color really adds pizazz to the holidays. I've paired it with my favorite color duo - BLACK AND WHITE! The bold pattern of this hounds-tooth coat is just the ticket when coupled with a hot pink merino wool turtle neck sweater. The coat hits just above the knee and I am showing it here with the black wide-leg pants from A Fashionable Holiday - Part 1. I have a fetish for wraps in case you haven't figured that out yet. Pull this ensemble together with a pair of "bubble gum" pink gloves, a black patent leather clutch and a fuchsia wrap. I know it's hard to see but I used a braided black leather belt with a chunky silver buckle and silver initials that dangle from a leather strap. The belt is from Michael Kors and I found it at Marshalls for $10! This outfit has just enough holiday cheer for a CHRISTmas Open House or holiday lunch with a group of best pals.Almost everyone has at least one special occasion during the season that calls for "dressing" up! Because I am only 5 feet tall, I usually opt for separates instead of dresses. It's just easier to get the perfect fit. We have a formal CHRISTmas dinner to attend this year and I've decided to be the "lady in silver". This top is a satin and chiffon creation with sheer 3/4 length sleeves. I love the big portrait collar and the pretty bow that ties slightly off center. The top features "ruching" (sp?) which is great for "minimizing" areas that are not as toned as we would like them to be.
I will pair this shiny silvery top with a black velvet skirt. The skirt is shorter in the front and dips in the back. A great alternative for a petite lady who wants the formality of a longer length but doesn't want to feel overwhelmed with a full length gown. I found a great pair of GUESS shoes at ROSS last week. Slingbacks - my favorite. Makes my legs look longer and at 5 feet tall I need all the help I can get! The heel is 4" but because the front of the shoe sits on a 1" platform, it's like wearing 3" heels - much more wearable!!! Soft, subtle leather will ensure comfort while you circulate your holiday party or stand for long periods catching up with friends and acquaintances.

The FABULOUS thing about BLACK and WHITE is flexibility! Pair it with a punch of any bright color and you are sure to have a winning combination. This time the coat is shown with the ivory sweater from my previous post and a canary yellow wool skirt. The "wrap" is thrown around the neck of the coat in a casual way and the outfit is complete with black leather loafers and a quilted micro-fiber handbag. A perfect ensemble for attending the holiday program at your child's school.
I am sure you've noticed the absence of red and green. I truly love the traditional colors of CHRISTmas. I just don't wear them very often. This year I wanted to explore the options I have in my closet before spending money that I could invest in a more useful way. Once you have taken inventory, you may find that with a little creative pairing and a few well chosen accessories, you are ready for any and all fashionable holiday events. If you absolutely find nothing lurking in the dark recesses of your closet, don't despair! Many stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, and Steinmart have lovely and affordable holiday wear for a fraction of what you would spend at the mall or a department store.





1 comment:

  1. You are GOOD at this! Personal shopper...hmmmm...I'm thinking again.

    ReplyDelete