Tis the Season: Holiday Parties

With tomorrow opening the floodgates to the gift giving season, I thought it would be perfect timing to share some of my picks and tips on what to wear to two types of those holiday parties that seem to overfill your calendar.


The Evening (Office) Party
Sure, for the fellas, maybe it's a little easier. Throw on your suit, a nice, crisp, bright tie (I love blues, reds, and silvers this time of year) and quite frankly, you're pretty good to go. But maybe you're not a suit guy? That's fine. See my post Help a Brother Out for some casual but classy sportings of khaki meets blazer. 

Now for the ladies. There is not ALWAYS a need to go out and buy new digs for the holidays. Sure, we want to, but really...with all of the holiday spending your wallet has been seeing; it may not open as easily for something for you. So, when in doubt, the LBD (little black dress, obviously) is ALWAYS a friend, but how to dress it up is the question. If you have a high neck black dress, consider pairing a chunky beaded necklace with a matching bracelet and some sassy shoes.

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Your Friends Holiday Party
My tip for you here, ladies, is think about how the invitation was sent, the wording, etc. My husband and I have a holiday party every year. Most years it's pretty darn casual, but not all are. If the invite says cocktail attire, guess what? You should wear cocktail attire. If the invite says they'll be kicking back a few brewskies? Grab those jeans and your favorite sweater with a nice pair of pumps, and you're good to go. As a host, I typically where a dress and some boots or a nice pair of jeans with a decorative tank. As a guest, either of these options would work great.

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Happy Holiday Party Hopping!

Keepin' It Easy on Wednesday

I'm starting to feel like these are the prerequisites for my Wednesdays:
1. It's usually raining up here in MA.
2. I'm like to wear jeans
So, today is no different, friends! I decided to keep it casual with my super soft lovestory J brand jeans, paired with a brown scoop neck shirt, a green pashmina, and camel colored boots.

J Brand Lovestory Japanese Denim Bell Bottoms

Victoria's Secret Elbow Length Scoop Neck Tee

What Your Man Likes: Fred Perry

Okay, you caught me. So maybe I am actually writing you to tell you what my man likes. 
But I can bet he's not alone.


Fred Perry's designs are simple, they are classic. You know what else they can be though? Expensive. The brand is also often seen on Marshall from the TV show I never miss, How I Met Your Mother. 



I remember the first time my husband saw a Fred Perry shirt on the sitcom. He loves his polos and track jackets. Whether it's Puma or Polo; Adidas or Ben Sherman, there's something about these two items he can't get enough of.


So immediately we tried to find Fred Perry garb (this was maybe 2 years ago) and found very little. Well something changed and distribution way improved; Saks and Nordstrom sell the full priced pieces- but wait. A light bulb went off, and somehow the British brand is now being sold on the likes of Gilt Groupe (go there, now- the sale is well underway, some items are still available) and 6pm.com. And when I tell you these are heavily discounted...they are.


So I made it easy for you: here's a link to the 6pm Fred Perry Men's filter. Check it, here (don't you worry ladies, the women's stuff is very cute, too!)


Preppy Casual with a twist I call it- it's the perfect weekend gear; and perfect for the holidays. Here are some of my favorites for you to give your guy.

 

Wooooo! Take a look at Jason Wu!

I must start by saying, some of Jason Wu's jacket designs aren't really my taste; but - I will finish this statement by declaring: I big puffy heart his dresses.  From the gala event to your workday, he has a style that will mold to yours.

Let's start with this mock neck trapeze dress from his Fall 2010 RTW collection. Not too short, not too long; perfect for those who have a toned set of arms and shoulders and want to show them off!

Alright, alright, so many of us don't often have a place to wear this dress; but if you had an over the top event to attend, be it a black tie wedding or fundraiser, this dress surely would fit the bill.

From his Spring 2011 RTW, these two dresses are perfect for the office, weekend, or out on the town. The beautiful shade of purple is elegant enough for a bridal or baby shower, and the yellow sure add some flair; but both are still professional enough for the office.

Another pairing from his Spring 2011 collection, the outfit on the left is all about the legs. If you got 'em, flaunt 'em! But look closely at the three pieces; The shorts can be paired with any other blazer/shirt combination- and be dressed up or down. The blazer can be paired with a skirt or trousers, and the shirt could be worn alone with some wide legged trousers (as shown below). 

I'll close by sharing my favorite gown with you. The lines, detail, and fabric of this number just make me swoon (Oh, and by the way Mr. Wu, I'm glad to share my shipping address with you).

What to Wear Wednesday

It's fall; the air is crisp and the leaves are almost done changing color. The colors of the leaves in Massachusetts are varying shades of brown, rust, and orange. This is what I channeled for my picks today.
A skirt, very similar to this one; only a bit more flare at the bottom. I found it at Gap, and have had it for a few years! The shirt is similar to this one, only shorter sleeves. Found at Express, 2 seasons ago. The Boots are Charles David, found on Rue La La, and the Pashmina I got on Ebay!
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Happy hump day!

How to Wear: Pinstripe Blazer

Today I woke up and didn't want to exude a whole lot of effort in getting ready. I mean, it's Monday. It's getting cold out there, and I was tired.


So I decided to toss on my Michael Kors black pinstripe blazer. I didn't want to be all formal today though; so I paired it with a pair of medium wash slight bootleg jeans (Citizen for Humanity, Ingrid).


I remember when I got this jacket, about 2-3 years ago. My mother in law took me shopping at Neiman's downtown, and the woman helping us pick out clothes, Angel, was helping me with this particular jacket. I told her I loved it but didn't know what to wear underneath. I said, a button down white shirt? And she said, no no. A plain black t-shirt. Hmm I thought. Plain black huh? 


So this morning, as I was getting ready, I recalled that exact conversation- and my decision was easy.

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Here's to an easy work week for all!