You all know I love a great dress. And never more so than at the holidays. But recently.. trousers have entered the chat. It started with Talbots Weston Pants. I got them in classic black ahead of our honeymoon in Paris… and they just felt *so* chic. High waisted but not too high, slouchy but still tailored. Hard to wrinkle, went with everything. They were in short, the perfect pants. So when I saw them come out in a bright holiday red – I hit order asap. And then, because really why not, I spotted a similar style in festive plaid and grabbed those too.
They’re unexpected in comparison to say, a velvet dress, which is their appeal. But I’d argue equally stylish for a holiday work party, festive cocktails with friends or a family brunch. As you can see here – I couldn’t resist mixing and matching them lots of ways (see them all in motion in my video on Instagram here).
I took my regular size in these and they’re the perfect length (I’m 5’4″ and they puddle slightly with flats but are great with about a 2″ heel or more) and just a bit loose (I’d say if you can, size down). I’ll likely have my local tailor bring in the waist an inch or so – but for right now they work just fine with a belt and I kind of like the extra slouch.
So tell me – will you try wide leg trousers this holiday season?
I can’t possibly play favorites here (and a few nights I didn’t even get a decent picture!) but the nights out in Paris were by far the most fun to dress for. All of these dresses are going to get special status in my forever closet and with any luck will even get a chance to be worn again this holiday season. Below – my thoughts on a few of these special honeymoon outfits.
Above: In my roaring 20s era. I wanted a real Zelda Fitzgerald moment for one of our night’s out in Paris so this drop waist embellished olive green dress and shiny mary-janes felt perfect. A little bit like the outfit equivalent of martini, no? I wore, fittingly, to Bar Hemingway inside the Ritz Paris.
Above: Ahh the Belle Epoque of dresses. I had seen this dress in person at Bloomingdales and swoonedddd over it, but it was admittedly pretty far out of my budget. After a few days of thinking about it I took a search on the internet and found one at a fraction of the price in my size. It’s still in stock at Neiman Marcus for 50% off (still a splurge but way better) if you’re in the market for an absolute archival piece. Worn for dinner with a view of the Pont Alexandre III bridge and a champagne Seine cruise afterwards.
Above: Sometimes there’s nothing more chic than simplicity. All black, a simple silk sleeveless column dress, great pumps and for a tiny touch of flair (I couldn’t resist) this rosette collar. Worn for pre-dinner patisserie on our hotel balcony (with a side of champagne, bien sûr), drinks at the Saint James hotel library bar (swoon) and dinner with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I might rewear the whole thing to a wedding this weekend.
Above: I’ve long been stalking Carolina Herrara on The Real Real, just thinking someday I’ll come across a dress from her archives, in just my size and have just the right occasion. And here it was. A thick brocade in a metallic gunmetal and burnt rust floral strapless number – perfection. I wore it to an afternoon concerto at the famed Paris Opera, Palais Garnier. No links to share, as it was a one off find but if you’re willing to put in the time, shopping secondhand designer sites is as fun a hobby as any I’ve found.
Above: I was calling this my ‘Modern Holly Golightly takes Paris’ look that night. A fun micro mini, layered necklaces (I’m just going to say it, statement necklaces are coming back in a big way) silver shoes, and a fun clear box bag (another Real Real find that I got before the Taylor Swift concert – as you needed a clear bag approved for stadiums) and have been getting a surprising amount of mileage out of). We took a walk through the Palais Royal before dinner and drinks and snapped these photos along the way.
If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know that these past couple of weeks (as usual with a career in Fashion/Ecommerce) have been peak stress. I’m at my desk working again today but in mini breaks I’ll be taking advantage of quite a few Black Friday sales I’ve had my eye on. While I definitely don’t *need* more clothes or accessories, we booked a very fun trip for the holidays and I want to pick up a few special pieces to take with me. It’s also a great time for me to grab a new wool winter coat on sale that I do in fact need and get started on a few gifts on my list! Below – the best sales I’ve seen and exactly what I’m shopping or what I already own and love that might be of interest. Happy shopping!
These jeans are the absolute best – there’s 0 stretch though and a high waisted fit so expect them to fit tight at first or size up. 25% Off right now and I’m considering buying a back up pair I love them so much.
I love this classic cashmere sweater and own it in about 4 colors already and they hold up well for years. 40% off this weekend!
These knee high black leather boots are such classics and SO comfortable. I’m talking 10 hour work day, commute to the office and out to dinner after, kind of comfortable. 30% off right now!
30% off these gold and crystal simple hoop earrings at least twice a week.
One of my favorite purchases of the fall (and will be so good for holiday) – these suede Mary Jane Pumps are 30% off right now.
I live in these pajamas in the winter, not too heavy and so comfortable. They’re 50% off right now.
Most of the year, I don’t go too wild with accessories.. but when it’s comes to the holidays I can’t resist a fun oversized earring or faux fur earmuffs or feather bag. You get the point. This year the selection feels particularly good out there. Why not grab a black dress already in your closet and make it feel fresh with one or two of these? As a $14 hack – I’m planning on buying these crystal bow shoe clips and spicing up my favorite pair of black pumps. See you under the disco ball.
I’m short on words these days and long on to-do lists. We’re already racing our way into December and I’m finding my schedule filled nearly every day. Which is why it’s helpful to have a few festive pieces on hand that can be styled more than one way. A cardigan that works buttoned up as a fun little shift dress, or unbuttoned as a casual outfit topper fits the bill. Finish with a peppering of plaid and you’re good to go. Luckily Talbots has lots of pieces right now that feel holiday-ready yet still classic enough to easily mix and match with the things already in my closet.
Now if only I could be in two places at once I could maybe keep up with all the things on my agenda…
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P.S. This cardigan looks like it’s sold out right now but I’ve seen some stock come back in stock so keep an eye out! And if not, this one is another great option – I love the pearl buttons!
