As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.
While the move delayed the decorating a bit, I’m finally in full holiday swing here. The tree is up, cards are on the mantle and shopping is done. And with a four day weekend ahead, now I’ve got wrapping, baking, and general holiday reveling in store. Turn up your favorite Christmas song, put on something festive and enjoy! It only comes once a year after all. Happy Friday!
Is there anything more festive than sequins?
The key is to let them make the statement, and then counterbalance with neutrals and added texture. For your office party pair a shiny printed dress with a cardigan for a look that will work during the day – but top it off with Dorothy-worthy glittery stacked heels for kicking it up with some spiked punch later that night. On Christmas Day, go casual in relaxed jeans and an ankle boot, but throw in some holiday cheer with a sequined sweater (this one is actually from the little Girl’s section, but get the largest size and it will be a cute cropped look when paired with looser boyfriend jeans). And for the glitziest of all holidays? Ring in the New Year in sequined hot shorts (because honestly, when else), especially fun when paired with contrasting patterned tights. Balance out the flash with a more modest top, like this white peplum top. Go forth and shine.
(Office Party: J.Crew Factory Cardigan, Madewell Pumps, Topshop Dress)
(Xmas Day: Dolce Vita Boots, Gap Cardigan, Nordstrom Jeans)
(New Years Eve: Forever 21 Top, Ruche Shorts, Anthropologie Tights)
I don’t know about you, but I think I would be happy if I only got a stocking full of gifts on Christmas…
Opening up the little silly things has always been one of my favorite parts, and lucky for my ‘Cheap Monday’ series, unless you are slipping a Rolex into someone’s stocking this year – these gifts are usually on the inexpensive side. Plus, all of the above can be picked up at Target (or a similar one stop shop), so with time running out you can still fill up those socks!
Nest: You can never have enough pretty little journals for jotting down to-do’s, grocery lists, million dollar ideas, etc. Extra points for pairing this with a color coordinated pencil set or a few new pens/markers.
Dressed: Tights are one of the easiest ways to jazz up a plain dress and make an old outfit feel new again. Play with texture, scale, or color (I’d pair these sparkly dotted tights with a swishy black skirt, suede oxfords and a knitted sweater for a gift exchange among friends).
The Rest: Crazy nails have somehow become completely normal in the past year or so, allowing even the most conservative of dressers to experiment a little. And what better way to dip your toes (pun intended) into the trend than with a festive glittery polish?
(All Target.com)
Andd I’m back. My apologies for the extremely quiet blog for the past week. I’m guessing anyone that has ever moved or started a new job (or done both at the same time while also trying to prepare for the holidays) will understand? This weekend we attempted to check things off both our holiday and home list with pretty good results. There’s a tree in our front window, lights on the balcony, and a (almost complete) wall shelving unit built. There’s a lot going on around here and plenty you’ll see more of in the days to come. Happy to make my return!
As much as I love fashion, sometimes I think I’d be fine with having a cartoon character’s closet. You know, the kind where they have 20 of the exact same shirt and pants?
Push come to shove, I’d be fine living out the rest of my days by simply altering the colors/fabrics on my signature look: Button down slightly slouchy shirt (chambray, plaid, silk, etc), skater skirt (fitted snuggly at my natural waist, flaring out neatly, ending a couple of inches above my knees), and a sensible shoe in a few different colors (maybe I’d cheat a bit and get a flat option – such as the Anaid Kupuri beauties pictured above, and a heel option – Madewell and Kate Spade offer darling options). You never heard Minnie Mouse complain. Happy Friday!