Item One: Black CashmereThe best part about a black cashmere sweater is that it can be worn at almost anytime and will last through the ages. Note: Not all cashmere is made equally and a poor quality cashmere will leave you feeling cold and disappointed. You will also feel incredibly ripped off considering that all cashmere is quite pricy. Do some research and find a good brand then buy away. In my experience I have found that Design History and J.Crew never fail and the product lasts through many washing cycles. Cashmere from these companies seems to only get better with age.
My classic Design History sweater strays from the norm with it's large bell sleeves and scooped neckline. The fitted body flatters my figure while keeping me cozy whenever I chose to wear it.
Item Two: Something That Sparkles
Whenever I think about the holiday after I encounter those gaudy holiday sweaters that Grandma wears while getting run over by a reindeer, I think bling. One of the few times that I completely approve of sequins, glitter and sparkles is during the months of December and January. Any Christmas/winter holiday party outfit can be holiday perfection with the addition of a bit of bling. Throwing on sweater with shoulder applique to run around and get those gifts purchased will make you look stylish as well and completely festive. If you have to go to an office or club party, a shimmering tank top is more than appropriate.
Once you get past the Christmas season you have one more opportunity to shine in sparkles on New Years Eve. Basically the biggest party of the year, New Years Eve is the opportune time to slip into a completely sequined mini-dress. Channel your inner Taylor Swift and have no fear as you dance the night away and steal the show, as you are sure to if you are wearing a chic shimmering party dress.Normally I don't feel like looking like a seal (as adorable as they often are) so last winter I found a champagne colored brocade number and with it's subtle silver sparkle it popped just enough for me to wear it all season long with navy tights and a navy cashmere cardigan from Autumn Cashmere. Shockingly enough, it came from teen mall sensation American Eagle.
Seen left, a sparkly bow belt is more than enough to give a bland ensemble a festive pop.
It takes a lot of gumption to pull off a sequined party dress and most of the time I would not personally go for this option. I find it much more simple and classy to opt for a sparkly shoe or clutch. Not only is the shimmery accessory option simpler but it can be pulled off by any person of any age. Whether you are 19 or 45 you can put a glittery pair of pumps with a simple LBD and wah-la! A party outfit with a pop.
Item Three: Black Pencil Skirt
Most people see this item as more boardroom then barroom but if you wear a black pencil skirt with a black cashmere sweater and accessorize with shimmering shoes and clutch you are ready for any event the holiday season can throw your way. Not to mention that after the season is over you can continue to wear this staple to work year round.
Item Four: LRD (Little Red Dress)
Red is the unofficial color of the Christmas season. I am preferential to black (see items one and three) but red done right can truly steal the show. I made sure to pick up this LRD from The Limited that I found hanging on a clearance rack post-season for only $20. Once accessorized with a chunky black belt and hosiery of the same tone it transforms from off-the-rack to tres magnifique! The LRD is one of the sexiest items that a woman can don during the holiday season, not to mention that if you pick the right fit it will blow away everyone you encounter.
Many magazines online and print will preach the importance of the little black dress. Don't get me wrong, the LBD is a staple that every woman should have hanging in their closet but due to the amount of black I assume you wear everyday Christmas is the perfect time to shake things up with a big pop of color and rock the red.
For those of you who feel that red is just a bit too flashy consider this. According to "What Not To Wear" star Stacy London red is now a neutral. I didn't believe it when I heard it, but according to the TLC hit red is one of the few colors you can wear with any other color. Push the envelope, rock the red.
Item Five: A Classic Clutch
Clutches are the "it" bags of the season and with so many cute shapes and styles the accessorizing possibilities are near endless. While the styles of Hobo International are more daytime then dressy these quality leather clutches can be held with almost any outfit. This makes it an ideal holiday bag, and the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life.
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| Hobo International |
I always encounter those who fear the clutch due to the bag's general small size but these days clutches are not just mini. The clutch (seen above) from Hobo International retails for $138.00 and can be dressed up or down while fitting all that a lady needs for a night out on the town.
Bonus Item: Statement Jewelry
It is inevitable that at some point between November and January you will be stuck in conversation with someone you have nothing to speak about with. Whether it be your semi-standoffish mother-in-law or that creepy work associate that no one actually likes and you will have to slap a smile on your face and make small talk. Enter the greatest accessory ever, the conversation piece statement jewelry.While I prefer to stack antique watches (none of which tell the correct time) on my wrists finding a huge and chunky necklace that simply stands out on a store shelf will certainly do the trick. Not only will you appear as a true style maven when rocking this look but when you get stuck in that oh-so-ackward conversation with Great-Aunt Edith and her creepy son-in-law you don't have to grit your teeth as you listen to a rant about cats. You can talk about your super unique piece of jewelry. You'll thank me later.
The most important thing to remember this holiday season is to be true to yourself with your fashion choices and dare to wear something that is oh so your own style. Take the above tips and tweak to perfection until you have created a Christmas look worthy of the season. If you do this right, you will come up with something fun and fab---like my new winter look (pictured left).My Jack Wills plaid party dress is perfectly preppy. With the addition of a navy blue blazer adorned with vintage pins pulled from my great-grandmother's jewelry box ages ago and my quirky layered wrist watches, this seasonal smash is fun enough to wear to a New Years Eve party and sophisticated enough to don for Christmas Eve Mass.
Happy Holidays from Cashmere & Cowboy Boots! Xx!
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