Holiday Parties with Ugly Sweaters and Ties

It's officially December. I can't believe it. The turkey and stuffing and ham and mashed potatoes are still fresh on my tongue! But, December has its moments. One of the best- and possibly worst- reasons why this month can be fun is it's the official start to holiday parties. Sometimes the prospect of what to wear can be daunting. Is it office appropriate? Where do I find an "ugly" Christmas sweater? Should I wear a suit? It's like you've just come from seeing all your family, which can be overwhelming enough, and now you have to figure out how to dress for all the parties you'll have to attend. Luckily, you have me- perpetual shopper!

A great online source, if you've got time to wait for a package, is uglyxmasparty.com. The name says it all. There are so many cute and yet somehow still ugly sweaters, you're bound to find one you (secretly) like. Plus, they're also an Etsy store!

Uglyxmassweater.com, $24

If you need something now, hit up the always reliable Nordstrom. A cute cardigan with a festive theme will suffice for most Christmas sweater parties. You don't always have to go ugly.

Fair Isle cardi, $38.

Guys, if you have that hipster-style, then include this sweater in your daily rotation for winter. If not, just wear it as a gag. Either way, it passes as a holiday sweater. And if you have a girl like me, she's probably going to steal it from you when you're done anyway.

Urban Outfitters, $74

Last but not least guys, if you have to wear a suit this year do so with a novelty tie. The suit makes you look good but the tie shows you're fun. I could show you where to go to find a tie but you know where they are. Any clothing store worth its sand is going to have festive ties this time of year. Instead, I'll show you how to TIE that fabulous tie once you've purchased one. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Isn't that what this time of year is all about?

ABCNeckties is the go-to resource for anything you ever wanted to know about neckties, including a history of them! Over 15 different types of tie knots exist (who knew!?) with great names like Balthus Knot, Cavendish Knot, and Half Windsor knot. There's also a video accompanying each type with a step-by-step process for how to get the job done. Gentlemen, prepare to be fit to be tied.

abcneckties.com, $10

 











Image(s) courtesy of Google Image Search
 

H&M + Lanvin = Designer Collaboration L-O-V-E

Lanvin for H&M dress

Who doesn't love designer clothing for cheap?  To get a Lanvin dress for under $300, usually means it's either a knockoff or second hand... until now.  On November 20th, be ready to get in line (because they're going to be long) at your local H&M store for the latest (and greatest) designer collaboration ever!

As a stylist and personal shopper in San Francisco, this time of year is always busy helping clients dress to impress at all of their holiday parties.  You can't go wrong with a little black dress, but why go black when this yellow dress is so amazing!?

So if you're looking for the perfect little holiday dress, look no further than you local H&M store.  See the rest of the collection here.

Image(s) courtesy of http://www.signature9.com/fashion/lanvin-for-hm-collab-is-the-only-thing-fashion-people-are-talking-about

Going Green: Designer Party Frocks and Their Wallet-Friendly Alternatives

Retail stores and fellow stylists alike are getting ready for the holiday season and all the fashionable events that come with it.  I don't know about your inbox, by mine is inundated with emails covering all the best party frocks in town.  If you don't feel like renting that designer special occasion dress, here are some designer suggestions and their wallet-friendly alternatives:

Kermit had it all wrong- it is easy being green!

1) WhoWhatWear suggested this Elizabeth and James Penelope Dress ($365) from Saks. The color is bright, fresh, and youthful.  The strapless dress is always a party pleaser.  The great part about this dress is the black tie waist, which will emphasize the waistline and give you more of an hourglass figure.  You could eat a steak in this dress and still feel comfortable!

2) For the frugalista, Bloomingdale's Aqua line has a strapless satin tube dress ($88) in a similar jade green color.  Stylist Tip: You can belt a shapeless dress to give you the same curves.  I prefer to use a stretch belt (as pictured) versus one with belt holes to adjust the size.

3) The Aqua silk taffeta bow dress from Bloomingdale's ($220) has a sweet ballet feel to it.  Stylist Tip: Want to take it up a notch?  Belt this one as well!  Just make sure you lay the belt across the already defined waist line (hide the seam).

4) One shoulder dresses are all the rage right now.  Try BCBG's one-shoulder cocktail dress ($148) from Saks with the drop wait.

5) If you want to go with something a little more funky this holiday season, the Phoebe Couture Strapless silk dress with zipper (ON SALE $246.50) is the way to go.

Be Berry and Might... I Mean Merry and Bright This Season

Red can be seen all over the place during the holidays.  Stockings, tree trimmings, and holiday parties near and far.  This is on time of the year you can pull off a red dress and not look like a traffic light.  Here are some great suggestions at all price levels:

Milly $450

Moschino Cheap & Chic $750

Nanette Lapore $199.50

Limited Edition Target $39.99

Images courtesy of Shopbop.com and Target

Neiman Marcus HUGE Christmas Book- Shop Online NOW

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is out and ready to be perused and drooled over.  Check it out online at neimanmarcus.com.  Not only are there some great gift ideas, but some amazing dresses for all those holiday parties about to hit our calendars.  For a guided shopping trip, email me at jenniferh@beyondblack.biz.