Shimmer, Shine and Sparkle
Well, it’s that time again…not just for the “Monthly Fashion Update” but that lovely time of year that we call the holidays. This month’s issue is devoted to everything having to do with kissing under the mistletoe, singing carols, toasting at the stroke of midnight and of course looking fabulous at all those holiday parties.
The holidays are a great time of year to get dressed up and wear things that we don’t always get a chance to wear like sequins, faux fur, velvet, satin, metallic shoes and don’t forget the brooches…they are still hot! Basically anything with a little sparkle, shimmer, or shine.
All of these things can be worn in a variety of ways either with your core wardrobe, (jeans, skirt, white shirt), or with each other. Sequins can either be worn in a pin, as embellishment on a pair of pants, shoes, shirt, or my personal favorite this year – sequined scarves. These can be purchased all over at such places like Ann Taylor and the Gap. They help add a little sparkle and are very festive for the holidays. The easiest way to wear it is to loop the scarf once around your neck and let the two ends hang down in front. However, it would be just as fun to us it as a belt too!
Faux fur is also very popular this winter and if you’re brave enough then you might want to try a faux fur capelet (refer to the background image). This would be great for a night out and you could even dress it up by adding a brooch or two! As an alternative, Banana Republic has a great faux fur pull-through scarf that isn’t as limiting as a capelet but still fun and very stylish. Bolero jackets would also work just as well as they can be thrown on over a dress or even worn with jeans. The possibilities are endless!
Velvet is wonderful because it could be mixed and matched the most with all of these other items for the holidays. Try such combinations as velvet pants with a satin shirt or even a velvet blazer with a sequined top and jeans…all great combinations.
Finally, satin is also perfect for the holidays but it is a very unforgiving fabric as it tends to cling to every curve and insecurity. The easiest way to wear satin is in a button-down shirt. However, if you’re still uncomfortable, you could wear a blazer over the shirt, (perhaps even velvet), but don’t wear it with matching pants because that will look too business like. Instead, try wearing a pair of jeans and a great sparkly belt.
Lastly, winter white is also one of my favorites because it’s so refreshing and yet still classic and elegant at the same time…just be careful not to spill! With that said, enjoy the holidays, get out all your fancy things…even if you don’t really have a place to wear them because you’ll feel fabulous anyway. Happy Holidays!