Holiday Parties AKA Tulle Can Be Your Friend

Gowns, sparkles, champagne... It's holiday season. One of my self-goals is to attend a glamorous traditional black tie party for the holidays just once. But until then, I'll just dream up some possibilities and bundle up instead in my duck boots and thick gloves as I travel out for Chinese food on this cold, wintery night.

If I did have a party to go to, I would probably wear one of the following outfits (we're still in fairytale land here). Interested in some ideas for your own holiday party? Scroll down.





For my ladies whom gowns are just not their thing, instead of a traditional menswear inspired tuxedo, consider the new up-in-comer: the jumpsuit. This is not the traditional jumpsuit as seen by Elvis or pilots. Instead, it's a sophisticated take on a traditional two piece look. Plus, it will create the same lines as a dress instead of a shirt and pants so it's a step up from office wear (in my opinion).

Jumpsuit- Valentino
Blazer- Stella McCartney
Satchel- Cambridge Satchel Company
Watch- Michael Kors
Mules- Oscar de la Renta




If wearing a gown is a fashion risk for you, take a bigger one by pairing it with a pair of pants underneath. Not only will you be warmer than your co-party-goers in dresses, but the mixture of patterns and textures will really become complimentary.

Beaded gown- Valentino
Earrings- Tom Binns
Pants- Herve Leger
Bomber jacket- Elizabeth and James
Purse- Chanel
Mesh ankle boot- Oscar de la Renta




If you do decide to wear a gown, and aren't sure how to or are uncomfortable, remember to always keep it simple. You can never go wrong with a traditional, form-fitting cut and a solid color. And don't feel like you have to wear heels!

Tulle gown- Notte by Marchesa
Satin blazer- Helmut Lang
Velvet clutch- Saint Laurent
Flats- Hermes


Some other of my favorite options (seriously, you can't go wrong with any of them):

Leather, lace, and tulle gown- Valentino
Two-tone sequin and tulle halter gown- Alice and Olivia
Cheetah metallic lace gown- Milly
Pilgrim beaded gown- Valentino

Black sparkle clutch- Anya Hindmarch
Gold clutch- Louboutin
Sparkly belt- Paul & Joe
Studs- Chanel
Nude pumps- Manolo Blaknik

Stealing from the Guys: The Men of Love Actually

With the arrival of my mom's Christmas presents yesterday, and the completion of my own Christmas shopping, I can finally say that I'm officially feeling the season. We all have holiday traditions. One of mine is watching Love Actually with my mom. While I can't be home for Christmas this year, I can still kind of celebrate in tradition with this holiday version of "Stealing from the Guys." And maybe next time I watch it I will dress up channeling one of the characters... Someone call my mom and ask if that's okay if we incorporate this into our tradition.

Do you have any holiday traditions? Are you excited for Christmas? Or do you just think it's overrated?

Daniel (played by Liam Neeson): Since your spouse just died, it's okay to keep it somber this holiday with blacks and grays. Just know that at the end of the mourning period is going to be a great new romance (hello, Claudia Schiffer).

Black coat- Reed Krakoff
Scarf- Christopher Fischer
Sweater- Dolce & Gabbana
Skinny jeans- J Brand
Boots- DV by Dolce Vita


Billy Mack (played by Bill Nighy): You don't have to be an aging rocker to dress like one... Okay, I'm not even sure what that means, but everyone loves Billy Mack and his brightly colored wardrobe.

Boots- Frye
Dress- Duro Olowu
Chain- Berricle
Rings- Lulu Frost & Macys
Headphones- Master & Dynamic



Harry (played by Alan Rickman): Naughty, naughty Harry. The one thing I hope you're noticing by now is that British men seem to have a fondness for turtlenecks.

Glasses- Ogi
Loafers- Salvatore Ferragamo
Blazer- Yoox
Turtleneck sweater- Valentino
Pants- Carolina Herrera



Mark (played by Andrew Lincoln): Obviously, this is my favorite outfit, and as a teenager, Mark was the guy I would have fallen for. While this version is a little brighter than dreary Mark's, it still has the colorblocking and go-to (you guessed it) turtleneck.

Colorblock cardigan- Peter Pilotto for Target
Jeans- 7 For All Mankind
Flats- Charles Phillip Shanghai
Turtleneck- Uniqlo


After this post I am definitely reconsidering my turtleneck stance.

How to Rock a Sweatshirt Without Looking Frumpy

Sweatshirts AKA a type of sweater made from thick cotton jersey... AKA: One of my favorite things.

It's officially sweatshirt season!!!! This means that all I pretty much do is lounge around the house in old sweatshirts and possibly not much else. Thankfully sweatshirts have come a long way since the oversized ones my mom bought me in the nineties (I still vividly remember my mom dressing me in only sweatshirts, jeans, and sneakers--this was clearly before I realized that you could wear sweatshirts over other clothes if you wished. After that, I refused to leave the house without putting something underneath despite my mother's protest to this idea).


I wanted something with a fun print, but still a grown-up vibe? (Hopefully). I'd like to think this is also a little street style and a little rock n roll (black pants and red pumps= the ultimate).

Cuff- Chanel
Purse- Etsy
Floral sweatshirt- MSGM
Pumps- Manolo Blahnik
Skinny jeans- Al Duca D'Aosta
Distressed denim jacket- Levis Vintage Denim
Scarf- Valentino

An easy way to break up (or add warmth) to a set? A cropped sweatshirt.

Sweatshirt- Alexander Wang
Top- Lover
Pencil skirt- Lover
Crossbody bag- Saint Laurent
Watch- Nixon
Sneaks- Kate Spade

Thankfully, sweatshirts have updated themselves enough to be worn to the office now too. You could go with a classic solid colored one or one with a little piazza like gems and bedazzles.

White cocoon coat- Cedric Charlier
Embellished sweatshirt- Rebecca Taylor
Skirt- Lover
Foldover clutch- Moyna
Pumps- Saint Laurent

We all know I'm a fan of mixing prints. So mixing a printed sweatshirt with a plaid shirt (to be worn underneath of course), I'm totally there along with a pop of color and a leather jacket.

Sweatshirt- J.Crew
Plaid shirt- Mango
Skinny jeans- H&M
Purse- Burberry
Heels- Schutz
Quilted leather jacket- Kay Michaels

Stealing from the Guys: Louboutin Tattoo Parlor

The idea of a tattoo has become more and more appealing lately. While I don't plan on running out to the tattoo parlor any time soon, I do plan on eying Louboutin's Tattoo Parlor a little bit more. The designer has taken traditional tattoo art, kois and dragons, as well as a twist with lobsters and, my favorite, a grasshopper.

Henri Tatto Criquet Flat

The predominate male collection does contain one pair for women. However, while the majority of tomboychic style approved shoes are made for men, they start at a size 39 (US size 6). So, if you can wear a men's six or up... I say go for it!

Let's Talk About the Sneaker Trend

In case you've been living under a rock for the past oh... few months, the sneakers with nonathletic clothing as been all over fashion blogs, social media, and street style platforms. I, myself, love the it. Any time fashion meets comfort, I'm there; especially if it means one less thing I have to take off for the gym.

I can understand if you're a little hesitant. Let's be honest, it could easily be done bad, or even worse, boring.

However, I simultaneously find this trend fascinating because only a few years a go a "good" outfit would have been considered "bad" with sneakers (or as we call em back home, tennis shoes). It also, in some ways, brings me back to high school... But I suggest stepping out of the high school zone box.

Still not convinced? Or even better, all ready trend-ho? Then check out these outfit ideas for a little (or little more) inspiration.

This outfit could easily be worn running errands on the weekend or, in some cases for a few special people, to the office. It's sporty, but chic enough to look like you tried.

Scarf- Theory
Watch- Daniel Washington
High top sneakers- Adidas by Stella McCartney
Silk pants- Erdem
Sweater- T by Alexander Wang
Denim jacket- Rag & Bone

I'd like to think of this one as super comfy--as in nothing's comfier than sweats and tennis shoes comfy. However, it also has a certain street style feel. I'd wear this outfit every day of the week.

Coat- McQ Alexander McQueen
Shirt- American Eagle
Vest- Topshop
Sweatpants- Nike
Clutch- Bottega Veneta
Sneakers- Nike

Holiday parties are just around the corner, so I wanted to include an outfit idea for the super bold--or at least the ones that hate wearing high heels during formal occasions. I think you can do it... it's all about confidence.

Foldover Satchel- Zimmermann
Dress- Lulu and Co
Beanie- Acne Studio
Watch- Adidas
Fishnet tights- Berkshire
Sneakers- Nike
Faux fur coat- DKNY


And last, but not least, something definitely office worthy or at least date night worthy.

Velvet blazer- Theory
Blouse-Saint Laurent
Sequin pencil skirt (yeah, I'm still digging sequins)- BCBG
Bag- Valentino
Sneakers- Nike