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#festiveattire

Signature Style- Holiday Outfit Ideas

December 7, 2021 By kimwheeler 15 Comments

This month we are doing Signature Style early as it is all about festive outfits for the holiday season. I’ve had more than a few people ask for ideas for Christmas parties. I have some pretty things I wanted to share and Sarah and Cindy do too.

I have always loved any opportunity to don a sequin or two and sparkly jewels. As a child, I was fascinated with what my mother would pull together for my father’s big company Christmas party each year. In the 1960’s, my grandmother made her a sleeveless dark pink velvet swing dress with a large bow above a cut out in the back. She had a big crystal flexible bracelet, chandelier earrings and brooch that matched. Each year my mother meticulously planned her look from the shoes, to the jewels, shoes and even lipstick. Another year we went to the very hip Joseph Magnin and she bought black velvet hot pants with a matching long sleeve top with white lace cuffs and collar- ala the Partridge Family! I thought all of it was TDF and I couldn’t wait to grow up and dress up for fancy parties

Fast forward to the life I live now, and fancy parties are rare. Companies don’t have those Mad Men era holiday shebangs much anymore- and when they do, they are less dressy, well at least here on the West Coast. In this pandemic age, many of us are choosing smaller gatherings, and many are entertaining at home. We need options for it all, so here’s a few fun things I have found and what works for me..

My Go-To Looks for the Holidays

  • Sparkly top + cute jeans and pretty sandals
  • Silky bias type skirt (or dress) topped with a fluffy soft sweater
  • Black blazer with a camisole and a fitted pant with big sparkle earrings to make it holiday.
  • Black dress that you can dress up with heels or make hip with boots or booties.

Always start with shopping your closet, and see what you own before you buy! Sometimes the coolest things are already in your closet. I also think consignment stores are a treasure of unique pieces.

Istart by laying all my potential outfits on the bed and then try looks with different shoes and accessories in front of a big mirror. Anything with a sequin or velvet should be a candidate, as well as shoes, bags, and costume jewelry with sparkle. Vintage pieces are especially cool. I have things from my mom and grandma that I use every year – beaded clutches and brocade bags and those Christmas pins as well.

The Bias Cut Skirt or Dress with a Sweater

How lovely is this look on Meghan Markle?

For an occasion that takes places daytime or an evening that is an early cocktail party or dinner with friends, a soft sweater over a silky bottom paired with a dramatic earring strikes a comfy, but still chic feeling.

I love that look and comfortable feel and tried it with a bias cut skirt I have and a new super soft cashmere sweater (on sale now and amazing quality), some kitten heeled booties and long pearl earrings that are vintage and a gold and patent clutch bag. I’d probably add some chunky crystal bracelet instead of the watch here..

Try the same look with a slip dress or satiny skirt and a soft sweater that has that fluffy holiday look.

If you don’t have that, the brilliant AllSaints has created a 2 in 1 dress, the Darla Tiana – a 90’s look slip dress with a wool/yak sweater to top it off when you want. It comes in three colors- a black, red/rust and a soft grey. Brilliant!

They also make this Rosetta dress with a bit more sparkle and a shorter sweater in gold and silver..

And Nordstrom has it’s own version of the AllSaints dress and it’s on sale now too..SO pretty. I love the versatility of these 2 in 1 dresses.

AllSaints has over twenty versions of the 2 in 1 Dress , another below, The Maren, and all are great for this kind of occasion! Just use accessories to make it elegant or casual wear for everyday. The options with these make them a good investment for your wardrobe.

If you already own a soft pretty sweater, Anthro has a few good bias slip dresses here in a pretty copper, and a leopard print.

More inspiration from the cute account Street Style Global on Instagram…

Other sources for satin skirts are Shopbop, which has a pretty bias cut skirt. and J.Crew has one also here.

The Sparkly Top + Jeans and Pretty Sandals or Heels

Do you have a Christmas exchange party with friends, or a holiday lunch out or maybe you’re inviting few friends over? Right now we are all trying to keep gathering small and when hosting at home, the easiest holiday look is a sequin top. Everyone should have one in their closet! This year I grabbed this one shoulder number that caught my eye. I paired it with jeans and my sparkly slides. This is a very California Christmas look as you all know we are so casual here. I paired it with my Valentino slides that have some sparkle.

I can’t find the exact same top anymore, but this below middle is similar same brand.. You can get these shirts for a song at Marshalls and similar places. The $300 ones aren’t that different and for the amount of wears, it makes sense to get a more affordable one. Buy one and you’ll always have something fun to wear when the occasion happens. At the very least you can feel cute at home while you watch the ball drop on TV on NYE. (That’s usually what happens here !) Below left they also have a pretty version in plus size and this one right from Marshalls is adorbs too.

The denim I am wearing is by AYR and made in LA, a very small company. You can choose your inseam and finishes and I LOVE how they feel and fit. They hold you in a bit, but aren’t too tight. They have to be the most flattering pair of jeans I have ever had. Being short, I like that I could choose the length and I chose the 25 at 5’4. They are called The Pop and have a raggedy edge in the Bomba wash I bought. Other options and finished hems are available. I want a white pair next!

The Black Suit or Jacket with a Bare Look Underneath + Fab Earrings

Another look I wore all through the 1990’s was a black jacket with a camisole or just buttoned up with no top under and skinny pants. It’s almost a suit look, but you add great earrings, or a cool pin and voila you are up for drinks, dinner (or dancing-as if that was happening anymore.) I think this look is uber chic.

I wore some dark plaid trousers, my hair up, chandelier earrings and matte black booties here..

Do you have some chandelier or dangly earrings? I have many pairs I have bought over the years and honestly some are 30 plus years old like the pearl drops that I bought in college and wear on the to pic. They were YSL and $20 on sale. Still my favorites! I love these Waterfall Sparklers, left , the Sparkle Drops middle that come in three colors, and both the baguette drops – all J.Crew.

If you don’t have a black blazer J.Crew has this wonderful stretch velvet option..And the classic, Regent Blazer.

Some slim fit trousers here.

I couldn’t find dark plaid pants, but I did find a source for a plaid circle wool skirt, which reminds me of my mom 1974 Christmas..I was so inspired by this look from Instagrammer Benedetta Magri? This is fun and chic…

The Black Dress + Your Own Cool Spin

Lastly when you have a more formal event, something for work that’s pretty upscale or party where you just aren’t sure what to do, the black dress is ALWAYS a good idea! I have three that I adore and have worn over. One is a silk shirt dress from L’Agence, another is an Elizabeth & James black A line in crepe, and a black silk sheath from Ramy Brook. All three dresses were an initial investment of around $300+ but they still look new and stylish and are the stalwarts of my closet. If you don’t have at least one flattering and well made black dress, and you have an event, this is the time to get one!

Below I’m in my favorite crepe dress left (so forgiving) and my Ramy Brook silk which can go all seasons.

I love black crepe as it is usually lined and skims the body. Ralph Lauren makes this classic left, and this one from Caroline Rose is a modern take on the classic.

Other classics sure to last are this Emporio Armani Drape Waist Knit Dress and this Theory Crepe Sheath.

The nice thing about the black dress is you can put your own spin on it with large earrings, elegant chains or a cocktail ring. Try a rhinestone pin in your hair and add a bag in a bright color or with stones. The possibilities are endless and you will always look smart. Don’t discount black booties which can make a simple black dress feel a bit more punk and cool. If you need black clothes inspiration, watch the Cruella movie. It’s amazing and fun.

Whatever you do, enjoy dressing up. After the past years, any chance to seems like a treat to me! Add some flair and think of this..which my grandmother would agree..

I kind of love that..Please go see what the style genius’s Cindy and Sarah have on their blogs..

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sarah London Style

Are you going to any work parties? Here in California, I know those things are largely not happening during this pandemic. I have a few plans with small groups of vaccinated pals and some meet ups with close friends for coffee and catch up outside. What about you?

Kim

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Filed Under: Holiday Fashion Tagged With: #christmasstyle, #featured, #festiveattire, #holidaydressing, #holidayfashion, #whattowearholidayedition

Holiday Fashion Edit- Join Me and 6 Others for Ideas

November 14, 2019 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Today I’m excited to participate in a collaboration with six other bloggers on holiday looks. We’re kicking it off to get you in the mindset for festive dressing. There is always some event you’re going to want to get a bit more fancy for. Today I put together three different looks that you can shop your closet for, or just add a few key pieces and pull a chic look together!

First apologies for the photos. I had a busy week and I had no photographer, but I hope you get some idea of what you can use in your own closet or what standout piece you might need to add that you can use multiple ways for dressier occasions….

Look 1- Casual Luxe Appropriate for the casual holiday lunch, Christmas open house, your kid’s holiday concert, holiday brunch with girlfriends, the class party, etc.

You are a step-up from the usual. This look I combined my favorite black Madewell jeans, a Rag & Bone Velvet top I have had for a few years, suede mules and dangly earrings.

Recipe- Add velvet, silk, angora or any luxe fabric to a black jean, plus a suede shoe or boot, and festive earrings with a hint of sparkle and you are good to go. This is why I keep two velvet shirts in my closet even though they get worn about once a year. I can rely on them to add that spark of elegance.

Look 2- The Evening Suit– Appropriate for holiday work dinner, cocktails, holiday dinners out, and even some fancier holiday parties.

Recipe – This look is simply black pants and any dark blazer you own. A silk camisole like I mentioned in this recent post is perfect for underneath or you can button the jacket up and wear a dark bra, something I did a lot in the 90s, and it’s pretty sexy. I added some sling-backs here that were in the closet, but any pump will look great. Again I’d go for some sort of drop earring and a clutch or flat bag with a chain.

If you don’t own a black or navy blazer you should. Mine is a dark navy and I have these simple Zara cropped pants . We underestimate how elegant this look can be, especially if you once wore a suit for work all the time, but it’s a matter of fit here, these pieces should skim the body and it’s okay to show a little lace and skin.

Look 3 – Retro Evening – or I call it, Nancy Sinatra at the Sands- appropriate for hosting your own holiday shindig at home, your neighborhood progressive dinner, tickets to the Nutcracker, Rosh Hashana or New Year’s at the home of friends.

Recipe –Vintage look cropped Jacket that I wrote about that has a collar that can be slightly rolled off the shoulder, add a shimmery top, the same black crops, vintage costume jewelry or brocade touches and sandals with stones like these Steve Madden ones.

I used a brocade Trina Turk clutch I own and my mom’s crystal bracelet and earrings from the 1960’s that I love.

I’m not very good with hair, but a twist or half-up bouffant sort of look really works with this along with the sparkly slides. It feels like you need to swan around with a vintage champagne coupe, yet it’s still comfortable.

Thanks for suffering through with my grainy photos, but I hope this will give you some ideas for making outfits of your own. Personally, I hate going to the store right before an event and trying on dresses. I almost always end up with something I usually wear once. By browsing your closet you can come up with something more unique. You may need to add some holiday go-tos, like the black crop trousers, velvet tops, blazer or jacket, and suede or sparkly shoes if you don’t already own them. These are things you don’t need to wear all the time, but they make for a well-rounded wardrobe of options when you have them in there!

Cool things you can add that will make you chic during this season are vintage costume or family jewelry. I love standout earrings, pins on lapels (that’s back again), and cocktail rings. Vintage clutches or bags with some sparkle are cool. Don’t forget a swipe of a pretty lip color and a little glimmer on the cheek and collarbones!

Just fun this season, and don’t overthink it!

Now pop on over to these other blogs and see what fashion ideas they have conjured up for the holidays! I’m honored to be included with these talented women…

Brenda Kinsel

Classic Casual Home

Cote De Texas

Most Lovely Things

Rough Luxe Lifestyle

The Gardener’s Cottage

Kim

Some links on this post may generate commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Filed Under: Cocktail Attire, Holiday Fashion, Uncategorized Tagged With: #cocktailattire, #fashion, #festiveattire, #holidayfashion

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Hope you’ve had a great long weekend! If you mi Hope you’ve had a great long weekend!  If you missed the Weekend Meanderings with Juliet and Elizabeth pop on by for some good holiday ideas!
On my weekend post…
-A Thanksgiving table hack
-Pretty wrap from California
-Beauty gift ideas on sale
- J. Crew silver holiday looks
-Part I of my Edinburgh trip 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Including Holyrood Palace and @thebalmoral hotel, in Edinburgh.

It’s all on the our blogs -links in bio:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#weekend #edinburgh #edinburghtravel #holyroodpalace #balmoralhotel #roccofortehotels #scotland_insta #scotland
Finally got my table together ! I added some flowe Finally got my table together ! I added some flowers from Trader Joe’s after picking up Griffin from SFO this afternoon. I found these green napkins at @worldmarket and added some velvet ribbon I had with our @anthropologie dishes… and my favorite candlesticks from my pal Juliet! 

I have my mom’s tureen and my grandma’s platter out and the recipe binder is open to my mom’s beautifully written instructions on how to cook a turkey made for me and other tips. 💛

It will be me and all my guys including dad, but I’ll be thinking of mom and grandma and all the Thanksgivings they did. I am missing them especially at this time of year. I know a lot of you feel the same. 

I’m thankful to all of you sweet friends here on Instagram too.  It’s been a joy to connect with so many kind people. 

Now I am off to trim Brussels sprouts!😅

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

#thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingtablescape #thanksgivingtableideas  #californiathanksgiving
It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the fourth part of our travel to the UK with our visits to Chatsworth House, Bakewell and the medieval walled city of York! I loved this area and if you are a Jane Austen fan, you know 500 year old Chatsworth was her inspiration for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley and in many of the films. It’s amazing it’s been in the same family for 16 generations and you can have the best day there walking the house and grounds and lunch..

October was a magical time to visit these places with foggy days and fall weather! We absolutely loved it and York has to be one of my favorite cities now. The walls were so fun to walk and we stayed at the most charming hotel..@grayscourtyork 

More on the blog ! 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs too! 
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#uktravel #visitbritain #york #chatsworthhouse #bakewell #falltravel #prideandprejudice #pemberley #grayscourtyork
It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I are sharing great coats and outerwear!  We’ve got fun ideas on how to wear your coats and jackets and the coolest options out there!

I snapped a few pictures of people in the UK in their coats, and I’m sharing a little inspiration from the trip..

Stop on by our blogs if you need a fresh look or maybe a new coat for this year! We are finally getting some real weather, and I love it! 

You can comment LINKS to be sent the post by DM or find the posts in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

#winterstyle #coatinspo #coatseason
Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’ Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’m absolutely in love with this part of England that includes Oxford University where we began, Stow on the Wold, and Stratford-Upon-Avon! 

All three are places of incredible history and charm! We even did a little side trip to the teeny village of Lower Slaughter.. More about all of it, and the sweet shops and restaurants and our cute hotel on the weekend post..

If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds save this reel..
On this clip-
@oxford_uni 
@thesheepstow 
@cutterbrooksshop 
@lucystearoomstow 

Link to my full blog on this in bio
@northerncalstyle 

#stowonthewold #cotswolds #cotswoldstravel #oxforduniversity #stratforduponavon #uktravel 

@lambsrestaurant
Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy b Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy bedroom ideas and inspiration for the season. 

Do you have a  bedroom that could use some cozy?  Mine needed help.. I used fuzzy rugs, plaid throws, velvet pillows, plus a touch of black to give my own room some depth and warmth during these darker months!  I added a faux wreath above the bed for a festive feel. ✨It feels like a little retreat now and I’ve been reading and having my tea here.

All of us have unique bedroom ideas for this collaboration, so stop on by our blogs!

@northerncalstyle 
@classiccasualhome 
@cindyhattersley 
@most_lovely_things 
@mysweetsavannah 

#cozybedroom #cozyroom #wintervibes #holidayhouse
If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet a If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared my favorite things to do in London in fall and winter! 

I’m breaking my UK/Scotland trip into regions, and this week is all about London, where we stayed, some good spots to eat, my favorite museums, and shops. I also shared a few good things I bought, and the boots I wore everywhere that were fairly inexpensive and very comfortable .

The link to this post is in my bio or you can comment below for it and I’ll DM you. 

On this Reel:
-Our beautiful hotel @hamyard_hotel in Soho
- My favorite museum the @vamuseum which is having the Chanel exhibit until Feb. and don’t miss the gift shop totes! 
- The best place for tea and beautiful tins of it to take home @fortnums 
- The historic and coolest department store in the world, @libertylondon. Must do!
- Max’s favorite museum @thebritishmuseum 
- I always find something at @hmhome 
- Two Italian spots we love @circolopopolare and @_boccadilupo &gelato @gelupogelato 
MORE on the blog!

Save this post if you’re planning a trip.

More on the blog! 
@northerncalstyle 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more fun too:
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#london #londontips #londontravel #londoninthefall #prettycitylondon
I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in th I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in the UK! 🇬🇧❤️ 

I’ve been trying to share everything on my stories, and saving some of them in my highlights in case any of you are planning a trip! 

I’ve been so overwhelmed with the pictures,  I actually let Instagram make this Reel from the highlights of London and Oxford.. 

I just did a little postcard post on the weekend blog with a few fun pics and details, especially about our stop to visit my friend Rosie who lives in Stratford Upon Avon,  which was so lovely.

You can follow along on my stories, or if you’ve missed any, look at the highlights ! I’m trying to categorize by area.

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs too. I know they had a great weekend posts!!

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#uktravel #uktraveltips #londontravel #oxfordtravel #visitbritain
I am finally getting to share a bit of the fun sho I am finally getting to share a bit of the fun shopping event at the Stanford @rails store. I felt like the luckiest girl getting to try all these beautiful clothes on! 

Thank you to everyone who came.. A special thank you to my pal Jeanne who was a great sport and modeled for us.. The Rails team is so sweet too.

This fall collection is gorgeous and my style. My favorites were the jackets, knits and the new denim! Did you know Rails also has a great men’s line? I bought Max a shirt for our trip. 

I wanted one of everything! On the weekend post I’ll share what I picked to add to my fall capsule…One of them is a dress I’m taking with me on my UK trip. 

This California company makes standout pieces. If you get a chance visit the Stanford store or the Hayes Valley to see the whole collection up close and you’ll see why. 

#bayareashopping #rails #stanfordshoppingcenter #northerncaliforniastyle #californialook #falllooks
Join me for a special fall shopping event at the P Join me for a special fall shopping event at the Palo Alto @rails
store this Saturday! 
 
These are just a few of the gorgeous things they have in their fall collection. 

They also created a special pink Hunter shirt for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will give $40 for every Hunter shirt sold. 🩷

The event will be 10-6 
Light bites & pink drinks too. 
 
I will be there 11-2 to help style looks and share the new collection! 

I really hope to meet some of you and also share more of what I love about this wonderful brand.

#rails #fallfashion #bayareashopping #paloalto #stanfordshoppingcenter
It’s time again for Signature Style and this mon It’s time again for Signature Style and this month Cindy and I are talking handbags! 
There’s a ton of beautiful, fall handbags out, but what do we really need? 

For this post I focused on the crossbody, totes, belt bags and a few evening bags with some of my favorite brands thrown in . If you’re a handbag lover you’ll enjoy this stroll through what is out there now!

Please visit Cindy’s blog too. She has some fantastic picks as well..

Links to posts in our bios ..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

#fallhandbags #handbagaddict #handbaglover #purse #baglady
It’s the weekend blog time with Juliet and Eliza It’s the weekend blog time with Juliet and Elizabeth! This weekend how to make very easy and super cute succulent pumpkins. 🎃 

This is a fun craft to do with your friends or kids.  They make sweet little gifts for your neighbors or party favors or place card holders  and really cute decor. 

All you need is cute pumpkins, succulent cuttings, some moss and if you want dried flowers.. 

All the details on the blog -along with places to go apple picking, the best minestrone soup you need on your rotation, a cozy sweatshirt, and a beautiful velvet coverlet on sale…

Please stop our blogs..Links in bios! 
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#succulentpumpkin #pumpkincrafts succulentpumpkins #easyhalloweendecor #halloween #californiahalloween

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