Christmas Outfit Ideas: Look Ho-Ho-Hot!

With Christmas so close that we can almost smell the turkey, it makes sense to start planning your outfits in advance. This way, you’ll have one less thing to stress about when important events roll around. Christmas eve, Christmas day, and boxing day and the 3 most important days for fashion during the festive season. You’ll probably have a work party to go to too, so you need a few different outfits to pull out of your wardrobe when the time comes. Use some of these Christmas outfit ideas to help you decide what to wear:

The Christmas Work’s Do

For the Christmas work’s do, you probably need something sparkly to get everybody in the Christmas spirit. However, it depends on what you’re doing. If you’re having a full on party, you can afford to dress in a sequined cocktail dress and heels; go all out with your outfit! If you’re going for a meal and a casual drink, you’ll want to dress down a little. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort though! Try wearing a shimmer top and a more understated skirt, with shoes of your choice. Brogues are great, as they are still going out shoes but they won’t kill your feet. Perfect for a more casual affair!

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Christmas Eve

Most people go out for a couple of drinks Christmas eve. This is probably because Santa will soon make an experience so this is the only way they can sleep from the excitement (or is that just me?). Either way, you have a few choices for your Christmas eve outfit. If Christmas eve is going to be a big night out, then I recommend either wearing a nice dress or a nice top with fitted trousers. Pop on a pair of your best heels to elongate your legs, and maybe even a red lipstick. If you’re not going ‘out out’, then why not wear a cute Christmas jumper with a pair of your best jeans or leggings? Everyone needs a Christmas jumper in their winter wardrobe!

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Christmas Day

The day we’ve all been waiting for! It’s always nice to dress up a little on Christmas day. I like to wear my Christmas jumper for the year tucked into a nice skater skirt, with a pair of tights and some flat dolly shoes. This way, I’m still comfortable but I look like I’ve made an effort. Boots are a good choice too, as it’s always cold outside on this day. Download an app like JustFab for boot inspiration. You could even accessorize your hair with a flower crown.

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Boxing Day

Boxing day is a day when most of us relax and take it easy. You’ve probably had a new pair of pyjamas for Christmas, so why not just wear those all day while you work your way through the Christmas chocolate?

Unless you’re going to a family member’s house, in which case I think a nice top and some jeans would do. If you want to make things more interesting, mix texture and pattern to create a funky look. Also, try a new scarf in a classic design for style and warmth.  Maybe even wear something new if you’ve had it for Christmas!

here’s a knit scarf I like:  knit scarf nero

Jay Alexander from 6pm.com Video: Online Holiday Deals and Stocking – Up on Winter Essentials

With the help of live models, Style + Life + Fashion was excited to interview 6pm.com style guru Jay Alexander as he shared his cheat sheet for closet essentials, styling secrets to help you re-imagine your wardrobe, and discussed how to get the most out of your online shopping experience!

Deep discounts, free shipping, easy return policies….there are many late-year shopping benefits.  This is also the perfect time to restock your closet with classic essentials and on-trend items that will make your current wardrobe pop.

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Take a look at the video (below) and grab a few ideas to revamp your winter wardrobe!  From coats to accessories, Jay shares all of the best fashion tips.

Boulevard of Chic III – Fashion Truck Rally and Shopping Event Recap

Boulevard of Chic is Baltimore’s fashion truck rally and vendor shopping event.  If you have a love for mobile boutiques and unique beauty services this is the event for you!

Kimberly West

On Saturday, November 8th Boulevard of Chic hosted BOC III at Pierce Park located in downtown Baltimore. Vendors that were present included: Side Dish Mobile, Charm City Mobile, Celebrity Mobile Boutique, and The Pink Armoire.  I was excited to see the merchandise and meet the boutique owners because this was my first mobile boutique shopping experience.

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The event also provided refreshments for guest and delicious cupcakes from Just Good Food, LLC.  I enjoyed eating the Banana Split & Snicker Doodle flavor.

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And of course I couldn’t leave without buying a few items from Side Dish Mobile.  Many thanks to Boulevard of Chic for inviting me as one of their VIP Bloggers and see you next time!

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Click on the link to visit Boulevard of Chic.com

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Winter Wardrobe Shopping Tips

It’s time to go shopping for a brand new winter wardrobe. But wait, you shouldn’t just go crazy, scanning your bank card at every given opportunity. If you take that approach, you can bet you’ll end up with a load of items you didn’t really need. Not to mention no money left! Consider these things before you go shopping so you can come home with the best haul:

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From Glitter Guide.com

 

 

Things You Already Own

Do you already have winter items you can wear again this year? You may have a quality pair of boots, some jumpers, jeans, tights, and other items that you’ve had in the past that will still do this year. Obviously you want to change up your look, but it’s easy to make old items look new if you style them properly. Go through and decide which items you’d like to keep and which you’ll give to charity. Try not to be a hoarder. If you haven’t worn something in a while, get rid of it to make room for new stuff.

Transitional Summer Items

You’ve probably got summer items that you can make work for you in winter too. Skirts and shorts can be worn with tights. Vests can be worn under your jumpers or layered with cardigans. Work out what you’ll still wear this season. Get rid of the stuff you won’t wear or put it in storage for next year.

Seasonal Items

Whether you like to make the most of your current wardrobe by reusing things or not, everybody can afford to buy a few new seasonal items when shopping for their new wardrobe. This might be the season’s pair of ‘It’ boots – the thigh high style. Or it may be a cosy cowl neck jumper. Personally, I buy myself a new winter coat and a few jumpers each year. You’d never know I was wearing old jeans, tights, and skirts with them. By doing this, I’ve ended up with quite a collection of coats and jumpers. I made sure that they will last me a good few years too, so I always have a wide range of coats to choose from when I’m going out! A couple of new items will bring your wardrobe up to date. There’s just no need to go mad and buy everything you see! Click here for inspiration. If you make sure the items you buy are versatile, they’ll last a long time and go with a lot of different things.

Your Budget

If you go shopping without a budget you’re doomed from the start. You need to know how much you are able to spend on your new wardrobe so you can think of the garments that are the best value for money and purchase them accordingly. If you can, remember that less is more. Bya few items that are high quality and will last you a while, rather than lots of items that are low quality and won’t last you past this year.

Consider these things, and you’ll have a high quality wardrobe that will last you for many winters to come!

Fall Fashion 2014 – Essentials That Every Girl Needs

The leaves are shades of burnt orange and yellow, and the weather seems to be getting nippier each time we leave the house. This can only mean one thing: Fall is here! As well as eating buckets of pumpkin soup and drinking milky cinnamon beverages, I’m dressing for the occasion too. It isn’t quite winter, so you could possibly get away with wearing less layers, still managing to show off a nice bit of shape in your outfits. The following bits are essentials that every girl needs during the Fall:

 

Fall Fashion Plaid Shirt

A Chunky Scarf

A chunky scarf is a must during Fall, especially if you don’t plan on wearing a big, cosy coat. Luckily for you, scarves look great with just about anything, especially if you can wrap them round your neck a few times to get a nice layered look.

A Cape

I don’t mean a cape like Batman – this isn’t about Halloween! I mean a fashionable, blanket style cape. There are all kinds of styles out and about today, especially Navajo styles. They add a lovely layer to any outfit and an element of interest. Simply throw over your favourite jeans and shirt combo, or wear over a skirt and tights. Ladies like Beyonce  have been known to be fans!

Over the Knee Boots

Over the knee boots are sure to keep you toasty. In fact, many fashion bloggers are wearing theirs with a long jumper and bare legs! You might be a little chilly at first, but I’m sure you’d get used to it after a while. You might want to wear shorts under your jumper too – just in case!

Plaid Shirt

The plaid shirt is a laidback fashion staple for Fall, just as it has been all year. It’s another great layering piece that can be worn with just about anything. Throw it over your favorite t-shirt, or wrap it around your waist to add a grunge feel.

here’s another plaid shirt that I like: sheer plaid shirt

Longline Blazer Jacket

The longline blazer jacket is a good jacket choice for those slightly warmer Fall days. They are very smart, so perfect for a job interview, meeting, or just a day in the office.

Thick Tights

With thick tights at your disposal, you can wear anything you want. Shorts, skirts, dresses, you name it. You won’t be cold, and you’ll look very chic indeed. No need to throw out your Summer wardrobe when you can make it work for Fall!

Cozy Jumper

Of course, we all need a cosy jumper during the Fall to snuggle up with. Cropped jumpers are everywhere at the moment, and they look fabulous with a skirt and tights. However, you could also get a long jumper as mentioned before to wear with some over the knee boots. High neck jumpers are all the rage this season!

If you have these items in your wardrobe this Fall, you’ll never get chilly. You’ll never run out of things to wear, either! Simply interchange these items for a different looking outfit each time. What do you think of these fashion essentials? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Holiday Fashion Essentials from David’s Bridal

With the holidays rapidly approaching, it’s no surprise that the biggest party season of the year is just around the corner! Whether you’re searching for the perfect NYE dress or need a festive frock for that office holiday party, David’s Bridal has got you covered offering a variety of midnight kiss-worthy frocks and stunning silhouettes!

New Year’s Attire

 

From left to right: Style 56449D, Sleeveless ruched jersey dress with beaded back in Black; $159.00, Style XS5852, Sleeveless v-neck all over beaded blouson dress in Nude; $279.00, Style 141704510, Strapless metallic jacquard dress in Gold; $149.00, Style D1082, High neckline sleeveless beaded dress in Silver; $199.00 & Style 26B6204TQ1, Cap sleeve bodice dress with tulle skirt in Gold; $89.00

Holiday Office Party


From left to right: Style D927, Sleeveless scallop beaded short dress in Navy; $189.00, Style141703090, Long sleeve all over sequin dress in Black; $199.00, Style 141704390, Metallic jacquard halter party dress in Black/Gold; $49.99, Style S267420, Sleeveless sequin dress with illusion neckline in Black/Nude; $49.99 & Style S257476, Sleeveless chiffon dress with beaded neckline in Silver; $89.00

Christmas Celebrations

From left to right: Style JHDM6795, Sleeveless polka dot dress with ribbon tie in Black/Nude; $169.00, StyleF15703, Sleeveless faille dress with beaded neckline in Apple; $149.00, Style JH4M4409, Long ruched sleeve blouson dress in Taupe; $99.00, Style F15103, Strapless satin short dress with pleating in Apple; $99.00 & Style W10184, Short strapless contrast corded lace dress in Mercury; $149.00

Finishing Touches


 

 

 

 

 

Choosing an Engagement Ring: Jewelry that Suits Your Style

Have you been tasked with choosing your own engagement ring? This can be disappointing, as it takes the surprise out of the whole engagement process. However, for some women it’s a dream come true! You know that you’re going to love this special ring, and you’ll have something that suits your style forever and ever. Here’s how you can choose an engagement ring that suits your style:

 

Kim Kardashian Engagement Ring
Kim Kardashian Engagement Ring

Photo Source: Press Room VIP

Look at Skin Colour, Hair Colour, and Eye Color

Jewelry is beautiful, but it sometimes doesn’t look as good on us if we don’t take our coloring into account. Some jewelry will pop against certain skin types, but others will look dull. Look at your skin color, hair color, and eye color to work out what suits you most. You can find this out by doing a simple search online. There’s loads of information out there to help you! Some jewelers may be able to give you similar advice too. Try Whiteflash for engagement rings in Houston where you’re likely to get professional advice.

That being said, if you find out gold suits you best but you don’t like gold, you don’t have to go with it. Go with the metal you’ll be happy wearing forever. It all boils down to what you like!

The kind of clothes you wear the most could dictate the engagement ring you choose. Let’s say you love shopping for vintage clothing. A vintage ring would look amazing when paired with all of those vintage finds! If you like dressing classy and sophisticated, then a classic style engagement ring would suit you. If you like fashion that is quite ‘out there’, you may prefer an abstract design with colourful stones. Don’t go for a classic style just because you think you should. Go with something that will suit you and the things you wear most.

What Type of Thing Would You Like to Wear Forever?

Remember, you’re going to be wearing this ring forever. If you’re going through a phase with the colour black at the moment, you may not want to choose an engagement ring with a black stone. It’ll be different, but you might like pink next year and blue the year after. Don’t choose something where you think the novelty might wear off in the next few years. Make sure it goes with the rest of the jewelry you enjoy wearing most of the time.

Ask a Friend

Why not take a friend engagement ring hunting with you? They can tell you what they think suits you best. It can really help to have the outside opinion of somebody else!

You could even take your husband to be with you to give you his opinion. As this commitment is about the special bond between the two of you, it makes sense for him to have a say in the ring he buys for you. Even if you simply make a shortlist and he chooses from it, it’s better than him having no involvement.

Good luck!

Kate Spade New York: Places to Go People to See New Book

Kate Spade

New York, NY (October 2014): American fashion and lifestyle brand kate spade new york shares vibrant photography and words of wisdom in the brand’s new hardcover book, kate spade new york: places to go, people to see.

Perfect for the experienced traveler or aspirational wanderlust, kate spade new york: places to go, people to see focuses on the how, where and why of travel through the lens of the always-inspired kate spade new york girl. Old-world glamour and a dash of charm fill the pages of kate spade new york’s most recent collection of passport-warranting inspiration. A colorful array destinations such as Paris, New York City, the Amalfi Coast, Marrakech, Tokyo, and St. Moritz are imagined through kate spade new york’s signature energetic imagery and thoughtful quotes. kate spade new york: places to go, people to see is a curated volume of captivating sights and experiences, influencing readers to live a travel-inspired lifestyle at home.

“Travel is a constant source of inspiration for me. kate spade new york: places to go, people to see is an illustrated compilation of the treasures that have formed the backbone of our collections over the years.”
— Deborah Lloyd, President and Chief Creative Officer, kate spade new york.

kate spade new york: places to go, people to see, the brand’s second book published by Abrams, will be available for purchase starting on October 14, 2014 through www.Amazon.com and major book sellers nationwide.

About kate spade new york
In 1993, Kate Spade designed the utilitarian bag she had been craving for years but couldn’t find anywhere and so began a revolution in the accessories market. Simple silhouettes with clever details and crisp palettes soon established a visual shorthand for the brand that’s recognizable the world over. In 2007, Kate Spade turned the reins over to the design powerhouse, Liz Claiborne Inc. which then became Fifth & Pacific Companies Inc, and now operates under Kate Spade & Company (NYSE: KATE). Deborah Lloyd, formerly of Banana Republic and Burberry took the helm as Chief Creative Officer with an aim to broadening the line while honoring Kate’s rich history. Today you’ll find the brand on the arms of women everywhere with nearly 300 kate spade new york stoes worldwide and a thriving e-commerce business.

kate spade new york: places to go, people to see
By kate spade new york
ISBN 978-1-41971-392-7
FORMAT Hardcover
PRICE $40.00
PAGES 240
On Sale Date—October 16, 2014

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