And the Holidays are Here...

Just like that, it’s holiday season. Many of us are running around trying to keep up with the demands of the holidays. Food prep, gift buying, holiday cars, holiday parties, trips to see Santa or maybe the Grinch… these tasks are filling our calendar throughout the month of December. From one weekend to the next, I have any number of holiday events scheduled. Some of these are very casual (breakfast with Santa) and others are a bit more formal (holiday cocktail party). And the very last thing you have time to do is figure out what to wear.

When you’re trying to fit in multiple events in one day, you most definitely don't have time to sit in front of your closet and attempt to pick an outfit. TIP: pick out 2-3 different outfits that might work well for your events. So if you have more casual type events on your plate, look to plan for 3 different outfits that could satisfy your needs and have those on deck. They don’t have to be totally separate outfits. For example, you can use the same pair of jeans in all 3 outfits.

What about when things get a little more formal? A holiday cocktail party, a new year’s eve soiree or even a holiday wedding could be in your calendar this month. Well, then it’s worth digging through what you already have to see if anything can satisfy the current need. Is it still stylish? Does it still fit? What if you find that your current wardrobe isn’t going to cut it, time to go shopping. So what are the current trends in formal/cocktail wear this season? Like most holiday seasons, shimmer and shine are in style. We’re also seeing a fair amount of velvet this year. Sequins and lace have been spotted this season as well. And don’t forget the jumpsuit! Jumpsuits are still everywhere in any and every style. These jumpsuits can be extremely versatile - dressed up or down for a trip to the nutcracker, dinner with friends, or that office holiday party.

Need a little inspiration? What’s out there in retail stores this season? Look no further, get a feeling for this season’s holiday styles, right here!

BR Velvet Cropped Jumpsuit

BR Sequin Mini Skirt

Anthropologie: Loreley Dress

Anthropologie: Arrowhead Dress

J.Crew Collection spaghetti strap pleated midi dress

Ann Taylor Ankle Pant in Golden Shimmer

Cold Weather Trend Alert: Velvet

Velvet is a trend that seems to make its way around every few years. This season it happens to be as hot as ever. Velvet is a thick lush fabric that calls for snow and holidays. It’s not an everyday fabric. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t versatile.

Velvet is currently available in multiple styles, including tops, dresses, shoes, and jackets. Not only can you find just about any style, but the color selection spans the rainbow. Once you’ve found the item that best reflects your personal style, how do you pair it? Such a deep rich texture can be paired well with almost any other option. Pair a velvet top with jeans, wool pants, or a simple pencil skirt. Pair a silk cami with a velvet jacket. Pair a velvet dress with patent leather shoes. The options are limitless. The occasion for velvet is another story. It’s not the sort of thing you wear to the playground, or your kids soccer game. Velvet falls into the category of your Sunday Best. It’s a great way to add a little sparkle to your outfit. And as the Holiday Season approaches, we’ll have a few opportunities to dress up a little… so bring on the velvet!!

J. Crew Wrap Dress in Drapey Velvet

J. Crew Going Out Blazer in Stretch Velvet

J. Crew Sadie Ankle Boots in Velvet

J. Crew Faux Wrap Top in Drapey Velvet

Madewell Velvet Button Down Cami

Madewell Velvet Daylight Top

Ann Taylor Velvet Moto Jacket

Springtime Trend: Gingham

Eventually the weather is going to figure out that it's spring, right? In the meantime, retail stores are pushing spring to those headed out on vacation to warm weather destinations. So while you may still be wearing your winter gear when you head out the door, spring is in full bloom in every retail store.

What trends should you expect to see in stores? One of the most popular at the moment is gingham. You can usually find gingham in the summer months but this year it's a spring trend and it's out in full force. From tops to dresses, pants to accessories, you'll find gingham items everywhere in every shape and size.

So what should you look for? Gingham is an easy trend to incorporate into your wardrobe considering its versatility. This trend will easily take you into summer and can be a piece that resurfaces each year. To make the most of this trend, be sure to pick the piece that's right for you. Find the style and color that suits you best. This trend is customizable to your preferred style. Generally, gingham gives off a preppy vibe but there are plenty of options available now that give gingham a little more edge for those looking for something a little different.

Therefore, be sure to do your homework. Find the piece that will work best in your wardrobe. If you're looking a little inspiration, check out a few of the options below:

BP Ruffle Sleeve Off the Shoulder Top

J.Crew Tie Sleeve Gingham Top

Willow & Clay Ginham Culotte Jumpsuit

J.Crew Ruffle Mini Skirt in Gingham

Ann Taylor Gingham Off The Shoulder Midi Dress

Banana Republic Gingham Large Zip Pouch

Banana Republic Gingham Neckerchief