May you have a Merry Merry

The holidays are here…. specifically Christmas…

I was convinced that it’s too early for Christmas. I’m pretty sure that I still have loads of Halloween candy in my house. Yet, everywhere I go, every department store, supermarket, even every retail website I visit is exploding Christmas. Even my coffee cup is wishing me a Merry Holiday!

So now that I’m full aware of what season we’re in, it’s time to get ready for those holiday parties. They come fast and furious and I’m willing to bet that your calendar is already filling up with parties and get-togethers with friends and loved ones. So have you thought about what you’ll wear? Too early for that? You’ll pick something an hour before? And then be a complete wreck when you can’t find anything to wear in that closet full of clothes? Sound familiar?? You’re not alone!

Enter me! This is why I’m here. To remind you that you have time to find something great to wear this holiday season to all those events and that your planning should start now. Oh , and I’ll have a few suggestions here too. You’re welcome.

So where to start? Chances are that you’ll have more than one event over the next few holidays to attend. And chances are also that the dress code for all these events won’t be the same. You might have a work Christmas party, a family dinner and a cocktail party to attend… does this mean you have to plan three separate outfits and break your bank account before you’ve even started Christmas shopping? Not necessarily!

There are plenty of options that could be versatile choices for your holiday wardrobe that could be dressed up or down for the occasion. To get the most out of your wardrobe try to find pieces that you love… that you’ll want to wear again. That’s key to maximizing your wardrobe!

This off white blouse with black ribbon detail was a piece that I picked up at Zara a couple years back. I love the versatility and timelessness of this piece. It’s perfect for dressing up a pair of jeans or complementing a flirty back skirt. This is a great option for the upcoming holiday season, and lucky for you, a similar version is not available at the Loft!

These velvet pants from J. Crew might be the answer to your holiday closet concerns. These pants are not only velvety soft but feature an elastic waist. Thanksgiving here we come! Dress these up with fancy heels and a blouse or dress them down with mules and a sweater. Versatility can be comfy and cozy! (Oh… AND if you didn’t know.. J. Crew is currently having a Friends and Family sale that you might want to check out!

These Holiday plaid tops also from J. Crew are another way to make your festive wardrobe a little more versatile. Pair these with a pair of statement earrings and a sequins skirt (yes, you read that right) for a dressed up option. Pair with pumps and jeans for a house party. Either of these blouses would pair well with gray or gold bottoms for a neutral option. Pick a pop of color bottom to shine a little brighter!

This sequin skirt is more versatile than you might think. The dress up options are obvious. But what about dressing down? A tee shirt comes to mind. A very casual one. A sweater could work too with flats. Pair this skirt with a subtle neutral or a bright pop of color… whatever complements your personal style best!

Finally the classic LBD is a timeless favorite. Chances are you have at least one if not two hanging in your closet already. The key to the perfect LBD is finding the fit that flatters you most. Whether you look best in a shift, sheath, wrap or fit & flare style, there is certainly an option available to suit your style. This wrap dress pictured above is a simple and fit flattering option from Banana Republic. The one that fits you best will go the furthest in your wardrobe. And when it comes to versatility, the options are endless.

I hope this gives you some ideas for your next shopping trip. It’s always good to think about what you might need in advance so you’re not scrambling for an outfit at the last minute and settling to purchase something that you may never wear again. I want you to make the most out of your wardrobe choices and that means being thoughtful about your purchases.

The only thing missing now are your accessories…. but one thing at a time, we’ll get to those a little later.

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

What you need this fall...

Must have items for this Fall/Winter:

As the seasons switch over and we change out our wardrobe, you might start to think about what’s trendy now and which of these items should you be incorporating into your wardrobe. If you haven’t already started adding to your fall wardrobe, now might be a great time! The temps are getting chillier and days are getting shorter. If you’re anything like me, the energy and optimism of summer has faded and we’re buckling down for winter. Ok, it’s not all bad. Clearly I have a preference for summer. But I know that there are plenty of you who look forward to the fall chill, the change of season, first snow fall, skiing, ect. So let me help you to tune into the current trends and find pieces that compliment your wardrobe.

Moto & Bomber Jackets

The moto jacket was a staple piece last year and it’s not going anywhere fast. So if you didn’t pick one up last year, now is the time! These jackets come in all kinds of fabrics, cuts and price points. They are everywhere. You basically have no excuse for not picking one up.

As for where to wear it…. almost anywhere. Work, weekend, date night….this versatile jacket works with jeans, pants, skirts/boots, pump, flats. Take any outfit from simple to chic with just a jacket.

The bomber jacket is the newest jacket trend this season. It is quickly becoming increasingly popular and varied in color and detail. This jacket is a perfect example of an older style coming around again. If you are looking for something new to add to your wardrobe that quickly updates what you already have, add a bomber jacket!

Zara Suede Effect Jacket

Zara Biker Jacket

Zara Quilted Bomber Jacket

Zara Metallic Bomber Jacket

Velvet/Suede

Similar to styles, fabrics can also be subject to trends. We started to see the incorporation of suede (especially in accessories) last year. We are seeing it more this season in all colors and styles. In addition to the suede craze, velvet is making an appearance as a must have for fall/winter 16. From shoes, to dresses, blazers and more, velvet will be big (especially this holiday season).  Black velvet is always classic so if you’re looking for a piece that will last in your wardrobe this might be a good choice.

Sam Edelman Hazel Pointy Toe Pump

Joie Mehira Velvet One Button Blazer

Ruffles

Ruffles add a dimension of femininity to your outfit. Ruffles can be added to a plain t-shirt or an evening dress. Just make sure that the placement of ruffles works for your body type and your sense of style. One example is the longer ruffle sleeves you find on tops currently. Depending on your body type these ruffles might not be the most flattering choice. That doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in the trend, just look for ruffles incorporated in other ways…at the bottom of a skirt for example.

Gibson Bell Sleeve Ruffle Hem Blouse

J.Crew Ruffle Sleeve Top

Marc Jacobs Tie Waist Faille Ruffle Skirt

Metallic & Glitter

Bring on the bling! This trend is just starting out but I anticipate it will pick up for the holidays. Look for a little extra sparkle to incorporated everywhere but especially in accessories this season. I’m starting to see it in shoes (which I love). Metallic threads have been around for a while and if you have any of these pieces now is the time to bring them to the forefront of your wardrobe. Don’t feel like you have to invest in a full on sequin piece. Strategic placement of that extra sparkle can go a long way.

Topship Floral Jacquard Plunge Minidress

Tory Burch Fleming Leather Shoulder Bag

Christian Louboutin Iriza Half d'Orsay Glitter Pump

With all of these trends, being able to incorporate them into your wardrobe has everything to do with knowing what works best for your style and body type. These trends come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Pick the one that works best for you. Don’t feel like you can’t participate because one particular piece is not for you. Be creative!