ALL THE TRIMMINGS

With Christmas only a few days away, many are braving the crowded malls and shops for last-minute deals, wrapping presents to put under the tree, and gathering ingredients for specialty cakes, casseroles and cocktails alike. There's often so much attention to detail put into what to buy, what to bring or what to make, that the question of what to wear goes unasked. 


Christmastime, unlike any other time of the year, heralds warm feelings of gift-giving, generosity and gratitude. That said, there are ways to look stylish for the occasion without breaking the bank. In fact, that LBD in the back of your closet can look as trimmed as your tree with a little sparkle, pops of color, and statement jewelry. Even your tried-and-true dress suit can be stunning accompanied by a bright bauble necklace, a glittery gold clutch, and festive red lipstick. 

JIL SANDER F/W 2011

RACHEL ZOE F/W 2011

MICHAEL KORS F/W 2011

THE HOLLY & THE IVY

Though many experts warn against the combination, no other colors are as traditionally characteristic of Christmas as red & green. To pull off the combo without looking like Buddy-the-elf, choose one of the colors as your base, and accent it with different textures of the opposite color in the form of an accessory. A jade stone necklace or dazzling drop-earrings to complement a fire-engine red lip, an evergreen shift offset by a berry-colored manicure, or a teal velvet maxi paired with a flash of red-soled Louboutins are just a few ways...

Other ways to look festive {but not like an overdone Christmas tree} include sequins, sashes, baubles and bows in metallic shades of silver and gold. I favor muted metallics for a luxe edge, which look best paired with black for contrast. Silks are elegant for evening, and comfy knits and sweaters {in red, green, or fairisle} are perfect for gift-exchanging. Below are a few of my favorite holiday looks from the F/W 2011 collections...

RALPH LAUREN HOLIDAY 2011

ALICE & OLIVIA F/W 2011

...and some of my favorite holiday looks by graphic fashion artist Inslee Haynes 

J.CREW HOLIDAY 2011 via Inslee by Design

Wishing all of my stylish readers a very Merry Christmas filled with family, friends, food & fashion!

"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with melody that would last forever." Bess Streeter Aldrich