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Greetings, Dear Readers!
As the holidays approach, you may be thinking that you don't have the time, the energy, or the money to spend on yourself this year and who really cares what you wear?
Bah humbug and perish the thought. I care. And I see no reason whatsoever why you can't look great and still do everything on your to-do list by Christmas.
Here we go.
First, take a quick look in your closet (and drawers) and see if you still have that Christmas sweater you have worn forever. You know, the one with the sequined Santas, ornaments and angels? Do you see it? Good.
Now, carefully place it in a bag marked Good Will and put that bag in the garage. You are officially safe from the unrelenting eyes of the fashion police.
Now look and see if you have a cashmere cardigan. Any color will do. Does it have rhinestone buttons or some pretty beading or any other sparkly embellishments? Perfect.
Say hello to your new Christmas sweater!
No embellishments on that sweater? No worries. You can improvise some sparkle with the best of them! Just add a good sized bejeweled brooch, or a belt with a rhinestone encrusted buckle, or layer up a couple of necklaces, preferably with lots of sparkle, or wear a colorful scarf sprinkled with sequins.
Beautiful. Look at you all holiday-like.
No cashmere sweater? No problem.
How about a brushed cotton or velveteen jacket? Or some satin pointy toe flats? Or even just a classic silk charmeuse shirt in champagne, silver or holiday red to match your eyes after three straight nights of Christmas shopping? Worn with wide-leg black crepe pants or a black pencil skirt, this would be perfect for your best friend's Christmas party. Not too dressy, not too casual, just right!
And, if you are in the mood for something new and trendy, and you feel like treating yourself (we all know you deserve it), may I suggest a couple of items I saw recently that were tres magnifique?
A faux fur jacket may not be sparkly, but it's oh so of the moment. It's also an extremely practical winter item (they are surprisingly very warm) that will instantly dress-up your look. But buyer beware . . . some can look rather cheap and even mangy. Seeing faux fur in magazines or catalogs is one thing, (they make everything look fabulous) but seeing it up close and personal is a must when making a final buying decision. The good ones are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for, right? And paying a little extra will ensure that you wear your faux fur with confidence over the next few years, at least!
I saved the best till last. The bottom photo on the right is a silk blouse by Trouve in the Nordstrom's November catalog. I love the look because it has both a men's wear tuxedo vibe as well as a sensual feminine touch of sheer chiffon and lace. Ooh la la. Granted you will need to button up your suit jacket for a day at the office, but that night? Look out. You can lose the jacket and show up at the company Christmas party in prime time style!
And now is the perfect time to bring out those sheer black stockings, by the way.
Yes, indeed. Now would be the time.
Happy Holidays!
Nancy
www.nancypipal.com
P.S. Looking for a unique Christmas gift for your Mom, sister or special friend? A gift that will have them singing the alleluia chorus again and again? Think about giving a gift certificate of my time and service. Or, tell your significant other it's what YOU want for Christmas!
708-579-1016
nancypipal@gmail.com
Clothing and accessory photos courtesy of Talbot's, Macy's and Nordstrom's catalogs.
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