STYLE BULLETIN
November 2013
Your Holiday Party Checklist
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It's probably already started - you've been invited to a special holiday party. Don't panic! Whether it's oriented to Thanksgiving or an event at your child or grandchild's school or, dare I say it, the Christmas holidays...it's time to face facts. You need to be ready for these events - after all, there are enough other things to absorb your attention this time of year without worrying about what you're going to wear. I'm a big fan of the check-list - it keeps me organized when I travel and it can be a big help when planning holiday and party wear, especially if you're going to be seeing some of the same people at various events. This issue has lots of tips to help you with your planning, but don't forget to print out the Event Outfit Planning tool so you can begin the process. For those of you more digitally oriented, I've got a suggested tool for you too! You may have so much fun with this process, you'll want to start wearing some of these "special occasion" items more often. This is a philosophy I'm embracing more and more - after all, every day is a special occasion! Happy November!
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Your Holiday Party Checklist
Since everyone operates at their own pace when it comes to preparations (and it's clear that I'm a definite Type A), you may find that some of my suggested timing doesn't work for you. But that's okay - just change it to something that does work. The main take-away is that with a little planning ahead, you won't be faced with any ugly surprises on the day of an event, and even if you are...you've got a few back-up plans in place.
Three-to-Four Weeks Prior *Depending on the schedule of your hair stylist, you may need to book your hair appointment well in advance. Even if you normally don't have any problems with your appointment, when it comes to the holidays the schedule can book up rather quickly because of special events. Make your appointments ahead of time so you won't have to worry.
Two-Weeks Prior *Plan your outfit. Does it fit properly or does it need a little alteration? Is it complete or does it need some other item to finish it off? Take care of alterations and shopping now. Does it need cleaning? (Hopefully not - it's always best to clean clothing before putting it away for it's next use, but if a little stain slipped by your eagle-eye from your last wearing, get yourself to the dry cleaners right away.)
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Kate Spade Latrice Pump
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*Do you have the appropriate accessories, including jewelry, handbag, and shoes? Plan these out completely, trying on the whole outfit if necessary, to make sure it all works together.
*Do you have the correct undergarments - the right bra, shapewear and hosiery (if needed)? When it comes to hosiery, make sure you have two pair, just in case an untimely snag should ruin the first. (The back-up plan!)
*Do you have the proper outerwear, whether it's a coat or wrap?
*Do you want a special make-up session before an event? Book this now. If you're taking care of your own make-up, double-check your supplies and make sure you're well stocked with your basics (your favorite lipstick, your perfume, foundation, etc.), as well as any "special effects" you might be planning, such as artificial lashes or special eye shadows.
*Book your mani/pedi ahead of time. Just like hair stylists, nail salons can get pretty busy during the holiday season. With your appointments booked, you can look forward to those appointments as a little 'spa session' and use the time to decompress.
 | | Ombre Candles, One Kings Lane |
*Do you need a hostess gift? Get it now! Personally I find it relieves a lot of unnecessary stress to pick up special little items (candles, special napkins or wine stoppers, specially decorated hand soaps, etc.) throughout the year, so there's no last minute rushing around looking for a gift. (One site I love is One Kings Lane - let my fingers do the walking!)
If you don't have a gift "stash" and you need to purchase a hostess gift, don't wait until the day before the event to start looking - give yourself a few weeks to find that special item that your hostess or host will appreciate. Make it festive by wrapping it in lovely wrapping paper or by tying it with a bow.
The Big Day
*Allow plenty of time to get ready - maybe put on some of your favorite music and light a candle. After all of your pre-planning, you don't want to be rushed the day of the event.
*Eat a light snack before you go out, in case food isn't available right away.
The Day After *If you know it's going to be a long evening, plan for some 'down time' the next day, or at a minimum, try not to schedule a major project for the day after. If it's the weekend, luxuriate and put your feet up and relax.
If you need help with any of your holiday outfit planning, give me a call - I'd love to help!
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