ISO: Christmas Party Dress cont’d (4 days left)

I have 4 days to find a dress.  And, I’ve narrowed it down to seven choices (see above)  I know that I want a short dress.  Because it’s a party of over 1000 people I do want to stand out in the crowd, but at the same time I don’t want to get the I-can’t-believe-she-wore-that look.  I just wanted to get some opinions/feedback on what you would wear to your husband’s Christmas party.  Help!

Layering: Long Tee inside a Dress

I love the colder seasons mainly for the countless layered looks I can pull off.  One look in particular is the thin tee inside a twill or knit dress.  Please keep in mind your color palette.  I’ve been in art classes all my life and I incorporate my knowledge of the color wheel when dressing my clients or even picking outfits for myself.   Keep the colors within the same tones or shade.  Think of pairing different shades of grey together or lilac with plum.  Try to stay away from bright bold colors that will make you look like a walking crayon.  Also, if you’re short like me, bright crayon colors will only make you look like a child ~~  just a tip from a fellow vertically challenged person.

Seven ChiChi Styles for Winter

1. Extra Long Scarf:  Whether it’s a knit or a silk scarf, I’ve always been a fan of this simple accessory which adds an instant glam factor.

2. Blazer over a cocktail Dress:  While we associate cocktail dresses with femininity, why not switch it up by adding a masculine touch?  A black tuxedo blazer matches just about every color in the rainbow.  I suggest a cropped style, rather than a waist length blazer.

3. Dip Dyed Tops/Dresses:  This is in no way associated with the typical hippie tie dyed look.  I’m seeing a lot of dipped inspired styles which are quite subtle and simple.

4. Knee length dress + skinny belt: Last year it was all about the fat leather belt.  This season we’re seeing a lot of skinny belts synching the waist and adding a great shape to the female form.  A popular material for this winter is the patented look.

5. Nude Heels: Whether you opt for the peep-toe or a typical pump, nude is the “it” color.  Not only is it a great everyday shoe, it also helps elongate the leg.

6. Plaid Pants:  I suggest if you’re a bit heavier on the legs you not attempt this trend.  The plaid will only make you legs look larger.  However if you are like 5% of the skinny women on the earth, then this trend will add a rock & roll chic to your wardrobe.

7. Jeweled Necklines:  A great way to add sparkle to any outfit.  There is no need for a necklace as your neck is already crested with bling.  We’re seeing many stars wearing the long sleeved Alice + Olivia dress with a sequined neckline and cuff.

ISO: A White Wool Coat

I just love the white coat for this winter season.  After my shopping spree down Robson Street I noticed this one girl wearing what looked like a Mackage or Banana Republic white wool trench.  It had big black buttons and she looked so sophisticated.  I am now obsessed with finding the ultimate white coat.  Everyone owns a black trench, so while white is slowly creeping up there, it would still allow me to differ from the norm, or at least set me apart from the many black coat styles of Vancouver.  I need a   white coat!!!! NOW!

<div><a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/white_coat/set?.embedder=1128597&amp;.mid=embed&amp;id=13425423″><img width=”400″ alt=”white coat” src=”http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFm1oNXEweWpPM2hHN3U0THE3aDNlY2cAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg&#8221; title=”white coat” height=”400″ border=”0″ /></a><br/><small><a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/white_coat/set?.embedder=1128597&amp;.mid=embed&amp;id=13425423″>white coat</a> by <a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=1128597&amp;.mid=embed&amp;id=1128597″>30somethingmom</a> featuring <a href=”http://www.polyvore.com/juicy_couture/shop?brand=Juicy+Couture&amp;category_id=2″>Juicy Couture</a></small></div>

Grey! Grey! Grey!

Grey Sweater + skinny jean + grey knee highs = Loves it!  Who would have thought grey would be an “it” colour?  After a relaxing stroll through Winners today, all I saw was grey.  There were cable knits, long tees and even dresses.  Eva, Kate and Jessica funk it out with this combo.  Another popular grey combo is – grey sweater dress + grey leggings + dark mustard knee high.  Either way, grey is in. 

LPD!!! the new LBD

This season’s new LBD (little black dress) is the LPD? (little purple dress)  I would go for the shiny materials rather than the matte shades.  With jeweled tones all the rage, shiny is better.  Purple has always been associated with royalty, so think of yourself as a princess in this slimming color.  .  Your Purple dress should be the main attraction, so try not to accessorize with the same shade. You don’t want to look like Barney the Dinosaur.   Black is your best bet for shoes or a clutch to go with the dress.  I wouldn’t match purple with green either… reminds me of the Joker from Batman.  K-I-S-S (keep it simple stupid) Black + Purple = fab combo for winter.

Perfect Holiday Outfit

With the holidays soon approaching it is imperative that we dress our best because it is our one excuse to get dolled up.  Whether it’s that get together with the girls or family reunions, we need that trendy yet functional outfit to wow our holiday guests.  My picks for this season would be a jeweled tone puffy sleeved blouse paired with a high waisted pant.  And, please don’t forget the accessorize.  I suggest a long gold coin necklace paired with thin loop earrings. And let’s not leave out the little details.  If you choose to wear heels without nylons or stockings, please remember to carry some nylon footsies in your purse.  Happy Holidays!

Trend Alert: Cropped Leather Jacket

A funky way to accessorize a long tee this fall would be with a cropped jacket.  A popular style since spring ’07 was the cropped leather jacket.  Cameron Diaz was first spotted wearing a Mike and Chris creation.  I love the cropped jacket with a hood.  With winter coming soon, most crops are veering toward a tee or wool fabric which works great over long sweaters or long sleeved dresses.

The Posh Bob

The new fall do is the Asymmetrical Bob.  Popularized by Victoria Beckham and Rihanna, this funky style has a glam yet rock & roll feel.  If your hair is straight and thin, then this trend would be perfect on you.  But if your hair is like mine (Ronald McDonald-ish?!?!) then don’t even bother.  Paris Hilton is the latest star to jump on the flapper-do bandwagon, like her “natural” looking extensions weren’t stylish enough.  

Glove Love

Long leather gloves are the best way to accessorize a cropped coat.  Not only are long gloves functional, they also add that touch of class to every outfit.  While black is the safe route for a color combo, try to go outside your comfort zone and opt for a leopard print or a bold, bright color like red or yellow.  I think the best part of having long gloves is removing them.  I feel as though I am an actress in a 1950’s gangster film.