A foray into fashion-ology from the Humble Hostess

Wearing too much BLING can be distracting...
it's nice to own and fun to wear but it does need to be worn in good taste
and to my mind that means using restraint.

Can you spell sumptuous?

Diamond rings in

pink, white and yellow gold

Oh Santa Baby...

iconic...

these rings are from Cartier

bracelets are available that match the rings.

Party season...calls for dressing up a bit more...at least it does for me.
I used to have the tendency to wear all my sparkly bling at once...
(I absorbed this through my Mother who wears many rings on her fingers)

I approach festive dressing with some trepidation....

Do I have enough after 5 clothes to carry me through without going out and doing some last minute frenzy of panic shopping?
And why do I feel pressure about getting dressed, I do it everyday with relative ease...

While I realize that I am not required to wear a new outfit for every event...there is a sense that I do not want to be repetitive and boring or worse, dressed badly.
So I have considered my options, The French minimalist approach is what I adhere to.

As I see it this translates to owning at least one LBD that you love, is flattering, and fits well and it will outlast any fashion fad. (I have several)

A black top and black bottom be it a skirt or dress pants are superior workhorses...
do not underestimate their value. Consider them as a blank slate on which you choose where to add emphasis...highlight and accentuate the positive. Consider your figure and add accents where you want people to focus. (camoflague the areas that you wish to hide)

Conversely a crisp white shirt with "collar points up" a black trouser or skirt looks striking and can be dressed up with ropes of pearls clustered at the neck...maybe some small studs and you're done.

I like to mix things up and wear my basics with a different attitude...
I add lipstick that is darker/richer for evening and focus on my eyes which I line with kohl and dust with a bit of shadow.

A simple and elegant pashmina shawl...
ethnic or dazzling drop earrings with hair pulled away from the ears
or worn in an updo so they really take center stage.
Bling works well here!
If the earrings are large I skip the necklace and add one bracelet.
I feel more comfortable when the pieces are worn farther apart so they don't compete with each other.
I do not want to look like a Christmas tree.

One striking statement piece of jewelry packs a punch when worn solo...or if you are a woman of some serious restraint do not wear any gems, maybe just a killer pair of shoes in a colour that compliments your painted toes.

Go easy with the scent...so many people are allergic these days...I apply it with a very light touch.
People don't want to smell you before they see you.

"Put your best face forward" was what Mother would advise.

I recently went to a spa and treated myself to a microdermabrasion facial

which left my skin feeling dewy and soft...

Thanks Mom!

Wear everything with a smile...and don't be afraid to laugh and enjoy yourself.

Isn't it more about attitude and zest than it is about the clothes...

aren't they just icing on the cake?

I adore pearls with a smile...
let's face it, I've yet to meet a pearl that I didn't like.

I am not a fashionologist, I defer to the experts...

I get inspiration from a variety of sources but ultimately what I choose must look decent, feel comfortable and appropriate for the event.

What are you going to be wearing this season?
I look forward to your comments/critiques.