Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Holiday dressing on a shoestring...Hostess Style.

The holidays bring with them the opportunity to dress up.
People open their homes, and holiday social events and gatherings require a bit more polish.

What to wear?
The question sounds familiar and we have all posed this question at some time.
It's a bit daunting...
Especially when one has pared down the wardrobe to the bare bones.

My husband's firm is having a staff party and I needed to find something to wear...
something new because I NEED an outfit. That's the only downside to losing weight is that you must replace your basics in smaller sizes.

With a view towards thrift I have been searching for something that will not cost too much and still be stylish and versatile enough to change it with accessories for a variety of events.
Enter the LBD...a great classic but so far "the one" has eluded me.
Black is a good choice for me so why not entertain the idea of separates?


A little black skirt
with an interesting texture.


A dressy black sweater jacket
in a yarn with a slight sheen.


Susan Bristol adds quite a few details in her designs.


A bit "Chanel-esque"
 I will be able to wear this with the skirt, over a dress, or with my ponte knit pants or even jeans.


Some wild tights...maybe!
 I'll need to be in the mood!


Kate Middleton can carry the champagne toned hose off...
now I'll need to see if I can do it too.


A gal needs to have some shoes that she can walk in.
No hobbling or tripping will be required with these kitten heels.
Meow!


Very grown up and sensible.
I plan to wear these with my jeans for evening too.

All these items were purchased with the plan that I would be wearing them for a long time.
So there are no wild colours...these are meant to be workhorses in the wardrobe.
The fun happens in the accessory department and that is where I will kick it up a notch.

Always keeping my eyes open for a fun and cheeky accessories in my travels...
And it's comforting to know that there are my go-to favourite pearl necklaces waiting...
I can always mass them together.
The more the merrier!

I need to figure out what coat to wear...
I am ruling out the down puffer coat and the LuLuLemon wanna-be by Chillox.
Aunt Tirzah's 1940's fur jacket seems too risky.
I'll be on the hunt for that piece next...

Do you have a favourite outfit for holiday events?

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh with pearls that is going to be a stunning look for you, the little jacket is lovely.
I don't dress up much at this time of year, we don't really go anywhere that requires it, though I have one of those out of the blue invites for this weekend and not a single suitable dress left after my clear out last year.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Love your new sweater, it will go with so many different looks. It looks like panty hose are beginning to be worn again, guess I will have to get a pair, but oh how I hate wearing them! I am making a dress, it isn't black but I hope it will be versatile and basic enough to see me through the up-coming season.

Madame Là-bas said...

Your sweater and black shoes are versatile and dressy enough for a variety of occasions. Accessories really make an outfit. You are definitely having success with rebuilding your wardrobe!

materfamilias said...

Oh dear, I just left a long comment, but it seems to have been devoured.
Complimented your choices, egged you on to wear the fishnets (I've worn the smaller-gauge and they're fun, not too crazy), and described the two main additions (gold satin skirt, thrifted and new JCrew silk brocade pants) that will get me through the holidays. And I was surprised to see that Susan Bristol is still around -- a girlfriend used to live in that line back in the 80s/90s when it was quite colourful and the sweaters all had matching skirts. . . .

Sheila said...

I love the idea of masses of pearls. Instead of boring beige nylons, try microfishness in beige (Hue makes excellent ones). They add a bit of texture, have just as much coverage, and are not too "granny".

Anonymous said...

Good strategies! My taste in clothing runs very similar to yours, quality basics and neutral colours that can be livened up with accessories. Or kept low key. I love all your choices and think you will look fabulous wearing them. Congrats on your amazing weight loss! I love the shoes and forgive me for asking, but where did you buy them? (I live in your same city and might have to get me some.) Cheers, Violet.

Jennifer said...

What a great sweater jacket! It will look so pretty on you. I vote for the fishnets! Love your plan for holiday dressing. I will be spending most of the holidays in jeans, packing up the house. May add some pearls just to feel a bit fancy:)

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am not keen on wearing hose but my naked legs are a sorry sight, plus it will be chilly weather so I must.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The Susan Bristol sweater jacket could be from that era as it was a vintage find!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I didn't see any when I was in the hosery department and now I must hurry back as that sounds like a great idea...Thank You!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Violet,
They are available at The Bay. I looked at several independent shoe shops but too many were heavy and clunky. While I loved those styles for everyday I felt I needed something a bit less structured for this outfit..more feminine.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Leslie! ...Violet.

LPC said...

The sweater is wonderful. I vote for the fishnets:). And maybe a big camellia pin so you are really Chanel gone wild. Fun. Have a great holiday event.

Kristien62 said...

I always found fishnets uncomfortable. The material would cut into the bottom of my feet. I like to wear black hose with a bit of shimmer for the holidays. I can't remember if they were from Hue or another brand, but I got them at Macys. Just another option.

KSL said...

Love the idea of a camellia pin for your jacket.

KSL said...

Have you tried looking for a black sheath dress? It would look wonderful with your sweater/jacket over it, and can be styled many different ways, even if you don't want to wear sleeveless (I don't at this age.)

Anonymous said...

Like always you have such great taste. I especially like the kitten-heel pumps, I'm looking for a pair right now that will accommodate my hard-to-fit wide feet. I always dress up a bit more for holiday family dinners, but I am usually the only one in my extended family that does (family typically wears jeans or even shorts). This leads me to wonder then if I am actually dressing inappropriately. I'm stubborn in my wanting to dress up for the holidays though even if no one else around me is. In part, it's my way of celebrating and showing respect and appreciation even if I might look silly doing it!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I started looking online for a Chanel camellia pin and think that would tip my budget!
I would not like to wear a knock off so I might consider the mink version that I sent to The Duchess of H...perhaps in creamy white.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I like that idea too if they are very sheer.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am not comfortable baring my arms either...have been looking first at consignment and thrift shops and with very few LBD's available it just reinforces how much women love them. Will look at the new stock when the sales happen.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think dressing up makes the occasion all that more memorable. I'd say those not dressing up might need to pull up their socks! Perhaps they will feel under dressed when they see your outfit.

the gardener's cottage said...

love love love that jacket, the kitten heels and skirt. so classy and simple!