Glitz and Glam: Holiday Dresses

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Christmas commercials started running before Halloween, and everyone wants to get into the holiday spirit already, but I'm still actually in Thanksgiving mode.  It's feeling like fall and I'm absolutely loving it, BUT like it or not... this is the time when you need to start thinking about holiday dresses.

It's like Murphy's law - when you go shopping the day before an event for a party dress, you'll have a hard time finding anything... so by being prepared, and keeping an eye out for pretty dresses when you're out and about in November means that you'll find THE perfect dress, with plenty of time to spare.

What I really want this year is sparkle.  I said it last year and ended up in a black dress... this year, I'm on the hunt for glitz and glam.  Here are a few that I've rounded up online...

New Years Eve Sparkle by beckyc1923 featuring a vintage sequin dress

Roberto Cavalli strapless dress, $3,975 / Party dress, $105 / Tokyo Doll baby doll dress, $24 / French Connection blue sparkly dress / Steffen Schraut evening dress / Boohoo sequin body con dress / DP Collection gold dress / Sequin one shoulder cocktail dress / Jigsaw vintage sequin dress, $520 / 2b sleeveless dress

Sparkle comes in so many different forms, I had to break these finds into a few separate categories - geometric beading, all over sequins, and Gatsby inspired sparkle.

The geometric beaded dresses were so "cool girl" - they skimmed the body with shift style silhouettes, and in my mind seem a little more transitional... even though they have head to toe sparkle, they seem like something that you could wear even in warmer months...

The all over sequin dresses are so classic for the holiday... the black or deep blue would be amazing for a corporate Christmas party, and the one shoulder and gold sequin dress would be amazing on NYE.

And perhaps my favorite... the Gatsby inspired dresses - so fun!  I LOVE the beaded tassles on the short black strapless number (how fun would that be to dance in??), and the copper beading that has the look of flames is sexy and fun while still being ladylike.

What do you think??  Any favorite dresses in the bunch??

Powder Pink Winter Coat

I need a new coat like I need another hole in my head.  Which is to say, I don't need a new coat, BUT... how amazing would it be to trot about town this winter in one of these??

Pink Coats by beckyc1923 featuring a wool coat

Gianluca Capannolo pink coat / RED Valentino wool coat, $865 / Sartoria Italiana Vintage pleated wool coat / RED Valentino coat / Jigsaw leather coat, $395

A soft pink wool coat!  LOVE. And if Kate Beckensale is on board, I am too!

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Amazing with grey, perfect to dress up jeans... Obviously fab with black and white, and the perfect femme touch for leather pants.

AND... if you weren't already sold it's a breath of fresh air among the black, grey, and brown colors of winter!  Don't you want to stand out??

Perhaps this will go on my Christmas wish list this year.....

The Little Black Coat

Brrrrr!!  It is SO COLD on this Monday morning.  As I shivered on my walk into the office, I decided I NEEDED to dedicate my post today to functional AND fashionable coats.

Source: Burberry

Everyone loves the "little black dress" because it goes anywhere - from the office to dinner or wherever else!  I feel the same way about the little black coat.  Always chic, totally fashionable, and you'll be warm - even on the coldest days!

I am totally in love with this Burberry coat from the above inspiration - I mean, aren't we all??  The belted waist .. the wide lapels... I'm in love.  It's fabulous to be sure, but totally NOT in my budget.  Wah!  

Loving this look, I pulled some little black coat inspiration together for you all - which do you like best?

Black Coats by beckyc1923 featuring wool coats

Coat / Coast wool coat, $310 / Tweed coat / Double breasted coat / Ted Baker trench coat, $360 / Karen Millen

I love the classic lines of the double breasted wool trench on the left - it's no frills but the belted waist keeps it super feminine and tailored.  The second two on the top row, involve faux fur... which you KNOW I am all about right now... it just takes it up a notch, don't you think??

On the bottom row, how fun and flirty is the flouncy skirt on the coat to the far left?  Or the belted cape in the middle?!  Adorable, and so easy to throw on with jeans!  And finally, the asymmetrical collar on the final coat is so Charlotte from SATC. LOVE!!

BRRRRRRRR... I've got the heater cranked up, and a hot tea warming me up slowly.  Have a happy Monday!!!

Faux Fur - Three Ways

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Everyone has an opinion on faux fur, and I for one happen to love it.  I don't have the heart (or the money) to invest in real fur, and there is something so cozy AND chic about it in the winter.

If I were to try and describe my style in a nutshell, it would say that I go for feminine tailored pieces with classic lines, pops of color, and a few "fashion-y" statement pieces mixed in.  My style icons are Jackie O, Miranda Kerr, Kate Spade, and Victoria Beckham.  I rarely go for the overly blousy, off the shoulder tops, or the boho-chic look - regardless of how much I admire it on others - but this new year, I am going to step out of my comfort zone, and take on faux fur.  A faux fur vest to be precise.

I think if styled correctly, it can work for many occasions, and while definitely on the edgy side of style, I think I can work it into my wardrobe, with the staples I already love to wear.

For Work:

Faux Fur I by beckyc1923 featuring a zippered tote bag

Carven sheer long sleeve blouse, $710 / MNG by Mango fake fur vest / True Religion slim fit jeans / KORS Michael Kors high heels / Mulberry zippered tote bag / Juicy Couture swarovski crystal jewelry / Dorothy Perkins two tone earrings / NARS Cosmetics , $31

Grabbing a pair of black skinny jeans, and a soft brown silk blouse will make this dressy enough for work, but comfy enough to run around the office and meet clients for lunch.  The booties will keep my toes warm, and a big bowler or tote will hold all my stuff.  I'm all about simple accessories for daytime, and light pink lips will be flattering on pale winter skin.

For Weekends:

Faux Fur Vest II by beckyc1923 featuring collar jewelry

Abercrombie & Fitch embroidered shirt / MNG by Mango faux fur vest / Topshop tall jeans / Minnetonka moccasin / Steve Madden / Rebecca Minkoff collar jewelry / Marie Chavez / MICHAEL Michael Kors leather jewelry

Flannel is bigger now than it was in the 90's, and since it's tailored - not grunge - it would be perfect with jeans, and flat moccasins to look pulled together while running errands or hanging out with friends.  I love that a few layered chains dress things up, and a studded bag keeps it from looking too "back-woods".

For Evenings:

Fur Vest III by beckyc1923 featuring amrita singh

T By Alexander Wang long sleeve blouse, $325 / MNG by Mango faux fur vest / Topshop faux leather pants / Kate Spade high heel shoes / Coast gold handbag, $65 / Amrita Singh / Teardrop earrings / Warehouse leopard print belt, $29

Keep the underpinnings simple and black.  Faux leather (stretch) leggings dress things up, and simple black silk blouse (with a few buttons left undone) sex it up a little.  Belt the vest with a little leopard belt, and break out some killer pumps and accessories.  This is perfect for date night and bar hopping in the frigid weather.