Festive wear? Festive WHERE?
Last year, I finally decided to do it – invest in the clothes I wanted to have for the holidays – in time to actually HAVE them for the holidays! Novel idea? Well, my puritanical, thrifty self USUALLY says “no, wait until after Christmas – they’ll be half that price”. Which may be true, but they never seem to actually get PURCHASED, mostly because after Christmas, they don’t have the size or color I really want.
So, inspired by Nikki Garnett, one of my favorite bloggers, who wrote about the Four Pillars of Christmas Chic, I got some pieces I really love. I got to wear most of them, but comforted myself over the ones I didn’t by thinking of all the places I’d wear them the NEXT year…
Enter 2020, and, well, I need say no more. I pulled them all out of my cedar chest where they’d been summering (see how my clothes spend the seasons here, steamed, fluffed, caressed and generally said “welcome back, you”! So now they sigh to me from the closet, as I run a hand over the velvet or faux fur, the dazzling jewel tones winking in the darkness, swaying softly on the rail (well, they WOULD sway if my closet weren’t so packed, I have to put serious shoulder into the job to take things out or put in….).
Enough, I say! I’ll wear these lovelies, even if it’s only around my living room – and you can come along for the ride!
Velvet Jeans
I wouldn’t have thought of these until Nikki specifically mentioned them. I love how you can either dress them up with a sparkly top and heels for cocktails, or down with a nice sweater to a holiday movie or dinner at someone’s house . I found a ruby-esque pair in Talbots, and then snapped up a black pair during a big sale at Land’s End.
Fur collar white jacket
Of course it’s all about the fur collar, but see how cleverly it buttons on and off? Then it becomes a lovely winter white blazer, either business-y with a tweed skirt or over a dress, or dressed down with jeans an a colorful scarf. Perhaps best Talbot’s purchase ever…
Sequin skirt
I hit the mother lode in Draper James last year, and snapped up this skirt. It is a grey, black and white plaid with sequins, but it doesn’t scream “nighclub”. It’s really comfortable, and I like the longer length. I only wore it once last year, with the peplum black velvet top, but can think of a million other things to wear it with, including the fur collar jacket, a red blazer, and a bunch of wraps.
Black velvet top
Another Draper James find, I’m not sure if my favorite part is the neckline detail or the flattering peplum at the bottom. I’d have to be a contortionist to zip it myself (Yoo hoo, sweetheart!?!?) But my big problem is with the short sleeves. Now, I am one of those women who is Always Cold. If you suffer from hot flashes (thank god those are past…) or live in The South, this would be perfect for you, but I have to turn up the thermostat. Layering up underneath isn’t much of an option with how low the neckline is cut, especially in the back. Oh well, such problems….
Red cowlneck sweater
I’ve been wanting a big, soft and BRIGHT RED sweater for a while, and found it right before Christmas at Talbots. I like how the neck makes its own “scarf” inside a coat or jacket, and there is lovely detail to the shaker knit stitching in the front. I wore it slouchy with plaid trousers on Christmas Day, but it’s long enough to belt, and I can’t wait to wear it with my leopard print pants and skirt!
Christmas Day
I actually DID get a chance to see REAL people who I love, not just on Zoom! We moved our normal Christmas morning gift exchange outdoors for safety, even though it was 18 degrees F outside (AND we had lovely snow for a white Christmas – rare for us)! I wore the outfit above, with long underwear underneath top and bottom. The dress code was As Warm As You Could Get – lots of insulated coveralls, fur coats and MASKS – at least they keep your face warm! We still managed to wolf down hot cinnamon rolls and mimosas. The orange juice started to freeze to slush by the time we were having seconds! People went home when they could no longer feel their toes…but it was so wonderful to be in the physical presence of actual PEOPLE!
So the awful year of 2020 slithers to a close. I have been luckier than so many, with good health and uninterrupted income. If that has not been true for you, I hope 2021 treats you kinder. This week, I am working on organization and plans for the coming year, including blog content. Please let me know if you have ideas for blog posts or discussions. Thank you so much for reading and commenting this past year – your encouragement means so much. Happy New Year to all!
20 Comments
jodie filogomo
I loved reading this MK!!
I know what you mean about the velvet jeans…I have a burgundy pair and in photos it’s not so evident they are special. But in person….
It’s almost the same with many glitter and sequin things. Especially when we see them up close, we are so aware that they make a statement, yet from far away, not so much. It makes me think we need to wear them more!!
The funny thing about the short sleeve top. When I was purging, I thought I’d finally get to wear my sleeveless winter dresses (why they even make sleeveless winter dresses ,I’ll never know), but it still gets cold here too. I guess it’s more for those that live in the Southern Hemisphere for Christmas!! LOL
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
mkmiller
Either that, or the Hot Flash Crowd….yes to more sequins!
Janet Replogle
You look fabulous for the holiday season. I must take a leaf out of this book for next year!
Happy New Year, Dear One!
mkmiller
Thanks, dahling! Hoping next year we can make up for all we missed…
Nancy
I never ever have worn velvet trousers. Perhaps I should give it a try. I do want a sequin top but can’t find a perfect one. Well the search continues. Didn’t want to wear it at Christmas anyway.
mkmiller
They really feel like regular jeans, Nancy, until a dog or cat brushes up against your leg – then it’s a lint brush!
Gail
That cream jacket with fur collar is to die for! I remember Nikki’s article as I bought the same velvet trousers and a halter necked sequin top she had. I should have sent both back- the trousers were too short on me – but I kept thinking I’d wear them sometime. I never have. Tht was a good learning. Now I make myself send things back if I don’t love them immediately. Loved your post, best wishes for 2021!
mkmiller
That is so funny, Gail! Nikki is a style godmother to me. Excellent lesson about sending things back. I heard a shop clerk say once “if you don’t LOVE it in the store, you’re not going to wear it at home” – should be engraved somewhere, eh? Thanks so much for the encouragement, and looking forward to keeping up with you in 2021 too.
Connie Wright Stanley
All things Horse to see and do in your area ❤️ Love the clothes Talbots is still my go to. Gifted Lorrie some this Christmas some health issues has her listing 50 needed to go lbs. So she is into their petites now to.
Connie
mkmiller
I can’t wait to have y’all up here, Connie – why didnt we do it before Covid?!?!? I have declared a moratorium on new clothes for the next few months, except of course the work overalls and slippers I didn’t get for Christmas…I can relate to Lorrie’s struggles – I’ve got 20 to lose myself. Oh well, that’s what January’s for, right?
mireille
I love all of these pretty pieces! I am hoping to thrift more this year and one of the top things I am going to look for is more textures! All of your pieces check those boxes even if not thrifted. I love the idea of wearing what you want to wear even if just to the living room! Here I am at home with my beret and heeled boots on the couch but I feel like a million bucks! You look lovely in all of these and I think my favorite is the jacket with the faux fur collar.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
mkmiller
Thanks so much, Mireille! The fur-collar jacket is the winner of the season, I agree. I NEED a beret, either on the sofa or out and about!
Shelbee on the Edge
MK, I am loving all of your festive looks! I have been rediscovering my hidden wardrobe pieces this year as well and trying to have a bit of style fun with them. There’s not much else to do so why not play dress up! I am a lifelong fan of all things velvet so I am really swooning over your gorgeous velvet and sparkly pieces. Those plaid pants are adorable and so fun with your new bright red sweater. And I am dying over your winter white blazer with the fur color. So elegant and dramatic! Thanks so much for joining my link party! Wishing you all the best in the new year.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
mkmiller
Enjoying all your snow-bunny looks this week, Shelbee. I always wonder how fast you can put the coat back on!
Lovely
You look fantastic in all these festive looks! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Here’s to hoping 2021 has so many good things in store.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
mkmiller
Ame, Lovely! It’s been off to a bit of a wobbly start this week….
David
These looks are definitely festive with attractive & fun colors! Love them!
mkmiller
Thanks David! I had a lot of fun with this post.
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mkmiller
Woo hoo – Thanks, Shelbee!