Fashion for Normal Women

– Holiday Fabulous

Every year, I get a little sidetracked thanks to Halloween and usually don’t end up flipping my Tuscan countryside or turquoise sandy beach until several days into the month.  Suddenly, knee-deep into November, an entire spectrum of emotions rage.  Maybe it’s subliminal, this reaction to a calendar, because I can’t reconcile my happy anticipation with utter dread. Hang on, here come the Holidays.

Like it or not, here they come, with highs and lows – and invites aplenty.  If your holidays promise to be a little sober, and slightly more restrained than years past, you are not alone.  But your wardrobe needn’t be any less festive.  Go ahead, shop your closet, and choose from these fresh details to kick up your look – without going overboard – for the season’s special occasions.

Twinkle Twinkle

I am instantly attracted to sparkly things – want to touch them – and there are many shimmery options for the holidays and beyond.  Sequins and paillettes are everywhere.  Unfussy styles like a simply-cut tank or tee or even a skirt offer a shiny tease of glam.  The shimmer of smaller and delicately shaped paillettes in metallic hues makes sequins less Golden Girls and more Gossip Girl.  Plus they flutter with a hushed whisper when you move; it’s like a feast for your senses, a tactile soundtrack.  How fun is that?

Faux fur

It’s not exactly the moment for a full-length sable; (in fact, economy aside, I’m not really sure when it is the time for real fur). Alas, for now, pretentiousness is out and coziness is in. A touch of fur offers just enough warmth, fuzziness and fun.

As with shimmer, one piece at a time will suffice.  My favorite accents are shawls and vests.  Real or faux, touches of plush will add texture and style to any cold-weather look.  Long and short vests coexist on the racks now and if you’re confused about how to wear which, consider what you’re pairing it with underneath, and do the opposite.  If your under layer is long, go with a short vest and if your under layer is short, try a long vest.  Layering is great, but don’t be afraid to mix it up.

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical tops and dresses make a dramatic impact with a minimal, less-is-more (or is it more-is-less?) approach.  Many of these one-shoulder wonders feature exquisite draping that flatters all figures.  Choose a vibrant color, couple it with a neutral or gray suede booty, and you’re ready to ring in the New Year

Keep these ideas in mind so when the invites arrive, you won’t have to hesitate to RSVP ‘yes’ and call a sitter.  Dressing for the revelry just got easier.

For everyday…

• The trend in loose, rolled-cuff boyfriend jeans has yielded another classic in the Boyfriend Jacket.  In basic black, it can go from casual to evening in a flash.

• Chunky sweaters are making a statement this fall.  Comfort is the ultimate luxury and makes a long cozy cardigan just right for the chilly weather.

• Fashion rule-that-was-always-a-rule-that-can-now-be-broken-and-I-can’t-wait-to-try-it: Tights with open-toe shoes.  If this works, it nearly doubles my winter shoe wardrobe!  Love the choices in patterned tights, like the ones by SPANX – they go great with open-toe booties, especially the All Black belted bootie – come in and see!

-       Nina Weiss, The Shoe Box

This will be published in Lehigh Valley Family Magazine.