Holiday Style Countdown

By: Sharon Mosley

When it comes to planning for the holidays — whether it’s serving up a scrumptious dinner or hosting a small cocktail party for the neighbors — there’s always one thing to do first: Make a plan. Even though you may still have candy left over from Halloween, it doesn’t mean it’s not too early to ditch the candy apples and get your mind stuck on sorting out what you’re going to wear for special occasions during the next few months. Leave the scary costumes behind; it’s time to put some festive touches on your wardrobe. Start the countdown now.

First, make a list and make it count. Santa does it, so can you. If you already have special events on the calendar or family dinners, then start writing it down. Or let your phone keep you on track. The holidays tend to snowball once November rolls around, and we all know where those end up … at the bottom of the hill if we’re not careful … covered up in more tidings of comfort and joy than we can stand.

At the top of the list should be shopping for special clothes, if the occasion calls for it. If you’ve got any “Save the Date” invites, go ahead and set your sights on what you might wear. If you rarely attend black tie events, then you may need to carve out a date to browse the Internet or the mall. There’s nothing worse than making a mad dash to the designer department of your favorite store a day or two before the big party to find nothing but picked-over offerings … and nothing suitable in your size. It is, indeed, a little too stressful, and wouldn’t you really rather be drinking eggnog before the fire, looking at those beautiful fashion magazines and imagining yourself the belle of the ball? Ha!

But even if you’re just cooking up some delicious fun for your relatives and friends, or that special someone you’ve just met on Match.com, dress up! Bring out the velvet and brocade; make it festive. Or wear an embellished cardigan and tee with your jeans. Comfortable leggings and a graphic sweater is another stylish option. You can always wear one of those fun holiday aprons! Remember all those photos that will show up on Facebook.

Anyway, we’ve all been there, so promise yourself that this year things will be different and start shopping early if you need to. You can always get some of your holiday gift shopping done while you are looking for the perfect dress, too — hopefully, at a leisurely pace so big mistakes are kept at a minimum. Or give yourself enough time ahead of special events so that if you do decide that you really can’t sit down in that frothy pink feathery skirt or slinky sequin sheath, you can still return it in plenty of time and find another stunning entrance maker.

Don’t pass up vintage stores. These are some of my favorite places to find those unusual one-of-a-kind treasures to wear and to give as gifts. I’ve found patent leather 1950s clutches, a Persian lamb stole, suede platform pumps, and tons of interesting statement jewelry.

A great pair of rhinestone drop earrings will give that old, little black dress new sparkle or make a wonderful gift for a friend. And remember, one size fits all is the perfect gift you don’t have to worry about returning. Indeed, make the weeks before December count, scoring not only stylish treats but also stocking stuffers and hostess gifts.

Then don’t forget to make salon appointments early. Even if you wear your favorite holiday jacket that you’ve relied on for years, you’ll feel more like celebrating if your hair looks good and your nails are manicured! Think bright red. And spray tans are looking better and better.

Get in the spirit of looking good. You may actually have time to celebrate.

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