December 7, 2014

I don't have a lot of holiday parties or events lined up yet. Apart from our "at home" festivities, there are only two that I know of so far.

Event 1 is a "Glam Girls supper" in the home of a poet friend. Guests are all women, all writers. The idea is to dress up. The other guests tend to be funky dressers. Think rock-chic meets retro. But I don't have to dress as they do; I can be myself.

Event 2 is a cocktail party, also in the home of a writer friend (different friend -- but the guests may overlap). This one is a bit uncertain -- it might be more casual (in which case I would wear one of my sparkly sweater ensembles.)

Or, then again, the guest list might grow and it might get more dressy. The hostess is a curvy hourglass who looks wonderful in retro 50s looks and will probably glam herself up for the occasion in that way; but most of the other guests (esp. the males) will wear jeans and moto jackets. One other woman guest might dress up. Again, it doesn't really matter what I wear; I don't have to "fit in." As long as I feel comfortable and like myself.

So, here are a couple of outfit options.

I was thinking of the first one (1-4) for the Glam Girls supper. I need a proper statement necklace. Here I am just layering a few of my mother's sparkly rhinestones. Does this work okay? Thrifted cashmere sweater, microfishnets, burgundy patent pumps, my mother's silver clutch.

Another option (for this event or the other one) is a sort of updated "le smoking." I have a couple of potential ways to wear it. The core item is a thrifted brocade shell.

One is with the Zara jacquard jacket and the J. Crew track pants. (#6)

By the way, #7 is a back view of the pants for Elizabeth P, who requested that. ;)

Another option is with the Reiss ink tux jacket. It is darker than the pants, but I don't know if that matters. This is a long jacket.

I could also go with black. Black 'noir' trousers and the black tux jacket from Trouvé. It is a shorter jacket, shorter still in the back, but still comes to the top of the pants.

Do you like any of these options? Which one for which event?

Also, any leads on a statement necklace I could get in time for the 17th appreciated. I am an ignoramus when it comes to bling and do not even know how to begin to shop for it.

Thank you!!

Posted in the Dressing category

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37 Comments

frannieb replied 9 years ago

Oh I love these posts -
Love the skirt for the glam girl party - so cool.
I like the top in 5 but don't like the top with the topper in 6 - I feel both should be the stand alone star in an outfit. Together they are competing if that makes sense. Both are just gorgeous
I adore number 8 if you are going to do a topper with the shirt - I still think it deserves to be by itself.
Also a ignoramus when it comes to bling so will be watching closely as I have a sweater similar to your sweater in 1.
Angie replied 9 years ago

Suz. You look killer stunning in all these outfits. WOW. Mums jewellery works brilliantly.

For Event 1, I like #4 best. But you'll probably put down your clutch and look like #1 most of the evening, which is just as fab. I am very much in favour of you wearing the party skirt for the event.

For Event 2, I like #9 best. Have you tried the jacket in #6 over the outfit in #9? I love that idea too.
Sveta replied 9 years ago

I am no help because I.LOVE.THEM ALL!!!
I want you to wear #1 - because I love the skirt on you and because this is a very unusual silhouette on you - and a fab one. Maybe to the glam girls thing - it is very glam IMO.
Le Smoking is smoking hot on you! Are they different pants in #6 and 11? I like 11 a lot especially with "my" booties! :-)

As for a statement necklace - Laura has tons of them pretty inexpensive and quite good - if you have Laura in Kingston give it a try. There was one faux pearl one I quite liked...
http://www.laura.ca/Categories.....00000%5e63
Suz replied 9 years ago

ooh, Laura -- thank you, Sveta! That is a good tip. I always forget them. Alas, we no longer have in Kingston, but they do online. My mum gets her costume jewellery there a lot.

The pants in #6 are the J. Crew Turner (silky sweatpant) in navy.

The pants in #11 are my black noir pants. (Slightly slouchy, baggy silhouette). I just had these pants taken up by an inch because I was finding them TOO slouchy on the bottom....pooling too much for a long line--- perhaps my eye has been tricked by ankle pants. But I do find them a bit easier to wear at this length.

Angie, that's a good idea to try the blue jacket with the black pants. I can see how that looks for sure.

FrannieB, good point about the competing patterns. It is a lot going on for me, for sure, especially with the earrings as well.

Thanks for helping out!
unfrumped replied 9 years ago

Such good choices! Really like your lady skirt. The simple black top is fab and the neckline really gives a good proportion with the skirt.
Love the black suit look. The short jacket still works well on you--does not look shrunken, is long enough and the collar is so nice for you.
replied 9 years ago

I'm late today - lol - party last night :) I can only say that you look fantastic in all of these pictures, and any one iteration is as good as the next. The only comment, or thing that struck me from looking at the pictures, is that I prefer a bootie with a track pant rather than a pump. But that's more a note-to-self than anything. I would like to be a fly on the wall at both of these get-togethers though: these women sound interesting !
replied 9 years ago

And as for statement jewellery - I love that stuff, collect it and love wearing it. I look at it in stores all the time to keep abreast of what's out there but get my best ideas of what to copy from magazines. What's interesting to me is that I find myself reaching for the pieces with single coloured stones/crystals on a gold or silver base rather than the multi-coloured ones. I guess my mantra is big and flashy is coolest when it's also the simplest, IYKWIM? Banana R, CM, even The Bay - all have good jewellery in that style to check out.
Suz replied 9 years ago

Lisa, thank you! (And I want to see your pics!!!) I hope the party went well!

Those are good suggestions for the jewellery. I think you are right about it, too, or at least that is what I typically gravitate toward when I am looking...it's just that I am shy of buying. I think this year is the time to take the plunge.

unfrumped, I love that, "lady skirt." Great phrase.
cheryle (Dianthus) replied 9 years ago

Suz, I think all of these looks are lovely and event appropriate. I wonder what the print sparkly top would look like with the striped skirt though. The top has the silver/grey and black but with other colors as well. If put together, I would add jewellery with jet and silver to continue the theme.
Suz replied 9 years ago

Dianthus, I tried it -- but the top is really more in the gold family than silver. I was hoping it would work, but I don't think it does. I'll snap a pic later.
Angie replied 9 years ago

I forgot to tell you that you have a riveting rear side.
Suz replied 9 years ago

Ha! Thanks, Angie. :)

We'll see if Elizabeth agrees. ;)

Still hunting down statement necklaces. I could really do with one. Also, a gold toned bracelet.

My online sources are failing me a bit. I can't go with J. Crew because it won't arrive in time, I fear. (Deliveries can be slow). I was hoping the Bay might have something but so far I don't like what I am seeing there.
Angie replied 9 years ago

I love the hectic pattern mix of the shell top and blue Zara blazer (what a workhorse that has been). Festive, Fashionable and Creative. It's a little more casual than the tux jacket combination, so perhaps that's the ticket? (With the structured pants and booties).
Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

Whoa! All fabulous renditions Suz. You seriously can't go wrong with any of these.

And I have to agree with Angie - you look as good going as you do coming!
Suz replied 9 years ago

Ha, thanks, Shannon!!

I do feel better set up for parties this year than I have in previous years. Remember some of my old holiday capsules? Photographic evidence below. HOPELESS. No wonder I sat down and cried after this series...

But here's an interesting tidbit. The cashmere sweater with outfit 1 in the current options is a pre-YLF thrift buy.

And the brocade top was one of my early YLF purchases, thrifted on purpose for a costume party.

I think those two are the only two thrifted items left in my closet. Proving that special occasion wear can have a long life. I also have a few mother and mother in law gifted pieces in this capsule, and a few vintage items from consignment. (Like my Biba kimono jacket).

Angie, you're so right -- that Zara jacket was a total workhorse. I say "was" because I wear it a lot less now that I also have the Reiss and the Tahari jackets (not to mention this little Trouvé) -- but I won't be getting rid of it any time soon because it is surprisingly versatile and easy to wear. And you are right -- it might just be the ticket for the second event. Either that, or for one of our "at home" soirees. :)

1 2 3 4
Sal replied 9 years ago

I love the skirt outfit, you have nailed it. I like it with the necklaces as shown but could also imagine something larger.

I also very much like the pants/trousers renditions. I do prefer pumps rather than ankle boots with the black pants and jacket combination. The ankle boots take it more into a work look in my opinion. I am not sure what you have but an even higher or coloured heel could also work with that stunning top.

I think all renditions look like you, just in a festive version.

I agree occasion wear can have a long life, and I love pulling things out from 5 years ago. They tend to look different as normally the shoes are different, or the hair is different.
Gracie replied 9 years ago

You look fantastic and reade for your events. I love the skirt outfit, and really like the look with your Mom's jewelry, I think it complements the outfit and makes it look more feminine and polished. Will a statement necklace throw the balance off? For the pants outfits I prefer 9-11 as you're showing them, but the beautiful earrings are demanding too much attention from my eye. I guess I'm looking at the whole package. Have a great time, you will look very stylish I whatever you choose to wear.
Sharon replied 9 years ago

These all look great, but I LOVE the skirt outfit. Just perfect for a Glam Girls night.
Any of the pants outfits would be great for the second event. The thing that occurred to me when I saw them is that they are a very similar silhouette to your everyday WIWs, except rendered in beautiful shiny, blingy fabrics. This is a great starting point for me in trying to put together some party outfits. I am going to see if I can translate some of my favourites with dressier pieces.
Sheila replied 9 years ago

Event 1 : Yes the skirt outft number 1 - I think a bright popping purse would be great as well.

Event 2 : Wow ! I love 6. The jacket and the colors and so fantastic. I like the pants as well and recognize them ! The back of that shirt is so lovely. Artsy and beautiful ! The blue in the jacket is so unique - I want this as well.

They are all lovely for sure.
Love the dangly earrings with the pants outfit and the necklace is perfect.
Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

I think you need to go home & change half way through the evening :) You can't go wrong Suz.
Angie replied 9 years ago

High fiving, Caro.

Your Reiss and Tahari jackets rightfully take centre stage, Suz. And your holiday looks from previous years are delightful too. Nothing wrong with them at all. But you honed your style persona more effectively this year, which always feels the most right, doesn't it. Nicely done and ENJOY. xo
Suz replied 9 years ago

Yes, Angie -- I think Sharon really hit the nail on the head when she said that about the silhouettes of the pants outfits. They are very, very similar to what I'd wear every day, just done up in sparkly or fun fabrics -- and so they feel "natural" -- and this in turn makes me feel more comfortable and look more natural myself.

You are way too kind about my earlier fails. But thank you! I was definitely trying. ;) It does make it hard when you are putting together a capsule from next to nothing. I have a lot more to work with these days.

Very interesting -- we have one vote for pumps with trousers and one for booties. I have a feeling this might depend a bit on climate. Our eyes up here adjust to booties a bit more, I suspect, Kiwigal, and Lisa's in Winnipeg where it is REALLY cold, so she is probably thinking long leg line PLUS warmth.

It is funny, but I feel just as "me" and easy and at home in the skirt outfit. It is fun to get to wear something like that for a change.
replied 9 years ago

My preference for booties or something other than pumps comes from thinking of the track pant from its true origin : an athletic look. Boots strike me as a little tougher looking , and more "street" than pumps. But.....now that I think about it a little more (and put myself in the outfit), I can see pumps worn with those pants with a very dressy top , and if the pants were in a very silky, drape-y fabric. And with your brocade top, that's the look you are rocking :) I can clearly go either way . lol. The one thing I'd personally do (and did the one time I wore my drapey track pants - not the best buy I've made, I have to say) , I wore them partially unzipped at the bottom to create a more interesting drape around my ankle and to make them less puffy and baggy at the bottom. Anyways, I digress.

Again, you have the best closet - and have so many things to work with and choose from that ALL look fantastic. Serious closet envy here !
Elly replied 9 years ago

I love the Reiss with outfit 2. I would like to see a jacket and simpler top (maybe the short Trouve tux jacket with a blue or grey sweater?) with the skirt in outfit 1. The two seem to compete.
Alassë replied 9 years ago

I really like 1-4 (personal style bias). Since I skew minimalist in regards to accessories, the dangly earrings in 6-12 compete with the jacket to my eye.
Karie replied 9 years ago

WOW! I agree, you need to change halfway through both evenings as all of these are gorgeous. My fav is #4 - that skirt is beautiful and it looks lovely with your mother's jewelry and clutch. The only pants outfit I don't care for is #6, I'm not crazy about the jacket/top combo.

Well, your holiday capsules of years gone by weren't hopeless, but I will say you have kicked it up many notches this year!
Sveta replied 9 years ago

I prefer booties with the pants because they look more current to me and also because they look great on you (as I saw IRL), The bronze color is unique and stunning and more festive than black for this occasion (of course I may be biased here as I practically made you to buy these booties but that's not the point :-) )
ElleH replied 9 years ago

I love all outfits but I know that doesn't help so I like the skirt outfit for the girls night event & one of the pants with the short black blazer. I think I like the less baggy pant & either pumps or booties are great. You have a great selection of outfits & pieces to mix here so I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. You have done really well with the holiday separates. You look really fab & like yourself & festive!
TraceyLiz65 replied 9 years ago

I love the skirt, but think I'd swoon even more if worn with booties instead of the pumps...
jackiec replied 9 years ago

Wow Suz, I agree that you cannot go wrong with all of these looks! The skirt outfit is just perfect for your glam girls dinner.

I'm agreeing with lisap on statement jewellery. BR is great, especially at 40% off. And I've had great success at the Bay - but always in person. I can usually pick some bling out right away - I just grab what sings to me and it always works. Otherwise I have a stash of Stella & Dot (plus other direct sales) stuff that usually works too (but takes longer to order - I usually have to attend a few obligatory parties mid-year so I grab stuff I think would work for formal wear).

Look forward to seeing what you choose. You have fab stuff, and like Angie says, you've really honed your style.
Joy replied 9 years ago

I like it all, but think the skirt is perfect got Glam Girls night. Any of the outfits look like they would fit is at a cocktail party that can veer toward casual. Wear something that you don't often get a chance to wear.
Debora replied 9 years ago

Suz, both outfits are absolutely stunning on you! I wouldn't change a thing. They look and feel like you, and I hope you have a fabulous holiday season.
Sal replied 9 years ago

Suz, i do forget how much colder it is for North Americans.

Warmth so you have a smile on your face tops everything!
Helena replied 9 years ago

Suz, you look awesome in each and every picture - if I was you, I'd go with what is most comfortable as they all look great!!
Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

Suz, I love the skirt outfit for event 1, and I like the pants outfits with the booties for event 2. The pattern mixing is fun, with the brocade over jaquard print. I have a slight preference for the short black jacket and black pants, though, for a sleeker look. You look so great in all of these, though, you can't go wrong!

I just bought a sparkly necklace at Nordstrom in the BP department. Very inexpensive and, shall we say, not expensive-looking, either. But fun and sparkly and statement for sure. I'd post a find but can't find it. So I'm posting another one that I think I saw in person and I would wear also. I went to the grown-up costume jewelry department and got some earrings (also not expensive) to go with my juniors' necklace!
Jaime replied 9 years ago

Not reading the responses (yet!). Love both outfits - the skirt for the girls glam party and the trousers for the other event. I love the trousers with either black jacket but will pick the shorter one. Both outfits are fabulous!
tulle replied 9 years ago

All lovely, though I think you look most at ease in the "le smoking" outfits. That thrifted shell (we've seen it before, right?) does wonderful things. As for flashy necklaces, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Kate Spade tend to have good ones. But don't pay full price--they just aren't worth it. Luckily, they all have necklaces on sale most of the time. A big statement brooch at the center of the dipping neckline on the black top could be a sexy alternative to a necklace, creating a slightly elongated effect in nice contrast to the horizontal stripes.

Pix-Elated

Holiday outfits: Help me pick!

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