I have returned.  My last fashion post was about New York Fashion Week (September), and here we are only 10 weeks away from the Fall/Winter Shows in February.  Why the hiatus, you might ask…  I left my stuffy corporate job for something very different.  I’m definitely on the right track now, but getting “situated” takes a little time for this particular role.  Was it the right move?  Absolutely.  No question about it.  So, slowly yet surely I will be able to create my own content again, beginning with this gem from (you guessed it), NYFW.

I thought that this final look was perfect to share right here at the holidays.  Emerald green is one of my favorite colors and although breathing was issue after scoffing down all the pasta in EATLY, this has to be my favorite look of all time.  Velvet is in, again.  Is it even worth me mentioning that?  So, raid your mother’s (or grandmother’s) closet and see what you can find.  This dress was found at Buffalo Exchange consignment store in Atlanta.  My dear friend, @modern.boy.vintage would be so proud.  I think I paid $25 for it.  The shoes are by a brand that I can’t even think of at the moment (they’re currently being re-capped on the bottoms… am I the only one who has to do that constantly?!).  But they were a Christmas gift from my mom last year and really made this look complete.  I mean, jewel tones, for the holidays?? Groundbreaking.

This look was shot in Tribeca.  If you’re not familiar with the neighborhood, perhaps I should dedicate an entire post to my love for New York.  Every corner is begging to be the setting of a fashion shoot.  If only I could master the art of self-portrait (I’m looking at you, Cindy Sherman).  But for now, my new friend and photographer, Alexandria Murray is killin’ it.  We ran back and forth through traffic shooting this dress and then we drank champagne before I headed out to the NYFW opening party.  Can life really get any better?

So, for the month of December, I leave you with this list of a few of my favorite things (holiday party dresses), under $200.  Scroll to the bottom…

Thanks for sticking around and have a Happy Holiday!

Holiday velvet dress

Holiday velvet dress green

 

Holiday Party Dresses (under $200):

Follow:

Sequins, shimmer, glitter… FINALLY I’m not just being “extra”.  Okay, I’m always going to be a little extra, but if ever there’s a time, it’s now.

I styled this skirt to be worn casually during the day.  Traditionally, it could be worn as special occasion evening wear but I think that pairing it with a cotton top makes for a fun juxtaposition.  I would even go so far to say that black combat boots would be killer, but alas I wore mirrored strappy heels – after all, I like to be a fancy pants.  I paired it with an oversized leather tote and tied a silk scarf to the handle.

When one thinks of glitter and sparkle, what designer immediately comes to mind?  For me, it’s Kate Spade.  One phrase that was trending after her unfortunate passing this past June, was that “she left a little bit of sparkle everywhere she went”.  Creative Director, Angela Weiss took that phrase to heart when planning the SS19 show (last week), adding an element of sparkle in many looks, including a stripe of glitter down the runway.  What a lovely sentiment.  Hopefully she will be remembered for who she was in the beginning – what we know Kate Spade NY to be – a bright and joyful brand that embodies women who carpe diem the shit out of this life, being as “extra” as they wish, every step of the way.

But you don’t have to be young, extra, or a trendy influencer to embrace the sparkle craze.  Saks Fifth Avenue SVP Fashion Director, Roopal Patel was asked about the shiny embellishments taking front stage in their department store, and she responded with, “We find that sparkle has no age limit; there is a wide appeal to all of our customers to add sparkle and shine to their wardrobes,” she says. “For so long sequins and embellishment were used for holiday dressing, but now designers are playing sparkle into everyday silhouettes. Through bejeweled necklines, sparkly collars, and rhinestone trims, popular brands like Gucci, Prada and Miu Miu have brought the idea of adornment into daywear.”

Being “extra” is now just being one in a crowd (at least it is at NYFW).  Find your favorite shimmer, mix it up with different prints, colors, and textures or just add a touch with your shoes or bag (I’m looking at you, Kate Spade NY).  Dress it up or dress it down.  Not your thing?  More into linen or lace?  Move along… because after all, knowing your style is the first step to looking and feeling your best (*shameless plug* read my blog post on “Defining Your Style” here).

SHOP THIS LOOK (you can also opt to be alerted if/when something goes on sale!):


Images by Viva Lux Photography

 

Follow:

black and white, leather, tulle, party dress

black and white, leather, tulle, party dress, red suede heels

party dress, black and white, atlanta blogger

red suede heels, shoes, party dress, tutu

party dress, family portrait, atlanta

atlanta, party dress, NYE, tutu, doberman

atlanta blogger, family portrait, party dress, dog tutu

party dress, puppy in a tutu

Dress by Boston Proper | Leather Jacket by Wilson’s Leather | triple strand pearl necklace |  Red suede shoes with gold bows – exact shoes here on eBay, similar style here | lipstick = MAC Red | Men’s black sport coat by Armani Exchange, similar style here| Men’s Red plaid print shirt by Express | Puppy tutu in black from Amazon | Red suede jingle bell collar with plaid bows, similar style here

I don’t really need an excuse to wear a tulle dress (and neither does Kobi Farber), but if you feel like you do, this dress is perfect for many occasions.  The vegan leather top and white tulle bottom was festive enough for a Christmas party, and glamorous enough that I would wear it again for New Year’s Eve!  I paired it with a short leather jacket, chunky pearls, and a red suede heels.  I felt like Carrie Bradshaw wearing this through the streets of Buckhead.  Don’t be surprised if you see this image plastered on a MARTA bus soon (KIDDING!).  Mikey is wearing a sport coat from Armani Exchange and a red plaid print from Express… just enough pops of red to coordinate for pretty photos without embarrassing him too much.  LOL!  Details on Kobi’s Carrie inspired skirt above… 

Happy Holidays from our little family to yours!

photography by KVC Photography 

Follow:

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

gift ideas under $50 for the fashionista

1.  Gemstone iPhone 6/7/8 & 6/7/8 Plus Case

2.  Black Metallic Diamond Cell Phone Grip & Stand

3.  Look in a Box Nice ‘n Spicy Lip Kit by MAC

4.  BENEFIT COSMETICS Soft & Natural Brow Kit 

5.  Echo Dot Tech Gloves

6.  Kate Spade NY Square Drop Earrings

7.  Nakamol Tassel Necklace, 33″

8.  DSW Gift Card

9.  Michael Kors Card Holder

10.  Allure Of The Night Kimono in Grey by DressUp

11.  Kate Spade NY Out of the Box Jewelry Box

12.  Jessa Drusy Quartz Adjustable Ring

And the best news yet?  You don’t have to order online, because let’s face it, unless you find it on Amazon Prime and order it RIGHT NOW, it’s too late.  You can find these in stores.  So get out there at get it done (or just buy yourself a little present… I know I did).
Happy Shopping!
Follow:

Sometimes I go 100% glam, girlie girl, ruffles and pearls.  Sometimes I pair sequins with flat leather boots for a juxtaposition that turns a classic look into something completely new and fresh.  Here are two classic party dresses styled in very different ways.

holiday party looks

One redhead short of a Sanderson Sister.

This classic red velvet cocktail dress is available now at Express.  Aren’t you glad that velvet is back with a vengeance?  This is the quintessential Christmas party dress and I knew immediately that it would be worn with this full-length mink coat.  The coat has a story of its own…

This was a wedding gift from my mother’s dear friend, Sam.  It belonged to her mother, Marcia.  Marcia’s husband purchased it for her on one of their trips to New York City during Christmas, over 50 years ago.  They went to see Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas show and view the majestic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.  During the trip, he bought her this coat, and had her initials, MMMC embroidered on the lining.  Marcia gave it to her daughter, Sam when she was in her early 30’s and Sam gave it to me when I was 30.  I couldn’t be more honored to have it.

classic holiday party glamour

necklace by J Crew | right hand pearl and black onyx ring by Tiffany & Co.

full length vintage mink coat

These strappy black leather heels never go out of style.  I wore these to my wedding rehearsal dinner 3 years ago, but you can find them for sale here and here.

gold party dress

black bow bangle bracelet by Kate Spade NY (similar style here)| gold chain bracelet from Woo Skincare & Cosmetics (similar style here)

edgy holiday party look

Mandy is wearing a gold sequin Ted Baker dress (similar dress available here), paired with opaque black tights, chunky low heel black booties, and an edgy Michael Kors jacket.  Both dresses are classic in design but styled very differently.  Take these tips and apply them to something you already have in your closet to make it feel new.

holiday party dresses

holiday party dresses fur coat

2 looks holiday party wear

two looks for holiday parties

Aspiring Rockettes?

 

Makeup by Mandy Jane Stoykewich (above).  Mandy is available for event hair & makeup services.  She has been hair & makeup artist on weddings in the south for over 8 years, as well as part of the makeup team for major motion pictures such as the Hunger Games.  Email  mj.stoykewich@gmail.com for inquiries.

Photography by KVC Photography

 

Follow: