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:

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: