ITSO . . . In the Style of . . . Audrey Hepburn in the Holiday Party Season

Who is it that fashion circles are watching for holiday party wear? Maybe the contemporary women who are being watched are not as important as those who they are emulating. The post regarding "Women Who Changed Fashion" is one that presents a perfect cross-section of those who influence what we are wearing in 20(?). Visit the Bazaar website post on Women who Changed Fashion.

Right now, Jessica Alba and Olivia Parma have embraced the sentiment of Audrey Hepburn in two particular looks for the 2015 holiday season and in turn, their looks are easy to copy. 

Image Source: Getty/ESPB/Star Max
Retrieved December 18, 2015
from POPSUGAR, photo 3 of 32.

Jessica Alba is wearing a red co-ordinated top and skirt with a white tuxedo blazer. (Retrieved December 18, 2015 from Popsugar (photo number 3 of 32).

This is so easy to copy. Of course it doesn't have to be a top and skirt, it could be a little red dress (remember Audrey Hepburn enhanced the popularity of the little black dress) This is a look that could have been worn 40 years ago or 10 years ago. Jessica Alba is wearing it right now and so could you. It would be a good choice because I am sure that you could wear it next year and it probably would be just as fabulous.

Notice the shoes - a nude heel that blends perfectly with any colour of dress you choose. Remember my Jimmy Choo peep toe nude heels, circa 2011. They could easily be worn with this outfit and no one, except for you and me, would recognize the vintage.

Image Source: Getty/Jamie McCarthy.
Retrieved December 18, 2015
from POPSUGAR, photo 5 of 32.

Olivia Palermo: What's interesting here is that you could buy the basics, black pants and a long black top, from the grocery store but it's the statement necklace, the cuff and the clutch that make the outfit. (Retrieved December 18, 2015 from Popsugar (photo number 5 of 32).

Notice the shoes: You can't see them. There you have it, a black nondescript heel that simply blends with the outfit.

Audrey Hepburn's jewellery may have been more understated but the black trousers and simple black top are reflections of her look.

Featured styles, especially during the holiday season, are often sequinned gowns that are pretty much reserved for the the kind of functions many of us seldom, if ever, attend. Perhaps it was Audrey Hepburn's everyday style that influenced these two looks but they are two looks that any one of us could pull off during this holiday season.

No matter what you decide to wear, have a Bonne Fete - Happy Holidays!

Dressing Up During the Holiday Season

Nice for Women and Men

Holiday celebrations have been going on since the end of November in my life and each year it seems that they start earlier and continue longer. I said no to an invitation for a large event this year because it coincided with my return from France. Part of my jet lag condition is lethargy and the first couple of days include going to bed at 8:00 PM and rising at 5:00 AM. This schedule does nothing for holiday reverie! However, if I had had the stamina to attend, I would have chosen my little black dress. Besides the holiday season and New Year's, there will be other opportunities to get dressed up since the season extends into February and March with gala fundraisers, at least here in Canada.

Photo Source: Wendy's LookBook

Of course, you probably can predict what I am about to write - for women, the LBD is the best alternative for holiday dressing. The jewellery or scarves you choose will determine whether it is a casual or more formal look. Formal indicates to me long gowns and a bit more elegance than the LBD can provide but for now . . .

Casual LBD: Complement your LBD with a pair of oversize hoop earrings or an asymmetrical choice with an armful of bangles and cuffs.

The Not-Quite-Formal LBD: Just add bling. Choose a statement piece - earrings, necklace or bracelets, and then keep anything else you choose to add to the feature piece toned down. Nice is just one of the above. Say No Thanks to an overwhelming combination of blinged-out chandelier earrings, a statement necklace and an armload of bangles and bracelets. 

For men, the suit can be the answer to all your holiday needs in the same way the LBD is for women. You can make it casual or more formal as well.

Casual Suit: Wear a dark suit with a t-shirt so that you take the jacket off if for some reason you feel overdressed or wear the jacket with a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt to show that you took a little effort to get dressed.

Photo Source: Bonobos

Formal Suit: Many men wear dark business suits with a shirt and tie to formal functions; however there is the tuxedo as a truly formal alternative. Not many consider buying a tuxedo but now an American company has made that choice contemporary and real for a new generation. I've written about Bonobos before. Launched as an e-commerce business selling better fitting pants in 2007, it now is selling a full range of suits, including tuxedos, at Nordstrom's and in other select storefronts in the United States. Visit Bonobos here. This is not your father's suit or tuxedo. Even if you cannot order from them because of your location, it's a good site to visit to see contemporary North American styles in suits.


The question of being under- or over-dressed is a question for another post . . .

Buy Nothing Saturdays During December

For those who might accuse me of being a "Scrooge" during the holiday season because of my Buy Nothing Saturdays proposal, in fact, I think I will be better prepared for the holiday season with Saturdays off from shopping.

December 6, 2014 was my first Buy Nothing Saturday in the month of December. What did I do, what was or was not accomplished and will I be able to maintain this through the month?

What did I do?

1. I had a long and leisurely breakfast. After all I had nowhere that I had to go or anyplace that I had to be.

2. I had gone grocery shopping on Friday and planned to make chicken soup from scratch. After breakfast I prepped the chicken and ingredients for the broth and let time and a slow simmer do its magic. By noon I had a delicious chicken vegetable soup that was not only healthy but also low fat.

3. I read.

4. I watched tv.

5. I read.

What was not accomplished?

I wanted to organize my winter closet. My plan was to take out items that needed mending, cleaning and put them in respective bins. I also wanted to pull out all clothing that might qualify for "holiday" dressing.

What were the consequences?

I revelled in the luxury of not having to be anywhere at any particular time. Surprisingly, I did not feel any pressure or sense of remorse that I did not get to "save" any money on the "only today" sales. With a more relaxed day, I now feel more organized for any holiday buying I need to do during the next couple of weeks.