satin accessHoliday Glamour on a Time- Poor-Shoe-String Budget

by Kate Leser, A Distinctive Image

 

First of all, you will need to get a sense for how dressy (or not!) is the event.  Office parties call for different levels of “appropriateness” than a gathering at a good friend’s house.  Read the invitation carefully for any hints as to “black-tie” or “cocktail attire,” etc.  If you’re still not certain, call the host/ hostess or ask your HR department, if it’s a work affair.    There’s nothing worse than showing up overdressed or underdressed.  

Because our budgets are a little tight this year and we just can’t seem to find the time to hit the stores, the best place to shop is right in your closet.  I bet you can find some hidden treasures like:

Create a WOW look with last year’s pieces!  Or if you don’t have to purchase a dress, spend a little money on some new and different accessories.  This is how you can add shimmer and shine beyond your daily dressing. 

Here are some simple ways to create your holiday look using last year’s basics:

  1. A simple, solid-colored dress is the easiest to transform its look with just the right accessories.

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                         Sheath

  1. Belting is a hot trend right now.  Add a belt to your basic dress or to a skirt and sweater combo.

Add a metallic, shiny or a bright colored belt.  Skinny and wide belts are both in style so choose which is best suited to your personality.  Are you more Audrey Hepburn, classic and sophisticated?  Choose a skinny belt.  Do you like drama?  Add a wide belt with some serious hardware.  This can be done at your waistline or higher to create the empire look.  Choose whichever looks best on your figure. 

 

  1. A solid-colored suit can be holiday ready by adding some much needed embellishment. 

Create evening glamour by adding a satin or silky blouse that is usually a bit too much for the silk top instyleoffice, or wear a vibrant-colored blouse that makes the suit come alive.  For sexy sophistication, pair your cocktail top which is normally not office appropriate, with your suit.  As you mingle with the crowd, getting more comfortable in your surroundings, it would be OK to take off the jacket to reveal some sexy shoulder action.

 

 

  1. Swap out your typical evening purse for glam-girl metallic or beading.  bejeweled bags

If you know that you look better in warm colors, you may want to go with bronze or gold.  Silver is better for those who look good in cool colors.  Note to self:  purse and shoes DO NOT have to match!  Actually, to create a more updated look with last year’s accessories, don’t match your bag with your shoes. Pair a beaded purse full of color with metallic shoes to showcase your holiday spirit in a classy way.

 

No time to shop?  Have an accessory and evening bag swap with your friends!  Why not try that bold bracelet you’ve always admired on your friend’s wrist?  This is a great way to have something new without spending a dime. 

 

  1. Accessories with a little bling can go a long way like a large over-the-top cocktail ring or try Neimanring.jpgearrings larger in size than you normally wear.  With these accessories tucked neatly in your purse, you can go from the office to the office party.  It’s that easy!

This bangle set from Kohls is only $13.40.  Buy two or three setsbecause a wrist Kohlsbangles.jpgdraped in metal or color addsinexpensivesophistication and the wow factor to a basic outfit.

 

 

  1. Saks shoesKick up your heels with some exotic, wild, never-would-I-wear-them-to-the-office shoes!  Show your holiday spirit by ditching your typical black evening shoes for some fun, sexy ones to pair with your office suit or basic dress.  Voila!  Instant glam.

 

OK ... so now you’ve got some ideas on how to punch up last year’s basic looks with some updated glitz, but what about your holiday makeup?  Wearing your every day office face or no makeup at all can really defeat all that you’ve worked so hard for. 

Choose either bright or dark lips or sultry, smoky eyes to create an elegant, dazzling look.  Here are two options:

Smoky Eye Sizzleeyeshadows

  1. Apply a medium color eye shadow on the lid, adding a darker color in the crease only.Blend well. Add dark eyeliner on both top and bottom lashes and smudge for a softer look. Apply two coats of mascara, allowing drying time between applications.  For a little shimmer, highlight the brow bone with a light but not stark white color.

  2. Dab blush to cheeks.

  3. Use powder to set your makeup.

  4. Apply a light lip liner and lipstick. Gloss can be added to center of both lips for dimension.

Luxe Lipslipsticks

1. Apply eye shadow in a neutral shade.  Adding liner in a more subdued color like brown or gray will not detract from the lips. Add one coat of mascara.

2. Apply a very light blush on cheeks.

3. Line lips and fill in with your favorite red, bright or deep color lipstick.  The trick is knowing which red is best for you, keeping in mind your need for warm or cool makeup shades.

4. Set your makeup with a light powder.

TIP:  Use a primer (Elastishield #122, $22) under your makeup to create a flawless look.  Most importantly, a primer will give your makeup lasting power. 

 

Don’t overdo the amount and color of makeup!  The colors should still enhance, not overwhelm, your skin tone, hair and eyes while adding drama.  Shake things up a bit by introducing some new colors to your eyes or a brighter or deeper lipstick.  Looking good doesn’t have to be expensive!


If you are struggling with not enough time or with trying something new, contact Kate Leser for a professional guidance on achieving your best holiday look. 

 

Kate Leser is a well known, respected image consultant with more than 20 years experience in the fashion and image industry.  She has helped numerous sales professionals, executives and TV personalities create their distinctive image.   She can be reached at 919.624.2294 or by email at kate@adistinctiveimage.com.  Check out her website for more information at www.adistinctiveimage.com.