Isn’t this the perfect outfit for Christmas? Not just Christmas, this look works for any fancy occasion. Whether it’s a dinner date or drinks at a cocktail bar there’s no doubt this sparkly autumnal ensemble will dazzle. But hang on a sec there are more options here than first meets the eye…
HOW TO DIAL IT DOWN
When I spend a lot of money on an amazing piece of clothing the last thing I want to do is save it for best! Think about how to get more wear out of your investment pieces so they pay you back sooner. Take this sensational sparkly cardi from Belgian designer Nathalie Vleeschouwer for example. It looks amazing with her spectacular Jacquard skirt yet isn’t it a shame to only wear it dressed up?
In order to get more wear out of the cardi I deliberately chose size M. This way I can also wear it loose with jeans or open, layered-up with pants. Doing a mental inventory before I make my purchase allows me to calculate how much of my wardrobe will work with the new addition. It’s very rare that I buy a stand alone outfit these days in fact I don’t think I’ve bought anything that doesn’t work with at least a quarter of my existing wardrobe. To me that would be a complete waste of money. For more ideas on what wardrobe staples to invest in you can read this post.
IF YOU LOVE IT, WEAR IT!
Life’s short wear the sparkly cardi or whatever… I’m loathe to leave my favourite clothes hanging sadly in my closet. These are my friends, I adore them! Nope I don’t see the point of saving my pennies for a special piece only to feel the joy of wearing it every now & then. If you love it, wearing it will make you feel good & remember, you can never be over dressed. Just as I felt fabulous walking the streets of Dubrovnik in my Rixo dress last week (see here). Sure almost everyone else was in jeans & trainers but I didn’t care, I felt fabulous! And that’s really all there is to it.
So basically all I did in this case is switch the skirt for my diy cropped jeans (also worn here). Instantly I am transformed from glam to casual without skipping a beat. I even kept the same bag, because well…it’s adorable so why not? A convertible cross-body bag is definitely THE wardrobe staple of handbags & this one from Bell & Fox is incredibly pretty. Even the little bell charm makes a delightful tinkly sound as I walk!
My pom-pom scarf is super old & no longer available from AllSaints but I found this similar one from POM Amsterdam which is divine. My espadrilles are from Castaner. You can find a vintage Chanel necklace like mine at Vintage Heirloom & my belt is from Oxfam charity shop.
SHOP MY OUTFIT AT THE-BIAS-CUT
This stunning skirt & cardigan by Nathalie Vleeschouwer & the beautiful Bell & Fox bag are available from online boutique The-Bias-Cut. Browsing through this website you’ll notice a unique collection of carefully curated wardrobe staples. Superior quality designer led pieces ranging from clothes & shoes to bags & accessories including exquisite hand-made jewellery. I’m so impressed by the high standard on offer, although it’s not even October yet, I’m already clocking Christmas gifts to buy. Yikes! How many times have I mentioned the C word now? Sowee…
Bye for now loves xx
*THIS POST IS SPONSORED BUT AS ALWAYS MY OPINIONS ARE HONEST.
Comments ( 22 )
No Fear of Fashion
I know Nathalie Vleeschouwer. Very cool brand. Your outfit is wonderful. I wouldn’t dream of wearing it only for special occasions. I still remember Sunday clothes. What a waist. I am totally with you on this subject.
The bag is very cute. I love round bags. Haven’t found a good one yet.
Did buy a lot of luxury items today thinking “will I get enough wear out of these items?” Trouble is, you usually find that out afterwards! At least I do. We will see. For the next half year I am refilling my saving account. Again.
Greetje
MT
Ah yes of course you know Nathalie Vleeschouwer! Stunning fabrics she works with too right? I’m also falling a bit in love with circle bags Greetje, what’s that about? 😉
xx
No Fear of Fashion
I suppose we just want a change from rectangle. I fell in love with all the bright clutches you lot had at the UK Blog Award. Just didn’t want to spend too much money on it (little wear I imagine) but I didn’t want a cheap one either. I think I found one. Well… I’d better, as I bought it. Rectangle envelop clutch with leather and suede in bright yellow. Won’t put yours in the shadow (Dutch expression) but looks cute though.
MT
That’s a really good buy Greetje, if mine is anything to go by. I use it A LOT.
Michelle
I’m with you Michelle! I used to keep things for best only to find that, when I eventually reached for them, they didn’t suit me any more, or I’d put on weight and couldn’t wear them. I wear what I want when I want and squeeze as much from each pieces as possible.
Great post once again my friend.
Michelle xx
MT
So glad to hear that Michelle, it is a waste otherwise right? xxx
Catherine
Michelle. That IS a beautiful ensemble for Christmas. And in my crazed mind, I would wear that outfit to run errands or to go to the movies or date night with Monsieur Bonaparte. Unfortunately, everyone in my family gets dressed on Christmas in Holiday sparkles and lovely clothing except ME!! That is because I am in the kitchen running around like the control freak that I am, cooking, prepping, cleaning and naturally, I am a martyr so I have to do it all by myself!
I’m usually in an old frock to make it “LOOK” like I’m decked out with my natural hair up in a messy bun because my synthetic wigs would melt from the kitchen heat. And I’m barefoot.
But those shoes. AND THAT BELT!!! THAT BELT!!!
I’ve just decided this very moment that I’m printing a photo of you in that outfit, I shall laminate it. Pumch two holes in the top and wear it around my neck on Christmas day and tell the family that this is the outfit they should just picture me in!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Catherine Lartigue
My avatar is missing!
MT
Oh really? Not my end. I’ll check it out…
MT
Heehee I love that image, it’s just how I picture you gorgeous woman! How about I come to your house for Christmas this year? Oh wait what about the kids & Hubs? Can we all come? Sounds like a lot of fun in your crazy household Catherine xx
Rozanne Swift
That is a really rather fabulous cardigan, and I love that you matched the backdrop with the hues of the skirt! I especially like the cardigan with the jeans, I am a bit obsessed with casual/glam mixes…. Great point about wearing your best clothes all the time. I am a home-working home bird with no need for dressy clothes at all but that is why I love luxurious fabrics and perfectly cut jeans instead. We all owe it to ourselves to (try to) feel fabulous every day…
MT
Well that’s exactly right Rozanne, even at home. For me it’s the same most of the time. I wear my lovely cashmere knits & feel terribly luxe & special sitting in fron of the computer working with Blue at my feet xx
jamie
You are a girl after my own heart! I always wear my bling or more holiday/evening items throughout the year. I love to “step up” and outfit and be different from everyone else!
MT
And you do it so exceptionally well Jamie xx
Samantha
Today I’m wearing an Acne navy shirt dress, and denim Aquazzura Chrissy flats, with my Philosophy by LS bag, and Julia de Ville earrings. I’m taking the kids to the pool…. wear it now, or it never gets worn!!!
MT
My mind is blown! This image of you is exactly how I always see you Sammy, exactly. Understated glamour. Just beautifully chic xx
Rhiannon Duffin
I love how you’ve styled these looks – gorgeous!
MT
Thanks honey x
sequinist
Well you don’t gotta tell me to sparkle every day! I think it is a must. Any day could be our last, and I don’t want to have some gorgeous clothes hanging in my closet, unworn, should that happen. You look amazing here, Michelle, and I of course love and fully support your take on wardrobe decisions. You’re really a girl after my own heart… I love that you practice what you preach SO BLOODY STYLISHLY! xx
MT
Thank you darling xxx
ABby@Midlifecrisisnut
I couldn’t agree with you more Michelle! I never save my best pieces for whenever. I guess I’ve been a bit traumatized with that “Sunday only clothes” approach when I was young. Looking particularly stylish & fresh there yourself! xx Abby
MT
Yes but you are such a glamour Abby…By the way did you get my comment on your last post? xxx