Holiday Style, Part 2

As I mentioned last week, I picked out two different outfits for the holiday party season this year. The first one I shared was my ultimate choice for my office Christmas party last week – it was fun and sparkly without being overly formal (and, my boss’ wife complimenting me on how great it looked, so win/win!). Today, I’m sharing my second outfit, which I might’ve worn to a slightly more formal party – it’s a bit more “dressed up” than the plaid/sequin combo, and there are some red soles involved

I also wanted to mention a bit of repurposing I did with this outfit. I bought this dress (or rather, before we had access to H&M in the DFW area, my friend Rebekah purchased for me) to wear to our wedding rehearsal. I liked that it was white-colored without being overly bridal – and I loved the gold streaks throughout the material. It almost has a brocade feel to it, as the material is a little heavier than average. Anyway, it’s sat in the back of my closet for two years with the rest of my “dresses I bought when I was a bride, so now I feel like I can’t wear them again.” And you know what – I think that sucks. Why not wear this dress again? It’s perfect for a party, and with a few dark accessories (sheer tights, a special cape, and a vintage black clutch), I think it’s perfectly fine for the holiday season. Last year, I just had to have a new dress for the office Christmas party. And looking back, I probably had half a dozen semi-fomal dresses I could’ve worn, already paid-for and in my closet. So for all you girls with a few token white dressed in their closet – find a way to wear them again! Whether fancied up for the holiday season, or dressed down for a picnic this summer, I promise you – it’s okay to wear your bridal shower/rehearsal dinner/honeymoon white dress again!

So, without further ado, here’s my second choice:

What I’m wearing: dress, H&M (old, but very similar here); black cape, Prabal Gurung for Target/Neiman Marcus; sunglasses, Old Navy; clutch, vintage (a gift from my Mamaw); shoes, Christian Louboutin; bracelets, Forever21 bow (old, but LOVING this option from Kate Spade), and J.Crew (via eBay, identical here); earrings, Forever 21 (love this cute vintage pair on Etsy!)

I’ve these earrings forever. And while I don’t usually wear earrings (super sensitive ears, everything irritates them!), I always get so many compliments on these sparkly little pineapples!

I made a beeline for Target the day they released their Target Neiman Marcus Collection. I initially purchased this cape, and the Proenza Schouler sweatshirt. Incidentally, we did this shoot the same day, so I decided to wear the cape in a few photos. I instantly had buyer’s remorse – though this cape is pretty (prettier from far away I might add), I didn’t think the quality or workmanship of it necessarily warranted an $80 price tag. I returned it the following week, and decided to keep the $30 sweatshirt. I’m just not fancy enough for Neiman Marcus, even if it is sold at Target

Siiiigh. I loooooooove these shoes. I would wear them every single day if they didn’t absolutely KILL my feet.

Again, these photos were taken by Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. You can check out his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto.