Can you feel it? The cozy embrace of Christmas is here! It's the feeling of snow on your nose and eyelashes; crisp and cold as it steals your breath away and wakes the child in you. It's the awe and undone feeling in knowing this celebration of Christmas began in a stable and led to a cross and your redemption: the greatest gift ever given, living inside you, all around you - this wondrous love... Jesus. Christmas is the feeling of a warm crackling fire and hot cocoa in your hands, the tickled-pink feeling you get in finding just the right gift for your loved-ones, the joy-over-flowing feeling of being surrounded by family and friends round-table. It's the feeling of... Wait, what's this? This feeling of angst and dread and panic; you've nothing to wear and a bevy of festive holiday soirees to attend! The last thing on a girl's list is shopping for that oh-so-perfect Christmas dress, no worries! Reach back into your closet and pull out that ever faithful LBD (little black dress).
I'm going to give you 3 merry & bright ways to put some sugar and spice and everything nice back into this old-standby! Plus a few holiday product ideas for fun, festive makeup!
I'm going to give you 3 merry & bright ways to put some sugar and spice and everything nice back into this old-standby! Plus a few holiday product ideas for fun, festive makeup!
MERRY & BRIGHT LOOK NO. 1
This first look is for all of you slack-wearing gals out there who want to stay comfy, classic and casual. Step out of your comfort zone, determine to be a little more daring this season, give those dress-pants a break and step into a dress!
This look is all about layering. Throw on a great basic but festive scarf (make sure to add a pop of color either in your scarf or another layer). Pair this with a buttoned up well-fitted cardigan so as to flatter your waistline {or if you need a little slimming effect go with a longer cardigan that conceals your hips and belt the waistline so as give a clinched-in appearance}.
A solid black pair of nylons will extend the leg. Slip on your favorite pair of boots {riding boots are fine for this casual spin on the "Christmas dress" but in this photo I opted for my favorite ankle black booties so as to continue a unified look}.
This look is all about layering. Throw on a great basic but festive scarf (make sure to add a pop of color either in your scarf or another layer). Pair this with a buttoned up well-fitted cardigan so as to flatter your waistline {or if you need a little slimming effect go with a longer cardigan that conceals your hips and belt the waistline so as give a clinched-in appearance}.
A solid black pair of nylons will extend the leg. Slip on your favorite pair of boots {riding boots are fine for this casual spin on the "Christmas dress" but in this photo I opted for my favorite ankle black booties so as to continue a unified look}.
MERRY & BRIGHT LOOK NO. 2
Nothing says "simple elegance" like a few fabulous accessories! This look is a perfect no-fuss solution to amping-up your LBD. A little sparkle goes a long way. Add a focal piece around your neck with a statement necklace. You can also carry that theme down to your wrist with some fun layered bracelets or to your hand with a colorful party ring {choose one or the other, less is more}. You can also go with a subtle same-toned-printed in the nylons so as to add texture to the outfit. Your shoes can shine in this look! Use them to add a pop of color, sparkle and/or pizzazz!
MERRY & BRIGHT LOOK NO. 3
This last look has a fun feminine feel. Ever so easy to pull off for any woman. Be as bold or subtle as you desire!
I paired a printed blazer {black & white prints are really in this season as well as anything metallic} with a few strands of sparkle around the neck and a fabulous pair of printed stilettos. Anything goes!
I paired a printed blazer {black & white prints are really in this season as well as anything metallic} with a few strands of sparkle around the neck and a fabulous pair of printed stilettos. Anything goes!
Want to add a little festive fun to your everyday makeup look? Whether you wear a full "face" or just mascara here are a few product ideas I'm loving this holiday season!
Go gold. Replace your neutral eye shadow for a shimmery gold. Couple that with a charcoal liner ( I like NYX in "gun metal") on the outside triangle of the eye lightly blended with a Q-tip and voila!
A bright red or plum lip is perfect for Christmas! My husband bought me "Lip Tar" in "NSFW" as a gift and if you want a last-forever color try this product.
Also try Chanel gloss #60 and Burt's Bees lip shimmer in "Plum".
Always remember to only play-up one main feature on the face for a polished over-all look. If you put on a bright red lip then keep your eye makeup more neutral. If you use darker tones on the eye go with a light glossed look for the lip.
Go gold. Replace your neutral eye shadow for a shimmery gold. Couple that with a charcoal liner ( I like NYX in "gun metal") on the outside triangle of the eye lightly blended with a Q-tip and voila!
A bright red or plum lip is perfect for Christmas! My husband bought me "Lip Tar" in "NSFW" as a gift and if you want a last-forever color try this product.
Also try Chanel gloss #60 and Burt's Bees lip shimmer in "Plum".
Always remember to only play-up one main feature on the face for a polished over-all look. If you put on a bright red lip then keep your eye makeup more neutral. If you use darker tones on the eye go with a light glossed look for the lip.
Regardless of what you wear for the holidays, whether you love your body, are working hard to get and maintain it or are learning to simply accept your shape, whatever your life's season or age know this; you are BEAUTIFUL!
What you wear and how you present yourself often can impact how you feel about yourself. Cultivate the beauty around you, inside of you and on the outside too. If that means painting on red lips and nails then do it! Maybe for other women that means getting a bit more shut-eye, taking a long aromatic bubble bath, wearing heels instead of flats, or a dab or perfume on the collarbone.
Whatever it is, take care of YOU this Christmas season, believe me, those nearest and dearest will thank you!
Cheers to a memorable, merry & bright Christmas!
What you wear and how you present yourself often can impact how you feel about yourself. Cultivate the beauty around you, inside of you and on the outside too. If that means painting on red lips and nails then do it! Maybe for other women that means getting a bit more shut-eye, taking a long aromatic bubble bath, wearing heels instead of flats, or a dab or perfume on the collarbone.
Whatever it is, take care of YOU this Christmas season, believe me, those nearest and dearest will thank you!
Cheers to a memorable, merry & bright Christmas!
