Festive season - What to wear and a new outfit for Milo!

December seems to have arrived from nowhere this year, but a sudden drop in temperature and Christmas decorations everywhere mean that it's time to give thought to the wardrobe for the holiday season.

Instead of buying a head-to-toe new outfit every year, I accessorize my regular wardrobe to bring it into the festive season, or add the occasional new piece which then doubles as evening wear for the rest of the year. Hope you enjoy the three parts: daytime outfits, evening looks and Milo's cosy winter outfit!

DAYTIME

For a daytime gathering with friends or a pre Christmas restaurant lunch with family, cosy sweaters and simple pants are easy to wear and have a relaxed chic. Sparkling accessories give the outfit an extra festive touch. 

here's the sweater as part of a regular daytime look:

If there is a little bit more of an occasion, I change the basic pants for a dressier pair. Teaming them with a sweater or shirt keeps the look perfect for daytime! Accessories: Hermes Kelly Pochette and clic H bracelet in black. 

Changing the plain sweater for a sparkling silver one (an H& M find from a few years back) and combining it casually with black jeans and a cropped jacket. Accessories: Hermes clic-H bracelet in black.

Autumn's last golden leaves..

I hardly ever wear suits these days, but when I did, there was often no time to change before going out after work. A dressy pair of shoes and a couple of accessories add instant sparkle to an office look. 

EVENING

I buy perhaps one top or dress for the holiday season, but usually don't spend much on it.. after all, the use is limited and one doesn't want to wear the same thing over and over again on special occasions. I often find pretty items in places like Zara, Gerard Darel or Cos etc. In combination with classic and beautiful basic wardrobe pieces and great shoes and accessories, they work really well. This time of year the shops are full of party and evening wear, so it's the perfect time to find a new piece which can then double as evening wear for the rest of the year.

This top with lovely ruffled sleeve detail was a lucky find at the Gerard Darel end of season sale last year. The tunic style can easily be dressed down or up, which makes it a perfect year round top. (on summer evenings I wore it with white jeans and black sandals). Here with a sparkling crystal necklace. 

I've had this skirt for almost twenty years and it is one of the very few items in my wardrobe that I hardly ever wear outside the holiday season. It's fun to style and accessorize, and over the years I've worn it with sleeveless tops, fitted cashmere sweaters, cropped cardigans, fur collars, pearls, stoles. Here with a black shirt and belt, a studded clutch (a Zara find) and sparkling earrings.

Black wardrobe pieces are always a safe and easy canvas for evening looks. To add sparkle and elegance here an Hermes black Kelly Pochette and Kelly Dog bracelet, and a sparkling statement necklace.

The same skirt as before, only this time with a sleeveless top from above and a pearl statement necklace.

The main square in Nancy makes you think you've stepped into a fairy tale!


 

DARLING MILO

But what would dressing up for the festive season be without thinking of little Milo! His fur is so sleek and short that it needs protection, and what lucky timing it is that Lord Lou, the maker of his fabulous dog bed (click here to view the post), now offers the most beautiful, soft and gorgeous cashmere sweater to keep little four-legged friends warm in style.

Brunello cashmere sweater (click here)

It was meant as a Christmas gift, but when I put it on him to try the size (size 10 is perfect!) he gave me this look... "Mum.. I want to wear it now"

Of course he was right...





"...Nothing under the tree then?"



Don't you worry,  my little one.

I won't be back until after Christmas, wishing everyone a sparkling, joyous and wonderful holiday season and a very merry Christmas!

🌲🌲🌲🌲