The Fashionista Lab

Haute Holidays

The holidays are upon us and it’s definitely one of the most exciting times of the year. For two reasons. 1: Christmas music. 2: My company holiday party – which is ALWAYS awesome. I look forward to our holiday parties as an opportunity to be creative AND fancy, which I never get to do in my regular life.

Last year I specifically wanted a one-shoulder dress, and found it at Ambiance in San Francisco. I also bought my earrings there, but the bracelet and ring (not pictured) at Banana Republic.

This year I’m going with a strapless dress; I even joined a gym so that my upper body would look fabulous (or at least relatively more fabulous). Oh yeah, I’ve been pumping iron! I also specifically want to wear a cuff on one of my arms; possibly a ring, small earrings and *maybe* a necklace, depending. I also have a very specific idea for my hair, but it’s a secret.

I only have one more weekend to put together an outfit for this year’s party. I thought about getting a custom dress made by Alyssa Nicole, but I decided that I wanted to keep my dress under $100 (although her custom prices are very reasonable). I don’t remember how much last year’s dress cost, but I think it was in the $50 range. The thing about a holiday dress is that it won’t get much wear, so there’s no point in spending the big bucks. I’d rather spend more money on accessories that can transform outfits on multiple occasions. So I think this year I’m going to Rent the Runway. Here are the top dresses that are in the running, and the style of cuff I’d love to wear (all items from Rent the Runway)

Tracy Reese Origami Bubble Dress / Kara Ross “X” Cuff

Ali Ro Ruched Beaded Dress / Badgley Mischka Big Bow Bracelet

Badgley Mischka Beaded Berry Dress / Anton Heunis Antique Accent Cuff

Robert Rodriguez Black Label Pretty Package Dress / Badgley Mischka Art Deco Bling Cuff

Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Metallic Leather Vixen Dress / Isharya Shattered Glass Bracelet

I not actually interested in renting accessories, so here are some cuffs that I could buy.


Clockwise from top: Kate Spade, Lee Angel, Alkemie.

Which dress do you think looks the best? What do you think of the cuff pairings? I haven’t even begun to think about shoes… For more dress ideas, check out my Pinterest holiday dress pin board.

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6 responses to “Haute Holidays”

  1. Pamela Meadows Avatar
    Pamela Meadows

    Oh, how I love your style!!!! First, I love all of the dresses, so there is no way you can go wrong. My break-down: the Tracy Reese Origami Bubble Dress is darling, it is one of those “it looks like you” styles. However, if you wore something similar to it previously, you may want to switch it up–from the pic, you are wearing a red-hued dress, so you might want to go in a different direction. The Ali Ro Ruched Beaded Dress–HOT! Definitely the curviest out of the bunch, and there is an edgy sultriness about it that bold, esp. with the detailing. It makes a statement (feels very rock-and-roll/rock star), and if you are loving your bod with newly defined muscles, this is a winner. Yet I think I have to make this my runner-up choice…

    The Badgley Mischka Beaded Berry Dress—sweet, lovely drapes, and purple. Says elegance, and the color choice is the stand-out element. The Robert Rodriguez Black Label Pretty Package Dress — a classic style with a twist–LOVE the lace detailing. My one and only argument is that it is black. I love black, black is beautiful, but if you want to stand out against the crowd, why not do so brilliantly with color?

    The Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Metallic Leather Vixen Dress / Isharya Shattered Glass Bracelet–YES. It is different, “metallic is in” this season (so they say–style is timeless, it is how you work it!), and leather? Love the contrast of hard/soft design. The uniqueness captured my attention, and with the paired bracelet, it adds even more dimension to the paradoxical edgy-elegant style. Me-likey! So I have to say this is my #1 choice. I would maybe add the Kate Spade emerald cuff to add intrigue to the ensemble.

    There you have it! Like I said before, you can’t go wrong no matter what, but this is my take. Let me know what you choose!!!

    Reply
  2. adelle387 Avatar
    adelle387

    Thanks Pam! I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on that gold dress. The reviews on the website says that the dress runs small, and the next size up isn’t available when I want it. Not sure if I’ll take the gamble on the smaller size… the plot thickens!

    Reply
  3. Elisabeth Avatar
    Elisabeth

    i think i’m going to the same holiday party 🙂 i’ll look out for you!

    i love them all. you totally can’t go wrong. if the gold isn’t available I might pick the purple or red because so many girls will be in black dresses. but the ones you picked are so unique. yeah, you can’t go wrong. good luck!

    Reply
  4. goldenmeans Avatar
    goldenmeans

    Holiday dress planning is so fun, I love the excuse to dress up (though of course our dress code is so disheartening this year, but I love that you are ignoring it too!). My favorite of the Rent the Runway options is the Badgley Mischka — I think that shade of purple would look amazing with your skintone! And like Elisabeth, I think it would stand out in a sea of black.

    I think it’s awesome that you’ve been hitting the gym and toning your arms in advance in prep for wearing a strapless dress to the party — that’s dedication! I wish I had even remembered the holiday party existed during Thanksgiving Break so I did not eat QUITE so much every night. Now I am scared to try my own dress on, I fear it might not fit 🙂

    Reply
  5. Dana Avatar
    Dana

    New reader… Hi! I looove all the cuffs, but I def am feeling the last dress, the most. The folded detail in the front adds something really different to the dress and it’s leather… HOT. Plus, I think the other ones aren’t as unique, you could probably find someone at the party in a similar style. With the Mark & James by Badgley Mischka dress being metallic maybe you could throw a wildcard option in there with shoes to spice things up even more.

    Reply
  6. adelle387 Avatar
    adelle387

    welcome 🙂 unfortunately the metallic dress ended up not being available, but i’m happy with/excited about the dress I chose.

    Reply

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