As promised, Holiday Sparkly Outfits just for you. I began by thinking I’d jam all into one post, but then realized I could spin out the fun — this is the first of at least Three Sparkly Festive Posts. Every one is designed to suit a Casual Party or Casual Glamour or whatever label applies to something you can wear when they decorate the Faculty Lounge with fairy lights and tinsel banners and hors d’oeuvres are served from 4:00 onward. Or when you’re heading from one late-afternoon open house to another. Or having a few friends over for drinks to toast the season at the end of a week. Or . . . well, you know. . . All these garments can do double duty long after the season is over, depending how they’re styled and accessorized. Which is more than you can say for that bronze metallic sheath or the red chiffon fit-and-flare, scoop-neck dress, gorgeous though those may be. . .
Can you imagine how quickly I pounced, a couple of weeks ago, when I spotted this sequined cashmere hook-and-eye cardigan in my favourite local consignment store? Oh, it was quick! Straight to the changeroom with this Barney’s New York gem. . . .
At seventy-five dollars, this wasn’t a cheap consignment purchase, but my research suggests that new, this would have been at least $350. And it’s in very good, even mint, condition.
The closure at the front is very neat, tiny hooks and eyes that fasten securely every two inches with perhaps 1/16 inch peek-a-boo. I’ll be wearing it closed, as a pullover, perhaps with a cami underneath, perhaps daring only a bra. . .
It looks great over dark denim jeans with black Repettos OR with a black patent heel, such as these FranceMode I just bought as my holiday festive shoe.
And I love it with these silk brocade pants that I snagged on sale at J. Crew 5 or 6 weeks ago. I was a bit afraid of the pattern at first, but its allover geometric reads as muted. The pants are Cafe Capris, a very wearable style.
In fact, I think I’ll probably wear this simple combo to the opera Saturday night, although I’m still deliberating about the black patent heel which might be one texture too much. . . .It did seem to work when I tried them all on this morning (no pics, sorry), but we’ll see. . .
Next post, I plan to show you what a different look I get from the pants when I pair them with a navy merino sweater and a chunky necklace, a modulation of the festive, quite credible for daytime wear.
Sequins? Cashmere? Party pants? Shiny patent? New or Thrifted? Vintage or Latest Trend? What sparkles your wardrobe this tinselly time of year?
Lovely sweater that will never date…cashmere too what a bonus!
Worth the $75 when you factor in the CPW.
Exactly! Although the nice thing with a find like this is that even if I don't find too many occasions for pink and sequins, the CPW is already low because I shares it with the previous owner. Bonus!
Lovely sweater that will never date…cashmere too what a bonus!
Worth the $75 when you factor in the CPW.
The sweater and pants are perfect together. You must have a very special consignment store nearby!
I've (blush) bought yet another Papillon dress – knee-skimming knit, cosy grey, scoop neck with a pattern of owls near the hem. I'll wear it with tights and chunky red shoes. WW through the summer and fall means that none of last year's sparkly bits and pieces fit so I'm having some fun finding replacements.
She does have a good eye at our little consignment shop, Indigo, but I think the secret is to pop in regularly. I love the sound of that grey knit dress and doubt I could have resisted the owls. Isn't weight loss a great reason for shopping?
We don't seem to do bling much in Suffolk, although I love an opportunity to pull an outfit together. I am just wondering what to wear for a draughty village hall and sea shanties tonight… Love your outfit.
The bling doesn't really play on my little island, either. But luckily, I do get some city time to splash out a bit. I love imagining you giving full voice to those shanties, draughty hall and all!
How elegant and charming! I decided to buy the fur-collared sweater I found for a friend. If she buys one too, she is interested in a different colour and besides, fine with me! Agree with hostess, your sparkly sweater was a good buy. Consignment is not like a thrift.
Thanks, K, I thought so too. Just the right amount of retro… I'm glad to hear about your sweater which sounds perfectly festive for a wintry city like yours. My sister and I have copied each other's purchases on a number of items, and it's never been a problem, although we usually check first. …
What a fantastic find!! I'll bet the quality of the cashmere is quite good too. I've been eyeing those J.Crew pants too. May have to pounce during one of the holiday sales.
It does seem to be a good cashmere. Not overly soft so seems to promise some longevity. I think you'd suit the pants, for sure.
Holy cow! I can only imagine you would have smacked any interlopers – with good reason!
I wasn't quite growling, but could have, would have…
Go sparkles!
No doubt!
You are inspiring me to get out there and find something soft and sparkly for myself to wear this holiday season. Gorgeous find that pairs well with those pants.
I think it's fun to have something in the closet that lends a festive note. And I think once you have it, you'll be surprised how much wear you can get from the right separate…I don't mind bringing some of them out year after year.
What a great find! I like the shoes, too. Feel like I spend the entire season in my choir robe, sigh, which is at least a glorious shade of crimson. Not planning to buy anything new this year, but did think I'd get out a beautiful heavy silk emerald-green blouse I haven't worn for a few years. It has an attached scarf sort of thing that ties around the neck, and is the best imaginable color.
If you're lucky enough to be singing in a choir, you scarcely need sparkly clothes to help you feel festive. And I think that glorious colour is just as uplifting, especially in that heavy silk, so lustrous. Enjoy!
That sweater will give you many festive wearings. With your shoes and party pants, you will be well-turnedout for the opera. I love to see all the different outfits that people wear to the opera.
I know! Isn't it fun? The lobby at intermission, people-watching…