When the invitation said to “Dress in Your Holiday Finest.” I wasn’t sure what to expect when I headed to the Winter Holiday Brunch. Technically, it’s January so my holiday party clothes have made all the rounds and Washington this time of year has been unseasonably warm so much of my winter looks have remained untouched. Still I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game look to this event where I knew everyone would be dressed to impressed.
Sometimes it’s not about wearing what new, now or next, it’s more about artfully blending what you already have to create a fantastic look. For Christmas, I received this incredible bow tie and as soon as I found out it was inspired by Calvin Harris, I was going to wear. The trick was to find the right clothes to go with it.
I paired the tie with the ‘Matsu’ shirt from Hugh and Crye, one of my favorite places for grabbing dress shirts. Starting with shirts, this Washington based retailer has branched out into accessories as well as blazers, all very reasonably priced. Since I didn’t wanted to wear a jacket and a sweater would have been too warm, I opted for a vest. Vests like this blue pinstriped one look great when worn with a simple pair of jeans. To finish my look, marbled tassel loafers. I was prepared!
One of my secrets when I shop is I tend to buy things separately. It’s rare that I set out to buy an outfit. In my head, I have a picture of my closet in my head and I’ll buy things that I think will work well with what I have or I‘d like to match in the future. I like this approach because I feel buying an outfit limits how your clothes are worn. You always wear the same shirt with the same pants. While sometimes that’s okay, I like the possibility of options.
By the way, the brunch was fantastic! Hosted by the lovely Ashley Hafstead, her blog Chicville USA (www.chicvilleusa.com) highlighting her travel, fashion and home is one to watch. Our other host was Nate Everett, whose love of food has inspired him to launch his on blog, Spice and Hutch. Be on the look for it, it’s launching soon!
Shop my look/Details
Bow tie: Knot by Tiffa; Blue black glen plaid dress shirt: Hugh and Crye; Blue pinstriped dress vest: RRL by Ralph Lauren, Jeans – 505 Levis; Marbled tassel loafers: Jimmy Choo
