The stores are stocked with all things sequins, the halls are decked with boughs of holly, and party invites are landing on your doorstep nonstop! Can it really be?! Is it that time of the year again when I give you a little festive wardrobe inspiration?! Why yes, it must be Sabrina’s Soiree Sartorial Wish List – Sassy’s Guide to Holiday Party Dressing 2013!
With that in mind, I’ve put together some outfit ideas for you to ponder over when planning your next party ensemble! Who knows, there may even be some things in here to add to your own holiday shopping list. So let’s take a look at all that’s merry and bright for this joyous season ahead!
EMERALD CITY
Clockwise, from top left: H&M dinner jacket, KENZO eye-print blouse, Lanvin Word pendant, Ted Baker Jamun clutch, Zara sandals, Balmain bottle-green pants, Bobbi Brown Eye Palette (see stores in Hong Kong here), Robert Piguet eau de parfum (available at Lane Crawford), Michael Kors watch
If you saw my post on the top ten trends to try this fall, then you’ll know that emerald is a huge trend for this season – and all eyes will be on you when you pair this funky eye-print Kenzo top with these super luxe Balmain trousers! You know I can’t have high-end without an equal dash of high street, so we top it off with this H&M dinner jacket to keep the chill at bay. These Zara green satin shoes will look great peeking out beneath the flared hem – just make sure you have a perfect pedi to match!
As for accessories, Lanvin showed us how to layer message necklaces on the FW13 runway; keep an eye out for knock-offs of these wordy pieces at all your fave accessories stores and market stalls around town. Meanwhile, stash your invites in this Ted Baker clutch for a nice pop of plum and make sure you stay on schedule party hopping with this Michael Kors watch (check out all MK locations in Hong Kong here). To perfect the package, spritz on this rose scented Robert Piguet fragrance – you’ll be sure to lure them in under the mistletoe!
MERRY METALLICS
Clockwise, from top left: Diane Von Furstenberg Kazara jacket, LNA t-shirt, Zara chain necklace, Juicy Couture Rhinestone Drama necklace, Lulu Frost Cosmos necklace, Forever 21 eye kit, Valentino slingback pumps, TOPSHOP Kate Bosworth leather skirt, Zara bag, Target champagne flutes
This outfit offers a bit more edge for your holiday shindig – perfect for rocking around the Christmas tree! We pair a basic tee (this one’s from LNA but you can score similarly perfect tees in HK at American Apparel or American Vintage) with this super shiny asymmetrical skirt from the Kate Bosworth TOPSHOP Collection… after all, metallics are everywhere for fall (see proof here). Next, add a little colour with this cobalt blue DVF moto jacket, which will carry you through till spring and amp up many more outfits to come!
Layer loads of chunky chains like these from Zara, Juicy Couture and Lulu Frost (check out the Alice + Olivia store in ifc for more Lulu creations) – the more the merrier! Keep the rock vibe alive down to your tootsies by donning a leopard studded Valentino heel – I have been lusting after these in every shade available and may just have to ask Santa for this pair! This white snakeskin Zara messenger bag will keep your hands free so you can toast in the festive fun with a sleek black champagne glass; these ones are from Target but go check out the new Zara Home store in Harbour City for some similar options (we spotted some gold-rimmed beauts too). Cheers!
GLAM GOLDS
Clockwise, from top left: Karen Millen earrings, L’Wren Scott dress, Dolce & Gabanna nail lacquers (available at Harvey Nichols), Dara Ettinger Chelsea ring, Diane Von Furstenberg Rae mesh sandals, Jo Malone candle (see stores in Hong Kong here), H&M clutch
Have a party where you need to go grand slam glam? Well, I’ve got you covered in this L’Wren Scott dress, which is conservative meets cutting edge. And just look at these DVF mesh ankle cuff numbers – these puppies are just begging to hit the dance-floor! As for the ornaments, go matchy-matchy with this H&M clutch and Karen Millen earrings. Natural stone jewellery is something you can never go wrong with either, so give this Dara Ettinger ring a try or better yet, shop local and pick up a Bejewelled Bespoke piece designed by our very own That Girl Tricia Yap (available at either Polkadot Boutique or Glamourpods).
When wearing such stunning rocks, it’s important to have your hands show them off at their best – after all, people will be commenting on those sparklers all night long! Make your mani shine with one of these Dolce & Gabbana nail lacquers, from their brand new make-up line that’s now available at Harvey Nichols. If you need a gift for the hostess, then bring along this gorgeous limited edition Jo Malone Blue Spruce candle – now that’s certain to win you a few great guest brownie points!
RUDOLPH REDS
Clockwise, from top left: Stella McCartney Cape, BCBG Helena Jumpsuit, Chanel necklace, MAC lipstick (see stores in HK here), Christian Louboutin Mina clutch, Zara ankle boots, Kate Spade New York 17-month agenda (see all locations in HK here), H&M rings
Last but not least, I bring you a look destined to make you shine brighter than Rudolph’s ruby nose – and BCBG shows us that head-to-toe crimson can leave you looking chic without bearing an uncanny resemblance to the jolly fat man! I am obsessed with capes and am so happy to see that they have stuck around for another season; this Stella McCartney black embroidered one is a pure work of art (check out her new shop in Harbour City for more drool-worthy creations)! Ground the look with a red Zara pointed pump; if you want a something that’s a little bit more you, then head over to Polkadot before the end of November and customise your own pair of Upper Street shoes (check out the ones I made here – there’s that emerald again!).
Reminiscent of a beaded garland, wrap yourself up in this tassel necklace; while this vintage Chanel number may be a bit out of the budget, you can find similar options at jewellery boutique Caty (they now has a whopping four branches in Hong Kong, yippee!). Meanwhile, the Louboutin spiked clutch and H&M rings take this look to another level! Let MAC paint your pout crimson and then kiss 2013 goodbye… Time to pen your plans for 2014 in style in this Kate Spade date book!
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Now you know the key trends, what’s in the shops and how to pair it all together, hopefully you are ready for all the celebrations to come! This is by far my favourite time of year – a chance for friends and families to come together, eat decadent meals, sing ridiculous songs, watch movies about elves and talking animals, and find any excuse for another glass of eggnog!
Here’s wishing you a holiday season that’s filled with all the people and traditions you love. We can’t wait to see what stylish surprises 2014 will bring!