If there’s one thing I love more than shopping for myself, it’s shopping for my friends.
There’s nothing better than finding someone you love something they love. Something that makes them feel like the cat’s whiskers, the bee’s knees, the dogs wotsits.
One of the best things about blogging is getting to do it for lots of friends, all over the world!
Back by popular demand, here’s my Christmas party style guide.
Hopefully it’ll help you find something to sparkle in this season, and if not… well you can just enjoy a spot of window shopping.
Grab a cuppa (make me one while you’re at it) and let’s dig in!
I thought I’d start with an elegant, lacy little number from Nasty Gal.
The lace will elongate the neck, flatter shoulders and hint at cleavage without being too booby. A red cross body bag and velvet smoking slippers make it all look effortless but the jewels keep it dressy.
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This cheeky black & gold look has a little more va-va-voom!
It’s another Nasty Gal dress with a Clair Vivier gold clutch (I have this in blue and it’s so useful. The perfect party companion, it’ll hold your makeup, phone, camera & even a little pair of flats if you need ’em!)
The heart-stopping, shoegasm inspiring shoes are quite frankly a bargain from ASOS and the plunge bra is a cracking option for those who don’t care to go bare.
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This long mermaid tail of a skirt is a serious show stopper. Pair it with relaxed gold French Soles (half price!), a loose camisole and a messy bun for the perfect “Oh I just threw this on!” belle of the ball effect.
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I have a party dress that looks almost exactly like this one and I wear it constantly!
It’s an incredibly flattering shape, it’s demure without being boring, hides those few extra canapés and flashes a little bit of shoulder. Dust them with a bit of shimmer and you’ll ooze confidence throughout the night.
Towering ankle-boots will give you kick-ass long legs and there’s just nothing more festive than a smile framed by sumptuous red lips.
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If you can’t wear sequins at Christmas when can you?!
This swishy Missguided number is perfect for girls who’d rather save than splurge (very sensible of you). Pop a dinner jacket over the top, pour yourself into some barely there sandals, crown yourself with a headband and dust yourself in real gold!
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I know I’ve told you about it before, but I am a massive fan of “magnetic lash.’ I wouldn’t wear it every day, but for parties it is the cat’s pyjamas. It uses fibres and traditional mascara to build huge, spider lashes that almost look fake.
Big lashes are the perfect, flirty compliment to this vampy look. Lace dress, butterfly wing shoes, a Charlotte Olympia clutch and a 60s inspired coat.
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I have had my eye on this bejewelled Valentino creation for some time.
I really think she speaks for herself, so suggest a pair of festive sandals, a beaded black rope necklace and some cheek & lip stain to keep you looking fresh. A glass of bubbly wouldn’t go a miss either.
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Pink has been widely hailed as this season’s hue of choice by fashionistas all over.
I adore this skirt and Valentino bag. But to keep from from looking too saccharine, I love the idea of a loose black jumper with the sleeves rolled up, snuggly black tights and simple smoking slippers.
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Last but not least, possibly my favourite look of the bunch… Pretty Woman!
Plunging red dress, red soles, gorgeous wool cape, faux diamond necklace, Costes perfume (from my favourite restaurant in Paris), and Highbeam to bring a little more dazzle to your décolletage.
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Now, how about something snazzy for the Mr?
Crisp black trousers, a clean white shirt, a deep claret blazer in soft velvet topped off with Church’s slippers, a Duke’s pocket square and McQueen cufflinks. Classic but modern, cool but doesn’t try to hard.
The perfect gentleman.
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I’ve included a couple cheeky extras up there, use the arrows boys!
I wasn’t sure how many of you would be keen on a men’s party guide… but if you are please let me know and I’ll work on one! In the meantime there’s always the men’s bit here.
For those who fancy a little more comfort, how about one of these Christmas crackers?
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Some are mens, some are ladies… have a good rummage.
That’s all, folks. I hope it helped a bit and you found at least one little festive nugget to brighten up your Christmas parties!
If so let me know below. (Yes, that rhymes. *Wiggles eyebrows*)