Holiday Season = Holiday Extravagance

Ok ladies, the holiday season is upon us which means for those of you out there that love all things bejeweled (and you know who you are), this is the time to pull out your sequin cardigan, dust off those gold pumps, wear that over the top Diamond (or CZ) watch and chandelier earrings, and don't overlook the importance of creating that fabulous extra special hairstyle to don at all your upcoming holiday events! This is the time to WOW everyone--to prove to all those who doubt your ability to be fabulously extravagant!

Yes, I am talking about the Holiday Ensemble! This is such a great time of year...everyone is full of cheer, red and green ornaments and lights can be seen from miles away and the invitations to holiday events pour in nonstop!

If you are like me, you like variety and this is the time to explore, to maybe wear your hair in a way you wouldn't under normal circumstances.

For those of you who typically wear your hair straight, change it up, wear it curly. The style pictured below, incorporates two mainstays in the hair world--loose curls and the bob. This style is perfect for more formal events. Pair this do with something similar to this Madalay Metal Feather dress , but remember jewelry is a no-no with a dress this bejeweled ....

dress: neimanmarcus.com; hair: essence.com)

or for a look more subtly playful try this 60's reminiscent gold Norma Kamali dress (bluefly.com),

pair with your favorite pair of bejeweled or adorned pumps,. add a matching skinny belt if your heart desires and hit the town looking like the extraordinary woman you are!

If you are a girl that wears your hair down, try something new, pin it up for that party! And with all the different updos these days the world is your oyster...braid it, fold it, pin it, whatever causes your heart to flutter and expresses your vision, stick with it...my favorite updos this season are more sculptured, not the more messy ones we saw in years past...

These updos add a twist to the formal idea of the updo...

(hair: essence.com; dress: elle.com)

Clearly if you choose one of these beautifully braided do's you have an edgy, playful side, pair it with a dress that equally playful and edgy for a memorable NYE! Try this Prada dress from the 2009 resort collection (elle.com)...

or try it out with something a little less edgy and more playful, like this Jay Godfrey Sandra Silk and Lace dress (neimanmarcus.com)... the pretty factor added by the lace is a perfect complement to the more casual braided hair. Perfecto!

(hair: elle.com; dress: neimanmarcus.com)


These next updos are very structured but still have edge, something unexpected.

Remember these pompadours are very sleek and overdone (in a good way or course) so attempt to keep your out fit simply fabulous!

My suggestions are...

Although this black strapless feather dress from Sue Wong, isn't exactly what I'd call "simple", because it's black it prevents the details of the dress from becoming too overpowering.
(hair :elle.com; dress: neimanmarcus.com)

This sleek sequined silver hued Derek Lam jumpsuit is a non-traditional idea for holiday parties. Because it has sequins and is in such a rich silver you will be the star of the party! And of course, jumpsuits are all the rage! Although the jumpsuit may seem a little more relaxed than the hairdo, they both represent sophisticated style and therefore would be a heavenly pair, that is if you are not afraid to be noticed!(hair: essense.com; clothing: nymag.com)

Well ladies, I hope I was able to assist you in finding some fabulous NYE alternatives! These are just suggestions to get you going in the right direction, but try to incorporate pieces you feel represent your own individual style, and remember, there's nothing more attractive than a confident woman!

I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have!

Be Kind, Be Original, and Be Sol-Ful!!!!

The War of the Roses????

As we grow older we come to the point when we are ready to share our lives with that special someone, we decide to join in holy matrimony, but before that, we have to plan the wedding...that scene being set, let's talk about something that has been the root of many arguments between the wives and hubbys-to be around the world...Can the groom wear a white tux?!!!!

Now my initial reaction was one of utter horror! The answer is NO! Absolutely NOT, are you serious?! No really?

Now see, I am from the old school that says the only person in white should be the Bride but as years pass it has come quite acceptable for the groom to don his white apparel as well. Hmmm...so which do you prefer? Do you think that my traditional conceptions of the Bride's exclusive rights to wear white should be extended to her hubby-to-be? Do you think that it's only appropriate in Summer weddings or during the dead of Winter?

This question is one that has stumped generations! What if your groom has his heart set, then what? I must admit I am not a tuxedo connoisseur but in doing research for this very blog post I have come across some very nice white tuxes--so there, I guess all of you cheerleaders for the groom in white have made some headway! But let me make this crystal clear, I'm not talking all white from head to toe, and there in creates another dilemma! If he has on a white tux, does he wear white shoes?

In classic Family Feud style, my "final answer" about whether or not a groom should be able to wear a white tuxedo to his wedding is this, first, gage how important it is to him, evaluate it against your wedding theme and see if it fits, think about your location, the season, HIS ACCESSORIES... No white shoes (she chants in the background). After all ladies, it should be the most special day for you both! That being said, I would say compromise, after all isn't that what marriage and relationships are all about?! Who knows, I haven't mastered either yet!

Here's my idea of a fabulously dapper, debonair compromise....

Well my fabulous followers, I think my time and this post have come to an end, I will leave you with this, brides and grooms, if you love it wear it, more important than the outfit is the confidence that exudes from the person in the outfit!

But I must say to my hubby...wherever you are take note,you will be wearing...

So as always...BE KIND, BE ORIGINAL, BE SOL-FUL!

All photos provided courtesy of mwtux.com