Cupcakes and Cashmere

Holiday Party How-To: Part 1

December 3rd, 2008

 

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Holiday parties are one of the biggest perks of the winter season, but finding the right outfits for them isn’t always as easy.  Whether your concern is dressing according to specific invitations (what does cocktail festive really mean?) or a matter of financial burdens, I’ve dedicated three posts that tackle these issues.

Since anyone can saunter into Barneys or Bergdorfs and find a smashing dress, I took it upon myself to come up with six of my favorites, all for under $130.

Romantic: TopShop Drop Waist Dress, $80.  This just screams old Hollywood glamor in this pale pink hue that would look incredible with some sparkly heels (a perfect option will appear in tomorrow’s post).

Sequins
: Forever 21 Sequin Sprinkle Dress, $27.80.  This is the ultimate party dress with flashy detailing and a slim silhouette.  I’d pair this with a colorful matte clutch.

Festive
: TopShop Prom Dress, $80.  The jewel-encrusted neckline means no necklace necessary!  A flirty ponytail would finish the look flawlessly.

Jewel-toned: Forever 21 Extend Pleat Dress, $24.80.  The waist-cinching belt and well-proportioned pleats make this little cranberry number a must-have.  I’d wear it with some hammered gold hoops (I just bought the perfect pair I’ll share in the accessories portion on Friday).

Ruffles: dELiAs Carolyn Dress, $49.50.  I love that this basic black dress that’s set apart by its cascading ruffles.  A superlong strand of pearls would give this a wonderfully retro vibe.

Conservative: Max & Cleo Ruffle Neck Dress, $127.  This is a great option for a work event where you need to look nice, but you don’t want to appear stuffy.  Throw on a jeweled headband to complete the look and to add a dash of sparkle to your hair.

Coming tomorrow: Shoes

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  • http://urple.blogspot.com Katlin

    I love that first flapper-esque dress!! I’ve really been into twenties style lately!

  • http://www.blablablaetc.com Julie BBG

    Yeaah excellent choices, all for under 130$!
    Now another problem emily…. I’m finding it really hard to choose amongts any of them! I particularly like the Sequins and the Jewel tone ones but damn it, I could also do with the Festive one or or or….
    Tough life, I know :-)

  • http://www.leeselooks.blogspot.com Lisa

    emily!
    you have t0 get the romantic one.
    it has you all over it.

    it has that extra sparkle.

    sky-high stilettos + a mini-metallic clutch.
    you are good to go!

    x.

  • http://www.magpiesmagnolias.blogspot.com/ Ashley

    Emily- I am LOVING these types of posts that you are doing showcasing lots of goodies at lots of pricepoints. I would gladly wear any of these beauties! Thanks for all the great ideas!

    Ashley

  • http://fashionchalet.blogspot.com Fashion CHALET

    I adore that little number by Kate Moss for Topshop (prom dress, $80)

    So glad to find another Britney fan. :) Did you get the CD?

    xx

  • http://sweetiepiepumpkinnoodle.blogspot.com Jackie

    Oooh, I love the “conservative” dress!

  • http://deepinvogue.blogspot.com Deep in Vogue

    love the festive top shop dress, very lolita-esque

  • http://dapperkid.blogspot.com dapper kid

    Oh wow these are wonderful! I’m loving the romantic and ruffles ones, annnd the sequined one is divine!

  • http://sweet-low.blogspot.com megan

    I love the TopShop dress-I’ve never done it before but I would love to wear a metallic dress…just think about the fun jewelry and accessories! Great dress round-up Emily!

  • http://mittlesnow.blogspot.com/ Tiffany

    The vintage “romantic” dress is gorgeous!!! Def. my fave! It would be killer with some metallic Mary Jane pumps ^_^

  • http://www.alreadypretty.com/ Sal

    You’ve covered all the bases, and so well. I love your suggestions for styling and accessorization, too.

  • http://savvymode.com savvymode sg

    how yummy. emily and soooo savvy.

  • http://www.acatofimpossiblecolour.blogspot.com Andrea

    Wow, I love the ‘conservative’ one! And the ruffles, actually.

    And thank you for your lovely comment :D

    Andrea xx

  • http://ohmishka.blogspot.com Mishka

    This is great! I love the ‘ruffles,’ how fun!

  • http://nmariegentile@blogspot.com Nicole

    love the ruffling ones!!

  • http://wewearthings.blogspot.com issa

    that max&cleo dress is fantastic!

  • http://thesugarbar.typepad.com/maple_sugar/ rebekka

    THE TOP SHOP DROP WAIST DRESS!

  • http://www.theongoingproject.blogspot.com Shay

    oooh, that first pink one is lovely. I’m always attracted to that colour but it never works on me…

  • http://www.snapshotfashion.blogspot.com Snapshot Fashion

    SO CUTE! i think the festive and jewel-toned are my favorites!!! :-) nice finds!

  • http://www.heart-of-light.blogspot.com/ Rachel

    I love the festive one and the ruffle-y one (surprise, surprise, right?). Can’t wait to see the shoes you pick.

  • http://copperoranges.blogspot.com Lexie

    i love the ruffles and the jewel tone dresses! i’m glad i’m not the only one who likes dressing up and going to holiday parties!

  • http://observationmode.blogspot.com/ enc

    I’d be thrilled to attend any party in any one of those dresses.

  • http://www.prettysandyfeet.com/ katelin

    i seriously want them all. so cute.

  • http://newyorkecherie.wordpress.com/ Zoe

    these are GORGOUES. I love every single one of these dresses. i love your blog. i check daily. your stuff is so cute
    xxo

  • http://www.steakandcakes.blogspot.com Piper

    Adorable, and AFFORDable dresses! So cute and chic – great choices!

  • http://fiveblondes.com Micaela

    Just got a dress like “ruffles!” Unfortunately, my friends’ idea of holiday parties include: ugly Christmas sweaters, personalized team t-shirts for the 12 bars of Christmas, and somberos for a mexican themed Christmas.
    I am destined to NOT look cute this holiday season!

  • http://phi-style.blogspot.com phi-style

    aw, thanks! my thumbs are screaming, but my feet are very happy.

    what, no “Fringe” option? I’ve been on the lookout for a cute flapper-esque dress w/ fringe everryyywherrre. =)

  • http://silverdotjewelry.etsy.com Judy

    Gorgeous choices! It’s great to see affordable dresses for the holidays. I love the Festive and the Conservative dresses.

  • http://www.iamstyle-ish.com tiffany

    the Festive is perfect! I love it and how the skirt part kind of poufs out! I want the conservative dress for work. great picks as always!

  • http://www.songofstyle.com Song of Style

    love the hot pink dress and the silver one the most!!
    i’d love to wear it for a christmas party

  • http://pigeonwithamonocle.blogspot.com/ withasianstereotypes

    I love them such sheer brilliance. On an added note, you’re so dead on gorgeous! <3

    &hearts, withasianstereotypes

  • http://fashionadaption.blogspot.com jaleh

    your blog is so cuuute :)
    i love the ‘conservative’ dress – totally something i would wear!

  • http://www.secretstylist.blogspot.com secret stylist

    LOVE the drop waist dresses and loving your taking out the trash look!

  • http://www.cocokelley.com cassandra

    love the topshop dress! and the ‘conservative’ work dress is perfect!

  • http://nothing-elegant.blogspot.com Tara

    The Topshop pink dress is so feminine and flapper-ish. Gorgeous ideas here! It’s making me want to dress up…right now!

  • http://vintagelollipops.blogspot.com Bella

    I can’t decide… I really love them all!

  • Hayley

    I love these!! And what great bargains! I think my faves are Jewel-toned and Conservative….but Ruffles is so cute too!

  • http://www.thebudgetbabe.com Budget Babe

    Although I love them all, my personal fave is the “conservative” dress. Hmmmm hope that doesn’t mean i’m a square, haha