What to wear Wednesday: Christmas Morning Attire

So listen, blogworld. Everyone has a family member who is notorious for wearing inappropriate "loungewear" in family settings. Perhaps it is the grown adult who continues to wear nightgowns with teddy bears. Or, maybe it is the man who struts his stuff in his tank top and boxers--with a bathrobe.

Whatever the eye sore your family possess, I'm making the claim that with a little pre-planning, Christmas morning can be both joyous and non-scarring.

Here are my tips:

1. Surprise! Open "Christmas pajamas Christmas Eve (for the whole family!)
2. Take a moment to realize what you put on your body as you're hitting the bed Christmas Eve will be what you're picture is taken in Christmas morning.
3. Don't get sloshed Christmas Eve, falling into bed in whatever was laying on the floor of your bedroom.
4. Set an alarm for Christmas morning. Comb your hair, brush your teeth and (for heaven's sake!) put on a bra before greeting unsuspecting family.

If you're still in the market for some fab Christmas jammies for the whole family, check these out:

              

 

 The breakdown:

Silk Velvet Robe: Garnet Hill $168 here
Eileen Fisher Twist-Neckline Pajamas: Garnet Hill $108 here
Girl's Polka Dot Ballet Slippers: Garnet Hill $39 here
Glitter Charm Sleep Set: Gap $29.99 here
Long Johns in Organic Cotton: Hannah Anderson: $38 here
Broken-in long sleeve tee: JCrew $29.50 here
Utility fleece out-of-office pants: JCrew $59.99 here

What to Wear Wednesday: Just-because-no one-sees-it-doesn't-mean-it-shouldn't-be-pretty!

how GORGEOUS is this slip? 

you couldn't help but feel beautiful in it. 

BUT at $198, I find it a little pricey. Anthropologie (here) 

and, these? ah-mah-zing. 

they're also from Anthropologie --of course (here). 

$36/$42 

 this romper? with a robe? 

Beyond. 

You guessed it, Anthropologie (here). 

$120 

this romper looks super soft. 

And, it's affordable at $39.95. Gap (here)

I'm thinking this slip would be perfect for when 

you want to be comfy and pretty

Victoria's Secret on clearance (!) $29.99 (here)

So, a few weeks ago I was at a Christmas party for our church adult bible study and was alarmed to discover two things. 

1. My humor was completely lost on an entire group of my peers

because

2. My peers are ignorant when it comes to high-end undergarments

Here's what happened. While filling my plate at the mexican buffet bar, a friend was refilling the (delicious!) guacamole. He happened to mention that the guacamole was made by a local authentic mexican restaurant, La Perla. 

While chuckling, I said, "I've always found their name to be strangely ironic."

"Why?" He asked.

"Because La Perla is the name of expensive panties--and I wouldn't want people thinking about panties while they ate my food." I said. 

You know the look of three heads? That's what I got from everyone standing at or near the buffet table.  I'm still not sure what I find more alarming--the way I was totally misunderstood or the fact that I'm still mulling over my friend's panties--which I probably could have let go as a totally disturbing fleeting thought until a Viagra 'power lunch' box was opened as a white elephant gift.

Not ok.

What to Wear Wednesday: Men's Holiday Edition

Every guy needs staples in their closet like a classically cut blazer, dark wash jeans and a casual-dress shoe. With these select pieces, putting together a holiday party outfit would be a snap.

Here's the breakdown:

Wallace & Barnes heavy weight flannel: JCrew $98 link here
McCormack Knit Tie: JCrew $69.50 link here
Corduroy Sportcoat: JCrew $158 link here
Merino V-neck Sweater: Gap $49.95 link here
Boot-cut Jeans: Banana Republic $79.95 link here
Paul Chukka: Cole Haan $198 link here

Total: $653.40

What to wear Wednesday: Mini-Me

I can just see my little mini-me running around on Christmas Eve in this uber-glam outfit! Unfortunately for her, her daddy reads this blog. 

Here's the breakdown:

Girls' shimmer trim sweater dress: JCrew $128 (link here)

Tissue oxford schoolhouse shirt: JCrew $44 (link here)

Glitter bow ballet flats: JCrew $58 (link here)

Cozy cable leggings: Lands' $14.50 (link here)

Starry night bag: JCrew $50 (link here)

Jewel headband: Lands' End $14.50 (link here)

Pleated pocket coat: Janie & Jack $99 (link here)

The grand total: $408.00

What to wear Wednesday: Holiday Home Edition

There's nothing I love more than anticipating the warmth of decorating my home for Christmas. I love the year-long debate of where the tree will be put, hanging stockings, getting out the advent calendar and retelling the Christmas story. I savor wrapping each gift, listening to the cheery music and spending time with those I love most. 

Here's the breakdown of some of the things I like best for the upcoming Christmas season.

Martha Stewart three Christmas wreaths on red ribbon: Grandin Road $129 (link here)

Battery operated holly & berry greenery collection: Grandin Road $149/$79 (link here)

Hand knitted sock garland: Sundance Catalog $48 (link here)

Knit stocking lumbar pillow cover: Pottery Barn $49 (link here)

Jeweled wreath embroidered pillow: Pottery Barn $45 (link here)

Poinsettia decorative pillow: Pottery Barn $29 (link here)

Flatware stocking, set of 4: Pottery Barn $29 (link here)

What to wear Wednesday: Holiday Edition

It seems Halloween is a rite of passage for the Holiday season, no? When the costumes are tucked away, all thoughts seem to turn immediately to turkey, presents and parties and I couldn't be happier. 

This is the inspiration for today's What to wear Wednesday--the season of parties that has come upon us. I like to splurge on one outfit that becomes the staple of the many seasonal parties we attend. If I choose correctly, the pieces easily incorporate into my winter wardrobe for the rest of the year. 

                              
                            

For the Babe with no budget:

Twinkle Lights Pencil Skirt: Anthropologie $218 (link here)

Shimmer Bow Sweater: JCrew $88 (link here)

Oskana: Piperlime $179.99 (link here)

Total: $485.99

For the Babe on a budget:

Women's Satin Dress: Old Navy $39.94 (link here)

Skinny Bow Belt: Gap $19.95 (link here)

Women's Solid Tights: Old Navy $6.50 (link here)

Beeout Shoe: Ninewest $89 (link here)

Total: $155.39

W2WW: friend edition!

So after posting my first "what to wear wednesday" post this morning, my girlfriend Julie (hi Julie!) asked what I would pick out for her. It was great fun selecting a glam outfit for her, as she is tall--something that I am not--and because she has been working hard and loosing weight.

She looks great--and this outfit would be gorgeous on her!

Here's the breakdown:

Floating Chrysalis Cowlneck: Anthropologie $119 (link here)
Gauzy Wide Legs: Anthropologie $168 (link here)
La Fenice Earrings: Anthropologie $38 (link here)
Aoki Heeled Oxfords: Anthropologie $198 (link here)

The outfit is a little splurgy, but I know any girl would feel beyond beautiful in these clothes.

What to wear Wednesday

With the recent turn in weather, I can't help but think jacket weather will be more the norm than the exception for the next few many months. 

And, considering I reside in Michigan, you would think that I would be expecting this, right? Yet, somehow, every year, at about this time, I throw open my closet, expecting cozy sweaters, soft scarfs, flattering jeans, and the latest trends in outerwear to miraculously appear. Unfortunately, what I find are the same tanks, capris and bermudas that I've worn through the summer months and have transitioned through the fall. I'm as sick of them as they are of me. 

It's time for a change. There are few places you can buy an entire outfit: sweater, wool (wool!) trousers, suede flats and versatile earrings for $100. 

Here's the breakdown. 

Sweater: Old Navy $34.94 (link here)

Trousers: Old Navy $25.00 (link here)

Suede Flats: Old Navy $22.94 (link here)

Gold Leaf Dangle Earrings: Shabby Apple $19.00 (link here)

Now that's reason to celebrate autumn!