Story by Lance Cheramie | Photographed by Deb Peterson | Styled by Jennifer Porter with assistant Tabitha Porter | Modeled by Nancy Osmon
Mountain Home’s Nancy Osmon models holiday looks from local shops, styled by Jennifer Porter.
Deck the halls in style this holiday season!
How?
I’ll show you how to create three party looks with one dress. You’ll have the perfect outfit for every holiday festivity on your calendar.
I know that finances may be tight at the end of the year with all the holiday giving, entertaining, and traveling you might be doing. Organize to avoid breaking the bank.
First thing…make a list of the events you’ll be attending—office parties, gatherings uptown or downtown, dinner with friends. Whether you’re traveling out of town to visit family or celebrating with co-workers, you’ll be ready.
Next, assess your inventory of holiday clothing and, while you’re at it, check for matching accessories.
If you have quite a few parties coming up, try to find at least one solid-colored dress that can be dressed up or down, keeping in mind that you can always switch your shoes, accessories, or makeup to fit a certain occasion. Also check to see if you have at least one sparkly accessory or beauty product that can be added to your look—whether it’s statement jewelry or metallic eye shadow.
Experiment with different combinations by mixing and matching items until you achieve the perfect look. When it comes to versatility, strapless dresses are the best because they look great with any outerwear option.
Downtown Party Look
For a downtown party look, pair the dress with a cropped motorcycle jacket. Jazz it up with lace tights, suede ankle boots, and a purse with a long black strap.
Office Party Look
For the office party, add a simple but classic blazer and a pair of open-toed pumps. Add a belt, casual earrings and necklace, and you’ll be the hit of the office party.
Formal Party Look
If you want a formal look, add a sparkly necklace and an elegant black clutch. Instead of wearing a cover, add black tights and silver or gold shoes.
Go Shopping!
If you don’t have what you need in your wardrobe—borrow! You may have a friend who has exactly what you are looking for. Try the consignment shops, but be careful to purchase something that complements your wardrobe and you’ll wear again.
Most local shops will have promotions and sales during the holiday season. Be on the lookout for newspaper ads, direct mailings, and internet ads. This is the time of year when ads are bountiful! Think ahead and shop early.
Have a wonderful holiday season and best of luck in finding that perfect outfit!
Shopping
Look 1: Downtown
- Strapless dress—Lil’s Bridal and Formal Affair, $45-85 rental dresses
- Cropped motorcycle jacket—Lorna’s Boutique, $25
- Lace tights—Maurice’s, $24
- Vince Camuto Boots—Posh, $139
- Boot embellishments—Posh, $21 each
- Black sling purse—Maurice’s, $24
- Necklace—Maurice’s, $25
- Bracelet—Maurice’s, $14
Variation:
- Suede ankle boots—Lorna’s Boutique, $17.50
Look 2: Office
- Strapless dress—Lil’s Bridal and Formal Affair, $45-85 rental dresses
- Classic blazer—freckles chic, $80
- Belt—Maurice’s, $15
- Necklace—freckles chic, $45
- Ribbed tights—Stage, $13.50
- Open-toed pumps—Stage, $25
Variation:
- Poncho jacket—Posh, $55
Look 3: Formal
- Strapless dress—Lil’s Bridal and Formal Affair, $45-85 rental dresses
- Necklace—Lorna’s Boutique, $25
- Bracelet—Lorna’s Boutique, $13
- Acrylic/rhinestone shoes—Lil’s, $72
Variation:
- Scarf—Posh, call for price
Shop!
Lil’s Bridal and Formal Affair, Mountain Home, 870-424-9888
Lorna’s Boutique, Mountain Home, 870-425-6323
Maurice’s, Mountain Home, 870-492-2204
Posh, Mountain Home, 870-405-8996
freckles chic, Mountain Home, 870-425-9667
Stage, Mountain Home, 870-492-2269
M! Dec 2011/Jan 2012
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