Festive Fashion: All the Extras

This is the third and final post in a series on holiday outfit ideas.

If you've read our last two blog posts, you might be feeling inspired and excited about dressing up a little bit for the holidays.  We're very happy to help!  But wait - you've got the outfit, but what about everything else?  You know, all those extras you simply can't leave the house without - a bag, things to keep in that bag, and everything you need to bundle up (it is winter, after all).  Well, we've got some ideas for those too.  Enjoy our must-have extras for holiday parties!

#1: Texting Gloves

Texting gloves, $24.

Here at Grace, some of us are very familiar with making emergency phone calls while trying to find a party.  (Note to everyone: sometimes, the Internet lies to you when you ask it for directions.)  Now that it's winter, if you should find yourself in a similar situation you won't want to freeze while calling or texting for help!  Gone are the days when you had to take off your gloves to use your phone's touch screen.  Texting gloves, with their touch screen-sensitive fingertips, will save the day so you can arrive on time, in style, and toasty warm!

#2: Dressy Scarves

Infinity scarves: prices vary.

Stay warm without sacrificing style!  If your look is fancy, you can dress up your outerwear with a special scarf.  Try one with velvet, sequins or sparkly thread detail to add a little flourish to your look.  You'll be dressed to impress before you even take your coat off!

#3: Sparkly Headwraps

Headwraps: prices vary, $15 to $25.

If you just worked tirelessly to create the perfect party updo, the last thing you're going to want to do is mess it up with a hat.  But you don't want to freeze either!  That's why headwraps get our vote for some of the best inventions for winter.  They'll cover up your ears to keep you cozy, but leave some room for your 'do.  With rhinestones and beading, they're ultra-glamorous and the perfect finishing touch on your en-route-to-the-party look.

#4: Kerisma Ponchos 

Kerisma ponchos: $48-$54 each.

Still chilly once you're inside?  A chic poncho can be thrown on top of a fun dress as an elegant - not to mention super comfy - cover up.  Available in a multitude of colors and even a few stripes, you're bound to find one that will look great with your party outfit.

#5: Structured Purses and Clutches

Purses: prices vary.

A special night out calls for a special bag to keep by your side, and we've got you covered!  A cute little clutch will make a stylish accessory without detracting from your outfit.  Plus, most of them have optional straps, so you can keep your hands free while you enjoy some tasty holiday treats or dance the night away!

#6: Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kits

Minimergency kits: $26 each.

So you have a gorgeous bag - now what should you keep in it?  You absolutely must include one of these fantastic emergency kits - they're party essentials.  If anything goes awry during the night, you'll be all set with the 52 lifesaving items included, from earring backs to hairspray to garment tape.  Even when the party's over, you'll never want to leave the house without your emergency kit again.

Thanks for checking out our Festive Fashion series, and may you all have a safe, stylish and fun holiday season!

Festive Fashion: Spotlight on Sparkle

This post is the second in a series on holiday outfit ideas.

The holiday season is all about sparkle.  There are twinkling lights on every house, glistening ornaments on every tree, and we can't forget about that giant, shining New Year's ball in Times Square.  So here's a tip: if you're looking to dress on-trend this season, sparkle is the way to go.  And what better way to show off that glitter than at a holiday party?  Take a cue from Grace Girl Rachel B. as she models a few great sparkly outfits from Grace (styled by Grace Guy JP).  With so many styles, there's something for everyone - let the holiday season be your time to shine!

Silver Belle

Dress, $69.  Necklace, $45.  Bracelet, $28.  Ring on right middle
finger, $19.  Other rings, tights, and shoes, Rachel's own.

Who says you have to limit jewelry with sparkly dresses?  With sequins on the bottom, you're free to dress up your neckline with some extra bling.  Go all out with a rhinestone bangle and a few rings, and you'll light up any party as soon as you arrive.

Midnight Glam

Dress, $68.  Necklaces, $30 each.  Bracelets, $10 each.  Ring on right
middle finger, $18.  Other rings, tights, and shoes, Rachel's own.  

"Sparkle" and "simplicity" don't have to be mutually exclusive!  This dress is interesting and basic at the same time, so there are plenty of options for dressing it up or down.  A little jacket and some boots would keep things more casual, or you can dress it up as Rachel did with great heels and piled-on jewelry.    

Glimmering Grecian

Dress, $72.  Right hand bracelet, $29.  Left hand top bracelet, $34.  Left hand bottom bracelet, $44.  Rings and shoes, Rachel's own.    

Miss the days of disco?  This dress is just what you need - especially if you're not big on sequins.  Its shimmering fabric is a great way to be trendy in an understated way.  Highlight the gorgeous color with some chunky, colorful jewelry, and you've got one statement-making holiday outfit.   

Eclectic and Polished

Top, $54.  Skirt, $45.  Clutch, $32.  Watch (on left wrist), $46.
Earrings, $18.  Barrette, $12.  Rings, tights and shoes, Rachel's own.

Mix it up by pairing a sequined skirt with a sequined top - they don't have to compete for attention.  With black sequins down below and a simple adornment at the shoulders, this outfit is fun without being too busy.  And a bonus: with two separate pieces, think of all the other outfit combinations you could create!  

Cute and Casual

Top, $57.  Earrings, $26.  Bracelet, $36.  Rings, pants and shoes, Rachel's own.

Are the parties on your holiday horizon a little more casual?  Not to worry, you can still bring a little sparkle into your outfit.  This great knit top has sequins sewn throughout for just enough shimmer to add a little something special.  The top becomes party-ready with some heels and great jewelry - then after the festivities, you can incorporate it into your everyday wardrobe.  Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

Check back with us tomorrow for the final installment of our Festive Fashion series - we'll be telling you all about the essential extras for your next party!

Festive Fashion: One Dress, Three Ways

This post is the first in a series on holiday outfit ideas.

"I have nothing to wear!"  Uh oh... ever found yourself saying this?  It's Christmas crunch time, and with parties and family gatherings to go to, the last thing you need is to worry about what you'll wear to each event.  Let us help take the stress of outfit planning out of your holiday forecast so you can relax and focus on the fun!  For the next three days, we'll be presenting a series of posts on holiday fashion.  Check back in with us tomorrow and Saturday for more great outfit tips!

During the holidays, when you may have several events to dress up for, who has the time to shop for and plan a completely different outfit for each occasion?  By choosing a versatile dress and mixing it up with different accessories, you can keep your look fresh while making things easier for yourself.  Today, Grace Girl Molly models three different outfits (styled by Grace Guy JP) using the same fabulous V-neck tie dress ($70) and convertible bag ($30).  Enjoy!

Look #1: Sophisticated Sparkle

Earrings, $21.  Necklace, $24.  Bracelet, $48.  Ring, $19.  Clip-on earrings (worn
as shoe clips), $21 and $24.  Shoes, Molly's own.

Let the dress take center stage with accessories that are at once simple and glamorous.  By keeping your jewelry sparkly yet somewhat minimal, you can let yourself shine while looking totally elegant and polished.  We got creative with some clip-on earrings on Molly's shoes - let's take a look at the close-up, shall we?

And there you have it, more proof that reinventing a dress - or even a pair of shoes - can be as simple as adding a little bling.

Look #2: Soho Style

Blazer, $72.  Earrings, $8.  Bracelet, $20.  Necklace, $28.
Tights and boots, Molly's own.  

 Give this classic dress a downtown spin with a blazer, motorcycle boots and some chunky, spiky jewelry.  A chic topknot and bright lipstick finish off this effortlessly stylish look.

Look #3: Pop of Color

Earrings, $28.  Cowl neck top, $18.  Tights and flats, Molly's own.

A classic little black dress is an absolute must-have for every wardrobe - but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun with color.  A royal blue cowl-neck top peeking out at the neckline blends perfectly with the dress while adding a little something extra, and blue beaded earrings top it all off.

Oh, and did you notice the great bags Molly is sporting with each outfit?  We'll let you in on a little secret: it's all the same bag!  Take a look at some of the ways you can wear it:

As a clutch...

As a wristlet...

As a shoulder bag...

As a cross-body bag...

One dress three ways and one bag four ways.  What's not to love?  Tune in tomorrow for our take on the biggest trend of the holiday season!