Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Shorts

clockwise from top left: topical / leather / lace (on sale!) / sequined / embellished / jacquard / lace trim / floral

Yikes. So I learned the last two days that next year I should probably plan my posts for Christmas ahead of time. Opps. The last minute errands and merriment got ahead of me and all plans to post went right out my third-floor apartment window. 

On another note - can you believe Christmas is over? I feel like I ran around like a chicken when no head the past week preparing, and now it's over. Definitely experiencing a few post-Christmas blues. Luckily, we still have New Years! While I will be having a low-key New Years visiting our new niece in Alabama, if I was going out I would undoubtedly pull out my faux-leather shorts that I have been living in this past week. I love that they are slightly untraditional for dressy occasions, and with so many options, you can easily find a pair to compliment the perfect NYE top already in your closet. PS- I am loving these jacquard shorts - so good!

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Embellished

clockwise from top left: dorothy perkins top (on sale!) / boden dress / zara jeweled should shirt / ann taylor loafer / zara vest / topshop embellished shorts / urban outfitters heels

In lieu of Wanderlust Wednesday, I'm bringing you two Holiday features today - this post followed by a little holiday DIY later this evening!

As soon as I saw this beautiful skirt on pinterest, I knew it was the perfect inspiration for this little holiday wardrobe essentials series. Whether the jewels are front & center or provide an unexpected pop of fancy, it seems like the perfect addition to any outfit for the season!

PS - if you're on the hunt for an embellished dress, I think this is pretty awesome. 

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Winter White

stitched sweater / embellished cape / sparkly flats / quilted skirt / ivory shift dress / jeweled clutch

White is hands-down my favorite color. When out shopping, I have to make a conscious effort to pick up items in other colors or else my entire closet would begin to mirror that of the abominable snowman.  A since I haven't been invited to any of P.Diddy's white parties lately (do those still exist?!) it's rare that I'm able to wear white to celebratory event wear I wouldn't be matching the bride. 

Enter the holidays - in my opinion, the perfect excuse to breakout a head to toe white look. There are so many beautiful options like this goregous cape or loving this jacket to match the quilted skirt - they would be so fun paired together! 

Let me know how you're planning to wear all-white this season!

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Emerald

clockwise from top left: shimmer sweater / brocade dress / earrings / jeans / croc tote / beaded dress / suede heels

What better to wear to all holiday activities this year then the season's signature color, emerald - or green for those who don't appreciate the fluff. In case you need additional justification for adding some lovely emerald to your closet, it's also Pantone's 2013 color of the year, so you better celebrate while there is still time left. I'd pair these pieces with sparkly gold, a pop of bright pink, and of course, a deep red. 

Are you planning to wear any emerald this season?

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // All that Shines

blue shimmer shorts / colorblock pencil skirt /  snakeskin belt / sequined clutch / velvet sequined leggings / ivory sequin top / velvet sequined skirt  / glitter sneakers / trapeze top / romper 

While a little shine and sparkle may be reserved for special occasions for most of the year, the holiday season seems like the perfect time to bust out a all the glitter, sequins and shimmer you have hidden in your closet. With so many great options, it is easy to find something for an office work party (pair these leggings with a black blazer & heel), celebration with friends, or christmas day with the family. I personally can't get enough of Madewell's shimmer collection, everything is amazing!

Are you planning to add a little extra shine this season? I'd love to know how!