All That Glitters: Outfits for Formal Holiday Events

Ok, so I haven't been keeping up with my blog as planned. With classes, labs, exams, and papers, I haven't had the time to even think about clothing. Seriously though, I've work leggings and a button down about 60% of the time within the past two months.

Anyway, with it being holiday season, and my love of all things formal and flashy, I wanted to do a post on holiday dresses. I chose to stick to glittery dresses and jewel tones because they look great on anyone with minimal effort, something I would look for in an outfit. Unfortunately, science has turned me into a hermit, and I have no reason what so ever to wear a formal dress

And yes, there are 8 dresses in my closet and 4 pairs of heels.I just like looking at the clothes and pretending I live a supermegaawesome life. Don't judge me.

Now that I think about it, that's pretty lame. You have full right to judge me...

Low Key Get Together

This is dressy, without being too dressy. It could easily go from glass in the morning to a date to a party all with a change of shoes and addition of a sweater or cardigan. I'm really into deep, vampy colors this season and love the way burgundy looks on untanned skin, so I made it the main color in this look. Because the focus on the clothing will be on the skirt (which will also bring attention to how awesome and long your legs will look in the tights and heels), I paired this with a berry lip and nails so that the eyes of the people admiring how amazing you look won't stop moving. 

Classy Winter Event

I envision this outfit at a formal or something a bit classier than your general college holiday party. The colors keep with the holiday theme without being overbearing. I like peplum in this scenario because everyone looks amazing in peplums and if there is food involved, you don't have to worry about looking less than your best later in the night. 

December Night Out

I see this outfit working best in a city area with a more formal nightlife scene, or on a fourth or fifth date, whatever applies to you. The dress by itself is a bit boring, but I think will accentuate your best features. I included the glittery heels to add excitement into the outfit, which is carried into the eye makeup. I'd keep the rest of your face simple and use the lip stain to mimic a winter flush on your lips and cheeks.

"The Beyoncé"

The following dresses will be glittery, with Beyoncé themed titles, which is fine by my standards, but may not be something you favor. Gold, for me, is the ultimate holiday color. It brings together the warmth and festive feel of the season perfectly. This dress is pretty flashy, so I would keep the makeup focused on one thing with no additional glitter or sparkles. The red lip brings additional warmth to the outfit and side bun makes it more relaxed. If you have a cool undertone and look horrible in gold, try something closer to a rose color with deeper reds.

"Freakum Dress"

Yep, this is a freakum dress. Why? You'll turn heads like no one's business in this. The sparkle of the dress isn't so much that it's overwhelming, yet definitely won't allow you to have a low key evening. Pulled back hair and minimal nighttime makeup will keep the focus on the dress and your eyes, which is ideal for a dress like this. 

"Ring the Alarm"

This dress, much like the previous dress, is a head turner. Depending on how bond you want to go, you can play up your eye makeup. Because the dress is black, you can add some color in your eyeliner, or keep a semi neutral eye and bold lip. If you want the most versatility and still turn heads, this dress is for you.


Hopefully I've given you some ideas for an upcoming event or party this holiday season. If you have any questions or comments, the box is below!

I guess I'll finish writing papers and studying for finals... Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

Note: For those wondering, I plan on blogging how I made my Dorothy Halloween costume/how to make a circle skirt and A line skirt after finals!

Outfits Inspired by The Voice: Melanie Martinez

     In midst of my procrastination, I have started watching The Voice, a singing competition in which contestants go through a blind audition in hopes of an established artist to want them for their team. Honestly, I thought it would be another version of American Idol, which I only watch for the auditions and I'm done. But, boy, I was presently surprised.
     In spite of the nature of the show, The Voice is WAYYYYY better than any other singing competition I have seen. The blind audition aspect allows you to eliminate the appearance aspect of the singer actually hear the quality of their voice, something I think should be top priority in the music business. I could go on a rant about this, but I'll spare you the time and get to the point of this post.

Melanie Martinez - Team Adam

     What made me want to watch this show in the first place was actually due to a commercial (good job advertising team). If featured a cover of Toxic, stripped down and sung by a female vocalist with an enchanting folk-like voice. I searched for the episode featuring her, and Melanie Martinez quickly became one of my favorites. Her voice alone is so captivating, that if she were a Siren, I'd drown immediately. 

     Even better, her quirky look and Cruella de Ville inspired hair fit her so perfectly. I mean, how else would you picture a voice that unique? As the episodes went on, her style has stood it's ground, from Peter Pan collars to her staple over-sized bow. Hopefully the stylists on the show won't change her, because I have a feeling she may inspire a few designers.

     In all of the following outfits, I have tried to incorporate the items that Melanie is rarely without: red lipstick, tights, frilly socks, collars, and a large bow. I didn't want to flat out replicate any of her outfits, because you can easily do that yourself. That being said, some of the outfits are more "Melanie" than the others.

   



Outfit 1: All Dressed Up

     For this outfit, I wanted something slightly formal, yet easy to dress down. Melanie wears a lot of vintage prints that I honestly would question if I saw them hanging on a rack. Yes, the brocade print looks like something on your Great-Aunt's window, yet the way Melanie styles her outfits transform the print into something to be envious over. The gold collar necklace is included because the dress has a high collar, of which I've never seen Melanie wear.

Outfit 2: Casual Yet Classy

          I honestly would wear this to class, granted I am one of those people who dresses up to buy flour. So I guess this would be a nice day out for normal people. Maybe. I honestly don't know, but I certainly consider this casual. The print on the skirt was so intriguing I knew I had to use it for something. I also love the detail on the collar of the shirt. I don't think Melanie would wear cold-shoulder tops, yet this outfit channels her all the way.

Outfit 3: Quirk with Quills (I think I tried too hard with the title...it's supposed to be "edgy" lol)

     Get it, because porcupines have quills that are sharp, and edges are sharp...Yea it's lame, I know. Anyway, I tend to dress on the denim and leather side of the tracks, yet wanted something channeling Melanie's quirky aura. Therefore, I paired a collared, printed peplum top with faux leather leggings and studded heels, and a wire headband. I have yet to see Melanie wear pants. I've searched through Google and her pictures on her website and no pants. I guess they aren't everyone's cup of tea.

Outfit 4: Old Hollywood Glam

     If Melanie was asked to dress for a movie premiere  I imagine it would be something like this. I wanted to stay away from the hair bow, so I incorporated the piece into her belt and necklace. The faux fur coat and 40s inspired shoes add the perfect amount of vintage glam. And a plus, if you don't like the outerwear, the outfit stands alone beautifully.

If you have any suggestions for who's style I should channel next, put it in the comments and I'll see what I can do!

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