If you are having trouble viewing this email please visit http://www.shesheme.com/episode1.htm Please remember to add shesheme@shesheme.com to your Address Book to ensure that you continue to receive emails to your inbox.
Holiday Party Chic

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but holiday parties are so delightful! At the risk of being labeled a "party girl" I must admit that I do love a good party. It's a complete toss up between the pre-party prep and the actual party itself, however. Don't you find that the anticipation and preparation for a holiday gala is just as exhilarating as the genuine festivity? The mad rush to the mailbox each day in the hope of a windfall of party invitations. The retail reconnaissance--the perfect party frock, ideal footwear, and ultra-glam lingerie (a must-have for feeling pretty). Then comes the serious decision-making: to wrap or not to wrap? Understated sophistication or serious bling? Red or deep red? (Any shade of red is a given for the holidays.) Dressy or casual? Early arrival/late exit or late arrival/early exit? The list is endless, which makes it imperative that we girls have a Party Preparation Plan (PPP) in effect as early as possible.

Having consulted with my über-chic clique of girlfriends, I have compiled a holiday PPP for your perusal and subsequent implementation, which is guaranteed to smooth the way to the fabulous festivities in store for you this season.

The Office Party:

• DO NOT pass up the opportunity to attend the office party--not attending could hurt your career. Keep it in perspective, however; don't be the first to arrive, or the last. Also, don't leave too early, or overstay your welcome by partying till the wee hours!
• It is important to remember that you still need to present a professional appearance, albeit a bit more stylish than the usual button-down. Don't break out the nightclub attire. Rule of thumb: nothing short, tight or revealing. You can glam up a suit with a shimmery top, replace your regular blazer with a velvet one, or lose the jacket altogether and exchange your work blouse for a soft, elegant sweater. Strappy sandals and a silky top can spruce up an otherwise on-my-way-to-a-board-meeting pantsuit.
• The same rule applies to your makeup. Maintain a professional appearance, but add a bit of glitz with a shimmery lip gloss and perhaps a glittery eye shadow. Save the trendy fake eyelashes and dramatic liner for a different party locale.
• DO be on your best behavior. Pretend that you are being filmed by Punk'd (Was very impressed by Neve Campbell, who behaved like a lady when she was punk'd--no foul language, no screaming fits, very calm, concerned and controlled. Would hate to be punk'd. Would behave like total drama queen, lose temper and end up crying on sidewalk. But I digress.) There is usually someone at every office party who is cataloguing everyone's behavior--make sure yours is faultless!
• Mingle! This might be your only opportunity to meet the CEO or chat with senior managers. Don't monopolize their time, however. Introduce yourself, mention that you are excited about or involved in certain projects coming up, then wish them a happy holiday and move on. Also, be sure to be friendly to the boss's significant other, in fact, everyone's significant others--compliment them on their style savvy--they will remember this courtesy, and being perceived as gracious and cordial has never hurt one's career!
• DO NOT take home more than the proffered goody bag. This is not the time to stuff your own stocking. One over-zealous (and possibly over-imbibed) partygoer indulged in her penchant for party favors and was observed hauling off with an armload of goody bags as well as one of the floating candle table centerpieces--and then found herself the sad recipient of a pink slip on Monday morning.
• Beware of beverages. An open bar is an open invitation to social disaster. Play it safe--stick with diet soda, seltzer or juice. The same rule applies to the buffet line. Avoid sloppy hors d'oeuvres--it's hard to maintain your hard-earned professional image if you have caviar on your Kate Spades.
• Have fun! Be a good sport, participate in any activities and keep smiling! Remember, happy girls are the prettiest girls!
• Don't forget to thank your host/hostess personally before you leave.

The Fun Party

This is the party you have anticipated for an entire month--the one you bought the gorgeous gown and those glittery heels for. Indulge and pamper yourself; experience every ounce of delight and joy with an all-out party prep:

• Treat yourself to a mini-spa-day. Professional blow-out, mani/pedi, perhaps even a relaxing massage. Schedule a makeover at Sephora! Professionally applied makeup will leave you glowing and beautiful.
• Soak in a tub full of fragrant bath salts. Layer your fragrance--slather on luxurious body lotion, then spritz on scent.
• Pay special attention to your lingerie. A minimizer bra for the overly well-endowed, or a push-up for a little extra (tasteful, girls!) décolleté. Spanx will do anyone a world of good to straighten out lines and soften bulges, while polishing your whole look.
• Once again, don't be the first to arrive or the last to leave.
• Don't forget the host/hostess gift: a beautiful potted poinsettia, a box of imported chocolates or even a festive gift basket will let your hostess know that you appreciate the effort she has gone to and will also earn you good-guest bonus points.
• Be prepared to mix and mingle. Prepare some party patter in advance. Ask about other people's interests and hobbies. Be a good listener and avoid blowing your own horn. You will be an always-invited ever-cherished guest.
• The best advice I have ever received in the food and beverage category: moderation! You want the impression you leave to be memorable, not miserable.
• So many fashion choices, so few parties! Shop Girl has promised a complete in-depth holiday fashion/accessory review for next week's Style Scoop!
• Remember to dash off a thank you note to your hostess--the very next day!

Well girls, I believe I am ready to party! May you have a joyous holiday season

Be sure to check out the homepage for updates from She She Me!

She She Mall Hot Products

allé Fine Jewelry
Avenue You - beauty
Avon.com - beauty
BabyChangingStations.com - babies/kids
Beauty.com - beauty
Boden - apparel
boscia - beauty
* C'est Bella - handbags
Chic Shop - gifts
Chic Shop - apparel
* couturecandy - apparel
* eLuxury - apparel
Forzeiri - accessories
* GirlTalkGifts.com - accessories
hipundies.com - lingerie
Inspired Silver - jewelry
JewelryLuv.com - jewelry
Layla Grayce - babies/kids
Layla Grayce - apparel
Layla Grayce - home decor
LaneyFineArt.com - arts
* Sephora.com - beauty
shopbop.com - accessories
shopbop.com - apparel
Sierratradingpost.com - men's
Simply Soles - shoes
* SmartBargains - accessories
solestruck - shoes
* spafinder - beauty
StrawberryNet - beauty
VelvetBox.com - jewelry