She She Me Sponsors: Shopbop and Zappos

Hot Holiday Looks

I don't know about you, but at the end of an overly long crazy/busy day I am more than ready to kick off my sassy stilettos, slide my tired tootsies into a pair of fluffy slippers and relax in something soft and fleecy. After a soothing cup of hot cocoa and a mindless hour of Seinfeld reruns I realize that I have become one with the sofa, and I know that if I don't rouse myself long enough to head down the hall and collapse on my bed I will end up spending the night on the sofa and wake in the morning with drool on the micro suede and a painfully stiff neck.

So I do. Rouse myself I mean. But by the time I drag myself down the hall, remove my makeup, brush my teeth and perform various other acts of gravity defiance and anti-aging artifice, I find myself wide awake with my mind awhirl and absolutely no hope of sleep in the immediate and foreseeable future.

Don't you just hate it when that happens? You are all set for a much needed night's sleep and then you can't? Or you fall exhausted into your bed at 10:30 p.m. (honestly! And this from a girl who used to be able to party till the wee small hours of the morning) only to jolt wide awake at 2:00 a.m. because you were having that dream again — you know, the one where you are giving a presentation to the marketing team and you aren't wearing anything but ice skates and a frilly apron? But I digress…

Anyhoo, this happens to me often. Quite often. (The not-sleeping-thing, not the frilly-apron/ice-skates dream, although that is happening with more and more frequency. Apparently insomnia runs in my family. I remember my mom wandering through the house in the middle of the night, eventually settling on the sofa with a book, or hunkered over her sewing machine stitching quilt pieces. Again I digress…) Anyhoo, I have developed a certain skill set to deal with this issue. When I was a child and had difficulty sleeping (re: Christmas Eve) I used to play a little game I liked to call "What Do I Most Hope To Find Under The Tree On Christmas Morning?" Then I would rank, in order of preference, all the magical things I hoped and wished for: a pony, a puppy, a kitten, Easy Bake Oven, Barbie Dream House, Mystery Date, ice skates. (Aha!) This little game gave me something pleasant to contemplate and possibly dream about as I gradually relaxed and eventually drifted off to sleep. The game would take various forms over the years, morphing into "Who Would I Most Like To Kiss Under The Mistletoe?" (Marc-Paul Gosselaar, Kirk Cameron, Jason Priestley), to "What Would I Buy If I Won A Million Dollars?" (Shoes! Natch.)

Well, to deal with my most recent bout of sleeplessness I have revamped my little game. Currently it is entitled, "How Will I Spend My Anticipated Holiday Bonus?" (which varies, depending upon the state of the stock market.) With the economy on a slippery slope it makes sense to do what one can to save $$$. For the next seven days She She girls are invited to join Ideeli, a members-only shopping community for trendsetting women. Have decided to take said year-end bonus and spend it on myself! After all, what better way for a fashionista to invest than in herself? No? One may not be rolling in greenbacks, but that is no reason to look like one has been rolling in mud!

My Favorite Hot Holiday Looks:

• Sweater Savoir-faire. This is one of my very favorite looks for the season. I just adore a gorgeous sweater dress — toasty warm knit (or cashmere if it's on sale!)…form meets function you know? This season I am going with an overall graphic motif, not necessarily in the dress itself, but in pulling together the entire ensemble. A simple sweater dress, worn with tights and a pair of rustic boots with buckle trim. Add a funky necklace, a hammered gold cuff bracelet and a statement ring. Finish with a suede handbag and you are ready for a neighborhood holiday party or a fashionista soirée!
• The Beauty of Black and White. The epitome of elegance, black and white will never go out of style. You can go with a classic tuxedo-style ensemble with ruffle-front silky top paired with glitzy sandals and a chain strap shoulder bag, perfect for so many festive occasions. Or you can really stand out in an edgy-chic cocktail dress, platform pumps and an array of artful accessories. Don't forget an elegant satin evening coat!
• Vintage Vogue. As far as fashion goes, vintage is clothing from another era — specifically between the 1920's and 1980's (here's a little Fashion 101: before 1920 is considered antique; 1965-1985 is retro, 1985-present is contemporary. More or less.) Vintage also means "previously owned". Anyhoo, since finding really awesome vintage takes patience, time and prior knowledge, I have cheated just the tiniest little bit by going for vintage-look, which is brand new clothing in the style of another era. Start with a gorgeous floaty dress with awesome details like lace, beading, pin tucking and overlay. Add a pair of sheer hose with a bit of sheen or sparkle to them and slip into a pair of gorgeous skyscrapers (I like t-straps for their, well, vintage fee!) Great art deco accessories and a chic clutch complete the ensemble. The perfect look for an evening at The Nutcracker or a cocktail party.
• Aprés Ski Style. Take heart dearest girls — you don't really have to be able to schuss down the slopes to get away with this look. Think afternoon at the ice rink, or casual evening in front of the fire. Start with a pair of really amazing designer jeans that fit and flatter your figure. Add a super soft cashmere crew and top with a great wrap or cardigan sweater. Slip into a pair of ankle or casual slouchy boots. If you are feeling particularly snow-bunny-ish you can opt for fleecy boots! Accessorize with a chunky bangle or menswear style watch and finish with a cross-body bag. If you are really and truly going to be spending time out-of-doors, grab a gorgeous peacoat, a toasty scarf and chapeau ensemble and a toasty pair of mittens!
• The Ubiquitous LBD. Who can even contemplate starting the holiday season without first finding the perfect little black dress? You know this will be your go-to look for oh-so-many of those holiday gatherings — from the ever-dreaded office party to the Children's Benefit dinner dance. (And, as usual, so many styles, not enough parties!) Your choice of gown will depend entirely upon the event. For office parties or more formal gatherings, remember to keep it tasteful: don't flash a lot of skin or cleavage, and nothing too short or tight. It's OK to go sleeveless, but not such a good idea to go strapless. And if you choose a halter-style dress, be sure it isn't too deeply plunging and possibly add a decorative wrap or shawl. As for accessories, this is the time to bring on the bling. Sparkly earrings and necklaces, feminine bracelets and a gorgeous ring. (Be sure to keep your manicure fresh!) Finish with strappy skyscrapers and a festive little bag. Now, for those times when you really want to bring it on, go with something a little different. This season I am opting for a gorgeous one-shoulder gown that flatters my figure without flashing too many assets. Add nude hose, a pair of killer heels, and a handbag with a pop of color. Finish with a bold bangle and some sparkly dangle earrings.

Well, darling girls, it seems that I have blissed myself into nirvana. I do believe I have finally perfected my method! Hmmm, think I'll just catch a few winks…

Happy shopping darling girls!

xoxo,

She She Me

P.S. Be sure to check out the Home Page for updates from She She Me. Also, check out our all new Hot Products in the She She Mall. We are also adding New Stores each week so check back often for updates and fantastic savings! Also, don't miss the great girly merchandise in our Chic Shop.

She She Me Pick of the Week:
ideeli

Membership is by invitation only, and there is no fee to join.
Invitation good through November 27th

Tracy Reese, Plenty and Frock! Sample Sale!
 December 9-11

Red Bag
250 W. 39th Street
New York, NY 10018
212-398-9300

HOURS:
Tuesday 8am-7pm
Wednesday- 8am-7pm
Thursday- 8am-2pm