Holiday Casual

You really haven't experienced the Holiday season until you've survived a shopping strategy session (SSS) concerning casual party attire with she she me. It started off 'to cable or not to cable.' I said not, crossing my fingers 'til they were blue that she would heed my advice. Then denim, cords or otherwise had to be debated ad naseum until we agreed that dark denim or bootleg cords would be appropriately chic. Since casual attire is so second nature (the party part is the only thing that didn't fit), we ended up making a 'What Not to Wear' list that eventually (and randomly) segued into our 'Wish List.' Funny how very important, strategic-planning sessions in our boardroom (we're really Apprentices-in-training) aka coffeehouse always seem to turn into list-making sessions about what we really do want/need in our house/closet/pocketbook.

Now to avoid any party mishaps that would directly reflect on my ability or inability to dress someone, I made this Don't (never hurts to say it a few times to be clear) list extremely detailed and explicit. You really do have to cover your bases with she she me; you never know what you're in for.

What Not to Wear to a casual-yet-chic Holiday covered dish party:
1. Don't dress sloppily. Casual does not mean gym wear, even if it is a Juicy suit.
2. Don't wear gray. It is a non-color, really, and not festive in the slightest.
3. Don't wear navy. That one is going to kill she she me. The girl is obsessed with navy.
4. Don't wear all black, all red, or all green (or the latter two mixed). Might as well get all color restrictions out of the way.
5. In fact, ignore the word casual - it will uphold your progress. Think festive.
6. Wear velvet (as in jeans, not gown).
7. While we're on it - Do Not wear a ball gown. Nowhere on the invitation did the words inauguration, ball, coronation, formal, gown, black-tie, white-tie, announcement, Madame or the like appear. Quite frankly I think covered-dish and ball gowns in the same room would be tacky. Who casseroles in taffeta?
8. Don't wear sequins. (Do sparkle with a brooch pinned to your lapel, T-neck or shoes even.)
9. Try (and this will be a challenge) to leave your skinny jeans and slinky top at home. If you simply can't, be prepared to be one of many. I do think it is a chic, but played, ensemble.
10. Don't show a lot of skin.
11. Think outside the box. Try winter white instead of black pants. Top with a yummy velvet blazer. I can't think of anything more appropriate.
12. Accessorize with an embellished purse. (Leave bulky tote at home. Will be too hard to maneuver with dish in hand.)

Of course the mere mention of ball gowns had she she me planning her Oscar acceptance speech, which led to a discussion of which colors, lengths and designers fit us best, where we would holiday if we were the governor's wife (or ladyfriend) and what luggage we would tote. Our wishful thinking-turned-wish list had us so worked up, all outfit strategizing was lost. I do hope she she me took some hints away from our meeting. Oh well, can't worry about that now, I've got my tuxedo pants, chic flats and starched button-down to hunt for.

Wishing you fabulous Holiday outfits and many, many mistletoe rendezvous! Ciao.

Shop Girl

she she me Sponsor: Belly Blossom Maternity
Thankfully, a growing belly no longer means you have to sacrifice your sense of style. Pregos in the Triangle and beyond can rejoice at the opening of Belly Blossom, a modern maternity boutique featuring hip lines such as Citizens of Humanity jeans (pictured right), Fortune Tees (which are too cute for words on Moms-to-be and wee ones), Michael Stars maternity Ts (pictured right) and Japanese Weekend. The list could go on and on, as Belly Blossom carries many more of the hottest designers around. And it doesn't just stop at clothing. They also offer OiOi baby bags, pictured below (not your ordinary cumbersome, un-chic diaper bag) and a wide variety of other sophisticated accessories for expectant and new moms.

Belly Blossom's knowledgeable staff provides exceptional personal service in a comfortable and relaxed shopping environment. After ten minutes in the store you feel as if you're shopping in your best friend's closet! Gift certificates from Belly Blossom make great Holiday gifts for your favorite style-conscious Prego. Mention she she me and get 20% off of all Holiday wear until December 23rd.
Stop in this Saturday, December 11th for the Silpada Designs fine sterling jewelry trunk show.

Belly Blossom is located in Sutton Station at 5850 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC.
Store hours are Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday by appointment. 919.484.0333.

View their collection at www.bellyblossom.com.

*Belly Blossom Maternity has partnered with Hopeful Parents as a drop off place for used maternity clothing.