Holiday Party Outfit Galore!

Wow, it has been quite a busy week. For starters we received two new pieces of furniture, a big girl's bed for my daughter and a new couch for the living room and we had to get rid off the old ones (think of Craiglist); I was late with Xmas presents shopping and I spent hours at the postal office to send packages to my family in Italy (a framed picture of my daughter in Santa's lap, taken by a professional photographer at school. And listen to this: they did it for FREE. I never had anything for free in NY, I couldn't believe it) and I broke my personal record in terms of parties attended in the same week, as we went to three Xmas parties (and I am not even considering the holiday party at my daughter's school and the Xmas party of our building).
My mother in law arrives tomorrow to spend the holidays with us and I am looking forward to some quiet family time. So I am going to post the outfits that I wore to the parties and this is probably going to be my last post before the holidays. I will maybe be able to squeeze a quick OOTD post here and there but it is not guaranteed. Is it too early to wish you a wonderful Xmas?

The first party was last Saturday. It was at our friend's and it was a karaoke party. They had hired two deejays with a karaoke machine and I have to tell you, I don't remember having so much fun at a grown-up party. There were prizes and goodies for everybody who sang (I sang "Careless Whispers" by George Michael with my husband and "Hopelessly Devoted to You" by Olivia Newton-John in solo but the best was "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" sang by all the ladies as a group) and just a great atmosphere. If you are planning to throw a party, I highly recommend the karaoke as entertainment. At first nobody wants to sing but after a few glasses of wine or champagne people will line up and channel their inner Bon Jovi, I guarantee.
Anyway, I kind of misunderstood the dress code and I was a little bit overdressed compared to the other guests, but felt very festive. I wore the wool Ravine dress in rosebud from last year, with the flower elastic belt and a very old black crystal beads necklace wrapped around my neck:




As a topper I wore a sequined open cardigan, very similar to the current starry night cardigan but in reality very old (HO05. Yes, they were already doing sequins back then!):



The next party was a kid's party last Tuesday at the same friend's. I always look forward to their "playdates" because there is always plenty of food and wine for the parents too (who can relax and take a sip while the kids are taking care of by an entertainer, a clown in this case) and I generally end up staying late, well after bedtime (which I couldn't do this time around because I had to run to our building Xmas party, in the lobby). I wore my black Minnies and the V-neck drapey, aka yoga, sweater with just the festive touch of the "Bal d'Hiver" tee, peeking out the v-neck:



I had bought the Bal d'Hiver tee last year when it came out, paying almost FP. Then I returned it because I hadn't worn it in almost two months (and also because the XS was a little bit too snug) but regretted it (I could never catch it on a popback). So when I saw it in the final sale section of the factory site I took the plunge and ordered it in a S for $14. Having owned the retail one, I can tell you with confidence that there isn't any difference between the retail and factory versions.
I plan to wear it a lot this holiday season to casual gatherings. For example, I am going to wear it with the Tori factory cardigan, Minnies and crystalline suede belt for a brunch with friends the first of January. What a great tee to greet the New Year:



And now the last party of the week, my husband's office Xmas party. This was more of a formal occasion and I broke out the Tatum tweed jacket, that I wore with my trusty Theory pants, a black short-sleeved turtleneck (Zara) and silver accessories: a silver belt (last year) and silver-toned necklace (Madewell). By the way, it never occurred to me before but wearing silver accessories is a great way to break a total black outfit:



I could have worn silver shoes (my crackled silver mary-janes from a few years ago) but my husband said that it was a little bit too much for an office party and so I went with my black Juliets (however, I am going to show you the outfit with the silver shoes because I think that they are smashing):



The party was held at the Bryant Park Grill, with views on the Bryant Park blue-lighted Xmas tree and ice skating rink: can't think of a more perfect holiday party location in NYC, besides Rock Center which is a little bit too crowded with tourists at this time of the year!
The outfit was perfect as well, I felt very comfortable and the Tatum jacked has just the right balance of classic and modern. I love that you can wear it with both navy and black (because the silk trim is navy and black). I could have used a clutch but I hate having to hold something in my hands at a cocktail party (because you already have to hold a glass of wine and the occasional appetizer, right?), so yesterday I finally took the plunge on the studded tweed invitation clutch (the one in the same tweed than the Tatum jacket) taking advantage of the sale price and the current 30% off that has been extended to the stores. I love that it is an envelope-sized clutch but has a chain (and that it's a shoulder bag and not a cross-body), so I can still drink and eat (but I can also carry it without the chain). It appears to be sold-out online right now (see it on DaniBP) but the satin invitation clutch is currently at a great price (and it has a chain as well).

Voila, I hope that you will find inspiration for your holiday outfits. As I said I don't know if I will be back before Xmas, so I wish a wonderful Xmas to you all (just in case).
Almost forgot, this is probably what I am going to wear on Xmas morning (you are probably going to recognize it but in case not, clic here:



Happy Holidays!