Easy chic for holiday shopping
[attach]3182[/attach][size=7][color=DarkOrange]A[/color]s the holiday season approaches, the list of must-dos gets longer and longer — and who has time to worry about what to wear to the office party, or how to put together a casual chic outfit for a family gathering?
Midtown resident Yael Panet knows all about style, and leading a busy life. The personal stylist juggles life as a mother and an independent business owner at Hush Couture (which will soon be re-launching as a “where to find it” [url=http://www.hushcouture.com]Canadian fashion website[/url]). She also pens a weekly mom’s fashion column for Erica Ehm’s online Yummy Mummy Club.
This holiday season Panet has searched the city to find the most versatile and easily mixed and matched fashion items for the whole family. These pieces, she says, are staples that can be worn out for dinner, to a cocktail event or even to a cottage party by the fire.
Here are her top three holiday picks for women, men and kids, as told in her own words:[color=DarkRed]
Women[/color]
[color=DarkOrange][color=DarkRed]1[/color] [/color] [color=DarkOrange]Sequin Jacket[/color] [color=DarkOrange](photo above)[/color]
If you buy one standout piece this season, make it a black sequin jacket. This timeless piece can be worn with everything from black pants to dresses to jeans. Be sure to keep the layer underneath relatively simple as the idea is to let the jacket shine on its own. Try it with a blouse or cashmere t-shirt for a luxe yet simple look. Talbots, $299.
[color=DarkRed]2[/color] [color=DarkOrange]Bold Bracelet [/color]
I love accessories and truly believe that they are what make an outfit go from good to great. Currently we are seeing a resurgence of heavy substantial pieces and this style bracelet is a perfect example of just that. I love that it has a tough look to it while the diamonds infuse it with girlishness. The best part about accessories like jewellery is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get an outstanding piece. Aldo, $23.99.
[color=DarkRed]3 [/color] [color=DarkOrange]Sparkly Pumps[/color]
[attach]3183[/attach]Keeping in the festive tradition of all that shines, shoes are a great accessory to use when looking to add some bling. This season we are seeing loads of embellished shoes on the runways and in stores. I like the idea of a platform pump as they are totally current and add extra height creating a fabulous long and lean effect. Don’t worry about over doing it if you are already donning a shiny piece — there is no better time to stand out than during the holidays. Steve Madden, $125.
[color=DarkRed]Kids[/color]
[color=DarkRed]1[/color] [color=DarkOrange] Plaid Shirt[/color]
There’s something about a little boy in a plaid shirt that seems to go hand in hand. Paired with jeans, chinos, cargos or slacks, a plaid shirt is just about the easiest no-brainer look to make a boy look put together and handsome. Almost every children’s store sells a version of the plaid shirt, making it simple to find. Gymboree, $24.50.
[attach]3184[/attach][color=DarkRed]2 [/color] [color=DarkOrange]Tutu Skirt[/color]
Most little girls have a rather serious opinion on what they want to wear in order to most accurately represent their personalities. I think that kids look the best when they are dressed the way they feel most comfortable. Unless they are attending a black tie function, I see no reason to stuff them into an uncomfortable ensemble and watch them squirm all night. My daughter loves anything girly and cool, and this tutu skirt is the perfect example of just that. Paired with a faux leather jacket and a t-shirt, this is an easy way to let your little diva look stylish and hip. The Children’s Place, $14.62.
[color=DarkRed]3[/color] [color=DarkOrange]Metallic Shoes[/color]
Metallic-tone shoes are the perfect way to finish off a little girl’s outfit. Long gone are the days of heels for kids; today it’s all about the metallic sneaker. A pair based on the Converse model looks adorable with a skirt, dress or leggings. The metallic colour adds some shine and sparkle to an outfit for the upcoming holiday season. Old Navy, $16.50.
[color=DarkRed]Men[/color]
[color=DarkRed]1[/color] [color=DarkOrange]Relaxed Blazer[/color]
Men’s blazers tend to duplicate themselves and can look redundant if they are without detail. A stunning gray wool blazer has an interesting unfinished feel to it and provides a more relaxed look than its typical single-breasted starched lapel predecessor. It can worn with both jeans and dress pants and would be the perfect choice for a dinner party or stylish event. Zara, $99.
[color=DarkRed]2[/color] [color=DarkOrange]Wool Pants [/color]
Every man should own at least one pair of pleat-free wool tailored pants. I believe they are best represented in either black or grey as they can be worn with practically anything on top. An easy selling feature of these pants is that they can be worn day or night and dressed up accordingly. Banana Republic, $124.
[color=DarkRed]3[/color] [color=DarkOrange]Straight Leg Jeans[/color]
There is nothing hotter than a man in a perfect fitting pair of jeans. Worn with a blazer, button down shirt or sweater they are the most important piece in a man’s wardrobe. Whether it’s a cozy night in with friends or a night out on the town, jeans are an easy go-to piece that are comfortable and can finish off a look effortlessly. Gap, $69.50.
