Decorate yourself
With
the plethora of holiday parties this time of the year,
we asked fashion experts Megan McLallen and Lana Jones-Gould
from K. Renee in West Des Moines for advice on what
women should wear to these events.
McLallen put together a short list of apparel essentials
for dressing this time of the year, ones that can
be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
At the top of her list was a velvet jacket, one that
is fitted with a subtle ruffle detail and Edwardian
or Victorian inspirations.
"l like the idea of putting it with a great jean
and a dressy heel for cocktails with friends, or if
you have a formal gala, it's perfect to put with a
beautiful long skirt or a dressy black beaded top,"
she said.
Second was a beaded top. McLallen said the little
bit of sparkle a beaded top provides makes a woman
feel that she's celebrating the season.
"pt's great for a formal occasion or a last-minute
dressy dinner with the husband or business associates,"
she said. But I also love it with jeans and a great
leather jacket for a more casual celebration."
Third, McLallen recommends that every woman invest
in a new pair of heels to wear during the holidays,
a dressy heel that is unique. She likes ones with
ornamentation, such as a vintage-inspired slingback
with a flower on the toe in a pearl de sole satin
fabric.
For clothing, Jones-Gould and McLallen said neutral
colors are good choices, because they can be worn
again and again without being remembered. They also
recommend the rich jewel tones that are out right
now. Jones-Gould said older women shouldn't steer
away from wearing colors. She said wearing even just
one item in a shade of pink, red or green makes her
feel younger.
JonesGould emphasizes keeping simplicity in mind when
selecting accessories for holiday
parts. Some people I see over-accessorize," she
said. "Pick one or two pieces that you want to
stand out, such as your jewelry and your shoes, your
shoes and a scarf, or a great belt. Just make sure
they're all things that complement you."
Sharon Belies
