What to wear to a Christmas party

So, with constant reminders from just about every business in town that Christmas is on its way, I'm sure many girls have been thinking about what to wear to this year's Christmas parties. Christmas party attire is particularly festive and a tad fussier than normal party attire, but not too wild or sexy--on the conservative side, if you will. So, I looked to my hands-down favourite place to browse for dresses online, Modcloth, for inspiration. Here are my top 5 picks:

This dress, aptly named Belle Epoque, doesn't so much scream as quietly glow Parisian chic.

 

This dress manages to be both simple and luxurious at the same time.

Adorable, flirty, yet shy and low-key enough to be worn to more casual events like a Christmas lunch or potluck dinner.

 

The grey built-in tank top prevents this dress from looking too fussy.

 

This dress is so festive! I would wear this to a classy yet hearty Christmas dinner at a friend's home.

I've just about fallen in love with Modcloth and everything on their site. I'll do a review when I order my first dress from them.

Image source: Modcloth

Boy by Band of Outsiders Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear

I love menswear inspired outfits. There's just something utterly adorable about a girl with a feminine face in oxfords, blazers and unisex collared shirts. The spring RTW collection of Boy by Band of Outsiders is full of clothes a naughty boy would wear to church, and I think it looks even better on girls than boys!

The double-breasted coat looks great dressed down with shorts and sandals. The playsuit makes me feel like climbing trees!

The print on the dress looks even better on the shorts in the second picture. I love the styling in the second picture--the double breasted coat is so playful paired with the shorts and sandals.

Blazers paired with shorts seem to be very popular this spring.

I just love these looks. The rolled up pants, messy hair, beanies and casual shoes transform these outfits from business-like to hip and youthful. I'd like to see a girl in these looks!

Image source: Style

Luella Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

I've had a soft spot for Luella ever since those bat-print shirts a few seasons back. This spring, Luella returns with a more ladylike collection that screams 'sweetheart'.

What adorable dresses! They manage to look sweet without being too demure.

Many of the skirts in the collection are bell-shaped, as is the second dress. Making the skirts bell-shaped rather than A-line gives the dresses the spunk Luella is known for.

I'm in love with the heart cut-out!

Image source: Style

French sailor shirts

Boatneck French sailor shirts are a classic item that will never go out of style, and lately they seem to have received an extra boost in popularity. The beautiful Audrey Tatou sports one in Coco Avant Chanel, and I myself (not that I am anywhere near Audrey or Chanel!) have owned a cotton one from H&M for more than a year that I've since worn to death.

Lately lots of girls have been seen pairing them with jeans or trousers. However, one of my favourite incarnations of the French sailor shirt came from the poster of a Korean movie, The Naked Kitchen.

Then there's the bold, sequined, angular version from Balmain.

 

While not strictly a sailor shirt,  this outfit on Jean Seberg is just as chic.

My personal favourite is this one from Petit Bateau. The band of white above the stripes, the buttons at the collar and the slightly shorter sleeves make it so much more than just another striped shirt.

Obsessed with Comme des Garçons Play tshirts

What do you think of Comme des Garçons' label Play? While I've seen the heart tshirts on so many people that they're starting to become a cliché, I can't help but want one too!

I know many people would tell me I got suckered into buying an overpriced tshirt, but I still find them too cute to resist!

Does anyone else feel the same?

Image source: Dover Street Market

Mercibeaucoup Fall/Winter 2009

Mercibeaucoup is a Japanese brand by designer Eri Utsugi. It is under the same parent company as the more well known Tsumori Chisato, which I love as well. Style-wise, Mercibeaucoup is boyish and a little grungey, reminiscent of early Marc Jacobs.

While copying full ensembles from Mercibeaucoup's fashion shows is too much for most people, I think we can learn a lot from their styling. I love the way they mix and match prints and colours, and throw in interesting accessories.

The first outfit features masterful styling. The mixture of plaid is very Marc Jacobs, while the polka dotted belt makes it even cuter. The printed top in the second outfit goes perfectly with the polka-dotted scarf.

I've always loved plaid and polka dots, and these examples feature them in unexpected ways.

I'm loving these scarves worn in this way--wound all around the neck. Wearing scarves in this manner helps baggy, layered outfits look more put together. And the loose tshirt on the right reflects the increasing trendiness of Russian dolls and other Russian-inspired imagery.

Image source: A-net

Screen Style: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) is a French musical film directed by Jacques Demy. The special thing about this film is that every single line is sung, unlike normal musicals where there is spoken dialogue in between musical numbers.

Doesn't sound very exciting, you say? Think again. The film has the most adorable set and wardrobe ever! Catherine Deneuve, in the star-making role of Geneviève, has a wardrobe that's so sweet it hurts, yet she manages to come off looking poised instead of cutesy.

The undoubtedly exquisite quality of the piny cardigan and pleated skirt make a classic outfit even more chic.

She is wearing a peach sundress under this chic peach coat. One of many nice coats in the film.

 

The cutting of this white flared coat is so pretty.

Classic Burberry trench coat worn over a baby blue gingham dress, baby blue cardigan and paired with black maryjanes.

A more complete view of the baby blue gingham dress. These bright pastels suit Catherine Deneuve's colouring really well.

A sweet little dress that somehow looks so French. Reminds me of French brand A.P.C.

Watching this film inspired me to buck up with my French studies!

School satchels inspired by the Proenza Schouler PS1

The Proenza Schouler PS1 that was so popular late last year and early this year has made everyone rethink school bag-like satchels or messenger bags. Not just any mid-sized sling bag counts as one. Usually there must be one or two buckles and a flap, like the school bags our parents may have used.

They're not as formal or fussy as other big structured bags, and then there's that vintage schoolgirl appeal. I've been carrying small satchels for a while but now I feel inspired to upgrade to a roomy one! Unfortunately I'm not in a position to drop thousands on a bag right now! But luckily there are cheaper alternatives.

Mary-Kate Olsen, Kirsten Dunst and Leighton Meister, all cuties in their own right, with the Proenza Schouler PS1.

Two satchels from Topshop. The beige bag is quite a close copy of the PS1, while the second has a worn, vintage look.

This one is from Australian brand Sportsgirl. It's actually called Textbook Satchel. While I think this shade of purple is quite delightful, I'm not sure if the material look very nice. It looks like it might be a bit soft.

Better yet, hit your local vintage or second-hand store. School satchels are in abundance at such stores because I suppose there was a time when people really did use bags like that just because they were functional. And they didn't cost over a thousand dollars either!

Image source: Topshop, Urban Outfitters

Related post:

Drawstring bags

Eley Kishimoto Spring/Summer 2010 Ready-To-Wear

As half the world prepares for a cold winter ahead, designers have already shown their Spring/Summer 2010 collections. As I am currently in the Southern hemisphere, I am indeed moving into spring. But I don't deny that thoughts of summer helped me to get through a long winter. I'd listen to songs about summer on my headphones while walking around in four layers and a long coat.

If you're gearing up for winter, Eley Kishimoto's Spring/Summer 2010 collection should give you the strength to stay strong till spring. The cheery floral fabrics and airy sundresses make you feel a little warmer just looking at them.

These dresses make me feel like throwing a garden party!

The dress with the printed on collar is sweetly bold! And the subtle use of stripes adds a spunky touch to the floral dress.

These dresses are too cute! The blue dress reminds me of the sailor tops from one of A.P.C.'s old collections. Both dresses are perfect for casual summer days. The neon green works surprisingly well.

Cute and airy tent dresses, great for picnics and a good alternative to denim cut-offs.