getting ready for the holidays . . . & all those holiday parties

Thank you Bloomingdale’s for starting your holiday sale nice and early, and allowing me to mitigate some of the Black Friday/ Cyber Monday craziness! Bloomingdales’s is now offering $25 off every $200 you spend including many items that are already on sale! In addition to getting gifts (stay tuned for my gift ideas post), I thought this sale would be a good time to spruce up my wardrobe for some “basic” wintery pieces that not only will look fabulous for holiday parties but could also last me through March!

1. Statement Necklace – Statement necklaces are such an easy way to spruce up any dull outfit and I absolutely love this Chan Luu leather beaded necklace. I think it is perfect for both in and out of the office. I personally struggle with what to wear to the office holiday party… This necklace is something you could wear all day, but also look festive for the holidays.

2. Layered Tops – if you’ve read any of my recent posts, you know I am a huge fan of layering. I always throw a silk collared blouse under (almost) any top to make it office appropriate. I came across this Elizabeth and James layered top and thought it would be a great basic to have in my wardrobe (especially at the sale price) and would look fab with some glitzy shoes or skirts.

3. Bow Blouse – If you haven’t pulled the trigger on these yet, this sale may be your impetus! I’ve had my eye on this white and black Alice and Olivia bow blouse for quiet some time. It is feminine, fun and would pair perfectly with sparkly earrings and high pony tail for the holiday season.

4. Velvet Blazer – I mean…. Velvet is festive, work appropriate and definitely makes a statement. I am so excited to see that the Theory one is on sale! I love this thrown over a simple black dress for the work week, or even with faux leather pants for the weekend.

5. Dot Tights – Although I am reluctant to start wearing tights to work, it’s about that time. I always wait for sales to buy my tights for the season (I typically get 4 pairs or so and need to replace them every year – I ALWAYS end up ripping them so it is just not worth it to pay full price!) I’ve been searching for a great pair of dot tights and just ordered these from Falke. Sale time is also great time to stock up on the basic ones. Commando‘s are my favorite for every day (not the most cost efficient, but typically last me through the season without ripping).

6. Festive Earrings – You may be able to tell from my pictures that I keep my jewelry really basic in the office. I don’t think you can go crazy with statement jewelry all the time, but especially around the holiday season – I’m going to try to incorporate some fun jewelry a bit more! I LOVE these Alexis Bittar hanging earrings. The “pearl” feel makes them okay for the office (for special occasions) and fantastic for a holiday party!

7. Embellished… anything! –  I’ve seen a ton of embellished items this year but have struggled to find something that wasn’t TOO embellished to incorporate into my work wardrobe. This Alice and Olivia embellished skirt is currently in my Bloomingdale’s shopping bag. I love it with high black boots (like these from Ivanka Trump) on the weekends and with simple black pumps and a silk button (my favorite from Theory on sale!!) down for the office.

8. Party Shoes – I have been so impressed with Ivanka Trump’s shoe line. I have a thing for shoes… (guilty) and will oftentimes splurge on designer shoes for basics (like a great pair of black Sergio Rossi’s). However, I like to fill in my shoe collection with some more affordable trendy pairs. These Ivanka Trump silver and black pumps would be great to spruce up any every day winter outfit to a festive, holiday party appropriate look!

Shop the items below – and check out lots of other great items on sale at Bloomingdale’s!