The holidays can be such a fun time no matter how, where, or with whom you celebrate! This holiday season, I am traveling back to my home city of Los Angeles where I will enjoy Christmas with family—and the sun! But I typically spend the holidays in freezing temperatures whether it be in my other home city of Boise, Idaho, or my current home base: Chicago. Other than spending time with my loved ones, my favorite part about the holidays is the fashion, of course….Would you expect anything else from me?
My holiday activities are anything but traditional, and they change every year, which means I have to have different looks that are perfect for every occasion. So I wanted to show you some of the different looks I will be sporting this season and where I will be wearing them to!
I got all of my looks at Gordmans, one of my favorite places to shop for my most-coveted fashion and home decor brands on a budget! Gordmans’ mission is to thrill every guest with fun finds and exciting deals at every turn. There’s no need to hunt for bargains at Gordmans, and that’s because it is an off-price retailer. Off-price retailers buy excess inventory from department and specialty stores, then sell it at greatly reduced prices. For shoppers, that means exceptional deals on designer and name brand fashion. (Which is exactly how I scored two items from Express—that were originally priced at more than $90 each—for under $25. Scroll down to check out how I worked those items into these looks!) I also love that Gordmans has an extensive plus size section with many different brands and styles.
GLAM
I love a good holiday dress that doesn’t scream “deck the halls” right away, but has the potential to be dressed up or down for any holiday occasion. Some love to accessorize their holiday looks with embellished Christmas sweaters and Christmas light necklaces, but I prefer an elegant dress that’s ready for any impromptu friend or family photo op. I love the velvet details on the dress, which make the garment feel even more festive. I’m wearing this dress to a holiday dinner with family, but it could also work for holiday photos, too! Now, let’s talk about sizing and fit: This fit and flare skater dress is so flattering, and the materials is very stretchy and comfortable. I am wearing a size 2x, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly.
Dress: French Atmosphere – $16.99
Necklace: Lux Accessories – $6.99
Cardigan: Express – $16.99
Clutch: Madison West – $21.99
Booties: Olivia Miller – $16.99
Earrings: Lux Accessories – $6.99
PARTY
One of my favorite times during the holidays is when my best friend throws a Christmas cookie decorating party, and we all get together to laugh over too much wine and sugar. I love getting dressed up for this party, but as the night goes on we end up on the couch watching a movie. So while I do want a glam look, I also want something that’s cozy and that I can chill out in. When I first saw this green oversized cardigan, I knew I had to have it. I rarely ever wear an oversized cardigan or outerwear because I feel like it could come off as frumpy, but I fell in love with this cardigan instantly. So I decided to pair it with this sequin mini skirt—also from Express and found at Gordmans (link)—to elevate the cardigan. I also added in this lace camisole to put a sexy touch on the look. This look could also work for holiday photos or parties. I am wearing an XL in the cardigan and the skirt, which is two sizes smaller than my usual size, but the cardigan is oversized, and the skirt runs big. So they fit perfectly! I am wearing a size 2X in the camisole, and it fits perfectly!
Camisole: Tru Heart – $12.99
Cardigan: Express – $16.99
Skirt: Express – $8.99
Clutch: Madison West – $21.99
Booties: Olivia Miller – $16.99
Necklace: Lux Accessories – $6.99
CHILL
After all the food, wrapping, and last minute gift shopping, my go-to outfit is something comfortable and cozy without sacrificing style. That’s why this striped sweater, these burgundy leggings, and some knee-high boots make up the perfect look for opening gifts in the morning, volunteering, or just hanging out with friends and family. While my urge is to stay in jimmies all day, it makes me feel lazy and lackluster. But let’s face it, leggings and a cozy sweater aren’t too far away from jimmies…it’s just all about how you style and work it!
Sweater: Love by Marcy – $12.99
Leggings: Zac & Rachel – $16.99
Because I scored all three of these looks—accessories and shoes included—for less than $150 in total, I may have also gotten some Christmas shopping done while I was at Gordmans….most of which was probably for me, but still!
