Clockwise from top left: a starburst brooch, an embellished evening coat, burnt red satin kitten heels, gleaming lip gloss, a sculptural pin and a mini satin purse.
By Janet Kelly
YOU KNOW that panicky feeling when you don’t have anything appropriate to wear for a festive occasion, and you’re tempted to splurge on a whole new outfit? In my experience what that leads to is regret.
Instead, shop your closet to evaluate what you already own. Then add strategically—with a floral brooch from Georg Jensen, Emme Parsons’s striking red shoes or Destree’s diminutive silky satin purse. Dôen’s evening coat is more than an accent. Nevertheless, it’s a finishing touch you’ll turn to way beyond the holidays.
When I couldn’t find shoes I liked enough to wear to a wedding, I bought a pair of plain black satin pumps at DSW and made them sparkle with a set of crystal clips. These also come in a square shape.
A quick fix to elevate an evening look? Transparent tights with Lurex add a glamorous gleam. Swiss brand Fogal has been making fashionable stockings since 1921. These have a reinforced toe and a cotton crotch for comfort—and durability.
Imagine this: You walk into the party wearing this evening coat from Dôen (it’s 90% cashmere and 10% wool), and you keep it on. It’s elegant all on its own, paired with, say, trim, cropped pants.
One of Georg Jensen’s well-known motifs, the simple, graphic design of this sterling silver and enamel brooch can be the starring attraction on a sweater, jacket or coat. You say you want something more modern—Jensen’s Moonlight Grapes brooch here.
After what seems like a long absence, fashion folk have embraced silky satin fabrics this fall, right on time for the season’s dress-up opportunities. Wear this one from Massimo Dutti with a pleated gray midi or the black you already own.
Mini Gunther Satin Passementerie Bag
It’s unlikely you’ll run into yourself carrying this dimunitive handbag, distinguished by its textured, oversized rope accent.
Designer Joan Goodman’s jewelry reflects her love of exotic nature in Hawaii. Her sculpted interpretation of a delicate azalea will shimmer, pinned on a lapel or a scarf or bag.
A sure-fire cure for winter pasty-face. It may be wishful thinking on my part but I do think Chanel’s gloss with coconut oil and Vitamin E not only lights up my complexion but also plumps my lips. I like this Tendresse hue, but it comes in 11 other shades.
Emme Parsons disrupts the traditional Mary Jane with a pointy toe and sexy cut-outs. A pop of red is an unexpected finish for the neutrals in your closet.
