Day to Night Fashion

When it comes to my own wardrobe, I don’t think of it as being divided into day or night wear.

I am so fortunate to have the freedom to wear what I want during the day without being obligated to follow a corporate dress code.  Most times, what I wear when working can be easily translated into what I wear for a night out.  My approach to dressing stems from watching how my mom handled her wardrobe when I was a kid.  She had clothes for working during the day and clothes for going out at night, but she never mixed the two.  She had an approach to dressing that worked for her, and from that I learned to be confident about developing my own style.

When it comes to my own wardrobe, I don’t think of it as being divided into day or night wear.  My style is similar to my taste in other areas, which is to start with a basic look that’s appropriate for meeting with clients or working around the office.  My typical outfit of black clothing and heels is often perfect for going out after a day of work.  Here are some examples of items I’m likely to wear during the day:

Great shirt by Helmut Lang.
Great shirt by Helmut Lang.
Kiel Leather Leggings
Kiel Leather Leggings
Manolo Blahnik Leopard Print Pumps
Manolo Blahnik Leopard Print Pumps
Yassi Harari Hoop Earrings
Yassi Harari Hoop Earrings

When making the transition from day to evening, having a simple base wardrobe means you can change out accessories to give your look an edgier vibe.  By changing your shoes or jewelry, you can give yourself a funkier look that’s perfect for drinks out with friends.

These Jimmy Choo booties add a shot of color to your look.
These Jimmy Choo booties add a shot of color to your look.
Scarab Drop Earrings by Eddie Borgo -- add something fun to your look.
Scarab Drop Earrings by Eddie Borgo add something fun rather than something safe.

There are other items that I’d easily wear both during the day and at night.  I’d be as comfortable meeting a client to look at samples as I would meeting my best friend for dinner dressed this way.  If you don’t have the same wardrobe freedom at work, starting with a few basics that can be mixed and livened up with different accessories is a great way to be ready to unwind and have fun after a day at the office.

Rag & Bone blazer, perfect for fall.
Rag & Bone blazer, perfect for fall.
Kerry Studded Cap Sleeve Dress
Kerry Studded Cap Sleeve Dress
Falabella Fold Over Clutch, classic and appropriate for day or night.
Falabella Fold Over Clutch, classic and appropriate for day or night.

What are your strategies for taking your look from day to night?

 

Holiday Wrapping

It’s always nice to receive a gift, but when that gift is carefully wrapped in a special way, the recipient can’t help but but feel spoiled!

I love wrapping presents for Christmas!  Putting together wrapping papers with coordinating bows and accents is like designing on a smaller scale.  There are so many thoughtful and beautiful ways to wrap presents with nearly endless options for colors, patterns, and accessories like ribbons and bows.  It’s always nice to receive a gift, but when that gift is carefully wrapped in a special way, the recipient can’t help but but feel spoiled!

A craft box layered with a fun wrap and simple red ribbon always looks custom.
Elegant use of two complimentary papers and greenery with the ribbon.
Very sweet wrapping paper for kids.
Owls in trees wrapping paper — adorable.

Adding just the right touch with decorative details is another way to create an especially beautiful gift.  Think of what you can add to the ribbon or bow to further dress up the present.  It can be something festive or personal, colorful or classic.  When you take the time to wrap the gift with extra thought and care, you show the person you give it to that they are worth the extra effort.

Berries and holly – a great addition to the ribbon.
Use a great tag with calligraphy writing.
I love the idea of mixing the metallic paper with pine cones and branches.

For me, gift wrapping is all about the presentation!  Do you have a favorite paper or embellishment for wrapping Christmas gifts?