Casino Night is coming.
Reality Check: Even though we’ve all set New Year’s Resolutions with the best of intentions, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And I know that I, for one do not have the mental endurance or the stamina to survive a marathon-shopping sesh until at least March, probably.
But take heart, friends. Paw through your closet and find your favorite frock.
Whether or not you swore that this would finally be the year to replace it, you still love it. So get down with your bad self and work what’s workin’ for you.
Because we’re going to accessorize.
The clutch. Obviously the point of carrying a clutch or wristlet instead of a purse is so that you don’t feel like Old St. Nick with shimmying down the chimney with a sack of loot while you’re wandering the game-floor.
But take this real life problem: You’ve manged to make it to The Event. You’re trying to juggle your purse, your bucket of chips, a drink, and some nosh.
If the things you’re trying to juggle don’t end up rolling on the ground. You will.
Say no to attempting the impossible and Defying The Laws Of Gravity.
The fix: A small clutch or shoulder bag that’s small enough to be elegant, yet large enough to stash your chips.
The shoes. I don’t know about you, but in January you can pretty much find me in my salt-stained black UGGs, or a sensible pair of black pumps.
I know that peeptoes and strappy sandals aren’t really “winter appropriate,” but from time to time I’m more than happy to pull a favorite pair out if I know that I can meet one of the following criteria:
- My date can drop me off at the door.
- I don’t have to walk on ice for any meaningful distance.
- It hasn’t snowed recently OR the parking lot/sidewalk have been cleared off.
Some people are very rah-rah about wearing a fun, colorful shoe if you’re planning on wearing your favorite frock. Personally, I like to see people go the metallic/neutral route. It’s not matchy-matchy, but it comes off as thought-out.
The Jewels. The case for them is simple. If you’re not going to glam it up on casino night, then really, what on earth are you waiting for? Too many of us have favorite pieces that don’t make it out nearly often enough. And, sometimes you need a reason to buy that bauble that you’ve been coveting.
If The Clutch and The Shoes are meant to keep your look carefree and put-together, The Jewels are your chance to (excuse the cliche) shine and show-off something that’s a little bit elegant and a little bit unexpected.
What I just love about accessorizing in this manner, is that when you’re paying attention to what you’re mixing and matching, you have a great opportunity to set the tone for your outfit and your evening.
And of course, it never hurts to consider the practical side of things. You already have a clutch? Pull it out! You’ve been stashing away that pair of earrings you got for Hanukkah? Dust them off! Not in the mood to go out and buy anything, but you’re just dying for something different? Give your girlfriends a call and swap-it-out! What’s so nice about this is that you can so easily blend new things with what you already have for a look that’s effortlessly chic.
Good luck getting it all together and I’ll see y’all out on the floor!
(Photo: maureen lunn)
Love that green necklace. Not a fan of the open-toe with a big honkin’ bow. Is the pink flower purse a bit daytime? I get confused with night/day colors and usually stick to black at night.
I am suddenly inspired to dust off the cute clutch my father-in-law brought me from one of his trips…
Love this post Kat! You are one stylish lady.
I want photos, OK? Loved the shoes, just need to find a reason. I have never been to a casino night…