It’s here, the moment we have all been waiting for since we were picking pumpkins in October … THE HOLIDAYS! So much to do, so much to see, so many things to buy, so much to eat … let’s revel in this excess and enjoy December to the fullest. Because it is such a busy time, we enlisted the help of a professional stylist to find all the great outfits around town. We asked Shannon Kessler, owner of Primp Style Lounge, to help us out this month. In addition to hair and makeup, Primp also offers wardrobe consulting and personal shopping to complete your styling. The occasions we chose for What to Wear this month are broad: holiday parties of all sorts, The Brown-Forman “Nutcracker” and Bardstown Road Aglow. Events taking place both outside and inside mean that you’re going to need to bundle up while still looking festive and bright. Today, we feature nine looks from eight different boutiques around town: Collections, Monkee’s of Louisville, Boutique Serendipity, Liv Boutique, J.McLaughlin, M.E. Modern Elegance, Apricot Lane and Circe + SWAG.
The Event: Holiday Party
- The friend’s holiday party
- The work holiday party
- The cookie exchange
There’s always a fun holiday party with friends where you can break out the sparkle, or definitely take a risk with your outfit for fun, and Shannon covered any type of holiday party you will attend over the next few weeks. Everyone has a work party, where you need to look festive, but with an element of restraint. You also need to remember that restraint in front of your boss and temper the imbibing. Lastly, there are always fun get-togethers this month, such as the classic holiday cookie exchange, where casual attire is the name of the game. Don’t forget that this is also a great time to get a blowout or your makeup done (hint, hint).
What to wear: This is a time to have some fun with color, shine and/or texture. If you are wearing black, add a little touch of sparkle with a dark-colored shimmer to balance the shine. Also, don’t forget about jewelry; that will really come into play this month. Here is a trio of party looks for three types of holiday parties.
Look #1: Your friend’s holiday party
From Collections: BB Dakota black sequin leggings, $92; black top, $68; green pendant necklace, $42
Close-up of green pendant necklace, $42 at Collections
Look #2: Work holiday party
From Monkee’s of Louisville: Alice & Trixie Twiggy red dress, $240; W&M tortoise agate bracelet, $69; pendant coin initial necklace, $155
Close-up of pendant necklace, $155
Look #3: Cookie exchange
We found some gorgeous items from Circe + SWAG. These can all be dressed up with ease, but we wanted to show you how to use them for a more low-key event, as well, thus more options for your dollar. IRO sweater jacket, $618; The Ex Frenchie denim shirt, $248; Velvet white tank, $65; Ryder leather boyfriend pants, $995; necklace by Elizabeth, $225
Close-up of these rockin’ leather pants, cut like boyfriend jeans
The Event: Brown-Forman “Nutcracker” by the Louisville Ballet
- December 12-20, 2015
- Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
- Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here.
These two hours of magic take place each holiday season. This classic performance by the Louisville Ballet shows us Marie’s magical experiences in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy with the Nutcracker Prince. The ballet dancers’ costumes are exquisite, and yours should be, too. The Brown-Forman “Nutcracker” takes place at the Kentucky Center in Whitney Hall, and the entire performance is like a walk in a winter wonderland.
What to wear: Theater performance outfits run the gamut. Shannon has picked everything from a skirt and top and a fun dress to a luxurious long sweater, silk top and nice denim. But the attention to detail, with accessories like fur wraps, quilted leather clutches and creative jewelry, add even more festivity to these stylish picks. She pairs different textures and patterns to add interest to the looks, as well.
Look #1:
From J.McLaughlin: Fur wrap, $225; plaid blouse, $175; pleated skirt, $165
Pay attention to details with a quilted leather clutch for $198. And check out this close-up of the fur wrap and delicate plaid blouse.
Look #2:
From Liv Boutique: Striped metallic party dress, $110; brushed aluminum and crystal pendant necklace, $42
Look #3:
From Boutique Serendipity: Sisters Gray Sweater, $108; Henry & Belle jeans, $148; Alice & Trixie silk fuschia blouse, $248; necklace $88
Close-up of necklace and cozy sweater
Bardstown Road Aglow
- Saturday, December 5
- From dusk to 10 p.m.
- For more information, click here.
Bundle up and head over to Bardstown Road for the 30th annual Bardstown Road Aglow, taking place Saturday, December 5, from dusk until 10 p.m. Stroll along Bardstown Road or take the trolleys that will run all night. The night begins around 5:30 p.m. at Bardstown and Grinstead with the tree lighting. Shops will provide promotions, discounts and holiday cheer, and some restaurants will offer specialty drinks. This yearly event is great for the whole family. Be sure to dress warmly and bring a good tote for all the holiday goodies you plan on purchasing. For more information, visit thehighlandsoflouisville.com.
What to wear: Shannon picked out cozy and warm sweaters, as well as a water-repellent jacket for this event. Be sure to think about extra protection, with cute hats, mittens and big blanket scarves. She even selected shoes that can work in the cold, snow or rain.
Look #1:
From Apricot Lane: Black Swan sweater, $95; white tunic, $45; jeans, $65; brown felt hat, $40; boots, $89
Here’s a close-up of the boots and felt hat. Both are neutral, go with everything and are great buys.
Look #2:
From Monkee’s of Louisville: Sweater poncho in Sandstorm, $150; brown leggings by Lysse, $60; pendant necklace, $365
Close-up of the beautiful pendant necklace
Look #3:
From M.E. Modern Elegance: L’Atelier Cargo Jacket, $178; Mari Gold jeans, $148; Veronica bell-sleeve top, $72; plaid blanket scarf, $38
Brown duck boots with buckle, $50
Thank you to Shannon Kessler from Primp Style Lounge for styling these looks for December. Primp Style Lounge is located at 3917 Chenoweth Square. Learn more at (502) 384-7043.
Like all these looks? Be sure to download our free SB App, and you can have access to all the boutiques and shopping here in Louisville right at your fingertips. Have a great month!
