Your Ultimate Holiday Survival Guide
Have you bought your boss a present yet?
Credit: @klassykinks
It’s the happiest season of all. And truth be told, it also happens to be rather stressful. Because while some people are already underway wrapping presents, you’re busy wrapping up deals. And still trying to RSVP with cheer to all of the invites that keep showing up.
People love the holidays. They love celebrating. But how do you handle the holidays? Make a list, check it twice, and then follow our advice on how to do the last two weeks of December with style and grace, all while smelling good.
WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT RSVPs?
It’s hard to sort through the invites. You want to say “yes” to everything, but as in business you’ve learned that sometimes, it’s important to say “no” and give yourself a night off.
But there’s one invite you should always make time for: the boss’ house.
You’ve been invited to your boss’ holiday shindig, which is separate from the company dinner you’re attending. It’s at his/her house. His/Her friends will be there. Other important people you probably want to talk to. Shake hands with. Do you go? Yes. Always yes to this.
If the invite has been extended, it’s for a reason, and you should make the time.
BUT SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED? PROB NOT.
You don’t need to bring the traditional bottle of wine. Everyone brings wine. Here’s a chance to show your boss that you remain a forever out-of-the-box and ahead-of-the-game thinker. So what do you bring? Try an Indian Khadi Napkin set. Traditionally used as men’s handkerchiefs, the shape makes for a great everyday napkin.
Offer the gift upon arrival and make sure to add a personalized note. If for some reason you don’t end up handing the gift directly to your boss, you want to be sure they know it’s from you.
WHAT TO WEAR? IS FORMAL WEAR TOO FORMAL?
Not in December!
Looking nice is not a simple formality, it’s a chance to wear all those clothes you bought with the intention of stepping up your 2016 outfit game. But the year is coming to a close and some of those clothes still have their tags on. Pull ‘em off!
From friends’ holiday fetes to a co-worker’s bash, ‘tis the season for dressing up. Even if it’s not a formal party, people love dressing up for the holidays. Those statement earrings you’ve been dying to let dangle? Wear them! The high-waist tuxedo pant with stilettos and off-the-shoulder blouse? That outfit is made for the holidays.
HOW TO STAY SO FRESH, SO CLEAN
With a pile of invites and a stack of work to soldier through before before the close of the business year, chances are you’re going to be heading straight from the office to celebrations.
So how do you make sure that you not only look good, but smell good too? We’ve partnered with Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant to answer all of your party-prep needs.
"Spread the love. That’s what the holidays are all about."
Tweet this.
Dove Dry Spray goes on instantly dry, lasts up to 48 hours AND cares for your skin. So, later that night, when a waiter is passing apps, you don’t have to worry about passing out holiday hugs to friends, co-workers, and new acquaintances. Lift those arms. Spread the love. That’s what the holidays are all about.
FINALLY DO YOU GIVE YOUR BOSS A HOLIDAY GIFT? WHAT ABOUT YOUR CO-WORKERS
If you go above and beyond for you boss, it might not look great. Your boss knows how much you make. So if you intend to buy a holiday gift for your higher-up, make sure it’s something reasonable.
Keep in mind the aforementioned and don’t think inside the box. You don’t need to get her cookies. But a small-batch bottle of whiskey that only becomes available during the holidays? Great. A candle from Le Labo always goes over well and will make their home or office smell amazing.
When it comes to co-workers, you know best. Especially if you have a BIG team. Instead of stressing out and breaking the bank, write the team members you work closely with a thoughtful greeting. A little goes a long way during the holidays. If you can make them smile, that’s a job well done.
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Nailing the Perfect Office to Party Ensemble with Kate Spade
With winter here, we're on the hunt for the best holiday outfits that not only work for the office, but also double up as a perfect holiday party ensemble. Y'know - anything that makes our hectic schedules even more convenient. Because who has time to leave work early, change, get ready AGAIN, and make it to the party on time?
With the bulk of holiday parties still ahead of you, we tapped some of our favorite fashion bloggers and business ladies to share boss babe party style looks from Kate Spade.
THE ALL-IN-ONE with C&C FOUNDER JACLYN JOHNSON
For the busy boss who doesn't have time to pull in multiple pieces, what's chicer than a jumpsuit? Maybe these heels? In black and gold, you can strut from office to party with bells (or in this case, pom poms) on your feet.
On Jackie: Metallic Dot Jumpsuit, India Heels, Cameron Street Lane Bag
THAT'S A WRAP with PURSUIT OF SHOES FOUNDER ASHLEY TORRES
It's not just presents that are for wrapping this season. In a sparkling wrap dress, that can be paired with flats at the office and heels for the party, you've got this in the (cutest little black) bag.
On Ashley: Metallic Multidot Dress, Cameron Street Lane Bag
BLACK & WHITE & OH SO EFFORTLESS with EFFORTLESS CHIC FOUNDER JEN PINKSTON
Black and white was made for busy bosses. When you don't have time to pattern match, you can get dressed for the day and night faster than you close those deals. Oh, and if it's a rooftop party, you'll be stylish and cozy in a gorgeous tweed coat.
On Jen: Faux Fur Collar Tweet Coat, Poplin Ruffle Shirt, Abbie Pant, Anastasia Heels, Cameron Street Lane Bag
BOSS PANTS NATION with JORDAN SANTOS
Power babes in power outfits, with a few key accessories. In a high-waist pant and crisp white button-down, heading from your desk to festive drinks has never looked so good.
On Jordan: Silk Alyssa Top, Shimmer Tweed Jacket, Cameron Street Lane Bag
THE LADY IN LILAC with NIKIA PHOENIX
There may be songs about ladies in red, but this winter opt for soft colors like lilac because pretty pastel hues aren't just for spring. Go romantic and sophisticated.
On Nikia: Jia Dress, Malerie Coat, Cameron Street Lane Bag
THE CASUAL CREATIVE with LILLIAN BABIAN, FOUNDER OF STUDS AND SAPPHIRES
Casual meets classic with a high waist denim and white button-down. Sometimes when everything is up in the air, you want something simple and sweet. And a monogrammed bag is the perfect addition to this classic look.
On Lillian: Malerie Coat, Poplin Ruffle Shirt, High Waisted Denim
MORE FROM OUR BLOG
Work Hard, Play Hard: Three Show-Stopping Holiday Office Party Outfits
If you're looking to break the rules this holiday season, these outfits are for you.
Photo: Sidney Ellen Photography
With the holidays around the corner, the amount of holiday party invites flooding your inbox are about the same amount as your work emails. And when you’re trying to catch up with all the important emails and deadlines before the holiday break, is there even any time to go shopping or even think about what you’re going to wear at those holiday parties you RSVP’d for?
We get it. We’ve been there far too often, and every year, we get a little better at being masters of becoming our own stylists even with all the stress of holiday shopping and parties. And how selfish would it make us if we didn’t share some of our best styling tips to save you some time this holiday season? Think of it as one of our few holiday gifts to you.
Thanks to our friends and holiday-season go-to bebe, we’ve rounded up three dazzling outfits for you to try out this season - a fit for every type of party you’re headed to. Whether you want to keep it cool and casual at the new years party, or are ready to make a statement on the scene for the office holiday party, we’ve got you covered.
Mistletoe Mischief
Coated Heartbreaker Jeans - $119, Je T’aime Bomber - $198, Crystal & Velvet Tie Choker - $34
Are you headed to a chill holiday party with your friends after work? Perhaps a house party ready with warm spiked apple cider, and a DJ mixing the best holiday covers on the 1’s and 2’s? This casual denim ensemble with this sequined bomber jacket is perfect for those who don’t want to be overdressed, but are always dressed to impress.
When The Ball Drops
Faux Fur Jacket - $189, Embroidered Skinny Jeans - $159, Crystal Embellished Choker - $39
It’s NYE, and the party you’re headed to is not formal, but you can’t help it to show up with a show-stopping outfit that is sure to turn some heads. Nothing like pairing an embroidered pair of cropped denim with a white fuzzy number to show you’re ready to party, no matter how cold it gets. Also, don’t forget the red choker to accessorize - you want to nail all the details.
Holiday Office Festivities
Silk Charmeuse Surplice Top - $139, Gold Leather Moto Jacket - $298, High Waisted Trouser - $129
You RSVP’d for the formal holiday office party, but does this mean you have to wear a gown or a dress? If you’re in the mood to ditch a dress this year and red isn’t really your color, opt for a black and gold ensemble with hints of silk and leather. Add in a stacked chain necklace, and your outfit’s ready for the night!
What are some of your holiday go-to’s this season? Let us know below, and let us know your thoughts on our outfits!
Outfits You'll Want to Work Hard to Buy
There's a reason we call it the happiest season of all.
Oh it's the most wonderful weekend of all. Black Friday has come to be as important to the holidays as stockings on your chimney. And we couldn't be more thankful. Especially with the caliber of clothing offered luxe Italian retailer Luisa Via Roma.
From the above Aciel White Cotton Poplin Shirt to the Aquazzura Napa Leather Flats, there is plenty to pine after. (BTW: Hammock also for sale.)
And if you’re lusting after a certain luxury piece, but can’t yet afford it, these items will convince you to put your nose to the grindstone and work until you own it.
A long pale pink dress is useful year round. During the winter months pair it with boots and a turtleneck to stay warm. A gray Emporio Armani turtle will do the trick. In the spring wear the Attico Satin Slip Dress solo and take advantage of the thigh-high slits. The Skogsberg&Smart vase vase pulls double duty as well. Use it as a candle holder or fill it with white lilies to match the winter landscape.
Looking to make a statement at your friend's holiday fete? Shourouk Ramses Black earringsare white and gold, the colors of the season. They're also dazzling danglers. Don't want to show up empty handed? The House of Hackney Pineapple candleholder is better than a bottle of wine (and lasts longer too). For a button-down that works with both a red leather skirt for nights on the town and back in the office on Monday, VETEMENTS padded shoulders cotton poplin shirt is a winner.
A cropped cashmere turtleneck? It's just the right amount of naughty and nice. And you should put something like it in on your xmas list. It's great for wearing around the office with a pair of high waist pants. Even better for flaunting a tiny smidgen of your mid-drift, even when the snow drift is piling high. If you like rocking high-necked styles, also check out this dot mesh and lace crepe top from British label Self Portrait. And if you want to get a little crazy with your bottoms, these Vionnet Musical Printed pants are the way to go.
A Bitossi Ceramiche Hen Ceramic figure might not work as a purse, but it's certainly of the season and looks cute tucked up under your arm (or in your hallway entry). And with Marni Cropped Light Twisted Flannel Pants and Aquazzura Christy Lace Up Pumps, people are going to be more focussed on the bottom half of your outfit anyway.
For more holiday outfit inspo visit Luisa Via Roma. Black Friday sales are happening! Use the CODE: BFKEEP20 for an extra 20% off sale from Nov 23-24 & from Nov 25-28 the discount is applied automatically at checkout.