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Monday, December 9, 2013

Holiday Style Link-Up: Holiday Party Part 2

Formal/ Semi-Formal Party








Sunnies: Oakley | Coat: Wilson's Leather (option, love this)  | Dress: Bailey 44 (40% off in Port color here) | Necklace: Stella & Dot (sold out) (option) | Cuff: Express | Ring: Express (option) | Clutch: Kate Spade (splurge option, budget option) | Tights: Nine West (love these) layered over DKNY (option) | Booties: Christian Louboutin (budget option)

This is Week 2 of the Holiday Style Series hosted by On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me! We hope you enjoyed last week's Casual Holiday Style! This week is part 2 of the Holiday Party theme where we showcase our formal/semi-formal party looks! I admit that I usually steer clear from your typical LBD when dressing up. Sometimes I feel like the LBD is an easy way out, so to speak. Safe. The majority of the crowd will wear them. I'm not afraid to sport bold colors! However, I feel like the details I added to this outfit gave it enough  interest - they kept me from feeling boring or safe.

I bought this dress way back during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I fell in love with it in the catalog, and even more once I tried it on. I tend to buy dresses even when I don't have a specific event in mind, because I know eventually, there will come a time when I will need it - such as now. The bib necklace is just perfect for this look to break up the monotony of the black - I have not been able to find anything else like it, so I'm very glad I decided to buy it when I did. Layering tights is a necessity for warmth, but I also wanted to add a tone on tone pattern and texture to my look. The booties are edgy to complement the leather bodice of the dress, and the clutch added my pop of color. Finally, my coat. Nothing says 'holiday style' more to me than a wintery white coat. I bought it a couple years ago for $50 and some change. So. Worth. It.

Linkup Button


Link-up Guidelines:
1. Go to a HOST page (More Pieces of Me or On the Daily Express) and click "Add My Link" at the end of our first post. Make sure your link is for your actual post and not your blog's home page. Even though this is Holiday Style themed, we do welcome all fashion and holiday related posts as long as the participation guidelines are followed.

2) Be sure that your post links back to at least one host (preferably both!). You can use a button on your blog or the link-up language of your choosing in your post, but please find a way to inform your readers of your participation in the Holiday Style Link Up in order to benefit all participants. In the spirit of the holidays we want to help each other grow, find new friends and readers, and share our love for fashion and festivities.

3) Please follow More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express on Bloglovin'

4) After you post your link we hope you'll go check out other participants in the series and spread some holiday cheer with your comments and feedback!

Check out our favorites:
More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express collaborated  to choose our favorite looks from last week's Casual Holiday Style theme! It was definitely a hard decision on both our parts, but we loved the idea of showcasing Ella Pretty, whose look was more dressy-casual, next to the laid back casual outfit by Kellys Reality. Both are equally fun and fabulous! Please be sure to go to their blogs for more details on their outfits! 


Left: Ella Pretty | Right: Kellys Reality

Next Week: 
December 16: Holiday Travel
Lots of people hit the road for the holidays or spend more time than usual in airports. Show us how you dress for comfort and style, or show us how you pack your favorite suitcase to make the best use of space.
More Pieces of Me        

Linking up for What I Wore and with Elizabeth, ToriLauren, Erin and Laura.

31 comments :

  1. What a gorgeous dress....& I thought that statement necklace is a part of the dress!! HappyHolidays ladies!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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    1. My husband did also! Thank you so much for joining us again!

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  2. Thanks for hosting, Carylee! Love your dress the necklace compliments it so well. Have a wonderful day!

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    1. Our pleasure! And I agree - the necklace arrived just in time to wear with the dress! thanks for the comment and for participating!

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  3. Thanks for selecting one of my looks as a favorite ;-) Love the holiday look you put together - the necklace and booties complement each other so well!

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    1. Well, thanks for providing such awesome inspiration!
      I agree - love that necklace and booties both have some edge to them.

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  4. When I first saw this picture I didn't realize you were wearing a necklace. I thought it was part of the dress! It looks amazing and perfectly paired. Actually, the whole outfit is just perfect - you are a master of details. I love the look of a white coat in winter, too. It stands out in such a good way!

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    1. "Master of details" - wow that is vertically the best compliment ever! Thank you! And it's funny because even the husband (who is my photographer) had no idea this necklace was separate from the dress until I pointed it out! I just love love love this necklace! Cheers to week 2!

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  5. I'm pretty much obsessed with your outfit! I love the details, especially the necklace! The booties are great too.

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    1. Thanks! I struggled with shoes for this outfit, but the grommet details of these boots just made them seem like a natural pairing!

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  6. I love this outfit! And oh my gosh, you're from st. louis!? How fun!! I live in Kansas City. I seriously love when I find other bloggers in the area. So happy you pointed that out to me!!
    www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

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    1. Yay! Well if you are ever out this way, please be sure to let me know! And thanks!

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  7. What a cute holiday dress, and you can never go wrong with a cream colored coat!

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    1. Yes, I agree! I was so happy to find this one at such a great price!

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  8. Hey Carylee, I love that necklace! I've always wondered if the large ones would be too big for a petite frame, but it looks great on you :)

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    1. Thank you! Yes, you should definitely try it out! I'm barely 5'-2" myself! What's great about this is that it lays flat against my body. I think that helps with proportions and scale!

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  9. Gorgeous look!! Perfect outfit for a holiday party!!

    Erica <3
    www.casuallystyled.com

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  10. So glam! I'm loving those boots a ton....and can I have your hair???

    TheShopaholicSAHM

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  11. Stopping by from Style Sessions Link-up! Love this look! I'm all about winter white this year :)

    <3 Vicki
    wildeinthecity.blogspot.com

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    1. I totally am, too! I have been craving everything chunky - boots, sweaters, scarves!

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  12. Love the necklace. Very pretty and that dress is to die for..fits you like a glove... Thanks for hosting the link up..

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    1. My pleasure - thanks for participating! Bailey 44 dresses fit me so great - highly recommend them if you haven't already tried them!

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  13. That dress is awesome, I tend to stay away from lbd's also but yours is great! I love the leather look and the necklace you chose to pair it with. And those booties are amazing!!!
    Tiffany
    www.stylestealsandstillettos.com

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    1. The booties were really the finishing piece in my opinion! Ok, well, and the necklace! I guess the upside to an LBD is that it is a great canvas for just about anything! Thank you so much for the note!

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  14. I love your dress. The necklace fits perfectly!! Thanks for linking up.

    Elizabeth
    elizabethnygard.com

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  15. That necklace is FAB! The dress fits you like a glove, and those tights are great! Stopping by from the Trend Spin linkup!

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.com

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    1. Wow - thank you so much for all the niceness!! I appreciate it, truly!

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