LFF'S GUIDE TO: CHRISTMAS BALL OUTFITS 2012

So here's my third and final blog of the season centred around Christmas party outfits. And this blog is dedicated to the dress code that can often be quite daunting when it appears on an invitation: black tie.

Black tie dressing can look frumpy if done wrong, so my advice is mix textures, metallics, sequins and embellishments to keep the look interesting and modern. Luckily the high street also have a really impressive offering when it comes to ball gowns this a/w- would you believe the Phase Eight full length sequinned number below was off the rack? Cinders doesn't need to have a designer budget in this day and age, although the last tube might mean the 12pm curfew can't be avoided!

1. Phase Eight Collection 8 Colette dress, John Lewis, £275.
2. Glitter Ball earrings, Cinderela B, £35.
3. Lanvin gold metallic logo clutch, Liberty, £225.
4. Hyla strappy heeled sandals, ASOS, £35.

LFF'S GUIDE TO: CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY OUTFITS 2012

So here's the second of my blogposts themed around styling your christmas party outfits. Today I am tackling cockail hour, which I have to say is one of my favourite occasions to get dressed up for. The key to getting cocktail hour fashion right is dressing for low-lighting; look for embellished, jewelled and glitter-encrusted styles that will shimmer after dark. A touch of vintage styling is also key to this look; cocktails were popularised during prohibition in the 1920s and were the preserve of the 1950s housewife, so anything a little bit vintage feels highly appropriate!

The next installment will be coming shortly...

1. Feather hem dress, Warehouse, £130.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski crystal clip earrings, Net-a-porter, £60.  
3. Ted Baker glitter origami clutch, John Lewis, £79.
4. Hustle heeled sandals, ASOS, £35.

LFF'S GUIDE TO: CHRISTMAS PARTY OUTFIT 2012

I've noticed my blog post on Christmas party outfits from last December has been getting quite a lot of traffic recently, so I decided it was about time I put together an updated post for 2012. Over the next few days I'll be sharing the looks I’d wear for those tricky sartorial occasions the festive season throws up- starting with the office Christmas party.

 

1. Spot Jacquard trousers, ASOS, £45. 2. Lurex Jacquard top, Mango, £34.99. 3.  J.Crew Crystal encrusted earrings, Net-a-porter.com, £86. 4. Marni two-tone leather clutch, Net-a-porter.com, £280. 5. Metal toe detail heels, ASOS, £33.50.