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Okanaganista  

Christmas essentials

It's no secret that I love the Christmas season and everything that goes with it. And for me, this season is a great excuse to bring out some extra glitter and bling and get festive.  Even though I love these pieces all year 'round, I get extra excited to wear them for the holidays.  

Sequins: I just can't stop wearing sequins!  Pants, sweaters, tops, and blazers; if it has sequins attached, I will wear it. Every time of the year is appropriate for the sparkle, but there's something about Christmas that makes sequins just that extra bit special and glamorous.  Skirts are one of my favourite ways to wear sequins this year.  I love how you can dress it down with tights, boots, and a casual oversized knit sweater for day and wear it out to a party with a silk shirt and heels. Sequin tops can be worn with just a pair of denim or a pair of coloured skinnies, an easy look for when you don't have a lot of time. You can forgo the jewlery since the shirt itself is the statement.  Sequin leggings are great for those wanting to make a major statement.  Wear them with sweatshirts and oversized striped sweaters for a amped up casual outfit or with a high low silk shirt, and tuxedo jacket out for New Years for a different take on the tuxedo. I love it with a bright red lipstick and retro waves.

Velvet: I always get nostalgic when I put on this soft throwback fabric.  Great for mixing textures, velvet has been in regular rotation in my closet.  My love affair originally started with this burgundy version: I saw one worn with a winter-friendly white lace dress, and it's been true love ever since.  For a small dash of velvet try wearing a top under a blazer, or mix it with other textures like a leather skirt.  Velvet leggings are another way to wear this trend: replace the cotton leggings most of us wear non-stop in the winter with a pair of velvet ones!

Tartan: Plaid and flannel have been a huge trend this winter and will continue into next year. Specifically, tartan is coming hot on the scene, and its my prediction that it will be THE hottest print for 2013.  This vintage print has the casual appeal of the flannel but the old school take is plaid's older, more sophisticated sibling.  Tartan can be worn the same way you've been wearing your flannel with knits and denim, but take tartan to the next level by wearing it to work with a blazer and skirt, or on a date with a tartan skirt and a leather shell.



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