Holiday Style: Christmas Morning (2013 Edition)

Today's post is my annual Christmas morning style guide, where I assume that everyone else has covered what to wear to parties and we talk about the sort of holiday event that I'm most familiar with - a morning spent with family, in our soft clothes, eating some kind of cinnamon pastry while opening presents.

Since you're as likely to be photographed on Christmas morning as you are at Christmas dinner, it's important to put forth a little bit of effort and make sure you look mildly presentable as you post with your son or nephew and his sweet new lego set.  In my opinion, the best way to achieve this is to wear at least one piece that's not actually pajamas.

Like this:

christmas morning 2013 by cardiganjunkie featuring christmas holiday decorations

I think an inexpensive flannel shirt from Old Navy or Target is the perfect partner for leggings and flannel pants, as is your trusty chambray shirt worn over the tank top you slept in.  (Pro tip: For extra butt coverage, pick up a non-ruched maternity tank that will act as a knit dress of sorts)

Another option is to pull out a pair of your favorite running tights or yoga pants, since they're much thicker than your average pair of leggings, but wear them with a long non-pajama tee or button-down and a cozy cardigan.  Easy, right?

Need more ideas? Here are some similar ideas from holidays past:

Gift Guide: For the rest of us...

As much as I love browsing holiday gift guides, I seldom find anything suitable for my friends and family who don't necessarily drool over simple design or trinkets that cost $50. 

So, here's a gift guide that may be the most boring one you see all season, but if you have a no-nonsense dad or family members who have never heard of Jenna Lyons, then you might find it helpful.


For your mom who doesn't like to spend money on herself...
1. This LOFT knit jacket will flatter a variety of body types, especially since it comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes.  It is a little more appropriate for casual lifestyles than a regular blazer, and is unlikely to go out of style in the next few years. And since it's at LOFT, you can get it 40% off (or more) and return in person.

For your sister who returns everything...
If she has a tablet, a subscription to Next Issue is only $9.99 per month and will give her access to 120 magazines in a variety of genres.  You can buy a few months at a time, which will be a great stocking stuffer.

 

For your manly dad who thinks everything is a waste of money...

This week I saw someone seriously suggest a set of Ralph Lauren necktie Christmas ornaments as a great gift for dad or your man.  My dad would think I was insane if I spent $45 on three mini neckties, but I know he'd appreciate a chance to watch the funniest show on TV that most people don't know about - Impractical Jokers.  (Seriously, N and I sit on the couch and laugh out loud, and it's generally clean humor that you won't be embarrassed to watch with your family)

The dreaded couples gift...

Buying for couples usually ends up as gift card to a restaurant and some wine, which is fine, but if you're buying for family and know they need it, then a Logitech Harmony remote is an awesome gift.  It works perfectly, and consolidates multiple media remotes into one device that you program with your computer.  At our house, pressing "Watch TV" actually completes a three-step process involving the TV and surround sound receiver.  The basic version is only $70, and replaces up to five remotes.

For your grandma...

Did you know that there are companies who will scan thousands of family photos and make DVDs for you?  By transferring boxes of WalMart photo envelopes into digital images, you'll be able to make a great photo book of Christmas gatherings or family reunions through the years. 

For your (female) boss...

Buying an expensive gift for a boss is awkward, but a little trinket is thoughtful and if it's vintage it will seem more personal.  I'm a big fan of the offerings at Sweet & Spark, an online shop for vintage finds, or the thousands of independent sellers on Etsy.  

Tip: Search terms like "1940s bangle" (or 1950s or 1960s) and "vintage Trifari" to find classic pieces that can blend with a variety of styles.

 $27.99 via PastGems on Etsy

  

So, who do you struggle to buy for?  Share your best go-to gifts in the comments!

Reader Request: Styling Your LBD for Holiday Events

Good morning!  I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend, and are gearing up for the weeks ahead.  I'm actually relieved that my calendar isn't too full, but today I'm excited to help Becky style her favorite little black dress for the holidays.

Becky lucked out and found a flattering dress at Target, and realizes that it makes zero sense to search high and low for something new when she's got lots to work with already (and 5 kids!).  She can easily take her dress from church to a party by swapping out a top layer and accessories. 

LBD for holiday events by cardiganjunkie featuring slip on shoes

Just for fun, I decided to only feature pieces that are fairly affordable and similar to what's available at national chain stores.  You can also substitute a basic blazer for the structured sweater in the first look, or a regular cardigan instead of the fitted sweater in look three.

So, before you run out to buy a new dress, consider restyling the one you have... and treat yourself to a new bag instead!  I hope this was helpful - if you have any advice for Becky, leave a comment and share it!

Travel Chicly - Without Sweatpants!

I'm not going to pretend that I always dress up when I travel, especially for extra-long flights.  However, there's a difference between being comfortable and being sloppy, and I think lounge wear in the airport is unnecessary.  There are so many soft, stretchy things you can wear without resorting to yoga pants that say PINK on the butt.

Sadly, we'll be seeing lots of Ugg boots and pajamas in public this week, so I wanted to share a little bit of inspiration for a super comfy travel outfit that's still high on style:

travel chic by cardiganjunkie featuring a yoga activewear

Believe it or not, there are stylish pull-on jeans that are soft and stretchy and not intended for grannies.  If you haven't already, get yourself to Last Call and check out Fade to Blue jeans.  They're under $60 and come in lots of different cuts and washes, including a regular boot cut for those who don't like skinny jeans.  (Pro tip: go up a size)

I'm also a huge fan of structured sweater blazers like this one from Gap.  I checked it out in store, and it's the perfect length and looks like a blazer from afar, but much more comfortable and not likely to wrinkle.

Target has got lots of great drapey tees (like this one, pictured) but I'm intrigued by this one with faux leather trim that would add a little edge to basic jeans.  (I haven't seen the tee with trim in person yet, though)

And finally, if you can get your hands on some Elorie ballet flats, buy them.  They are so well made and comfortable (go up a half size, though) and a great deal on Gilt.com.  Mine are the black metallic suede, which have a really subtle shine, and I am seriously considering buying a brown pair as well.  (Update: For $49, I just did!)

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Safe travels, everyone!!  I will be taking the rest of the week off, so please check back Monday for your regularly schedule fashion, baby rooms, and randomness.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Style: Long Weekend Packing

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had fun this weekend, and that this short work week flies by for all of us.  Since this is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, I put together a bit of Thanksgiving weekend packing inspiration for those of you who will be away from home.

Here are some outfit ideas that will fit in a carry-on, and take you from airport to eating to shopping to watching The Family Stone while drinking hot chocolate on a sofa (everyone does that, right?)

thanksgiving packing 2013 by cardiganjunkie featuring pave jewelry

Have safe travels, ladies!  Let's try not to over pack...

P.S. I'd like to wish a very happy birthday to my mom.  I love you!

Keepin It Real: Family Christmas Outfits

Let's be clear - I LOVE me some Christmas outfit inspiration.  I happily scroll through my Polyvore feed heart-ing all the things I can imagine wearing, but a little part of me wishes there were more ideas for gatherings like the ones I attend with my family... the casual kind. 

Where I come from, there is no need for a lace skirt (or skirts of any kind) or silky dresses.  We will be eating queso and drinking cocktails in our jeans and tops that photograph well for the requisite family picture in front of the mantel.  And so, here are a few options for those of you with families like mine. 

Christmas in Jeans by cardiganjunkie featuring sleeveless tops

Don't forget to write your name on your cup!

What to Wear: Christmas Morning

Happy Monday, ladies.  Please excuse my silence last week, but by the time I got around to blogging on Friday, the events of the day made a 5 Things post about clothes and pretty rooms seem ridiculously trivial.  I know we're all still sad and in disbelief, and I hope everyone affected finds comfort however they can.

That said, I do want to kick off a week of Christmas-themed outfits, starting with what to wear on Christmas morning.  It's one of the only times of year when you'll be photographed in pajamas, but if you pair your loungewear with some daytime tops you'll look and feel a lot more put together.

Christmas Morning by cardiganjunkie featuring madewell

And in case you weren't around a year ago, here are the 2011 Christmas morning outfits