What to Wear: Casual Christmas 2011

Happy Monday! I can't believe that it's already time for Christmas and Hanukkah, and the many gatherings that come along with it.  Since so many of us struggle with what to wear when a new outfit isn't an option, I thought I'd devote several posts this week to sharing outfit ideas with a realistic angle.

I say that because, at least in small town Texas where I'm from, holiday gatherings don't always involve glittery jewelry, dresses or even high heels.  When your family is sitting on the floor playing Mario Cart with solo cups full of Jack and Coke, it won't do to dress like you're off to have cocktails at Chateau Marmont.  At the same time, you're likely to be photographed and you want to at least feel like your outfit is special and flattering.  That's where I come in - here's the first in a series of ideas of what to wear this week and next:

Today I'm tacking the extended family gathering with dinner and presents:

Casual Christmas 2011 by cardiganjunkie featuring skinny fit jeans

I think that comfy cords, jeans or cropped pants will look totally festive with classic sweaters and blouses.  I think I'll be wearing the first and second options this weekend!

What are your family gatherings like?  Am I the only one struggling to fit in with the casual family in jeans?

Words to live by...

Between Christmas shopping, Christmas cards, and wrapping Christmas presents this week, I just ran out of time for other things.  I needed this little reminder:

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: brightontheday.com via Nicolle on Pinterest

Source: lily.fi via Loike on Pinterest

And of course, I can't ignore clothes completely...

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Naomi on Pinterest

See you next week!

Currently Coveting: Jade

Ever since I added a jade green top to my closet, I've been obsessed with the color.  I think it was made for brunettes, and can be worn year round so anything you get is a great investment (look at me justifying the purchases!)

I came across some great things in my Polyvore browsing this week, and wanted to share some of my favorite jade pieces available now.  You know... in case you need to get yourself a little something for Christmas.

jade! by cardiganjunkie featuring kenneth jay lane jewelry

Style I Love: Dressing like a Duchess

Like everyone else on the internets, I adore The Duchess of Cambridge's personal style.  I love that she dresses like a normal person, and never seems overdressed for the occasion or lets the outfit wear her.  2011 has obviously been a huge year for Duchess Catherine, and she has debuted some great looks:

Sleek coat and scarf

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Krysta on Pinterest

Amazeballs Jenny Packham gown

Source: tumblr.com via Raylene on Pinterest

A slew of sheath dresses

Source: google.com via Caroline on Pinterest

Regular girl jeans and cardigans (like me!)

Source: blogsfashion.info via Megan on Pinterest

Jackets with dresses and belts (Also like me!  We'd totally be friends.)

Source: people.com via Katie on Pinterest

Kelly green DVF dress

Source: brunchatsaks.blogspot.com via Hannah on Pinterest

And since we all seem to be in agreement that her style is worth imitating, I decided to put together a little collection of Kate-inspired pieces that she might choose if she were on a sightly more common budget:

Kate's Closet by cardiganjunkie featuring bridal dresses

I'm loving that blazer, and have a similar pair of earrings that I love wearing with classic outfits.  What would you wear if you toured the world with your handsome husband while everyone speculated about your potential pregnancy?

Soapbox Time:  Please note that I did not refer to The Duchess as Kate Middleton because that is not her name.  She got a new name when she got married, and as a recently married person myself, I know it's annoying when people don't use it.  Let's try to be correct for my future BFF.

Holiday Hair Do's!

I love any excuse to dress up and do my hair, including a meeting or dinner with my husband.  However, what I really love is doing something different for parties.  I'm sad to not be attending any this year, but that hasn't stopped me from scoping out possibilities that I can try to mimic on a slightly more than ordinary day.

Here are some of my favorites:

The low, messy braid

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Paige on Pinterest

The Gibson twist

Source: thatswhatcindysaid.blogspot.com via Felicity on Pinterest

The Wee-hive (this one is too perfect looking, but you get the idea)

Source: google.ca via Felicity on Pinterest

The obligatory Lauren Conrad photo

Source: tumblr.com via Mateya on Pinterest

For those with short hair: The Classy Lady Bieber

Source: celebrityphotos.instyle.com via Martha on Pinterest

The messy braid-bun

Source: tumblr.com via Mateya on Pinterest

The perfect piecey, long layers

Source: google.com via Haley on Pinterest

What's your favorite fancy time hairdo?  Do you like to mix it up or play it safe with the chignon?  My hair weighs a ton and has a way of escaping from pins of all kinds, but I still can't wait to try some of these out in my bathroom on a Saturday morning.  (Yeah, that's how I roll)