It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday gatherings with family and friends, block party bashes, office parties, winter weddings, and we can’t forget New Year’s Eve! So many soirees - so little time! Feeling the blood pressure rise thinking about what to wear to each celebration? With so much to plan for during the holidays, how does one look fabulous from one festive function to the next? Well fear not, fashionista friends. With a few simple items, you’ll be dazzling on the dance floor from now until January!

	Black Dress: Perfectly simple and perfectly chic! The perfect black dress is a wardrobe staple across the seasons, so it’s worth investing in one that makes you feel like the belle of the ball. Dress it up with black patent heels and pearls, or go for an edgier look with opaque tights, black boots or booties, and piles of chains.
	Nice Black Pants: When you want to ditch the tights and go for the warmer option, black pants are the ultimate go-to! They’re a wardrobe staple in the cooler months (and really, all year long), so find that perfect pair that hugs your curves and makes you feel like a million bucks! When the pants are that good, you can pretty much pair ‘em with any blouse.
	Shrug: A faux fur shrug adds a fun and festive flair to any outfit! Whether dressed up or down, a sassy shrug is a surefire finale for a unique and chic holiday outfit.
	Wrap or Scarf: Add extra personality to a simple outfit with a standout scarf.
	Coat: Coats are a functional and fashionable necessity for holiday soirees that will take you both inside and out. Black goes with most outfits, but think outside the box with other solid colors you can use as your neutral like a bright pop of blue.
	Eye-Catching Blouse: Find that special piece that makes you feel beautiful, and you’ll ooze a cool confidence that makes you stand out from the crowd! This eye-catching blouse adds a pop of pizzazz to your black pants and black jacket, or even your favorite fit-just-right jeans with your shrug.

When it comes to dressing up, why not spruce up something you’ve already got? Chances are there is something fabulous in your boudoir just waiting for the chance to shine!

Make sure you don’t become tomorrow’s water cooler news, or worse yet, fall off next year’s guest list!

Conversation Tips:

• Don’t spend all evening talking business.
• Do keep all conversations positive and upbeat. Don’t complain, brag, whine, or ridicule. Basically, be someone you would want to talk to!
• Don’t monopolize conversations or talk about yourself all night. Do show interest in others, but Don’t even think about gossiping.
• Holiday parties are a great opportunity to build or strengthen business relationships, so Do introduce yourself and build your network - but remember to show how well rounded you are, and talk about life outside of work!

Behavioral Tips

• Keep a hand free for those friendly introductions and handshakes, and Do keep your drink in your left hand, so you are not offering people a cold, wet handshake all evening.
• Do remember that although office parties are social events, they are business events. Do act as though your behavior is being observed every minute (because it probably is).
• Do have fun! Parties don’t grow on trees, so appreciate your employer’s effort (and expense), and enjoy it!
• Don’t forget to thank the person who actually planned the party. And just like any other party, Do consider sending a thank-you note to management for hosting the soiree.
• Don’t arrive too late or leave too early. It looks unappreciative and rude.

The Do’s and Don’ts for Husband & Boyfriends:

• If it’s a black tie type event, wear a tux or nice suit. But skip the Santa Claus tie and opt for something more understated.
• A suit with a jacket and tie is a safe bet for a dinner party; he can always remove the jacket if he feels overdressed.
• Slacks and a button-up with a jacket are appropriate for a home or casual environment.
• Prepare him in advance with names of people that are important to you or your career so that as he meets people throughout the evening, he’s aware of when to be on extra good behavior.
• Prepare him with conversation faux pas and things to avoid so he doesn’t unknowingly embarrass anyone or create an uncomfortable situation.
• Build him up before and thank him for coming with you. It’s probably not the highlight of his year, so be sure he knows you are proud to have him with you.
• Keep him moving - whether shy or overly talkative, it pays to keep him rotating!

Glam up your holiday look with a little sparkle and shine! From makeup to accessories, check out some of the looks we’re loving this holiday season …

Bobbi Brown’s Chrome Holiday Mix adds a cool winter shimmer to eyes and lips, and Shu Uemura makes awesome All-in-One Holiday Makeup Palettes. And keep those lips kissable for the unexpected mistletoe! We love Lipstick Queens lipglosses … available in an assorted array, a color for all occasions!