Holiday Glam

Last night was my first holiday party for the season. It was for Matt's battalion, and it was held at a local brewery, so I really didn't need to get that dressed up. 

Cardigan: JCrew; Necklace: Kate Spade; Dress: Kate Spade; Stockings:  Wolford; Pants: Tory Burch

I wore my favorite/only little black dress, which was a Kate spade splurge a few years back. A little black dress is something you should definitely spend a little money on if you can. I have gotten so much wear out of this, pairing it with glittery belts and heels to a button up underneath for work to this more casual and festive look. 

For this party I paired my staple dress with a red, monogrammed JCrew cardigan, as it seemed holiday appropriate. This Kate spade statement necklace from a few years ago was another festive accent. 

While I was getting ready though, I started to think about the things other than little black dresses and statement necklaces that make getting for holiday parties easier. I have a few holiday party makeup essentials, which in my opinion are just as important: 

1) red nail polish: this Essie Polish is great, but any will do. A bright red mani is so great during this dreary time of year, it really brightens things up! Plus, if you just buy the polish rather than getting a regular manicure at a salon, you can touch up on the go much more easily. 

2) red lipstick: I have experimented with many a red lipstick, but this lip crayon from Nars in Dragon Lady is my favorite by far. It stays on all night with very little need for reapplication, and it's an amazingly, universally flattering color. 

3) liquid eyeliner: like red lipstick, liquid eyeliner is something I have tried oodles of. This Stila liquid though is truly amazing. It doesn't smudge or streak and it's fine tip lets you achieve the line thickness of your choosing. It's awesome! 

4) smokey eye palette: I am a really big fan of Bobbie Brown eye shadow palettes. This particular one was seasonal a few years ago, and even though I really only do a smokey eye on New Years, it's one of those things you need the right tools for. 

5) highlighter: for everyday makeup, I put on foundation, a little blush, and then eyeliner and mascara. But during the holidays, and for parties in general, I like to use this Nars highlighter in Copacabana on my cheekbones, brow bones and sometimes my nose/cupids bow. It adds some nice definition and glimmer, especially in low lighting. 

That's all for now,

xo

T