Ugly Christmas Sweater ... Not!

ASOS Christmas Fair Isle Jumper

Many jokes are made about wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, but I understand why people do it ... to show their Yule time spirit. You don't think of a person who has on a Christmas sweater as taking himself too seriously. He (or she) must be a fun person, right? Not only is it practical on frosty days, a festive themed sweater is playful and screams, "Lets celebrate!" -- resulting in a new holiday tradition, the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

ASOS has a stylish selection of Christmas sweaters. They are affordable and a far cry from ugly. The textured Fair Isle design above -- available for him and her -- is adorable! In matching sweaters, a cheeky couple can sing a few bars of Ho, Hey ... "You belong with me. I belong with you. You're my ... sweetheat!" ♬♪♪♫♪♪

 

The Chunky Cardigan by ASOS has textured knitting, ribbed shawl collar, button placket, raglan sleeves and twin patch pockets.

An ASOS Christmas Cardigan has a soft acrylic knit with a v-neck, button front closure and patch pockets.

This ASOS Vintage Look Christmas Jumper is busy and chic, with a tree, presents, oraments, and bows.

As the North Pole knows, these Christmas sweaters from ASOS are fit for a fashionista.

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LED Stud Earrings In 9 Illuminated Colors

People who love Christmas sometimes wear over-the-top Christmas sweaters, or Santa Claus (or Reindeer) motif pins that light up. Are you one of those people? If so, it's not a bad thing, and you are probably a spirited, fun person, who knows how to have a good time during the holiday season. If you can't be festive and over-the-top to celebrate Christmas, when the deck-the-halls can you?

In addition to the ugly Christmas sweater and Christmas themed chotskies, look what else is available: LED Stud Earrings that light up in an array of colors just like Christmas lights! Amazon, some Etsy shops and Ebay offer them, and they are an inexpensive novelty item. 

The glowing studs are constructed of stainless steel and come with two tiny batteries. Some are diamond shaped, while others are star shaped.

Are earring studs that glow in the dark for you? If so, what color would you get?

Ho! Ho! Ho! You're welcome, my merry peeps!🎄

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The Classic Cardigan Sweater

Photo: Lands' End 

Even as an adult, my mother sometimes gives me, shall we say, "unsolicited advice." She might adopt, then cling fiercely to a puzzling obsession for a period of time, pleading her case in the most relentless and funny way every chance she gets. One year her obsession was to get me to wear more turtleneck sweaters. And we couldn't watch the Nightly News together without her pointing out, how the accomplished Ms. Diane Sawyer (the anchor of the broadcast) was wearing a turtleneck. Said Mom, "See, every successful woman wears one! It's why she has such an important job."

Photo: Appleseed. If my Mom sees this image, she might say, Look how happy this woman is in her turtleneck! 😊

Poor Mom to have a daughter unlike herself. In fact, a turtleneck isn't my favorite style of sweater. I think I only have one in my wardrobe. I haven't seen it in a while as I only pull it out on the coldest day of the year.

My favorite style of sweater is a cardigan. I have many of them in red and neutral colors for winter including black, navy blue, and gray; and in bright pastel colors for summer, such as turquoise, hot pink, red, sapphire blue, and teal. 

I have a couple of pullover sweaters, but it's the cardigans I wear. Having a front opening and being able to button and unbutton a sweater helps me to regulate my body's temperature, I suppose. If I get hot in lieu of taking off my sweater, I can simply unbutton it.  And, I also like the understated, polished look of a cardigan sweater, which you can dress up or down with the right skirt, trousers, shoes, and accessories. Easy, stylish dressing!

I like 100% Supima cotton cardigans for the summer and 100% cashmere or 100% merino wool cardigans for the winter. An ex-sailor (of the U.S. Navy) once told me that 100% wool sweaters keep you the warmest on moist rainy days. A good tip! Here's a 2nd tip: I like my cardigans long. A sweater length extending to the upper thigh is dressier, as well as, makes you look taller by drawing the eye to your legs.

IMHO cotton, cashmere, and wool are the most comfortable, wearable, and durable fabrics. You pay the piper once, but keep the cardigans for decades, so over time you truly get your money's worth in not having to rebuy them. Furthermore, in sweaters I tend to pass on fabric blends like cotton-modal or cashmere-nylon since my experience is, they don't tend to fit or hold up as well. These are basic rules of thumb sans finding a too-good-to-be-true deal.

Photo: L.L. Bean

Retailers I turn to for cardigans include Lands' End, Uniqlo, and L.L. Bean. L.L.Bean tends to offer chunky sweaters, while Lands' End and Uniqlo style sleeker cardigans. Sleeker (smoother and fitted) sweaters are usually dressier and more versatile while chunky sweaters are more casual. However, styles came and go, so a fresh browse from time to time is neccesary. Uniqlo, the Japanese innovative retailer, always has the best-priced cotton, cashmere, and merino wool cardigans -- and they hold up for years. All 3 merchants have Crewnecks and V-necks, as well as, an assortment of other sweater styles like pullovers and yes, turtlenecks. 

A classic cardigan will always be a wardrobe staple and my favorite style. Sorry, Mom! Perhaps you can get your other daughter to wear more turtlenecks.😉 On that's right, I'm her only daughter. Dear Mamà means well.💋

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Gift Ideas For Him

#1 and #2 layered - multiple colors available

An interviewer asked the actress Sarah Jessica Parker what one thing would she like to give to her children. The multi-talented and savvy mother of 3 said, I'd like for them to know the pleasure of wanting things. Anticipation ... waiting for something to arrive is part of the excitement, no? And once in hand, you appreciate it all the more.

We have 4 days left until Christmas. L.L. Bean has a few cozy gifts for the men in your life and if still looking you can order the right gift ... enclose an image of it as an I.O.U. inside a glittery holiday card with a heartfelt note. Find a little box, wrap it up and tie a beautiful ribbon around it. Are you short a gift perhaps?

Here are a few more gift ideas:

1) Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Shirt - Soft and cozy in 2 styles: Henley and crewneck. Layer it with #2

2) PrimaLoft-Lined Shirt-Jac - Part jacket, part shirt. Provides the comfort of a jacket with the feel of a button-down shirt and insulated for warmth. #1 and #2 are a winning combo!

🎄🎁🔔Here are alternative men's Woolrich wool shirts. Plus funnel, cotton and jacket shirts. Same style as L.L.Bean. Excellent quality and durable, yet pricey; and the wool shirts are not washable. I bought 2 many years ago that still look new. Their value has risen just like Chanel handbags! Woolrich blankets are first-rate also. Watch for the after Christmas sales!🎄🎁🔔

3) Washable Lambswool Sweater - Wash and wear warmth. These soft sweaters are expertly knit and designed for machine washing.

4) Stabilicers Walkers - Sturdy yet lightweight traction for winter walks on icy and snowy surfaces. Slips over most footwear.

And a bonus --

5) NYC Coffee Cups - A ceramic version of the famous NYC paper street cups. Cute coffee cups that fit neatly into a cupboard, or dashboard!

Over the last days before Christmas, you have the option of paying to expedite shipping; or keep the gifts coming after Christmas! Our family doesn't mind the 2nd less expensive option. You decide.


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7 Holiday Gifts For Him

Last year I compiled a Gifts For Him blog. This year I'll begin by sharing what the editors of "Good Hunting" compiled, not their entire list, but the 3 items I like best. (The list came to me in an email):

1) Patagonia Wild Idea Work Boots - These owl brown buffalo leather boots are gorgeous and the right footwear for hiking or walking miles on city pavement. Pricey, yes ... yet well-made to last for many years so with time you get your money's worth.

2) Sam Jones' Southern Starter Kit - North Carolina barbecue pitmaster, Sam Jones, gives you (3) spice rubs for steak, pork, fish, and (1) all-purpose seasoned salt. You can't go wrong with any of his barbecue condiment pairings, so take a look and consider how much you wish to spend.

3) Billy Raid Fine Gauge Cashmere Crew - a winter wardrobe staple for men, women, or others, i.e. everybody should own one soft, warm and durable cashmere sweater. Looks great even after years of winter wear! Natural fibers rock!

Here's a look at those stylish owl brown boots in action.😍

For recommendations #4, #5 and #6 I asked Barry P., a reader of the blog, to share items on his holiday wish list. It turns out Barry has mighty fine tastes. Lucky us to have a man's point of view on what to get a man:

4) Ben Silver Royal St. George Yacht Club Tie - It is a silk tie of the highest silk material and craftsmanship. Ben Silver has a wide selection of neckties in several textures. Barry says, "Oozing with old traditions," wear one of Ben Silver's ties to be mistaken for "a member of the British regiment, an alumnus of an ivy league school, or a member of an exclusive yacht club." Barry has selected a cool theme to reflect his interest in ships and the shipping industry of which he writes about often.

5) Buffalo Trace - Kentucky Straight Bourbon with tasting notes of brown sugar and spice "that give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit, and anise." A smooth whiskey with depth and "a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses." Makes even a non-bourbon drinker want a taste, doesn't it? A bottle of bourbon is useful to non-drinkers for guests, as well as, for making desserts and Hot Toddies to soothe winter sore throats. Nobody is my family drinks bourbon, but I keep a big bottle in the cupboard. It lasts for 10 years! 

6) Blanton's Straight from the Barrel - A private reserve bourbon with tasting notes of dark chocolate, caramel and undertones of walnut and hazelnut. Perhaps for a bourbon connoisseur as the Blanton's reserve is about 7 times costlier than Buffalo Trace.

🎄🐪🐑⭐

I'm adding one more item for good measure. You can find a lovely gift at every price point to fit your budget. Some of the gift ideas here are expensive, others are more affordable like the final one, starting at $29.99:

7) L.L.Bean Wrinkle-Free Pinpoint Oxford Shirt - The shirts are 100% cotton Oxford cloth. Can't beat the quality for the price. A wide selection of patterns and colors, and best of all, some of the patterns are on sale! It might be the color for your guy, the one you'd have chosen even if not on sale! If I don't know what to buy a person, male or female -- and they give me no clues -- I buy something I'd be delighted to receive ... and I'm a practical person, settling on good quality and useful like a wrinkle-free thick cotton Oxford shirt!

Well, slacker me ... it was great having help this year in curating Holiday Gifts for Him! Do you have a favorite? Or would you like to contribute more things to the list?

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The French Slip Dress

Revolve

The French Slip Dress is a classic. Rumor has it every stylish French woman has a slip dress in her wardrobe and thus the name. The dress comes in different lengths and necklines ... and can be cut or styled to look elegant or playful.

VIR Girl

They also come in different colors and fabrics, although the most classic color and fabric are probably black silk ... with white silk a close 2nd.

ASOS 

Old Navy has its version of the French Slip Dress (below) which unfortunately I didn't see until it was no longer available in my size. I first spotted it online Christmas week, then went to the store to find it, and asked the manager: How did I manage to miss this dress when it arrived? He said the brick and mortar store only got a few of the dresses in and therefore hid them in an obscure place before they ended up in the discounted section for quick sales. What?!? Oh no!

Old Navy calls its version a Loose Vintage T-Shirt Midi Shift Dress, but it looks like a French Slip Dress to me. Instead of 100% silk, it's 100% cotton, and you can dress it up or down with shoes and accessories if your size is still in stock. Sorry I missed it. Next time around! The good thing about a classic is, it never disappears.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo's slip dress in its signature Airism fabric and built-in bra is a collaboration with fashion designer, Mame Kurogouchi, but I'm not a fan of a deep plunging neckline. It is simply a matter of personal taste. I tend to like more versatile necklines you can wear anytime and anywhere. Of course, a sweater or stole would hide a plunging neckline.

So it seems a classic is making a restyled comeback in 2022.

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Which Office Party Dress Will You Wear?

In December many companies host a holiday office party for their employees normally outside of the office at a nearby restaurant. The trouble is usually workers must come to the office in the morning for a full day of work before leaving to attend the holiday party, and, if you are like me, you try to find something somewhat festive to wear that day for the after-work holiday party.

I come to work a little dressier ... spiffing up a tad more than a regular workday but short of simmering in a full-length ball gown. Although colleagues get why I'm overdressed that day (as they're in the same jubilee boat), I try to wear attire that doesn't look too out of place at 10 am, and yet has a party dress vibe for the evening.

So do any of these 7 dresses fit the occasion? If so, choose your office party dress, one you will need to wear the entire day and evening:

1) SL Fashions - (Left top image) Ruched Sequin Sheath Dress - Black.

2) SL Fashions - (Right top image) Sequined 3/4 Sleeve Sheath Dress. - Red. Would you wear a little black dress or a holiday red dress?

3) Karl Lagerfeld Paris (Left image) - Pearl Knit Sweater Dress -Black

4) Marina - Beaded Sleeve Dress - (Middle image) - Black

5) Marina - (Right image) Cowl neck sheath dress - Navy

6) Eliza J - Women's Sequined Velvet 3/4-Sleeve Sheath Dress - Black slate

7) SL Fashions - Sequined Chiffon-Cape Dress - Black/Gold

Shorter party dresses can be called cocktail dresses. Which dress is your favorite and why? BTW: Unless it's 80+ degrees F outdoors, I'm wearing black opaque tights and closed-toe shoes!🎄

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Art Naturals Deals, Deals, Deals

Art Naturals is a stellar clean beauty brand I previously featured on THE SAVVY SHOPPER. It has everything we want: beneficial antiaging ingredients in the right combinations free of toxins and high prices.

If you need to restock your skincare, haircare, bath & body products, or you embrace aromatherapy now is the time of the year to grab the best bargains from the brand. In addition to 20% off of the line consider buying the gift sets for even more savings. This also gives you the chance to try a few new products at a steal of a price.

Several years ago, I slowly began swapping out my unnatural commercial beauty (and household products) for brands with simple and cleaner ingredients, but I didn't want to go broke using them. If you have the same goal, Art Naturals is an outstanding brand to try. The line of products is also conveniently sold at Rite Aid and Walmart along with other drugstores. 

I picked my 3 favorite items to display but you can browse the website to find yours.

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What To Get Teachers For Christmas

Photo: Self

"Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten," according to B.F. Skinner. Most of us know the value of good teachers. Priceless! Not only do they teach reading, writing and math, they motivate and shape minds in countess ways, which last over a lifetime. A mind stretched by a new idea never returns to its original dimension! 

Photo: personalization mail

Teachers make nowhere near the salary they deserve for the hours they work. (Their pay doesn't reflect their value in society.) They wear many hats too. At times, educators must work 2 or 3 jobs to support their families.

So what holiday gifts should you give in return? 

Frankly teachers don't need a mishmash of trinkets cluttering up their homes anymore than you do. 

Instead of giving the usual candles, snow globes, or candy they don't need, get them something practical they can use: (1) A gift certificate to either a well-known department store; or food store, so they can buy personal things they truly need ... whatever they might be ... like milk and fruit; a coffeemaker; or new sweater. (2) Gift certificates for movie tickets; or a popular restaurant are thoughtful. (3) Or gift certificates to Walmart, Target or Michaels where they can buy school supplies and classroom decorations. $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, any amount helps! Too often, teachers must spend their own money to cover their classroom essentials. 

Photo: penalization mall

I would also write a warm personal note inside a festive card touching upon a teacher's role in your child's life. Acknowledgement and a genuine expression of gratitude are priceless too! 


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