We found these glasses in a leather clutch I thrifted last week and of course everyone had to take a turn wearing them.  Photo of me was taken by Olivia.   I am a bit saddened to see that they don't look so out of place on me.  Maybe it's too close to the mental image I have of myself around the age of three circa 1980.  

Now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over we have moved on to thinking about the upcoming month.  Somehow it is already fairly busy with school party planning and such.  One event on the upcoming schedule is the annual Christmas party for David's work.  Although I have no doubt it will be fun, I am of course getting into the usual wardrobe conundrum.  How exactly to be snappy casual.  How "festive" should I go?  Should I make jeans part of the outfit?  Usually for me that is always answered with a yes if at all possible.  When you are of the more, um, ample shape there is just nothing like a good pair of jeans to keep everything where it belongs.  Also, how do I incorporate the current trends without breaking the bank or looking too much unlike my normal self.  And finally, how do I dress in a way that won't look out of place amongst people with considerably more money to spend.  

I have some methods for this, and thought maybe some of you run into this predicament too.  Sometimes snappy casual can be trickier than formal attire.  

1. Don't go against type.  If you are going to an event that is not your usual set of friends this is not the time to experiment with a totally new look.  I, for one, am just not comfortable in dresses or skirts- never have been. So I will be looking for an outfit that incorporates either slacks or nice jeans.  If you are not the type to show a lot of cleavage this would not be the time to wear a low-cut blouse or you will be thinking about it all evening.  

2. Try wearing your everyday look, just amped up a bit.  My daily uniform consists of a tank, button up shirt, and cardigan over jeans with boots.  For the party I am thinking of wearing an embellished sleeveless top with a more formal cardigan along with jeans and platform booties and layered necklaces.  This way, I will feel like myself all evening but still look appropriate.  The nice thing about this technique is that I already have pieces I can work with rather than spending a lot of money on a whole new look.

3. I have found that some sparkle can supplement any wardrobe budget.  If you are going to an event that puts you at the lower end of the economic scale a bit of bling can help make you feel on par with the crowd.  There is a trick to this however.  Certain jewelry trends are economically universal.  Sequins, beads, and crystals are looks that can be pulled off at every price range.  Usually the big cost difference is because of the quality of beading or the amount of handwork done on the garment. So, I will wear a cardigan embellished with a few sequins along with a beaded purse.  Crystal earrings are a great choice if you can't afford diamonds.  They are sparkly while not trying to be a fake.  Crystals are crystals.  You can even make something like a custom brooch out of Swarovsky crystals.  

4. Finally, A big tip if you are into thrifting is to mix thrifted pieces with new pieces for a look that doesn't scream hand-me-down.  I will find my cardigan and blouse while out thrifting...if you are thin you can probably even find the jeans.  But I tend to wear new shoes.  I really think they make the whole outfit look fresh.  A brand I have found that makes terrific affordable shoes is Madden Girl.  I can usually find them at places like Marshall's for around $30 and my outfit ends up looking so much more current.  I will also mix vintage thrifted jewelry with a new piece of costume jewelry.  Thrift stores usually have tons of great necklaces you could layer together and then fasten with a new crystal brooch.  Or, I will wear a thrifted wool blazer with a new scarf either purchased or made from new fabric.  

I'll let you know as I get my outfit pulled together.  Have a happy Monday!