Dressing for the Right Holiday Event

Sometimes certain holiday parties call for a certain type of dress code. Here is what you need to know.

Black Tie / Formal

A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Semi-Formal
Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening event (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.
Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).

Cocktail Attire
Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.

Informal
Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her.

Festive Attire
Festive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or (i.e. a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt).

Casual
Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual.
Casual generally means anything goes.

Eco Friendly Fabrics

We all hear about the benefits of organic, recyclable and eco friendly materials, but how much do we really know about eco friendly fabrics? Interested in learning more about them? Read below on organic cotton, bamboo fabric and fabric made with hemp.

Cotton Vs. Organic Cotton
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics in the world. It has traditionally been grown with mass use of pesticides, chemicals, and water. The chemicals used in conventional cotton account for up to ½ of the worldwide pesticide use. Organic cotton is cotton that is grown without chemical pesticides. Fertilizers that are used include compost, manure, naturally derived mineral and plant fertilizers. Insect controls involve the use of beneficial insects and natural pesticides certified for organic crops. Organic cotton is also processed without oils, chemicals, and pesticides. Organic cotton feels softer, smells cleaner, and is less likely to trigger allergies. The sustainable farming practices used to grow organic cotton do not pollute groundwater, surface water, soil, or air.

Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is a natural textile made from the pulp of the bamboo grass. Bamboo grows quickly; it is biodegradable and is naturally regenerative. Bamboo is a fast growing plant, with shoots averaging 24 to 36 inches or more in a 24 hour period. Bamboo fabric is naturally anti-microbial, hypoallergenic and thermal regulating. It is also resistant to mold. After multiple washings, over 70% of the bacteria cultured on bamboo textiles are destroyed by the fiber. Bamboo breathes and wicks moisture away due to its porous nature. The fabric made from bamboo is extremely soft and comfy (I have bought bamboo jersey material and made some t-shirts to wear so I know this for sure).

Hemp
Hemp, a cellulose fiber is one of the longest and strongest fibers and therefore it does not require any pesticide, insecticidal or herbicidal use. Hemp does not exhaust the soil and enables sustainability by leaving the soil in excellent condition for any succeeding crops. Hemp is an extremely durable fabric, and it has eight times the strength of cotton. Hemp outwears cotton and other natural fabrics. Hemp is also more insulating, absorbent and improves with washing and wearing. I personally have never used or felt anything made with hemp so I am not sure about the feel.

There are a lot of stores and brands that are starting to make eco friendly clothing and bags. It can be a little hard to find these types of items, but it is not impossible.

2008 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Tune in December 3rd at 10/9C on CBS or check your local listings to see the show. Here are pictures

thanks to fashionism.ca for most of the pictures.

AMA Trends

The AMAs (American Music Awards) were on this past Sunday. The trends on the red were lots of beading (whether a lot or just a little), a-semetrical necklines and romantic ruffles. Most of the dresses ended above the knee but there were some full length ones. Here are some pictures thanks to JustJared.

Cute as a Button

Claire's Stores are full of accessories and fun stuff, including these pieces. Buttons seemed to inspire the designer.

(it's a pin)

Totally Out There Holiday Items

Fred Flare is known for its crazy items sometimes and the holidays are no exception! Here are some items I thought I would share with you.

This Christmas tree magically sprouts to life for your enjoyment! Kit includes "magic" water to help you grow your own crystallized holiday decoration!!
$9 USD.



Just as Olive is no ordinary reindeer, this is no ordinary advent calendar!! Featuring a pop-up of Santa’s castle in the center, this calendar has a fun surprise under each window – a cute stand-up pal to welcome the season!
$10.95 USD.



Nyokki means “grow” in Japanese and that’s exactly what these cute ceramic friends will do! Made by hand in Japan then filled with rye grass seed, simply add water and set upon window sill to sprout in no time. Each sold
separately. $14 USD each.


It’s c-c-cold outside… so why not warm up with Snoopy and the rest of the gang!? This exclusive hot cocoa set from Good Grief Café includes smores, candy cane, vanilla and hazelnut flavoured cocoa mixes. Pack of 4. Just add water and enjoy! Yum!
$10 USD for the pack of 4.

No need to proceed gingerly... This candylicious felt giftbag will make any present you stash all the more special! Makes a terrific goody bag for your Holiday party. 6”x6”x2.5”
$10 USD.


Rudolph and buddies bring you the sweetest stocking stuffers from the North Pole! Set of 4 delish flavoured lip balm includes Blueberry Blast, Rockin’ Raspberry, Peppermint Twist and Berry Bubblegum! Each contains 14 oz. Yum! Set of 4 is $12 USD.





Let Andy Warhol help you to celebrate the season in purrfect style! Set of 12 cards w/ envelopes in two colors. The cat with wreath says “Happy Holidays” and the blue kitty on red background reads “Merry Christmas”. 5.75”x4.25” Set includes six of each in folded box. $12 USD.





Red is a great color on Rudolph and will also be on you. Time to get festive with a playful compact of cherry-flavoured lip gloss that features that famous blinking nose. A great stocking stuffer! About 3”.
$8 USD.
Have a blast celebrating the festival of lights all while keeping your wine nice and fresh for that party later! Menorah acts as a cork and fits secure into any sturdy bottle. Safe and sturdy menorah is perfect for 8 nights of fun!! Candles not included. Measures about 11”x3.5”
$15 USD
If you consider the years we have enjoyed A Charlie Brown Christmas, Snoopy and the gang are practically extended family! This 18” replica of the tree featured in the film makes a nostalgic decoration for any room or office cubicle. Adjustable wire branches, plastic needles and tiny wood base. Includes one ruby ball ornament. In a reusable box.
$20 USD.
Junkfood brand. Green is women's $24 USD. Red is men's $28 USD.

Real porcelain. Comes in a set of 4 includes pocket watch, key, shoe and
pipe. $100 USD.
Well I hoped you enjoyed them. There is actually a few more I did not show. Check out the store for more stuff!