Tis the season to sparkle and shine…finally! Let’s all make it count. Remember the old saying “if you can’t see it from the
curb…why bother?” Fashion seems to be staying alive and as glitzy as a disco ball.
What a year, y’all. It’s like the casualness of stay at home/ work from home clothing has suddenly been lifted and even if you’re dancing in your own living room to bring in the new year…here’s your chance to dazzle! This winter it’s all about glimmer and texture. For those
craving retro fun and affordable glamour…there’s plenty of sequins, satin, lamé, metal mesh accessories, and all colors of faux fur. For the traditionalists…there’s velvet, velour, pearls, leather, and lots and lots of metallics! Precious metals hold great value again. For the earthier boho lovers there’s corduroy, cashmere, chunky cable knit, linen, and Mongolian lamb accents. I’m absolutely loving winter white! Whatever your style is…bring it!
A decade ago, I ordered boots from the fabulous Back at the Ranch custom boot store in Santa Fe because I was carrying their line at my western store, Gunslinger. I had asked owner Wendy Lane Henry to “surprise me” and push the envelope a bit…and I was delighted! I received gorgeous gold metallic cowgirl boots with ornate sterling silver tips. I’ve busted these out again and recently discovered how they’ve expanded their metallic boot line with some additional show stopper designs. My fondness for metallics and sequins goes way back in my memory bank. Back in the day, was anyone else saying, I want to be a Golddigger™ when I grow up just to wear the outfits? No…not talking about wallets. No…I can’t sing, but I am talking about the well known group of female singers who wore, at the time, what I thought were the coolest ensembles. This talented group of gals appeared on various television shows during my early childhood. Remember all those sequins and theatrical props? The glitter and glam of fashion may have toned down for a few years until disco exploded on the scene. This season, that retro excitement is back…the music, the fashion, the groove! Good vibes only…can we all agree?
As silhouettes recycle along with textures, colors, and fabrications, you’ve probably noticed something that has been slowly
sneaking back into fashion. After the 70’s…the 80’s brought back the shoulder pad. We knew the come back was inevitable.
Remember how we bought them as separate accessories for that added boost to achieve the coveted inverted triangular look?
Traditionalists will begin finding them again this season sewn into popular velvet or corduroy blazers and also in some of the quilted
satin bomber jackets. This winter, pant suits have broader shoulder jackets paired with high waisted, wider leg pants. Luscious velvet
or velour tracksuits and belted jumpsuits are street savvy and are accompanied by glittering handbags with bold gold hardware.
We’ve all figured out that trendy loungewear has earned it’s own “fashion at home” category this past year and it’s still going strong.
If you are following my articles, you know that I love Santa Fe! and I recently discovered a new favorite place to shop and be inspired. Earthier trendsetters and globetrotters who like natural sparkle will appreciate World of Bohemia. I found owner Kris Lajeskie to be a
kindred spirit.
I have owned a string of stores with artistic shopping experiences, all with different names and whimsical themes. For a few years I had a beautiful boutique called Graceful. I had designed the locally made sign to hold a nest with eggs, and we tucked a feather into our customer’s shopping bags. Kris has gone a delightful step further. You’ll unwrap her luscious gold tissue paper to discover a gold dipped white feather. She supports artisans from all around the world. Everything is handmade with love and it’s an altruistic journey. For her, it’s all about giving and supporting. We both love travel and collecting handmade items. I purchased a couple of fabulous feather statement pieces intricately handcrafted of feathers, wooden beads, and delicate braided leather.
“Whenever I find a feather in my path, I feel like it’s a gift from heaven. They are so light and beautiful. The necklace of feathers is simple and lovely. Wear them around your neck, hang them in your home, or even from your rearview mirror” she says whimsically. Symbolically good advice for the new year…time to spread our wings and fly! While there, I picked up another winter white accessory which is great for travel…a super soft, raw fringed edge shawl by “AS IS”. You can easily dress up its simple style with the white feather necklace or a Mongolian lamb neck warmer. This fluffy layering piece adds instant warmth, a luxe touch and about five feet of “wow-ness” which works in most winter climates. Texas designer Pat Dahnke adds a flirty leather fringe and bead detail to her version of this winter essential. I like to throw them over a denim jacket. Pat also makes coordinating, removable cuffs for added personality.
Beyond all this glittery fashion lingo, look deeper for real
treasures this season and beyond. Your faith…your family…your
friends…and gratitude. Encouraging all of us to keep arms wide
open and love others well despite differences. Fashion will come
and go…but faith, family and friendships, old and new, are far
more valuable than the most precious of metals.
I’ve never really worn baseball caps, but I have found a camel corduroy version that I really like! Baseball caps are trending in
metallics and shimmery fabrics. Beanies and news boy caps with coordinating scarves are affordable enough to have in
a variety of colors. Winter white felts are elegant!
So what’s on your Christmas list? How will you bring the much anticipated new year in? I already have a disco ball to dazzle in
my living room and I know I’m really late to this party, but I think I would like a record player (turntable) so I can play my stash of
vintage vinyl that I had reluctantly decided to rescue from a donation pile years ago. Now I’m glad they were salvaged. I’m
thinking the winter white suitcase style with gold hardware…in case Santa is reading this.
