– by Erin Bremner –
It’s that time again! How did it possibly get here so quickly? These days it seems like the days just fly by, but this holiday season I’m going to find time to enjoy it! I’ve got a plan for gift giving, I’ve got a few key outfits to wear for those special events and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by my loving family.
It’s the season for giving, and I love it, but I try to shop smart by choosing a well-thought-out quality gift, beautifully wrapped. There is so much joy in watching a loved one hold that box, shake it a little in suspense, then carefully open their gift (The Bremners don’t tear their paper.) We can then take time to relax and enjoy and watch each family member open their gift, instead of participating in a paper-tossing frenzy where no one knows who opened what and what their reaction was. So when you’re making your shopping list, let me suggest a quality versus quantity approach.
If wrapping gifts for that “wow” reaction isn’t your idea of fun, there are many retailers and charities that will do it for you, and many local stores that carry gift bags and coordinating tissue that will do the trick too.
But presentation goes for more than your gifts. The holiday season is a great time to dress up a little, to pull out your fancy shoes and actually wear them! It’s a perfect opportunity to try something outside of your comfort zone, like coordinating colours, textures and patterns to make a visually interesting outfit. The trick is to create a colour palette of three main colours. Your layers and accessories should be primarily made up of those three colours. One piece of your outfit should ground the rest, such as a neutral pant or dark jean, in order to create balance.
Women have lots of options for accessorizing an outfit, with jewelry and scarves, patterned tops and cardigans, or statement shoes, but men can play too! One of my favourite ways for men to add texture and interest to their outfits is with a knit tie. We’re seeing knit ties paired with a fabulous shirt and jeans! Add a waistcoat, a sweater that zips down partially, or a casual sports jacket, finished with an interesting belt and a shoe that doesn’t look like it came from your grandfather’s closet, and you’ve got an impressive, current look no matter what age box you check. Ladies, if there is a man in your life that could use some sprucing up, the holiday gift giving season is a great way to add some interesting accessories to his wardrobe!
Now that you’ve got these outfits planned out, wear them! As busy as things are, and no matter how quickly the time goes, try to find time for yourself to look and feel your best. But most of all don’t forget to smile, and enjoy this precious gift we call life.
