| | Published November 23rd, 2011
| Hitting the Holidays Head On In Style
| | By Moya Stone |  | | Go pink in python for the holidays in this cozy sweater from Specialtees.
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The holidays are here and with this special season come parties, family get-togethers, work luncheons and many other opportunities to dress up. Or at least pep-up our style a bit. Lafayette boutiques say sparkle, faux fur, and color are the signature looks of the season.
Erica Perez, owner of Duchess Boutique, has filled her store with the big story for the holidays - sequins. But we're not talking multiple colored big sequins of the costume variety. Modern sequins are smaller and sewn tightly together for a quiet effect. The colors come in muted gold, silver, and a pale pink as well as black. "We're doing sequin shorts, sequins integrated into sweatshirt material, and sequin dresses," says Perez, who also notes that dresses in general are very popular. She has stocked plenty of Little Black Dresses, some one shoulder silhouettes and some with sleeves. "Sleeves are back in, which is nice because it gets really cold here," says Perez.
Speaking of cold, Jamie Finegold from the Lafayette women's boutique Tart, said in the fall that faux fur was going to be big, and it remains so for winter. "Faux fur is the hottest outerwear piece for the holidays," says Finegold. The key word is faux. With modern technology in fabrics, faux feels like the real thing and offers high quality at reasonable prices. Tart has a variety of jackets in faux fur and coats with faux fur collars. Finegold says the holiday season is when local women like to step out with their style. What better way to add a little glam than with a touch of faux chinchilla, fox, or mink.
Even women entertaining at home or attending a local house party want to add little pizzazz to their holiday style. For those who prefer to go more casual Perez suggests pairing the new trend of faux leather jeans with a sequin or chiffon blouse. Fine cords are also a new look and a dressier pant option. Cords worn with a sequin embellished sweater and a simple pump shoe make for a warm, comfortable, and festive outfit.
Ann Rubin, owner of the successful shop Specialtees, an Erin Paige Boutique, says Lafayette women are sophisticated and informed when it comes to fashion. "They like old world mixed with new trends," says Rubin. For a chic holiday look Rubin suggests a cashmere sweater. "Women want things that feel good on them." What feels better than cashmere, and the trend in sweaters is the comfy, oversized grandfather cardigan. A cashmere cardi in a bold color such as red worn over a pair of colored jeans, leggings, or cord pants offers effortless elegance perfect for the busy Lamorinda woman. Add a dressy high heel boot and top with a sparkly brooch and you've got fashion with a twist, which Rubin says is always a must-have.
Any choice from a Little Black dress to a sweater can only be enhanced with a touch of bling. Souvenir is the local favorite place to shop for costume jewelry. According to store manager Meddy Bartoletti, the holiday look in jewelry is sparkly and chunky. Leather mixed with pearls and long strands of beads and pendants hitting the bellybutton are the latest trends. A single skeleton key is a popular motif as are charms and lockets. Big crystal bracelets add drama to a simple dress and brooches are showy additions to a coat, jacket, or even a hat.
Holiday merchandise will be arriving in local boutiques all during the month of November. Go forth in holiday style.
Lamorinda resident Moya Stone is a freelance
journalist specializing in fashion.
Read her blog at http://overdressedforlife.com/.
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 | | Sparkle in this sequin LBD from Tart.
|  | | Animal print grandfather cardigan over leggings from Specialtees.
|  | | Cardigan sweater paired with camisole and slim skirt
from Specialtees.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA