As I was brushing my teeth last night I was thinking about yesterday's post.  I suddenly remembered an article in a recent InStyle magazine about boudoir style for every day and how it translated to a comfortable outfit if you are the hostess. 

Hmmmm... an intriguing option, to say the least.  Items usually reserved for the bedroom taking a turn on the catwalk of your kitchen?  Could easily go wrong but done right, could be quite cool.   

Now, we're not talking your terry cloth bathrobe here. 

And nothing longer than knee length, either. 

I naturally went straight to Victoria's Secret for some examples. Took about a nanosecond to find inspiration.

I have a red wrap cardigan almost exactly like this that would work great!

The pants are the great piece here!  Paired with a black fitted t-shirt and casual ponytail.

I have a golden brown pair of bottoms just like this that would be perfect with my cream colored tee.  Thinking... thinking...

As long as the fabric is no more than slightly sheer, one of these would be lovely over a t-shirt and jeans.

I had a silky short kimono robe like this that sadly didn't survive one of my moves several years ago.  Now I'm really missing it!

This one?  This is my favorite.  So lovely!!  Perfect sleeve length.  Perfect gathers.  Perfect wrap style. 

I can see it with my denim skirt and camel colored boots... or jeans and some fun heels... or my cream colored pinstriped pencil skirt for date night... 
Oh the possibilities! 

My husband and I are hosting a few people for Thanksgiving this year and the question, "What should I wear?" flashed through my mind today while finishing my to-do list.  Don't want to forget anything come Thursday!  It was a happy little thought that evolved into ruminations about the different styles of Thanksgiving's out there.

Are you the kind of hostess who is perfectly coiffed and presents a perfect meal in a perfectly clean house?

Or maybe your cooking skills leave something to be desired but dang it, at least you're going to look great!

Does your family do Thanksgiving in their pj's or is it Sunday Best and nothing less?  I don't know about future years but this year, with a toddler and twin babies, I'm definitely having to prioritize.  I'll be happy that the house is clean and comfortable, spotless will have to wait.  The food will hopefully be delicious, especially since we've split the cooking duties so no one person is overwhelmed.  I admire Martha Stewart-style decorated tables, but I'm more than satisfied that I have an unstained set of cloth napkins that match the tablecloth.  And maybe some little candles for sparkle.

I've always been a fan of "dressing for dinner."  I think that would have been such a neat era to live in.  But more than anything I want our guests to feel welcome and comfortable in our home.  I don't want to LOOK like I'm frazzled and the hosting duties have left me on edge.  Even if something goes wrong with the cranberry sauce, I want the "clean and comfortable" theme to continue with my appearance.  Hakuna-Matata and pass the gravy!

I think dark jeans and a comfortable blouse or sweater will be just the ticket. Anything too over the top and guests might feel out of place.  Too underdressed and they might feel uncomfortable. I'm not a fan of shoes in the house so satiny slippers help me look polished and don't slow me down.  A sleek ponytail, light makeup, and a fun necklace or earrings should top the look off nicely.  I'll let you know how it goes. 

I'd love to hear about your Thanksgiving style, whether as hostess or guest.  Do you dress to the nine's or relax in your flannels?  Either way, I'm thankful to have the choice.  Thankful for so many blessings despite the struggles so many are facing. 

Happy Thanksgiving!
 

In case you own a holiday sweater (or heaven forbid, MULTIPLE holiday sweaters), this is your wake up call!  Your call to repent.  Your call to action. 

Please raise your right hand and repeat after me:

These are the only folks allowed to wear holiday sweaters.  If you don't fit into one of these two groups, put the sweater down.

With one possible exception... The Ugly Holiday Sweater Party.  These little shindigs have been gaining in popularity in recent years and frankly, I think it's worth keeping around one of these monstrosities.  If you don't see one of these parties on the horizon - throw your own!  It'll be worth it to see these things come out of the woodwork on your friends and neighbors.  Where else are you going to get to cherish moments like this one...

My family used to carol on Christmas Eve in snowman motif sweaters.  Many of us got married, leaving too few sweaters on hand, and so they were mercifully replaced with matching scarves. 

By the way, if you want to have a little fun, check out virtual holiday sweaters.  Spread some joy with a little competition to see who can come up with the ugliest design!

I fear I've failed you, readers.  I wanted to share this quote before it was too late.  Too late as in, the week before your Christmas party when you're frantically racing through stores trying to find something to wear.  Frantically buying something you'll probably never wear again!  I should have posted this in June but what can I say.  I have kids.  But onward and upward, right?

The details for my husband's company Christmas party (the largest party we attend each year) were sent out this week and this year it will be a casual affair held at Costco of all places!  I've never heard of a Costco party but since it's one of the places I frequent the most (out of necessity and enjoyment) I'm looking forward to it.  I'm a little bummed there won't be a reason to get all decked out, but that's alright..  There will be other events and other times.

Your assignment this weekend is...

I hit Nordstrom to find a few quick pics to spark your creativity.

Those sleeves are beaded, not see through!

Sparkly jackets, blazers, boleros, and shrugs can instantly pop a basic outfit into party territory!  The same can be said for sparkly shirts and tanks under more basic jackets.

I just can't pass up a retro silhouette! 
And this color is gorgeous!

Don't forget the shoes!!

Enjoy your homework this weekend!  I hope it gets you excited for all the fun to be had in the coming months! 

Even if it's just you and your husband all cozy at home on New Year's Eve.  Dress up for each other and make that midnight kiss a little more fun!