Dressing Appropriately for the Office Holiday Party

In my short time in Corporate America I’ve noticed how much guidance people still need specifically when dressing for the annual end of year holiday party. Note to all –  An office holiday party is still an office holiday party.  To avoid overdoing it, stick to something generally work appropriate but add a little pizazz.

This year I went with an LBD that had just a little ruching on the side. Every fashion blog tells you to keep one in your closet because it’s super versatile and it REALLY is. By day, I donned a black cardigan and basic black pumps, but by night, I ditched the card and traded my basic shoes for an open-toed pair with a fun red bow. This way I got away with a look I couldn’t normally do in the office but I won’t make water cooler chatter for the next day. The takeaway here? Bend the rules, don’t break them.

I also took advantage of my VIB Rouge status at Sephora and popped in for a custom makeover for the party. I normally wouldn’t wear orange lids and a red lip to my conservative office but since this is the holiday party I stepped things up another notch. Between open toed shoes and a full face of makeup I’ve reached my rule breaking limit for the office so I’ll avoid anything extra. Take things up a notch or two but no further!

I know, I know. It’s tempting to say, “But this is a party!” Remember office outings are NOT the same as outings with friends. Yes you can have fun, but you don’t want your boss or coworkers looking at you as anything but a responsible employee. Save the fun and sexy looks for your friends. With that in mind, while I went with a basic LBD for the work party, here’s what I’ll be wearing when I party with my friends tonight:

Don’t mind the facial expression or the blurriness. I was too busy feeling myself and practicing my swag to focus the camera #GahdamnGahdamn

Got more specific holiday party look questions? Feel free to ask them in the comments section and I’ll address them in a later post!

‘Best Man’ sequel is a great ‘Holiday’ gift

Lance (Morris Chestnut) and Mia Sullivan (Monica Calhoun) decide to host Christmas at their suburban New Jersey home and thus, The Best Man reunion begins.

It’s been 14 years since we saw the gang altogether but certain things haven’t changed.  Mia is still madly in love with her pro-footballer husband, Jordan (Nia Long) continues to put her impressive career ahead of any type of relationship and Quentin (Terrence Howard) – despite his juvenile nature and lack of couth 0 somehow still remains a regular voice of reason amongst the group.

Though so much has stayed the same, a lot has happened in the time that’s passed. Instead of the youthful “who’s slept with who” concerns of yesteryear, this sequel presents more adult issues including maintaining career success and the stress that comes with keeping their families together. Despite the hardships each couple – and even those uncoupled – are dealing with there there’s room for plenty of laughs dispersed throughout the film.

Best Man Holiday has it’s perks but not without it’s downfalls.  There’s eye candy for everyone – Shelby (Melissa DeSousa) isn’t the only lady randomly showing off her body and Morris Chestnut has his own unnecessarily long Taylor Lautner shirtless moment. Like any comedy, predictable moments happen every so often and although nostalgic, we probably could’ve done without some of the repeat storylines and scenes from the original. Bonus – though it’s not definite, the ending leaves room for a potential third film. 😉

Just how does Best Man Holiday measure up to its predecessor? It’s a tad bit funnier, just as dramatic but a lot more heavy. A decade and a half is a long time to wait for a sequel but overall, Director Malcolm D. Lee did a great job of weaving an old story in such a way that it’s relevant enough to hold our interest.

Sneak peek: ‘The Best Man Holiday’ Poster is out!

It’s been almost 15 years since The Best Man came out, so it’s about time we got a sequel! The Best Man Holiday hits theaters November 15 and Universal Pictures has finally released a look at the poster for the movie. Check it out below:

The Best Man Holiday stars Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Monica Calhoun, Melissa De Sousa and Regina Hall, reprising their original roles as college friends who reunite during the Christmas season. It looks like everyone has resolved the issues that arose when the crew last got together, but one can’t help but notice – why is Jordan (Nia Long) still the only one who’s single?

L’Wren Scott x Banana Republic debuts this December!

Start your Christmas list now – L’Wren Scott x Banana Republic hits stores December 5!

photo via WWD

The two announced their 50-piece capsule collection in WWD yesterday, which includes gift-worthy items such as clutches and totes, as well as party pieces like peony-printed pants. How much will a L’Wren Scott design cost you at Banana? Anywhere between $38- $198 – not bad for a designer whose pieces will usually set you back $1000 each!

Check out the super-short teaser below. Anxious for winter yet?