October 23, 2023
Yes, she’s starting early. She knows full well that her friends will start planning holiday events, and she wants to be prepared. She’s particularly eager to be able to pack just a few garments in a tote bag, for those overnight, 2-party weekends…
She’s not crazy – there are lovely holiday things available right now that are selling out quickly. Nobody seems to be keeping deep inventories these days!
She’s starting here!
She’s one of those women – we all know one – who seems to carry her own illumination system with her! She walks in the door and people start to smile…
For years, she’s kept her color palette VERY limited; it gives her lots of opportunity to find things that are amusing, interesting, or just classic black – sometimes! Even the most entertaining of women needs a break, eh?
So she leans into this unusual personal gift, and dresses brightly, and with more than a bit of whimsey…
Red sweater – J.Crew; scarf – Echo; earrings – Ross-Simons; wool coat – J.Crew; bracelet – Fierce Lynx Designs; velvet jeans – J.Crew; loafers – J.Renee; backpack – Solo
She knows that she will be traveling straight to parties or dinners on Friday evening, and then staying over for ANOTHER event on Saturday, and then returning home on Sunday. Happily, her friends don’t expect dresses or skirts – just a bit of party personality!
Gold sequined shirt – J.Crew; gold star earrings – Marcia Moran; red hoop earrings – Talbots; Ace of Spades brooch – Fable England; star sweatshirt – Any Old Iron; black bouclé ruana – Echo; red sequined bag – Nina; red leather bag – J.Crew; red pants – J.Crew; black flats – Sam Edelman; red flats – Thalia Sodi
She does – literally – pack in a tote bag or backpack…
She has three tops – one each for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Each top can be worn with either pair of pants, and probably any of the 3 pairs of shoes she has with her. Add some jewelry, maybe a scarf, maybe her black wrap if she expects it to be cool…
She enjoys bringing so much light and laughter to the lives of her friends and acquaintances; who wouldn’t?
love,
Janice
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Red is such a striking happy color. 🔴
I had the perfect patterned red and black coat with it. (now has the daughter)
Someone recently mentioned that she didn’t want anyone to see a repeat in their travel wardrobe. That doesn’t bother me, I’m happy that I don’t have to carry so much with me.
And the friends can easily see the individual pieces in different outfits.
Of course, it’s more noticeable with a colorful wardrobe.
It IS a happy colour! I love this wardrobe. I’d never wear it, but if a family member or friend showed up with it for a visit, I’d enjoy looking at every single outfit on them. I particularly love the red jumper & the red coat. Such a lovely shade of red. And beautifully matched, all from the same retailer :)
Those loafers are to die for! I love this wardrobe! The only thing missing is a red blouse (because I’ve been looking for one myself:))
I think Janice put together the whole thing because she found the loafers.
Oddly enough, I was well into the wardrobe when the loafers appeared! But the other “card-themed” accessories were definitely inspired by those loafers…
hugs,
Janice
Yay! A Totebag Travel post!
The accessories don’t take themselves too seriously and the overall vibe is so fun and cheerful. I wish more real life heroines were brave with wearing colours, like the gal in this story. I see so many drab colours worn in my region.
Autumn/Winter is when I wear red but in softer shades of Garnet and Burgundy.
I’m wearing a burgundy silk floral dress to my daughter’s wedding next month. I managed to buy a pair of burgundy suede court shoes in extra wide EEE fitting (JD Williams for VF followers in the UK) which match perfectly. I was so relieved as I have real problems finding shoes that fit.
For parties and evenings out, I have a burgundy velvet trouser suit. I wear it with a rose pink or silver top and a burgundy/pink/silver shawl or a long silver scarf. I can wear the trousers separately with a long cardigan.
Love the look back. I love to go window shopping and see Christmas lights.
That all sounds lovely Beth. One of my boys is getting married Christmas 2024. I was told colors would be red, green, white, gold – traditional Christmas. Far too early for me to be looking at outfits. I have a black blazer with a thin blue, green, red plaid that I wear w/black velvet pants for holidays…
Sheila, what an exciting event to look forward too. A Christmas wedding sounds so special. Please believe me that next year will pass by in a flash, it did for us. Suddenly you are a few weeks to the wedding…
I missed the boat last year on winter occasion wear (Christmas engagement), so start looking now as the shops are stocking winter occasion wear in the colours and fabrics you’ve mentioned. There are plenty of discounts available (sign up for alerts). Retailers are also doing smaller stock picks so popular sizes sell out quickest. As I found, winter colours and styles aren’t around in summer (especially if you want sleeves). Winter ranges only begin to be stocked from mid-October. Even though there is a strong pre-loved online market in MoB/G outfits, they are often summery in style and colour.
If you read fashion pages, there is a also a transition happening away from traditional classic MoB/G outfits (formal, uniform, stiff and starchy) to something more modern but stylish wearable styles made from softer materials. An outfit that is similar to, but fancier than, a wedding guest outfit; an outfit that you could still wear again.
I also struggled to know what suited me because I rarely wear dresses any more. When I think of myself in dresses, I’m aged 20-40, not 60. I found several possible dresses (I’ll sell them on) but they just seemed predictable, safe and a bit frumpy.
Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects you and your style, not the accepted ‘uniform’ or someone else’s preconception of what the MoB/G should wear. It also needs to be comfortable. Show your daughter-in-law as she might have strict ideas on how much white can be in an outfit – my daughter did. I was even banned from wearing blue or purple – my go-to colours!
Once you have found an outfit, you might need it altering by a seamstress – mine took three fittings over six weeks. Then you have to find shoes, bag and maybe a fascinator/hair decoration. A lovely winter coat or cover-up will be needed if you are outside (my daughter’s drinks reception is still planned to be outside, even in November!). I asked the seamstress to tack a faux fur collar and cuffs (taken off a cardigan) onto a tailored jacket bought to go with one of the other dresses.
I saw the burgundy floral dress in a shop window and just fell in love with it. I tried it on. It looked ‘like me’ but also made me feel ‘tall’, elegant and glamorous, which is difficult to achieve when you are 5ft plus size! I feel like my younger self in it. My daughter came from work early because they would only hold the dress till the end of the day. She agreed that it was ‘the one’. My sister had also seen the same dress and had thought it would be perfect for me and our styles are poles apart.
I have the bag and shoes but just need to find a fascinator/hatinator. It will give me height as I will be the smallest woman at the wedding! They are still worn at British weddings but even that idea is changing; the MoG won’t be wearing one. I hope that wedding occasionwear, although becoming more relaxed, will still be ‘dressed up’.
The playing card accessories are awesome! The earrings and broach are so fun!
These are the small things that make this job SO MUCH FUN!
hugs,
Janice
The shoes and earrings on the travel day, so fun!!! I love it!
I love everything about this! Red and burgundy are two of my accent colours for winter, so this is definitely inspiration.
Between all the red and black, and the stars on the sweater, I think I might know who this heroine who lights up the room is! Our very own Janice! I could absolutely see her in this beautiful wardrobe during the holidays.
I can imagine the playing card loafers finding a place in her wardrobe too. It’s often accessories that can change the whole look of an outfit.
This wardrobe has absolutely caught my attention! Would love to see this expanded into a yearly wardrobe for 2024 if there is still room on the roster. Pure magic!
Rich fabrics + playful accessories + comfortable pants and flat shoes = holiday success in my book. The playing card loafers are so fun (and I really like that the red flats come in black and navy versions with an AB – aurora borealis – finish to the rhinestones for those who lean more peacock than playing cards in their color preferences). I love the graphic element of the chevron beads in the bracelets. It’s interesting – the star sweatshirt detail looks much more bright pink than red until I get a close up of it, then I see the bits of red…I think the pairing of the stars with red might be a bit uncomfortable for me because of that (to my eye) somewhat discordant bright pink aspect, but I think this heroine can 100% pull it off.
I’ve been dressing (part of the time) from a fall/winter capsule wardrobe with black, white, and red (plus denim, olive, bright blue, and purple), and I’m enjoying it for fall as well…with very different pieces and fabrics from this holiday luxe travel capsule, of course.
Awesome! She can jump into my son’s red Corvette, backpack in the trunk, and head off to Las Vegas or Reno for a weekend. I can’t see that gorgeous outfit schlepping through an airport in today’s world. Thanks for the pop of cheer this chilly Monday morning. Reminds me, if you ever make it to Reno, Nevada, there is a fabulous Nevada Museum of ART. I’ve gone up to see Judy Chicago, a private collection of old masters, and a show featuring Georgia O’Keefe’s own handstitched clothing and photography. The heroine can party on the roof at a chic fundraiser.
As a Bridge player I have to say the card themed accessories are absolutely adorable! Yes, I too thought this heroine might be Janice. We know she loves black and white. We know she loves stars. And we know she loves whappage which I think this weekend grouping has! I would happily wear any or all of it.
I should really do something like this. I have holiday clothing that doesn’t get worn because I haven’t taken the time to work out outfits.
I have:
black Eileen fisher sheer oversized tunic type thing with scattered sequins
charcoal EF velvet tee and matching swingy skirt
burgundy silk and sequin tank and matching knit cardigan from Nic + Zoe
I should probably get some wide-leg silky black pants to make this a whole holiday capsule, right? And a festive (yet comfortable) pair of shoes?
That would be what I would add! And something to wear under the black EF tunic – like a black silk tank top?
hugs,
Janice
Good idea! I do have a black silk tank I should add to that “capsule.”
I just ordered some wide leg stretch velvet (I think that means velour) pants. Still hunting for the shoes. Thanks for sparking this!
I am so happy I read this post today. Last year, I missed out on a JCrew sequin shirt that I wanted. While I don’t wear gold or black, I was so happy to see that the classic fit sequin shirt came in navy! I immediately placed an order. Navy may not be as festive but I love the sequins so much. Thanks Janice!
Navy is ABSOLUTELY festive! Festive shall NOT be dictated by a bunch of people who don’t know our lives and preferences…
hugs,
Janice
Now, THAT’S why I follow you Janice! This phrase should go to Mama squirrel’s collection!
The whappage on this post is off the charts! I totally see Janice rocking these looks. It’s the details that make this so fabulous. They put the “fun” in funky, are glamorous but not too serious.
Friends, family and complete strangers tell me red is my colour so I would give the top, shoes and bags a go, but probably not the trousers. Maybe I’d switch out the black wrap for a red one too. And I’m so going to Nordstrom to look at those loafers.
The red turtleneck with the red trousers reminds me how much I love a classic column of color. And Janice has used my favorite formula for holiday dressing – upgrade your “uniform” by investing in basic items made from festive fabrics (ie: a sequin shirt, velvet jeans). Absolutely the best way to feel like yourself at holiday parties!
Sheila, all of my children are married but I agree %100 with beth t. Start shopping now! For me shoes are usually first since I wear a 9N. Not always easy to find. I must have tried on 20 dresses for my daughter’s May wedding and then spotted the perfect dress (above the knee and bright pink) when I was on a down escalator. Same year son’s November wedding I tried on one (tea length and dark navy) and loved it. Both were/have been worn to other events and weddings. FYI both other mothers wore long more traditional MOB/MOG dresses. Will love hearing what you find.
I enjoy your wardrobe combinations, and this one with red and black reminds me that recently I decided to consign a lovely Swedish designer 3/4 coat. It was a colour block knit of red and black which I wore in the fall on dry days…Remembrance Day comes to mind. My Mother had it and it was a style that wouldn’t age. However, relatively recently realizing that I am a tomato red person… Autumn palette… I struggled with the slightly cool tones of the red but didn’t know why. Anyway, I expect that someone will absolutely love it and I’ll have money to find something scarlet to add to my wardrobe…a blouse would be nice.
Normally, I don’t like red with black – it seems so stark to me. But the gold accents and the very fun shoes make this wardrobe something I would wear! Thank you as always Janice!
Or maybe is AK who takes note of your quotes…?
An exceptional post.
I DO love the red, and I wear it the more often possible.
Especially with black.
Exceptional and exclusive ideas, too, to prepare a Christmas outside home : with light suitcases…
And so joyful…
Thank you very much.
I write you from Metz, France.
Merci!
Knocked it out of the park! I’d love to see color variants on this set – it’s just so fun and festive and joyous :)
Thanks as always!