The Christmas (Eve) Get-Together

My Insight: People love dressing up for these Christmas Eve parties but why not wear something comfortable? Comfy clothes allows you to stuff your face and spend quality time with loved ones. Besides, doesn't this outfit look cute! I found multiple ugly Christmas sweaters online and this was actually one of them. Maybe I'm insane but I do not think this remotely close to the typical ugly sweaters out there. Instead of pairing this with your typical blue washed denim jeans, I chose white pants.... It's Christmas, after all! I finished the look by accessorizing with grey hued pieces!

Get the look: Ugly Christmas Sweater / Eugenia Kim Mimi Fur PomPom Ear Beanie Hat / J. Brand Ankle Zipper White Pants  / Givenchy Pant Suede Wedge Boots / 3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Pashli Metallic Leather Crossbody Satchel 

The Office Party

My Insight: It's time to show off your more stylish side to fellow coworkers! Most of us do not have the luxury of working in areas with lenient dress codes. However, depending on the location of the event, whether it's after-work in the same building or elsewhere, your outfit might change. I am a researcher in the medical field so conservative attire is a must - the known standard, actually. Why I think the outfit above works? It's a fashionable yet it's a classy make-over of your typical skirt suit. Since the skirt is high waisted, it pairs perfectly with boxy crop tops (your abdomen is never revealed - whew, won't get axed for not obliging to protocol).

Get the look: Self-Portrait Arabella Guipure Lace Midi Skirt / Dorothy Perkins Cream Scallop Shell Top (Only $22!) / Kate Spade Turn Heads Pink Statement Necklace / Charlotte Russe Qupid Ankle Bow Pointed Toe D'Orsay Pumps (Only $30!) - Looks just like those drool-worthy bow pumps from Aminah Abdul Jillil /  J. Mendel Chevron Rue Minaudière

The Ballet or The Opera

My Insight: Definitely choose a long silhouette! But of course, your attire depends on the venue. If you're supporting a relative who happens to be an aspiring ballerina in a school production of The Nutcracker, a long gown is a tad bit over the top. The outfits above are suitable for nights out at possibly a performance of Pagliacci or any other professional production at the LA Opera or The Met. I love dressing up so when the occasion presents itself, I go all out! Keep in mind that the theater may have the heat or air conditioning on so make sure you're prepared for either! I created two outfits for this category (LEFT = Splurge and RIGHT = Steal) because not all of us can spend hundreds of dollars for one night out!

Get the look: 1. Badgley Mischka Signify Evening Sandals (Splurge) / 2. Lauren Cecchi Sorella Rose Bag (Splurge) / 3. Love Knot Bangle Bracelet  /  4. Elie Saab Lace-Trim Ruffle-Front Gown (Splurge) / 5. Marchesa Notte Eden Gown (Steal)  / 6.  Raye Blake Heel (Steal) / 7. Diane von Furstenburg Flirty Minaudière Clutch (Steal) / 8. LuLu Frost Portico Gold Plated Crystal Necklace
 

My Insight: I'm always lusting over wedding inspiration on Tumblr (#WeddingInspiration)! Delicate fabrics with ethereal hues are always on the top of my list - just check out my Tumblr to see all my loves! However, light fabrics are a sure source of static nightmares that mold the shape of your body, better than putty, during these colder months! Since weddings are, theoretically, fun and memorable events, choose something that will allow you to dance with ease, eat without having to suck in your belly afterwards, and of course, something upbeat and playful! The above dresses are both from Dolce & Gabbana. Yes, I am well aware of the absurdly high prices but we can all draw inspiration from these pieces, right? One of the shows I look forward to every season in Milan is by Dolce & Gabbana. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana never cease to amaze me - how do they come up with so many looks with so many flowers each season?! But I digress, I would definitely wear a floral dress to a wedding - it just screams cheery happiness!

Get the look: 1. Gucci Leila Ankle Strap Platform Sandal / 2. Charlotte Olympia Mobile Perspex Clutch  / 3. Dolce & Gabbana Rose Print Cotton Mini Dress / 4. Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Textured Cotton Stretch Dress / 5. Steve Madden Sassey / 6. Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch