2012 Holiday Shopping Pleasure

REPOST:
Currently, the economy has besieged our pocketbooks and many Baby Boomer women are finding it impossible to spend as lavishly as we once did, but designers this Fall are seemingly unaware of our plight. They’ve carried on as if investment bankers’ wives are not the only ones who can afford their new Fall collections. That’s a good thing! It allows us to see what the stars are wearing and shop for affordable fashions that mirror these styles.

Before Boomer women know it, Holiday Gala invitations will begin pouring in. Since Winter Holidays are my absolute favorite, I’m ready for the fun to begin. In some parts of the world (my part), the cold winter weather allows us to indulge in luxurious velvets, suedes, cashmere, and dare I say it, fur.

To usher in a fresh year of excellent health, wealth, and overall glad tidings, women will be going all out in to make a holiday statement this season. Frankly, I am in love with every piece in today’s column and I’m going to allow these templates, if you will, to guide our holiday fashion shopping.

Most of today’s selections are from some of my favorite designers, Donna Karan, Oscar De La Renta, Stuart Weitzman, and Valentino. Evening bags are from the 2011 Louis Vuitton collection. I have to say that while the shoes are elegantly beautiful, the heel heights aren’t very realistic for all of us. On behalf of Boomacious women everywhere, I’m urging designers to make gorgeous shoes, just like these, in a height that we can wear all night.

Grab a cup of coffee and use this post as the impetus to drive your holiday shopping. Are you planning your own celebrations. Tell us about them in our comments section. I’ll share them with our readers. Happy Holidays!

The SCULPTED FELT RUFFLED GILET TOP, for $1695, is a multi-fabrication piece by Donna Karan. According to the designer, it pairs just as wonderfully with evening wear as with a pair of jeans. The accompanying SLIM EVENING SKIRT, $1,595.00, is a slim hammered stretch satin silhouette that is figure-flattering and versatile.

The CROSS FRONT HALTER EVENING DRESS, at $4,200.00, an understated wool organza evening dress with simple lines and soft form. The unique hemline consists of a lightweight layer of horsehair that DK designers call “tender volume”.

The COLLAGE CARDIGAN COAT, $5,400.00, characterized by a soft feel and rich texture, is composed of alternating straight and curly shearling layers. Boasts an insurmountable aesthetic and warmth. The cardigan is topped by a luxurious SHEARLING LAYERED WRAP COLLAR which for $1,295.00 can add specialty to any neckline. Grosgrain ribbon tie closure.

At just $1,195.00, Donna Karan presents the comfortable, chic and versatile LONG SLEEVE V PLUNGE INFINITY DRESS, made of matte jersey.

Another variation of the LONG SLEEVE V PLUNGE INFINITY DRESS, $1,195.00

ABOVE right: Oscar de la Renta Suede Platform Pumps
Tortoise print adds contrast to solid suede in this chic tassel-adorned design.
• Self-covered heel, 5¼” (130mm)
• Self-covered platform, 1¼” (30mm)
• Compares to a 4″ heel (100mm)
• Snip toe
• Leather lining and sole
• Padded insole
• Made in Italy

Stuart Weitzman Ruffled Satin Pumps
An elegant design in lustrous satin with feminine ruffled detail up front.
• Self-covered heel, 3″ (75mm)
• Open toe
• Satin ruffle
• Leather lining and sole
• Padded insole
• Imported

Valentino Peep-Toe Lace Couture d’Orsay Pumps
This Italian lace style with silk trim is even more appealing with bow detail at the toe.
• Covered heel, 4¼” (110mm)
• Platform, ¾” (20mm)
• Compares to a 3½” heel (90mm)
• Leather lining and sole
• Padded insole
• Made in Italy

Two Louis Vuitton purses that I find to be exceptionally chic and beautiful. The Pochette Devi MM adds a touch of glamour to every evening ensemble. The exquisite hand-embroidered Monogram pattern, soft cushioned textile and golden brass details define this charming piece.

-Patent leather trimmings
-Louis Vuitton Inventeur plate
-Magnetic closure
-1 interior flat pocket
-1 interior lipstick pocket
-Viscose lining

The Minaudière Bijou (pictured BELOW) encapsulates refined evening glamour. Embellished with shimmering golden brass Louis Vuitton initials, the unique shape is enriched with exquisite dark tortoiseshell color.

Size (LxHxD): 5.5″ x 4.3″ x 2″
-Acetate and golden brass
-Hand or shoulder carry using jewelry-like golden chain
-Diamond-shaped lock closure engraved with Louis Vuitton signature
-Gold lambskin lining
-Large enough for lipstick, a mobile phone and credit cards