by Erika Dykstra
The air is rich with scents of suntan lotion and pine trees ... In the O.C., it's beginning to smell a lot like Chrismakuh.
Throughout sunny SoCal, sandcastles have given way to sandmen; Starbucks' windows have been decked out in scenes of surfing Santas; and at trendy South Coast
Plaza - the O.C.'s largest shopping mall - holiday shoppers are dashing through stores scooping up gifts, gadgets and go-dads for their closest acquaintances,
along with holiday gala garb for themselves.
Tis the season for parties, and with parties come party frocks. Here's a sneak peak at the styles topping the best dressed list as we roll into '06.
Glamorous in Gold
You could show up in ubiquitous black ... again. Or you could make a sparkling, stand-out statement when you sashay into the festivities in a sexy solid gold
number. Long or short, a gold dress is a glimmery, shimmery hue ideal for holiday revelry.
Silk Jersey Shirred Corset Dress, ShopBop.com
Festive in Feathers
Create a light and merry air about you when you slip into a frock with whispy feather accents. A youthful trend, feathers make a carefree declaration that you
are ready to have some fun. Just be careful not to go overboard with the fluff; the look should be flirty, not reminiscent of our childhood pal Big Bird.
Jill Stuart Black Party Dress, eDressMe.com
Vivacious in Velvet
Super soft, and always classy, velvet dresses are synonymous with the holiday season. This year, turn up the heat and wow the party people when you don several
unexpected textures at once. Perhaps a dress with a lace bodice above a plush velvet skirt, or a fitted slip dress made of slippery silk strips lain next to
thick, luxurious strips of velvet.
Wai Ching Nocturnelle Dress, Virgin Threads
Breathtaking in Beads and Sassy in Sequins
Ornaments and tiny twinkling lights are two ways to make the season sparkle ... but bejeweling yourself is even better. Last year beads and sparkles came in with a
vengeance, and as we enter 2006, they are still having their heyday. Look for dresses in two the season's hottest colors: deep brown and turquoise.
Adrianna Papell Beaded Babydoll Dress, Nordstrom |
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