Whether it’s for festive gatherings with friends or quiet celebrations at home with family, my holiday style is best described as cozy and thrifty. Being comfortable, warm, and relaxed are all key to ensuring that I will have a good time.
If you’ve been a reader of this blog for more than a minute, then you likely recall that I typically feature a reclaimed, recycled, and/or reused item or two in the link-up post published on the third Saturday of the month. Whether it’s a dusted-off treasure from years past, or an item that was bought from a thrift store, or perhaps a well-worn favorite that’s been given new life, those are the fashion finds that get the acclaim today. And as December is a month full of holiday get-togethers, I’m taking an opportunity with this post to share a party-worthy ensemble that is both cozy and thrifty.
The look has a mix of items bought secondhand as well as retail but of course, those were on sale or clearance. My patterned velvet jacket is one of the secondhand items and the basis for this outfit. I bought it a few years ago however, this is its first wearing. There is no brand label on it probably because it’s reversible. As I’m wearing it, the inside has a faux-fur/sherpa type feel and there are pockets for both sides. The jacket is quite plush but its one drawback is that the closures are thin braided cord “frogs” that aren’t easy to engage and feel a bit delicate. I plan on replacing them with a sturdier option.
My lace skirt was a thrift store find as well that I purchased this past Spring. It is by Chico’s and I adore the slimming silhouette. Even though the skirt is fully lined, it’s not overly heavy which makes it suitable to wear year-round. In warmer months, it would look great with sandals but in chilly December, I’m wearing it with tights and tall boots. The other thrift store find in this outfit is my Nine West silver purse which I first shared two weeks ago in Fresh Focus: Prep School Remix.
The boots have a functional lace-up detail up the back with an inside zipper for easy on/off and they were bought pre-pandemic at DSW. The top I bought online from Old Navy and the necklace was a clearance steal from Kohls. I don’t recall where I bought my earrings but it was probable Kohls as well and many years ago. The brooch is from my holiday collection and is one of the few that is neither a snowflake nor Hanukkah-related. It is by Monet and I’m fairly certain I bought it at JCPenney’s but again, many years ago.
Since the timing of this post coincides with the annual holiday party hosted by A Woman I Know: Cathy and her husband Rob, this cozy and thrifty ensemble is the one I plan to wear this evening. We will likely do most of our mingling in their backyard and while the sky is expected to be clear and there should be no wind, it will be chilly. I plan to be fully insulated with heavy tights and a t-shirt under my top plus a pair of gloves and most likely a scarf around my neck.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week’s link-up post is Gail who share the two festive looks shown below in her A Christmas Mixed Platter post. I’m such a sucker for sparkles and Gail looks so delightful in hers.
Besides being stylish, comfort is key to my enjoyment at holiday celebrations as well as knowing that I didn’t have to rob a bank to pay for my outfit. Have you figured out your go-to style for the holidays yet? What’s your opinion on secondhand versus retail shopping? Does the idea of wearing someone else’s old clothes give you the heebie-jeebies? Is buying secondhand just a passing trend for those who can afford more or is it a smart way to live “greener” and reduce one’s carbon footprint?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
16 Comments
I love that skirt and you’re photo shoot background. Thanks for the party. Merry Christmas.
Lace shirts! Love it! Especially pre loved of course! Have a great weekend!
I love secondhand shopping! It’s like a grown up treasure hunt. I’m very thankful that in our small community, shopping the thrift stores is not looked down on or considered something that’s only for those who can’t afford new. Much of my wardrobe is thrifted and the rest was mostly purchased on sale.
Sadly, due to the ongoing pandemic, we have no Christmas events to attend this year, so nothing to dress up for.
This a beautiful ensemble, and it does look cozy too! Love the lace skirt. And the jacket is very pretty. I have recently fully embraced embellishing my wardrobe solely through second hand items or something that I make myself. Will there be exceptions? I’m not going to lie. The answer is probably. And I won’t be making my own bras and undies. But second hand and made by me is going to be my focus.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
I like the texture in the outfit with the jacket and the lace skirt. It’s such a pretty skirt and I like how you’ve layered it up here for colder weather 🙂
Thanks for the link up!
Hope that you are having a good weekend! 🙂 We had a fun playdate at the park yesterday.
Oh Rena I adore this look!! That stunning velvet jacket and lace!!! You look gorgeous! xx
Such a gorgeous outfit! I love the velvet jacket and lace skirt!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I’ll be honest. I am not a thrift store shopper. The only thrift store in our town is Goodwill, and I just don’t like that store. It always seems a little dirty. I need to explore thrift options around me, but I’m not sure my husband would be happy about it. He had unfortunate experiences as a young child regarding secondhand clothing. My mom would often go to the bathroom sales where she worked! Never heard of those? The ladies she worked with would bring things in on specified days and sell them in the bathroom! Mom would frequently buy play coats for my kids. We always laughed about the bathroom sales!
I do love everything about your outfit! Lace and velvet? Yes, please! I’m wondering if your jacket isn’t Coldwater Creek. It seems like something they would have done back in the day!
Happy Holidays to you, and thanks for the link up!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
What a fabulous outfit, Rena! I love velvet and lace for a luxurious holiday look. That jacket is gorgeous and the long black lace skirt is speaking to my inner Goth girl!
Shelbee
Splendid outfit! I just picked up a pair of velvet joggers to wear on Sunday for our family Christmas dinner with a coupon of course. Today, I am visiting a consigment store and hoping to find some fun things to wear for holiday occasions and also that can be dressed down.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
This is such a beautiful outfit! I love the mix of lace and velvet!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Hi Rena!
I am playing catch up since I spent 2 weeks at my mom’s house for Thanksgiving break. You know I love a great velvet blazer and this is so pretty! Love that it is reversable and your wearing a beautiful brooch. The lace skirt with the tall boots are a fabulous mix too! Have a Blessed Holiday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
My holiday style does not include layers. It’s going to be 80 here on Christmas day. Yuck!
That was a lovely surprise! Thanks for the feature. I would wear your outfit in a heart beat – I have a skirt that’s very similar! Lovely holiday style. Thanks for supporting the linky this year, much appreciated
Lovely outfit especially the jacket – thank you for hosting and have a lovely Christmas
What a super outfit, many thanks for sharing with #Chicandstylish xx Jacqui x