I was struck by how cheery and bright Angie’s festive ensembles are. Like most of my style, mine are decidedly darker and moodier, but I think they still meet the festive mark through texture, rich color, print/pattern, and sometimes some shine.

Last night was our Pilates studio’s annual holiday party. The women who teach and take classes there have become a great group of friends, and I’m so thankful to have become a part of that community!

I admit fully that I changed outfits a couple of times before leaving. I liked the other outfits I tried, but I was not in the mood for them for one reason or another — I am, however, filing those away for a couple of future gatherings.

I wore this mesh top that used to be a dress, before I had the skirt cut off. I was feeling over the all-over bodycon silhouette, and also felt I would get a lot more wear out of a top than a dress. It proved to be a good move! It’s hard to see the fabulous detail in that top, but it has lots of lovely texture in the velvet appliqués. I love the bird print! I paired it with a simple pair of wide-legged COH jeans, some new burgundy booties from Nordstrom (I had been keeping an eye out for a new pair and these ticked all the boxes !), and silver jewelry accents. Not a great pic but I tried to lighten it a little to show some detail.

It was a fun night and I felt comfortable and occasion-appropriate in this.