Vineyard Vines Dress c/o || Heels (on sale) || Earrings 

Tis the weekend before Christmas and all through the house, not a dress remained hanging not even a blouse. Okay, I know that’s not how the poem goes, but it sure feels that way today! It’s the weekend before Christmas which means it’s time for full thrown holiday party madness. Between last moment trips to the mall, for holiday shoes, to borrowing red lipstick from a sister or two; these next few days are going to be a whirlwind of holiday cheers and I’m here to help you, find the perfect holiday party attire. 

These week has been filled to the brim with holiday festivities. From traveling by train into NYC on Sunday to watching your entries, for our massive holiday giveaway, roll in; I knew I wouldn’t have time this year to run out for last moment party styles. I personally decided early on in December that I wanted to spend as much time this holiday season enjoying the company of others and less time stuck in mall parking lots. So about two weeks ago, I ordered this holiday dress online, purchased these metallic silver shoes in store and decided this dress would be my official Holiday Party Attire.

I’m actually giddy right now, as I’m planning on attending two-holiday parties this weekend and will be rocking around the Christmas tree, in this festive flutter sleeve dress, at both. Last year, I was overly ambitious and went out to purchase unique holiday party dresses for each event, I was planning on attending. It was a good idea, and reasonable as I’d be able to share the styles with you all here on this platform, but it ended up costing me a lot of valuable time with family and friends. Because come December there is no such thing as a quick trip to the mall, am I right?! 

This year I said enough is enough and wanted to select just one-holiday party attire for this upcoming weekend. Overall, I wanted to find something that would work for both family and work functions, and it had to be plaid. I feel like 2017 is the year of the plaid, and I’m 100% onboard. Anyway, once I unboxed this Vineyard Vines plaid dress, I knew I had made the right decision. I was so happy I splurged on one staple holiday piece instead of purchasing different numbers for each event. Over time I’ve learned classic well-made pieces never go out of style, and are worth the investment in the long-run, as they can be worn year after year. 

Now I feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulder and I want to help you to find the perfect last moment holiday party attire. Below I’ve linked a few of my favorite holiday plaid styles that are still available along with a few tricks for shopping last moment and they are:

+ Skip the mall and head to freestanding stores: A lot of the time you can find stores like Vineyard Vines, Madewell, J.Crew and J.McLaughlin in outside shopping plazas instead of within malls. This will help you cut down time in walking distance and avoid the full-on mall crowds. 

+ Curbside Pickup: Some stores do curbside pickup, where you can order the item online and within an hour have someone run it out to you in your car. I know Nordstrom has this feature, and it’s a great way to grab a pair of shoes or accessories without having to park the car. 

+ Call ahead: I’ve worked retail long enough to know that we’ll usually hold an item if you call ahead. So don’t be afraid to call to check if the item is available before you venture out and waste any time. 

+ Have a goal in mind: Before you even step foot inside of a mall, have an item in mind or a goal budget. The mall is filled to the brim with sales and it’s easy to walk in looking for a dress and walk out with everything but a dress, so stay focused and have an item in mind before you start your venture. 

+ Enjoy the Christmas Music and BE KIND: Remember that this is a hectic time for retailers, so always try to give them the benefit of the doubt. If you find yourself getting irritated or waiting for what seems like forever to check out, take a deep breath. listen to the Christmas music and Be KIND. 

Okay, now load up your sleigh and get ready for a magical weekend. I have a few fun things planned for family and friends, so make sure to follow us over on Instagram for a play by play. Oh and don’t forget to enter our massive holiday giveaway here! xx Aubrey 

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