It is now officially...

November! Everyone says it's never too early to start shopping for the holidays and you know, I'm inclined to agree. That's why I'm going to shove a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza down your throats until January 2nd. Cue the balloon drop and confetti. You love me, you do.

We can ease into this, though. You have a few weeks before the real fun starts so let's just take it easy for right now. No pressure. Let's imagine that it's the middle of December, all of your gifts are bought and wrapped, you've baked up a storm, your holiday cards were already sent and received and now you can just kick back with a cup of hot chocolate and watch some cheesy Christmas specials on the TV.

See, guided visualization totally works. You feel motivated just thinking about it. You're making your shopping list right now, aren't you? Ahhh the sweet smell of victory. And cookies, that you baked from scratch, and wrapped in special plastic wrap and a jaunty bow. You rock the holidays!

I say "you" because I generally end up at a mall the day before Christmas Eve with nothing to guide me but a debit card and a prayer. I have lots of ideas for great gifts but not, like, for people I actually know. The people I know are the types who, when asked what they want, say "Oh, I don't know. You don't have to get me anything!" Right, Grandma. Here's another Kohl's gift card.

Anyway, let's get ourselves warmed up with two dresses, either of which you could wear to that company party you're already stressing out about.

Look how carefree the model is in this stretch satin dress from Silhouettes. I'm not sure if she's fixing her shoe or doing the fox trot but either way, she's having a good time. Give that woman a glass of champagne.

I actually chose this dress because it also comes in two other gorgeous colors - emerald and chocolate brown. Black is great and you can't go wrong with it but emerald and chocolate brown are more, well, festive. And I know you're thinking "Oh my word, stretch satin? Bumpy!" Well, that's what body shapers are for. I like that it's sleeveless but has good bra-concealing straps.

You already know that IGIGI has gorgeous dresses so I'm just picking one I like a whole lot. I'm sure there will be even more glamorous offerings as the season progresses. This red number comes with a lace shrug, in case you're a little self conscious of your upper arms. I like that they use lace in a way that isn't too heavy or Stevie Nicks-esque. I love Stevie (I really do) but "dripping with lace" isn't my favorite holiday look. I like a light whisper of lace. And what's more holiday appropriate than red? Nothin.

Comments

[Kate Harding]

I've totally got my eye on that Igigi dress for holiday parties I haven't even been invited to yet.

As for stretch satin and the bumpies, I must say, I've tried on a very similar dress (by Donna Ricco), and the ruching is BRILLIANT. Keeps the satin from clinging over many, if not all, of the bumps.

[joan]

Nothing really important to say. Just loved your post, it made me laugh. The older I get the more I hate the holidays.