Holiday style: All that glitters (and bows!)

Nicole just wrote about her very favourite party dress. I am envious that I do not have this sort of relationship with any dress in my current (and sadly outdated) wardrobe. Sure, I have a handful of LBDs (little black dresses, Dad) - holdovers from my short-lived corporate life - but very few Holiday-cheer-appropriate frocks. We have three events to attend during our short trip to Ottawa for Christmas. They're close-friend/family gatherings, so it's not like I have to impress.

But you know how I love pretty things.

I live for excuses to dress up. Sometimes putting the outfit together and getting ready to a ladies-of-dance-pop soundtrack is the best part of the night. I was very pleased with my outfit Friday. (Before the tights ended up with black knee stains, of course.)

So in the spirit of torturing myself (as usual), I perused online fashion while Alex slept in this morn, and "shopped" for my would-be (SHOULD-be) holiday wardrobe. If my ridiculously talented husband and his ridiculously talented band was as bloody rich-n'-famous as they should be, I would be stocking my closet with the lovely covets below.

I noticed a theme emerging: sequins and bows!  I think showing up at a make-out-under-the-mistletoe party dressed looking like a present is pretty much the best idea. 

 Alice + Olivia sequin top

 Kurt Geiger velvet pumps

 Bebaroque BEDAZZLED!! tights

 Balenciaga suede pumps

 Adam sequin dress (via netaporter.com)

cream bow flats (via moxsie.com)

 Thread Social shorts

 Bird by Juicy Couture sequin racerback tank

 cocktail dress (via modcloth.com)

nordic sweater (via yessstyle.com)

miu miu GLITTER!!! oxfords 

 Betty Draper-esque dress (via modcloth.com)

 Oasis bow-print sweater

 patterned tights by Emilio Cavallini

 Kurt Geiger platform wool bow pumps

 Miriam Ocariz wool dress

But, instead, I will have to make do with what I have, plus any pity-purchases my mother makes for me the next time we're shopping (Boxing Day, obvs). I do have a glittery CM party skirt similar to the one below (but more sparkly!). It should be a decent jumping-off point. I've been known to work thrifty miracles before.

[ All photos via polyvore.com, except where noted; collage by me! ]