Cindi Coon models a Laundrea ruby dress, $198, from Arthur and Daughters. Judith Lieber clutch, $250, from Arthur and Daughters. Fox fur collar, $24, from Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb; Handmade freshwater pearl necklace, $295, and silver and pearl post earrings, $129.95 from Treasures; Pilcro and The Letterpress heels, $15, size 8, from My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe; complete the look in the Commonwealth Room at The Yorktowne Hotel, 48 E. Market St., York. Photo by Ashley May for Smart Magazine
Red dress. Freshwater pearls. High heels. It’s time to emerge from your winter wool and show the world how glamorous you really are.
We are giving you an excuse to dress up this holiday season: You need functional formal wear. You need a look that will get you through upcoming holiday functions, but also work when the tinsel and mistletoe are in the trash.
And, you don’t need to travel far and wide to find these items — all can come from independent retailers in the area.
So, as you budget for holiday shopping, don’t forget to reserve a few credit card swipes for yourself. Boutiques including Arthur and Daughters, Treasures, Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb and My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe are stocked full with fitting fashion finds that are worth the investment.
“I always find myself wanting to be like the families in the Tommy Hilfiger ads wearing mixed plaid and gathered around the tree,” Hilary Arthur of Arthur and Daughters said. “But the day after Christmas, I don’t want to do any of that.”
Score a dress to start the process — we like one that is a solid color and is structurally-shaped. Note: Always feel fabric before you buy — you don’t want something that is see-through thin and will fall apart next month. We are obsessed with Laundrea, a line of machine-washable dresses that averages $170 at Arthur and Daughters.
“For me, I would rather buy less and buy better,” Arthur said.
Next, find a warm piece. That could be an evening blazer or bolero, cardigan with a little flair or faux fur wrap.
Then, accessorize. If you find a statement piece, like the pearl necklace shown from Treasures, you don’t need much else to pull the look together. But, if you do want to go all out with flashy jewelry, holiday parties are perfect occasions, Arthur said.
About the model
Name: Cindi Coon
Age: 35
Occupation: Emergency Nursing Assistant
Lives in: West York
Must-have party accessory: wrist cuff or bangles
What’s on her Christmas list this year: leather jacket and matching boots
Online
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