by Carol Itoh

Created on: October 13, 2008   Last Updated: March 23, 2011

Tis the season to celebrate! And to the majority of most women, and some men, this can mean rounds and rounds of parties. With four major holidays within twelve weeks and depending upon how large your company is, your family is, and your circle of friends are, you could be looking at attending dozens of holiday get-togethers. A daunting thought to say the least but add to that the stress of coming up with something dazzling to wear to these events!

Now you see the issue every woman on a budget faces this time of the year. Yes, I said a budget! Because that is how most of us live...on a budget. And as most women and moms will tell you, money for lots of new clothes is way down on her list at this time of the year. Her money is earmarked for Halloween costumes, Christmas gifts, extra food, home decorations, and anything she buys for herself she usually feels will be taking away from her family. I know this first hand.

So what can she do to look great when making the round of holiday parties? Simple! Buy only one new dress and one new blouse and from these two new items you can stretch your wardrobe the entire season. How so? By mixing and matching with other pieces in your wardrobe, like skirts and pants you will make the entire season looking fresh and in style. And adding scarves and switching out pieces of jewelry. If expensive new clothes are not within your budget look for clearances at discount stores, consignment stores, and out of season markdowns. Personally, I never buy anything retail, I always buy out of season sales and layer it. You know how warm it becomes in a room when too many people are in it. So wear a short sleeve blouse with a wrap. When it becomes too warm take off the wrap and you will be a lot more comfortable than the ladies wearing those expensive new holiday theme sweaters.

You can dress up inexpensive tops with seasonal inspired scarves and jewelry inexpensively purchased at your local discount store. You may be surprised how many people will remark over your cute little jingle bell earrings and only you will know they only cost you four dollars, or the darling santa pendant that only cost you five dollars. Scarves and jewelry will always get you more attention than theme clothing because the more subtle the touch the more attention it draws. Theme clothing, like Christmas sweaters blare out at people and are quite obvious. The subtle statement is more sophisticated and versatile. Plus you can use the clothes all year. Only the scarf or jewelry gets put away until next year. Keep the holidays as stress free as you can and look fabulous doing it. And only you will know how inexpensively style can really be. Happy Holidays!

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