The holidays are about tradition. The traditions we commemorate and celebrate year after year at home with family, but also the ones we create in the company of good friends, both the old and new. In part, it is our traditions that always get us into the spirit of the season, whether they involve an annual holiday cookie swap, Secret Santa gift exchange or attending the neighbors ugly sweater party. 

Our annual trip to Athens for the holidays is replete with cherished traditions that make the return home that much more special and memorable. Christmas movie marathons are a given - Love Actually and The Grinch are favorites! - as are the holiday tunes which play on repeat through Christmas Day and into the New Year. And while we love classic crooners Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, we'll never say no to the ever-soulful Michael Bublé. Sigh. If you haven't heard his Christmas album, you're in for a real treat!

And then there's all the baking - such fun! - of the traditional Greek holiday honey cookies, Melomakarona, and the ritual all-nighter we pull on NYE to prepare for our annual New Year's Day feast with the whole family - aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and dear family friends who we've know for so long they feel more like family than friends - all gathered together in our home. 

One of the things that excites us the most about this time of year though, aside from seeing family and getting some much needed off-duty time, is dressing to fit the occasion. We find the whole charade such a delight. Good thing we're in fashion! We're hugely in favor of incorporating a touch of holiday into everyday style, because who said we must limit ourselves to just Christmas and NYE?! [Take a peek at our NYE holiday party head-turner, HERE. You're Welcome!]  And with a little help from our lovely Merchandising Intern Jasmine, we've styled one of our favorite looks, featuring a festive pop of red in ultra chic velvet, that can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.

This look can truly be styled all winter long. The Donni Ribbed Bodysuit is what we like to call a closet basic, featuring a neutral color and cozy turtleneck that can be paired just as well with jeans or trousers, as with skirts (or in this case, skorts!).  It's the best alternative we've found to the traditional tank or tee, without all the hassle of tucking. And it also comes in black!

The Aletris Skort (yes, its a skirt and shorts!) is cozy as can be and so versatile! We've paired it with the Donni Bodysuit, but a long-sleeved turtle neck or cropped sweater would be just as fitting to complete the look. Change things up by choosing a bolder color for the top - consider seasonally appropriate colors like forest green, warm burgundy or a deep purple in a comfy turtleneck or cable knit sweater. You can also switch up the heels with boots, if you're in the mood for something more casual.

A piece the plays into our current obsession with velvet, the Prairie Coat feels so very holiday (doesn't it?!).  We love the dimension that a good dose of layering can add to a look. Plus, it's all about mixing colors and textures to find that sweet harmonious balance that is so pleasing to the eye. To polish it all off, we paired it with a few jewelry pieces from our limited edition holiday collection, including the Pearl Ball Necklace, which is a favorite! [You can view the entire collection, HERE] What do you think? All for now! xo

Outfit Details

Prairie Coat | LILA Fashion International

Donni Ribbed Bodysuit | LILA Fashion International

Aletris Skort | LILA Fashion International (available in store only)

Pearl Ball Necklace | LILA Fashion International