Here is your guide on how to dress for Holiday Party’s

• Know who is attending the party.  If you be mingling with clients, CEO’s, as well as co-workers or employees, at an office party, then  you would want to keep your outfit on the conservative side.  A bit dressier then you would wear to the office but still conservative.  
• Know the venue.  Is it being held at an office location, a lounge, a restaurant, or a bar.  For example, you might be more comfortable in a cocktail dress at a lounge but if it’s at the bar around the corner from the office, you may feel overdressed.  
• Ask whoever is planning the event what the dress code is.  If he/she responds with “holiday dress,” you may want to ask for clarification. If you are still not sure, then wear a simple black dress with simple but elegant jewelry.  
• Opt for overdressed rather than underdressed.  There is nothing worse than showing up to a party in jeans when everyone else is in a suit or a cocktail dress.
• Wear something that makes you feel fabulous!  Remember to stay within the appropriate dress attire but you need to feel good in what you choose to wear.  
• go thru your closet first.  Take out all your possibilities and style them with accessories and shoes.  If you find something that works, perfect, set the outfit aside with everything together.  You may only find one half of your outfit that works, a fabulous skirt or a dress.  Know what you need to purchase before you go shopping.  You will save money that way!
• wear a fabulous coat or wrap that accentuates your outfit not hides it.
• hire a stylist if you are still in need of help!! 

• wear something too tight or too short.  Absolutely do not wear something that will show an abundance of cleavage.  Less is more and makes a more pleasant statement.  Holiday parties present an opportunity to mingle with your peers and your superiors in a way you may not normally get to do.  Don’t be the talk of the party because you wore the tightest dress.  Be the talk of the party because wore a fantastic outfit and know you are the office’s style Icon!
• Show up in a party dress or jeans when everyone else will be wearing a suit.
• Over think it; if you feel good in something and it’s within the dress code of the event, go with it!
• wear the Holiday sweater 
• over accessorize.  Keep jewelry simple.  Long earrings with a nice bracelet or a long necklace with stud earrings.  Do not let the sales person sell  you the whole set...”you need to get the matching earrings with the matching bracelet and the matching necklace and Oh, don’t forget the big gaudy ring that matches as well!”  No, No, No!
• wear your dress from 20 years ago just because it was still in the closet.
• wear too much make-up.  Again, less is more.  You can go for a dramatic eye but then keep the lipstick natural.
• wear flats.  Its time to get out your big girl shoes or at least your heels!  Flats are a definite DON’T at any holiday party.
• bring your giant tote bag 
• wear your denim jacket or your frumpy coat when you are dressed up.  Find a nice coat that is suitable for the occasion.  If you don’t have one, then enjoy the cooler weather!

• A simple black dress with rouching with knee high boots are one of my favorite ensembles and any age group can wear the look.  
• Sequin tank paired with the little black sweater will most always go well.   Match these tops up with dark wash denims, trouser jeans or a black or winter white dress slack.  Remember always wear heels!  
• Off the Shoulder sweater in winter white or red with or without a small amount of shimmer.  Pair it with a great black skirt and some stilettos or knee high boots and you are looking and feeling great!! For a more casual party, you can wear the sweater with your favorite pair of jeans that have a little bling on the back pockets and a pair of stilettos.  
• A sweater with a touch of holiday bling over a simple top is a super and versatile option. You can wear this with a great pair of dress slacks or a skirt.  Add a simple clutch and you have a perfect match for holiday elegance.  
• A sequin skirt paired with a very simple top.  Sequins on the bottom should not equal sequins on top.

Here are a few tips on how to have a flawless look for day or evening. 

 Have fun trying out some of these products!  

For a style consultation or make up lesson please go to services or email me at style@julesaldaz.com.

• PRIMER- Many of us make the mistake of not putting on a primer before applying our make up.  Primers helps keep your makeup from wearing off as well as it fills in any fine lines your foundation or powder may settle into. A MUST HAVE!  I recommend Face Matte by Jules Cosmetics (from my skincare line) $18 or Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Smashbox $36

• CONCEALER - We all try every way to hide dark circles but many of us make the mistake of using a concealer that is too light for our skin tone and this in returns leaves us with the illusion of under eye bags or caked on make up instead of hiding them.  Here are a couple of recommendations:

Blemish & Capillary Concealer, Jules Cosmetics $10

Camouflage Cover Cream, Jules Cosmetics $10

Laura Mercier makes a great Concealer as well called Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, $24

• EYELINER - This is a mistake I have often made….one stroke of an eyeliner can make or break your look.  It not applied properly, you can actually give yourself the illusion of making your eyes look small and tired.  A thick black liner on y our lower lid can weigh down the eye and you may end up looking like a raccoon!  For a beautiful day look that will make your eyes "POP" instead of droop, try applying a nude eyeliner.  I have heard good things about TARTE, Lights, Camera, Lashes Inner Rim Liner, NARS larger than life Eye Liner in Rue Bonaparte, Stila in "Topaz".  NARS is suppose to last you all day!  All these products can be found at Sephora.  

• FOUNDATION - It is so important to pick out the correct one for your skin especially if you are beginning to have fine lines and wrinkles.  Test them out.  DO NOT test it out on your wrist though.  Try them out on your face and make sure to look in a natural light whenever possible.  The best thing to do though when trying something new is to ask the ladies at the make up counter for a sample first before you invest.  In my line, I sell many different types and I am always happy to give samples.  My favorites are the Pro Finish Foundation, Jules Cosmetics $25 which is infused with Antioxidants to inhibit premature aging due to exposure to free radicals.  You can use it wet for a glowing natural look or dry for a fuller coverage flawless finish.  I also love Skin Perfecting Foundation, $20 Jules Cosmetics, which gives you a medium coverage that blankets your skin's imperfections while lifting away fine lines and wrinkles.
  

• MASCARA - I sincerely feel I may be an eyelash junkie!  I love love love long lashes and will almost stop at nothing to get them!!  So, I have a few recommendations and shout outs I would like to give.  First, let me just say two words……LASH EXTENSIONS!  To die for and so much fun!  I go to Kim Mackey and if you are interested just send me an email and I will give you her info (style@julesaldaz.com).  I also have found that Younique carries a wonderful lash fiber mascara!  They have some great products which you can find at www.youniqueproducts.com/jennymurphy.  Lastly, I love lash primer and if you are not wanting to do the previous steps then for long thick lashes, use a lash primer before applying your make-up!  

  Lash Luxe, Jules Cosmetics $12

  Lash Prime & Define, Jules Cosmetics $8

• LIPSTICK - This is a subject I could go on and on about!  Bad lipstick can really ruin your look while good lipstick can make all the difference in the world!  Again, I strongly suggest testing it out first.  I also suggest you wear a liner especially women experiencing some aging.  This will help your lips have a crisp look as well as help prevent the lipstick from feathering around the edges.  Make sure to keep your eyes simple if you are going for a darker lipstick color.  Keep the concept that less is more.  Here are a few of my favorite colors for this Fall/Winter season.  All lipsticks are from my line, Jules Cosmetics and are priced at $15.