Sunday, December 17, 2017

From Day to Night

During the holiday season there are always occasions when you want to be casually dressed during the day and sparkle up in the evening or for a lovely lunch. I thought it would be fun to take a few standard wardrobe staples such as a black suit, a LBD, jeans and a sweater etc, and explore how to dress them up or down simply with a change of accessories.

Transforming a wardrobe item from a casual daytime outfit into a 'ready to go out' look is also a perfect solution for busy days when a wardrobe change is out of the question. You can always go out with what you've been wearing and create a fabulous look by throwing on some different accessories.

For the capsule pieces I've chosen mainly dark neutrals, simply because these are the easiest to adapt from day to night. But if you prefer color, then rich jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire or ruby all work, as well as light neutrals such as silver, cream, champagne etc (except that my skin tone is too pale for these in the winter).



Black suit - day time

Capsule pieces: leopard print shirt and black suit
Accessories: Hermes Carré en Carré (tied in a reverse basic bias fold) with a Grand Apparat printed enamel bracelet and an Evelyne 33 in Etoupe.



Black suit - for a night out

Wearing the scarf as a sash and replacing the Evelyne with a Kelly Pochette. Necklace my own.





Jeans and blazer - daytime look

Capsule pieces: Jeans, cream shirt and navy blazer
Accessories: Hermes Evelyne 33 in Etoupe, Kelly Dog bracelet in black croc and belt (Muse buckle with gris-t strap).  


Jeans and blazer - for the evening

As above, but replacing the Evelyne with a studded clutch (Zara) and adding a sparkling necklace (my own).



Variation - with a stole and sparkling necklace







Little Black Dress - daytime

To style a LBD from day to night is mainly a question of how to make it look casual for day time wear. Here it is teamed with a cropped cardigan, a Tigre Royal giant silk, Birkin 35 in Gris-T and Clic-Clac H bracelet in Bleu Indiens. 




Little Black Dress - evening

You don't need much to style a LBD for the evening, a fabulous necklace and a clutch will give your dress an instant sparkling and festive touch.







I bought this long-sleeved black dress when in Amsterdam last summer and have worn it quite a lot in a casual tunic style and with long necklaces. Dressing it up for the festive season with cool and warm sparkling accents.



as worn in the summer



Cool accessories: Hermes Chaine d'Ancre enamel bracelet and studded clutch by Zara
Warm accessories: Hermes Caleche enamel bracelet, a La Réale 90 carré and a Kelly Pochette in black croc. 





Jeans and sweater - casual

Parures des Samourais in a cowboy knot with a Clic-Clac H bracelet in Bleu Indiens and a Picotin 18 in Bleu Sapphire





Jeans and sweater - dressed up

As above, but with the scarf in the basic bias fold and with the addition of a sparkling necklace. 





Variation with a La Reale 90 scarf 





Variation of the above with a black sweater instead of the navy.

Left: Hermes Courbettes et Cabrioles 90 carré tied in a cowboy knot. Clic H bracelet in black and Kelly 32 in Ebene. 
Right: Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet in black croc and a clutch by Zara.




Winter dress - daytime

I bought this dress a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. It is soft and cosy which makes it perfect for winter ('Loretta' by Max Mara, available here). Styled here it in a casual way with a Cavalleria d'Etriers CSGM in a looped basic bias fold, Hermes Picotin 22 in Etoupe and Chaine d'Ancre printed enamel bracelet. 





Winter dress - dressed up

With a Hermes Kelly Dog bracelet in black croc and a sparkling necklace (my own). Clutch by Zara.





Variations - cool tones

Left: Mythiques Phoenix in an asymmetrical knot, Clic H bracelet in black and Kelly 32 in ebene. 
Right: Clic H bracelet in black and Kelly Pochette in black croc. Necklace my own.




Variations - warm tones

Left:  With a silk/wool stole (my own) and long necklace. Hermes Charniere bracelet in black lizard and Kelly 32 in Ebene.
Right: With a sparkling necklace  (my own), Hermes Charniere bracelet in black lizard. Studded clutch by Zara





Wishing everyone blissful and happy holidays, a merry Christmas, and a wonderful and fabulous New Year!

xxx



33 comments:

  1. As always, a lovely look at beautifully styled classic pieces. Would it be possible for you to post a link to the blue sweater and blue jeans - both are great pieces and well cut and would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Thanks in anticipation

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    1. The jeans were a Paul & Joe sales find from a couple of years back, but the sweater is still available at JCrew:https://www.jcrew.com/fr/p/womens_category/sweaters/pullover/tippi-sweater/E1277?color_name=brilliant-ocean
      In case the link doesn't work, it's called 'Tippi sweater'. I absolutely love it and have it in several colors.

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  2. Dearest MaiTai,
    your new ideas for the festive season were a wonderful start in the -most probably- busiest week of the year! Time seems to fly even more as the Advent period is so short- so we need to make the most of it and celebrate nicely dressed and accessorized. You can be sure that many of your pieces will be decking out necks, arms and ears around the world, adding an extra sparkle. Thanks for creating these for us! Wishing you, your family and all the fellow swans a peaceful, merry Xmas and a happy 2018!
    Bisous, Katja

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    1. Dear Katja,
      thanks for your wishes, Merry Christmas to you (hope that you'll receive many MT parcels) and all the best for 2018.
      Catherine

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  3. Wonderful post, dear Mai Tai! I especially love the Max Mara dress with its subtle, flattering plaid. Who would have thought plaid could be so versatile? And thanks for sharing photos of the beauty of winter in your area. May you and your family be abundantly blessed this Christmas and in the New Year. Wishing the same for all the lovely swans who grace this blog. A big swan HONK to you all!

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    1. Dear Fifi, you achieved so much in this past year!
      Have a wonderful new year in your new home! All the best.
      Catherine

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  4. Wow, so many gorgeous looks. I love them all, but that new Max Mara dress with the cleverly draped skirt is a favorite.

    I did click the "click here;" looked at it online and decided that you look much more elegant in it than does their model!

    A wonderful Christmas and holiday season to you, all your boys and to all the Swans around the globe. I send HONKS right along with Fifi.

    Love,
    Jerrine

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    1. I wish you success on your new and nice projects for 2018 dearest Jerrine ;-)
      Much love,
      Catherine

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  5. Thank you for this wonderfully inspiring post. I love the drop waist dress and the tones of navy with sparkling accessories. You have such a knack for perfect combinations. Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches, gesundes neues Jahr.
    Tanja

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comment, liebe Tanja! The dress is an old favorite of mine, love the 1920ies vibe of it. Ich wünsche Dir ebenso ein frohes und besinnliches Weihnachtsfest und ein wunderbares und schönes Neues Jahr!

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  6. Another beautiful and inspiring post that you gift us with this busy time of year. Thank you! Love how you show us that with just a little tweak we are good to go day or night!
    Wishing you and yours a magical, loving Xmas season<3
    I will add my two honks worth to all of the swans gathered here for a holiday season full of comfort and joy! Mwahs, T xx

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    1. Merry merry, dearest darling Trudye! Have a most wonderful and happy Christmas and holiday season, filled with joy, comfort and many many blessings! Mwahs xx

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    2. Mwahs to you, all the best for 2018 dear Trudye.
      Catherine

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    3. Thank you,dear Catherine! Wishing you and yours only the best in 2018! Mwahs,bT xx

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  7. I am having difficulties replying directly to a comment, has anyone else noticed this? Hope it is just temporary...

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  8. Dearest Katja, - there were moments I thought I'd never get the post out in time, so glad it worked out in the end. Love your image of the sparkling swans around the globe, thank you so much <3 Let's raise our glass and toast to a beautiful, festive and merry Christmas!

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  9. Thank you, dearest Fifi! I never owned anything plaid at all, so it comes as a surprise to me how much I love the dress. Might start wearing dresses more often! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas in your new home, such a terrific achievement. Hugs and have a great start into 2018!

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  10. So happy you approve of the new dress, darling Jerrine! The styling on the site isn't perhaps the most fabulous.. not sure the chunky boots work well? Wishing you safe travels and a most wonderful and merry Christmas! Honk honk and much love xx

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  11. Dear Santa--

    I've been a very good girl this year, though I have done some complaining about the weather. But it's hard to get in the Christmas spirit when you're sweating!

    There are so many things on my list, Santa: world peace, the ability to walk gracefully in heels, a fabulous gathering of the Swans in Paris...

    But Santa, what I really want this year is for MaiTai to style my wardrobe so I look as effortlessly glam as she does. It's really a gift for everyone, Santa, so I'm not slopping around in oversize jeans and an old sorority t-shirt. Just imagine the joy it will bring to my long-suffering husband!

    So if you're amenable, please just tuck an airline ticket in MaiTai's stocking and I'll expect her here before New Year's so I'm ready to face 2018 with a new attitude and style.

    Thanks so much and I hope you won't be too tired from racing around the world leaving scarves for all the Swans.

    xoxoxo--Greta

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    1. No oversize jeans and old sonority t-shirt for your pyjama party Greta...!
      Merry Christmas and remember....positive stylish attitude for 2018.

      Catherine

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    2. Dearest Greta, - I searched my stocking high and low and turned it inside out. Alas, no ticket to be found! I would have love to come and remove the oversized jeans and sorority t-shirt from your wardrobe in person, but hope you'd do it on my behalf. It does not take a lot of time to dress in well-fitting clothes that flatter your complexion and shape, but it does make you feel better for the rest of the day! I join you in the hope for world peace and a swan gathering in Paris, but skip on the heels. Have a wonderful, happy and stylish 2018! xxx

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  12. Beautiful with every thing. Joyeuses Fetes chère Mai Tai, à vous et votre famille. Amitiés

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    1. Merci, chère Monica. Je vous souhaite des très belles fêtes du fin d'année et une merveilleuse nouvelle année 2018! Amitiés

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  13. Dear Mai Tai,

    Thankyou for a a lovely festive post.
    Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2018.

    DK

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    1. A very belated thank you for the lovely comment. Wishing you a fabulous and happy 2018!

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  14. Dearest Très Chère,

    Nice inspirational post, I am travelling lighter and lighter, from day to night just opening my MT jewelry organizer and my travel scarves pochette…. more place for shopping items in the suitcase on my way back ;-)

    I wish you and all the swans in the pond a very nice and warm Christmas with your beloved. Rendez vous next year ;-)

    Much love,

    Catherine

    P.S. : I saw that Santa already made a visit to you… good for him I was worried about your new slippery roof ;-)

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    1. So true, my dearest chère Catherine, accessories are our best secret weapon, travelling and at home, and so glad you enjoy the organisers and pouches Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that Santa has been good (he came with a hybrid sledge this year, so the new roof came in very handy). Wishing you a fabulous and belle année 2018! Bises

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  15. Dearest Mai Tai,
    You are the definition of a lady with style. Every time (long time follower) I visit your exquisite site, I feel hope and inspiration! May be, just may be, 2018 will be my year to elevate my style as well as my thinking :) I owe it all to you. This post just pulls everything up to a new level. Seeing your necklaces in action and supremely styled, I am ready to purchase one (maybe 2). Some questions, (apologies if these are answered in the descriptions, I did not see them):
    —if choosing between the waterfall and the crystal collar, which one is heavier?
    —what does the “9 inch drop” mean? I think I know, but I need a clarification. Does it mean the top of the necklace is 9 inches round? Usually, a 16 inch necklace is very tight on my neck, so my concern is the necklace will be too tight. It does look like the clasp is in an extender chain, so that they help.

    I thank you and absolutely adore this post. Now, if only Hermes would bring those beautiful scarves you’re wearing — those colorways are beyond beautiful.

    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Happiest New Year and Joyous Epiphany,
    Jane in TX

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    1. Dearest Jane, - I belated but heartfelt thank you for your special and very lovely comment. It makes me happy to know that you’ve been reading the posts for a long time, and that you continue to enjoy them!

      Regarding the necklaces…the Crystal collar weighs 7.40 oz and the Crystal waterfall 7.55 oz. The length is measures from the top of the necklace to the bottom (please see the last picture on the product page).

      Here’s to 2018 and to bringing out the best in us, in attitude, thoughts and style. And for Hermes to bring out more beautiful scarves! Warmest best wishes xx

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  16. Dearest Mai Tai,


    Thank you so much for this lovely post.

    So inspiring! Congratulations on the two new necklaces. They look really nice!

    I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a very Happy New Year ahead.

    Much love, Manuela xx

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    1. Thanks so much, dearest Manuela! The holidays were lovely, but wooshed by in the blink of an eye! Hope yours were wonderful and wishing you a very happy and wonderful 2018! xx

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  17. Gorgeous every single picture!! You have inspired me to create new looks..you dress the way I love to dress, classic, elegant but still modern. Fantastic inspiration here...happy new year!

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    1. So very happy you enjoyed the post, thank you so much! Love that we dress in the same way and how the internet brings like minded souls together. Have a fabulous 2018 too!

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