Christmas is my favorite time of year – I love the lights, I love the decorations, I love the food. I love the traditions that my husband and I have created over the years together, like going and looking at lights, or volunteering to help at our church’s Christmas Eve service together. I also love Holiday clothes – it seems to me that everyone is dressed more festively this time of year, and with your calendar filled with parties, events, dates, and church services to attend, it’s the perfect excuse to buy a new outfit (or several!). As a travel writer, I’m always on the road – I feel like I live out of my suitcase. I have to be stylish, but comfortable around the holidays. We know so many people that love to travel, and we’ve compiled what we think is the perfect gift giving guide for the traveller in your life! (or really, anyone that loves stylish clothes that give back!) My favorite goodies for the season are from Altar’d State this year – I love how they combine elegance with comfort, and how you can always find the perfect dress for any occasion. My must-haves this Christmas season are as follows:
Blanket scarves:
You really can’t go wrong with a blanket scarf. They’re perfect for layering, accessorizing, and making any outfit feel complete. When the weather gets chilly, they instantly add warmth, while being more comfortable to fold than regular scarves. I wore mine all day in Napa for the perfect put together look. You can buy mine here.
Velvet:
Nothing says Christmas like velvet. I’ve been wearing velvet dresses for years, and I’m so glad that the fashion world has finally decided that they’re back in style. I love my blue velvet dress from Altar’d State, because it can be styled as a day look, with a casual jacket worn over it, and then easily worn as an evening look as well. You can buy one like mine here.
Knee-High Boots:
A pair of quality boots is a wintertime staple, and the holidays are no exception. I love my camel colored, knee-high boots to wear with almost any look. They instantly add warmth to any outfit, as well as being comfortable enough to wear all day. You can buy mine here.
Lace and Fur:
My go-to Christmas Eve Dress this year is going to be this lavender colored lace dress. I love the flowing sleeves, and shift shape that provides enough comfort to go straight to Christmas Eve dinner with the family (turkey, anyone?). I like to pair the dress with my white faux fur jacket, which is great for fancy parties and nights out. I wore this combo for a date night in San Francisco, and felt elegant all night. You can buy a similar jacket here and a similar dress here.
Cozy Sweaters:
When the temperatures dip, there’s nothing like a cozy sweater to stay warm. Altar’d State has some of the cutest, coziest sweaters to compliment any dress or pair of jeans this season. I love my cream colored fur and knit sweater, that kept me warm and toasty on a blustery day in Big Sur. You can buy the sweater here.
No matter what you chose to buy for the Holidays at Altar’d State this year, you can feel good about shopping at a place that gives back. The Holiday season is about giving, and that’s what Altar’d State does – they give. I love partnering with this store because of how much good they do. Their motto is ‘stand out for good’, and with days like ‘Mission Monday’, where 10% of the day’s net proceeds go to charitable organizations across the world, you know that your Holiday shopping is doing some good.