Holiday edge coaster

CEBU, Philippines - My bad. Yes, it’s my bad. It’s already December and I haven’t really given a good thought about that one piece this season that will set apart the babes from the bombshells and I feel nothing short but terrible about it. The holiday frock is one of those pieces you simply have to sit down and think about, pour over countless fashion magazines on, and scour the internet pages for. You simply can’t afford to step into the party scene looking like you’re going to Honor’s Day because holiday parties are everything but playing safe. As we round up this decade and gear up for an incredible new one, the last thing we’ll want to do is to err on the safe side. This holiday is all about going experimental and edgy, sweetie pie.

For this season’s it-getups, I’m drawing inspiration from two of my favorite shops: Zara and Topshop. Since these two shops can be a little bit pricey for most us, there’s no harm in simply drawing inspiration from what they’ve whipped up for this season and then raiding our closets (or mom’s closet) to get as close to the look as we can. I also highly suggest visiting department stores and boutiques that don’t go overtop on their pieces.

Prim and (Im)proper

Edgy and classic. Those are two words that best describe Zara’s take on Holiday 2010 proving at best that you do not need to go all sugar, spice, and everything ultra femme to make it to superstar status this season.

Zara nabs it perfectly with the right balance between classic and cool by mixing pieces that one would otherwise be too timid to wear on one of those hot parties in town. With a high dose of confidence and élan, it’s safe to say that whether you are rocking the bright red frock or the tux top, you’ll be setting yourself apart from the rest of the janes in the room.

Holiday 2010 is basically about showing them your risky, tough girl side. Toughen up an all-black tulle dress with a motor cycle jacket for an added dose of coolness. Let them hear you roar in an animal print blazer with wet look leggings and sky-high heels for a totally unconventional take on party wear.

And of course, top your look with a statement red lip. This can be extra tricky since not everyone is meant for the red lip look. However, the trick here is to take a good look at your skin tone and try to match it with the right kind of red. Mestizas will do well with reds that have blue undertones while morenas will rock it with reds in warm, pinkish undertones.

Viva Bohemia

Vintage and bohemian? Rocking combination. Drawing much love from Kate Moss’s bohemian inspired pieces, Topshop was brilliant enough to extend the look to Christmas, aptly reminding us of the frills, the thrills, and the festivity that the Christmas season has to bring. Believe me, it’s been great to the heart.

Topshop’s keen mix of vintage and bohemian is perfect if you have a music fest in mind for the holiday season or if you simply want to chill out with your hippy-loving pals and spread the love.

The key to bagging this kind of look is to go all unconventional and free-spirited. Choose flowing fabrics in frosted shades. Sheer will do you very well which is why it’s a great idea to don that sheer maxidress you’ve been saving up for April. Throw in an interesting cover up and stockings that add a little bit of sparkle and all you need are those vintage drop earrings that grandma has a lot of.

Feathers, fur, beading, leather, knit socks and everything that’s inspired from that decade of love, peace, and John Lennon will be your best friends this holiday season.  (THE FREEMAN)