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Smoothly transition work outfits to holiday party ready

The holiday season is just around the corner and that means parties, get togeth-ers with family and friends and a calendar filled with many festive activities.

The holiday season is just around the corner and that means parties, get togeth-ers with family and friends and a calendar filled with many festive activities.

Fashionistas are already starting to think about putting together different looks for all those soirées they are going to attend.

Richmond's famous historic fishing village is home to several merchants ready to help you put your best foot forward this holiday season.

The News spoke to a number of Steveston proprietors asking them to provide some easy and not too pricey tips, on how to sparkle during the festive celebrations.

One of the easiest ways to go from office to party is to dress up your outfit with a scarf.

"This season, there are lots of silk scarves in an array of colours and prints," said Vicki Hodgson, owner of Jet-Leg Travel Fashion Boutique.

"They are lively and gorgeous and can transform any outfit to make you party ready."

There isn't a better time of year when glitter is more appropriate than during the holidays. Incorporate a shimmering piece into your holiday look; whether it is a sequined skirt, a metallic blazer, or a cute, crystal-embellished pair of shoes, said Christen Hanes, proprietor of Kid Supply Clothing Co.

"But be careful not to go overboard - try to limit this trend to one or two pieces per outfit," she added. "Although classic black is always in style, don't be afraid to wear colour . red and blue are gorgeous colours.

"There's also a ballet dress, which is shorter in the front and longer in back, that flows and allows women to move on the dance floor with ease."

Another easy way to reflect the spirit of the season is to inject some colour into one of fashionistas' most popular wardrobe staple - the little black dress.

Glam that little black dress up with jew-elry and a little bling, said Glenda Walliser, proprietor of Bon Retour.

"Add some sparkle to your black dress with pieces of jewelry, a cool watch, a gorgeous beaded handbag or some nice shoes," added Walliser.

For the more casual holiday soiree, you can pair the oversized vintage sailor jacket, also called the pea jacket, with a shimmering top.

Or take that vintage dress your mother gave you and pair it with some silver bangles and a great pair of shoes, added Walliser.

"This season, sequins are everywhere," said Nicola Gillam of Violet Hill.

"There's anything from a subtle sequin sweater with a pair of skinny jeans for a casual home Christmas get together, to gold sequined skirts for a dressier event."

Today's fashion is also taking its cue from the hit television series, Mad Men, which is based in the 1960s.

Women are embracing the fashion trends from 1966.

"The snug dresses from that era are popular again," said Gillam. "There's also the strapless peplum dress or skirt with a little detail . very hot for the season."

This season, beauty is also about stress-free elegance.

Big belt buckles, layers of bangles, a custom-designed piece of jewellery or a long strand of pearls can take a business suit to party glam in minutes, said Sasha Shkolnik, Juvelisto Boutique owner and designer.

Precious stones are also hot this season.

Beaded jewellery in an array of stones such as crystals, coral, turquoise, jade and agate can be mixed and matched for a unique look.

"Long chandelier earrings are extremely popular again this year and they take your simple outfit and create a wow factor for not a lot of money," added Shkolnik.

A lot of jewellery designers are also producing pieces that are organically inspired.

Shkolnik showed the News a line of custom-designed, one-of-a-kind silver necklaces.

One was a peanut with fresh water pearl inside, another was husked corn and yet another pea pod.

"You'll never look at vegetables the same," quipped the artist.

Beth Fairchild, who runs Steveston Village Maternity with her husband Ben, said pregnant women are going for more form fitting outfits.

"The holiday wear for expectant mothers has more shape," said Fairchild. "The dresses and blouses don't even look like maternity wear."

Burgundy and charcoal grey are hot hues for moms-to-be.

"Try to incorporate the season's popular jewel tones, neons or prints into your apparel to help you get into the holiday spirit," she added.

Finally, for Christmas morning when family and friends are gathered around the bedecked tree, you can still look festive with a cute pair of pyjamas.

Sandy Hosein, of Bare Basics Lingerie, said, as always, cozy flannel pyjamas are all the rage this season.

"Prints are very big this year for Christmas, we have everything from birds to elephants," added Hosein.

For those men who wonder what to buy their special lady, Hosein suggest either Hanky Panky Underwear for a stocking stuffer or a French lace bra and panty set.