It was exciting to be back in London and soak up some of the pre-Christmas festivities recently. The clocks have changed back, it is dark, and all the Christmas lights and decorations just sparkle – it is a million miles away from our usual sunny BBQ weather in Australia.
One of the things I really love about the festive season in the UK is all the sparkly party dresses popping up in the shop windows. That's just not something that happens in Australia. It's way too hot to think about wearing a super-glitzy number to the office Christmas party, or on the big day itself.
Dannii recommends: (Left) Project D Claudia and (right) Project D Elle are "top-to-bottom sequined crackers!" Photos courtesy of Project D.
That's not to say we don't dress up for the festive season, but cool floaty maxi dresses, thongs and a big floppy hat (for the poolside barbeque) are the order of the day. So I couldn't help but feel in a festive frame of mind at the sight of all those glitzy frocks on the high street.
Embellishment is the way to go when it comes to party dressing. Sequins, embroidery, beading, brocade and even feathers are fabulous ways to individualise your look.
I think Project D 'Cindy', from our Autumn/Winter 11 'Supermodels' collection (image below) would be perfect if you're just easing yourself into the world of adornment, while 'Claudia', and 'Elle' are top-to-bottom sequined crackers (images above). Our 'Naomi' jacket, from the same collection, is perfect to pop over your shoulders when you're kicking on to an after-party, and we have a dress called 'Party' from our pre-SS12 collection which features just a dusting of sequins which would be a superb option for Christmas Day.
Project D's 'Cindy' is "perfect for easing your way into the world of adornment". Photo courtesy of Project D.
Or, if you're looking for something a bit more edgy, check out the Aje sequined leggings I wore for ModelCo Fibre Lash Brush on False Lashes recently (image below). Putting the rockin' in Rocking Robin – tweet tweet!
If you don't want to go all the way with embellishment you can still tap into the trend by dressing up a LBD with a statement neck piece. Aussie designer Chelsea De Luca is one of my favourite jewellery designers. I've worn her pieces for a number of events recently, her website ships internationally, and she's offering free gift wrapping and shipping up until December 31 so if you're quick you've still have time to make like a magpie and feather your nest with some fabulous Christmas baubles.
"If you're looking for something a bit more edgy, check out these Aje sequined leggins!" Photo courtesy of ModelCo.
Of course, a successful Christmas ensemble isn't just about finding the right outfit. There are a number of party essentials I stock up on before the festive season like 'party feet' foot pads and Hollywood tape to prevent unwanted wardrobe malfunctions!
I recommend choosing clutch bags with a strap for Christmas festivities, then you can manage canapés, a glass of champagne and any hand-shaking you need to do without having to juggle your bag.
I stock each of my clutches with a little emergency kit containing a couple of band aids (plasters), safety pins for running repairs, skin blotting paper to deal with post-dance shine, and a nail file. Pop these essentials into a little zip lock bag in each of your bags and be confident that you're covered for most eventualities.
What not to do style-wise over the Festive season? My endorsement of embellishment does not run to knitwear bearing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, a la Mr. Darcy in Bridget Jones!!! Such items belong in the 'donate' pile of your end-of-year wardrobe clear out!!!
Check out the complete Project D Autumn/Winter 2011 collection here: