Happy New Year! 

Before the holidays we posted a number of suggestions for how you could perk  up your holiday style no matter the entertaining scenario. From Office Parties to Entertaining at Home, we gave you the information you’d need to feel confident and current during the Social Season. That got us thinking…wouldn’t it be fun to take the theme of Presentable PJs and really go over the top? What would happen if you were invited to a PJ-Only brunch?

The Jingle Jammies Boxing Day Brunch was born! Giving over to ‘Jammies and Jewels’ dress-code, some of Tamara’s nearest and dearest got together on December 26th to enjoy mimosas and avoid the shopping crowds.

Hostess with the Mostess (jewellery that is) with Minouchka the Marketing Cat

The Girls in their Best Jammie & Jewels

Adorable in stripes!

The first question I’m asked when friends receive my brunch invitations is: “Are you going to make my favourite??” So, for you, I will include the recipe for the brunch item I am best known for…

Tamara’s Baked French Toast Machel (mix-up) 

Ingredients

1 challah cut into 1″ thick slices then cut these into halves
2 tbsp. corn syrup
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter
5  eggs
1 + 1/2 Cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla
raisins or dried cranberries if you feel funky
cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Mix corn syrup,brown sugar and butter in a saucepan. Heat until syrupy. Pour into 9X13″ pan.
2. In a small bowl, plump up raisins/cranberries with hot water for 5-10ish minutes, then drain
3. Cut crust off Challah, place in single layer over syrup
4. Add raisins or cranberries if using
5. Beat eggs, milk and vanilla together.
6. Pour over dried fruit, challah, and syrup. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
7. Remove plastic wrap, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake @350 degrees for 45 minutes
8. Watch your friends’ delight, and accept copious compliments  

Tomorrow is Boxing Day!  Who’s going shopping?  After years upon years of working retail on Boxing Day, and then experiencing the unadulterated joy of being able to go shopping on Boxing Day instead, I have some pretty hard-core tried and true Boxing Day Shopping rules. Or laws. Whatever.  Follow these guys tomorrow and enjoy a remarkably stress-free shopping day! Bon chance!

Tamara’s Boxing Day Shopping Laws:

1. The Pro Goes Pre- or Post: Shop prior to, or after, Boxing Day. Typically sales start prior to Christmas, particularly for clothes and cosmetics.  Save day-of Boxing Day shopping for stores that do major door-crashers: Big Box electronic stores, appliance and furniture stores, some boutique retailers, etc. 
2. Wrapped Up In Chains: Large clothing chains rarely promote extra special savings for Boxing Day anymore, but check online to see if there are any ‘surprise savings.’ 
3. Use the Full Week: If you’re really itching to shop the after-Christmas sales, try going a day or two after Boxing Day.  Have you noticed that retailers are extending the sales into ‘Boxing Week’?
4. Shoesies are a Doozy: Never shop for shoes on Boxing Day.  There’s no reason to go into stores where crazed, dehydrated people are wielding stilettos at your head when the sales will still be on tomorrow.
5. Can’t Try? Say Good-bye: Fitting rooms are usually packed or closed during this busy shopping day, so be prepared.  Wear clothing that is easy to try clothes on top of: leggings, slim t-shirts, etc. 
6. HYDRATE: Bring water, easy snacks like trail mix or dried fruit, and ibuprofen.  You’ll need it!
7. The Early Bird Gets the Worm: The earlier you start, the better. Parking lots and public transit will be packed!  Don’t forget about those folks who wake up with the rooster to line up at their favourite store before the mall opens! Yikes!

 Have a beautiful holiday, everyone!  We’d love to hear all about your Boxing Day purchases tomorrow.  Tweet us!

The annual office parties, cocktailers, and dinners out are always fun (and expected) this time of year, but not all entertaining happens at a banquet hall or restaurant.  Sometimes, the best holiday venue is at home!

I love low key Holiday and New Year celebrations. There’s something about setting a cozy mood and gathering your loved ones around – nothing compares! If you’re having guests over, or will be a guest at someone’s home for a holiday gathering, make sure to treat it like the occasion it is! What a heart-warming honour to be included in a get-together during the festive season!  Putting a little thought into an outfit can go a long way to showing your guests, or hosts, how much you appreciate spending time with them.  Forego the ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater’ for an outfit that’s comfortable, with a little festive flair (re: sparkle, shine, or a play on jewel tones), to put ‘the icing on your gingerbread.’ Here are our picks to take you from brunch to dinner-in this season: 

Beret: Forever 21
Bag: Miu Miu
Gloves: Juicy Couture
Watch: Marc Jacobs
iPhone case: Dannijo
Sweater dress: Dorothy Perkins
Leggings: Malene Birger
Earrings: Mango
Necklace: Mango
Bangles: Tasha
Scarf: McQ Alexander McQueen
Socks: Avoca
Wedges: Coconuts Clooney

Hat: New Era
Glasses: Cutler & Gross
Scarf: J. Crew
Watch: WeWood
Boots: Bacco Bucci
Socks: Topman
Corduroys: Levi’s
Chambray: J. Crew
Blazer: Burberry London

OK, before I even begin I can hear some of you saying: “Are you going to take away my baggy sweats? Do I have to look good when I SLEEP??” I have a few answers to that but suffice it to say that during the holidays, there are plenty of occasions when giving a little bit of creative thought to your PJs can make or break your: week-long stay with the in-laws, having your spouse’s family stay over for the first time, going away up north or down south with a group of friends… 

Lounge in what you will, but as they say: Opportunity never rings twice. Now that the holidays are here, that doorbell can ring at any second – and that’s no time to try  to pull together a presentable outfit!

Lounge clothes and PJs are all about looking and feeling good at home.  After a long day at work, who wouldn’t want that?  Presentable PJs are all about feeling warm, cozy, cocooned, and even luxurious!  There’s no reason that feeling warm and ‘comfortable’ must be in direct opposition to this. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your stay-at-home outfits, from wearing a adorable, oversized sweater with thick, cushy leggings to wearing a silky & sexy camisole under your pajama set.

*In fact, look out for my Jingle Jammies Boxing Day Brunch post, where you’ll be able to see a fun, real-life play on Presentable PJs!  

Set 1
Top: Topshop; Bottoms: Full Tilt; Poncho: Uniqlo; Slippers: SM

Set 2
Top: BKE; Bottoms: Juicy Couture; Robe: Topshop; Slippers: Woolrich

Set 3
Top: SO; Bottoms: Topshop; Slippers: YesStyle

The Holiday Season seems like it should really be renamed the ‘Social Season’, doesn’t it? Bookings upon bookings with friends, family, co-workers, ex-co-workers…the calendar gets full pretty quickly and figuring out how to keep those ‘going out’ outfits fresh can seem overwhelming. 

Tis the season to have fun again, so try creating an outfit that’s trendy and fun for others to remember you by!  Building your social wardrobe with separates that you can wear over and over again means that you won’t feel restricted to only enjoying them in December, but you can rely on them throughout the winter! After all, you’re not going to hibernate throughout all of January – March…are you? 

Hat: Vivian
Watch: Bulgari
Necklace: Yves Saint Laurent
Bracelets: R.J. Graziano
Top: Narciso Rodriguez
Pants: Alice & Olivia
Blazer: Day Birger Et Mikkelson
Clutch: MICHAEL Michael Kors
Shoes: Chrissie Morris

*PS: I love that jacket so much that I bought a very similar one myself! So much fun – and shockingly versatile – to have a topper that isn’t the usual ‘black blazer’!

Watch: Timex
Belt: Diesel
Shoes: Neil M
Coat: Mr. By Roland Mouret
Sweater: S.N.S. Herning
Pants: Helmut Lang
Scarf: Peacocks
Gloves: Celtek

Oy! The questions that whirl around this question each year – and the gossip that happens afterward! For work parties, I follow two simple rules:

1. Remember that the first word in ‘Work Party’ is work. Yep, this is a test of your ability to combine a fun, festive attitude with your professional reputation
2. Simple and elegant are King (or Queen)!

How to Dress:

Aim for an outfit that upholds your professionalism while express a bit more of your personal spark than you might on an every day basis. Choose rich jewel tones, tastefully shiny textures, luxurious fabrics, and special touches (clothing or accessories) that can mix in well with your best suit or office wear to ‘pump up’ the holiday spirit while remaining work appropriate. 

How Not to Dress:

Avoid obvious cleavage (excess of 2″) and plunging necklines, super short hemlines, super jangly/noisy clothing or accessories, and any clothing item or accessory that might also be found on a Christmas tree, holiday pet costume, car, Santa’s elf, or exotic dancer. Guys, though the dress code may be social, avoid your weekend or Club wear.

*Remember: this is a prime time to shine in a social context!  At the forefront of your mind should be the opportunity that the party presents to strengthen your personal connections with colleagues and managers, so take advantage of  this party as a chance to continue to build network and build business relationships! Have a fun!

 Earrings: Ziba
Watch: Swarovski
Shoes: Andiamo Sublime
Top: Warehouse
Skirt: Nina Ricci
Blazer: Topshop
Glasses: Cutler & Gross
Clutch: Marc Jacobs

Polo: Peacocks
Socks: Boss
Gloves: Cumbria
Shoes: Church’s
Sweater: Old Navy
Pants: Polo Ralph Lauren
Blazer: Moschino
Scarf: Ted Baker
Bag: Burberry Brit
Watch: Raymond Weil

The Business Casual dress code is the norm for super casual offices.  At this level, denim can be worn and even more colours and fabrics can be used compared to the Professional level of business attire.  This level of business attire is also known as “Casual Friday” for Corporate and Professional executives.  This look is seen as relaxed and friendly.

• Bottoms: Pants can be cotton, corduroy, or denim.
• Hosiery: Socks should match the shoes or outfit.  Cotton and opaque socks are ideal.
• Shirts: Shirts can be of any colour and pattern, including plaid.  They should not have large logos or any slogans on them.  Sweaters or cardigans can be worn over the shirt.
• Shoes: A variety of shoes can be worn, including sandals.  Leather shoes are preferred.
• Belts: If a belt is used, it should coordinate with the shoes.  The belt can be leather, metal, and/or textured.
• Accessories: Jewelry should be kept simple, but there is no strict guideline for the types of jewelry that can and cannot be worn.
• Bags: Messenger bags are allowed, but briefcases may be too professional. Backpacks are not recommended.
• Grooming: All hair (including facial hair) should be well-groomed.

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shoes: Billy Reid
Shirt: Robert Graham
Sweater: Topman
Jeans: Bottega Venetta
Socks: Paul Smith
Watch: Nixon
Scarf: Robert Graham

The Business Casual dress code is the norm for super casual offices.  At this level, denim can be worn and even more colours and fabrics can be used compared to the Professional level of business attire.  This level of business attire is also known as “Casual Friday” for Corporate and Professional executives.  This look is seen as relaxed and friendly.

• Bottoms: Bottoms can be suede, leather, corduroy, or denim.  Shorts, skirts, and jeans are allowed.
• Hosiery: Socks should match the shoes or outfit.  Cotton and opaque socks are ideal.
• Shirts: Shirts can be of any colour and pattern.  They should not have large logos or any slogans on them.  Sweaters or cardigans can be worn over the shirt.  Neckline shouldn’t be any lower than 3″ to 4″ from the base of the neck.
• Shoes: A variety of shoes can be worn, including sandals.  Closed-toe shoes are preferred.
• Belts: If a belt is used, it should coordinate with the shoes.  The belt can be leather, metal, and/or textured.
• Accessories: Jewelry should be kept simple, but there is no strict guideline for the types of jewelry that can and cannot be worn.
• Bags: Women are free to use any handbag of their choice, as long as it coordinates with their outfit. Backpacks are not recommended.
• Grooming: Hair should clean, neat, and away from the face. It is not necessary for the hair to be put up.

Here is our take on this dress code:

Cardigan: Miss Selfridge
Shirt: MQ Alexander McQueen
Earrings: Dannijo
Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Bag: Victoria Beckham
Cuff: Dannijo
Scarf: Etro
Shoes: Brian Atwood
Glasses: Cutler & Gross

Here’s our post for the men’s version of the business casual dress code.

The Professional Dress Code is the most commonly seen level of business attire.  At this level, suits are optional, the rules loosen a bit more, and it’s possible to inject more personality into your daily dress.  Overall, the look should give off a comfortable vibe but still remain professional and maintain a ‘down-to-busines’s attitude.  As an aside: If your office is Formal Corporate during the week, this level of attire is your perfect ‘Casual Friday.’

• Pants: High-quality wools, like a gabardine or Super 120, are great choices for this level, though you can also take some liberties with fabric blends and high-quality twills.  A suit isn’t necessary at this level of dress, though you might consider it for a big presentation or interview.
• Hosiery: Socks should coordinate with your pants – I know it seems weird but if you coordinate with your pants, your leg looks longer and seamless. Coordinate with your shoes and when you sit down you’ll have a big block of foot. Not elegant. 
• Shirts: Of course you can wear your regular white, light blue, or sedate stripe, but here colour either dark or bright are a go.  A Third Layer can be added over your shirt to create greater professional impact. Consider a cardigan, pull-over sweater, or sports jacket in a rich texture like corduroy, moleskin, or linen (in summer).
• Shoes: Leather loafers or oxfords look sleek and appropriate, particularly in black, brown, Oxblood or cognac.
• Belts: Coordinate your belt with your shoes in this case. It keeps your overall first impression sleek, thoughtful, and coordinated. 
• Accessories: Jewelry should be kept to a minimum with white, yellow, platinum, or gold colours.  A maximum of one ring per hand is ideal.  Glass frames should be neutral with non-reflective lenses.  
• Bags: Leather and neutral briefcases are ideal.  Choose a streamlined case to ensure your look remains professional, no matter where you are. Nothing is less appealing than an overflowing bag of papers!
• Grooming: All hair (including facial hair) should be natural and well-groomed.

Curious about what your female counterparts might be wearing to the office? Check out the women’s version of this dress code.