(Photo Courtesy of Jenn Martin)

‘Tis the Season to Sparkle

By Jenn Martin

Looking through my emails, the headline for T.J. Maxx’s email read “Tis the season to sparkle” – I couldn’t agree more!

Our family celebrates on Christmas Eve at my Grandpa and Grandma’s home. It is humble and quaint yet jammed packed with family, friends, food, and a whole lot of LOVE. And what I love most is that we are all dressed up in our best!

That doesn’t mean we spend a lot of money on outfits. (Well, not always!) For example, that’s us pictured above last Christmas. My dress and shoes, from H&M and Forever 21, cost a total of $42. I put a sparkly brooch in my hair and voila! I felt instantly festive!

Allow me to share some outfits i have been eyeing…

This basic black dress by Rachel Roy at Macys, is so great! I may order it right now!! Its pricey at $99, BUT just think how many uses you will get out of this LBD! Dress it up or down. For Christmas, put on all the rhinestones and pearls you have and a pair of strappy heels. Throw a moto jacket on and a pair of ankle boots for any other winter day. For summer, a pair of strappy flats and a pair of cool sunglasses will also work well.

At Kohl’s for $67.50, you can purchase this gorgeous LC by Lauren Conrad ombre sequin skirt. For Christmas, wear with a silky top, but to wear for church, pair with a denim button down.

What about this fantastic red high-low dress from Express?! Under $40! Yet another dress to take you through many seasons depending on how you style it up! 

Also, if you just aren’t a “dress” gal, you can jazz up a pair of pants or denim with a beautiful blouse, blazer, and heels like these examples from http://www.glamour.com

Although personally, I would add much more bling to these outfits!

If these price points are not in your budget, do not fret, there are always sales and coupons to make your purchase fit your budget. Dig through clearance racks. Sometimes that’s the BEST place to find an outfit.

Use your creativity to dress up and celebrate! Remember, it’s Jesus’ birthday!! I mean, really… If there was ever an excuse to put on your good clothes this is it!! King Solomon, the wisest man in history, says in Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 (NLT): “…Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!”

It’s CHRISTMAS!! Lets celebrate Jesus’ birthday IN STYLE! Ultimately, lets not forget Who we are getting dressed up for- the King of Kings!! We are His princesses, invited to celebrate His birthday!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours,

Jenn Martin