What I’m wearing to a last minute Christmas party

SO! What to wear to a last minute Christmas party… I have one coming up in two days, and this is what I am going to wear.  Luckily, it isn’t a work or corporate Christmas party, so dress code wise, pretty much anything goes.  I’m grateful for that because recently I’ve had no time to plan ANYTHING.  Once again, my sweet little boy has been sick with every horrible virus that has been ’round London’s nursery schools so I’ve had my hands full.  I’ve also had my washing machine full because the most recent virus has been a particularly nasty tummy bug.  I was secretly hoping I might get this virus after my son got over it, because he lost so much weight.  Unfortunately, I seem to be immune to any virus that might make me skinny!

After doctor visits and many sleepless nights, I’m really looking forward to getting out of the house and knocking back some festive drinks at our neighbours’ house party. Technically, this isn’t a last minute invitation, it is just that I have been so busy recently that I forgot to write it in my diary. I happened across the invite over the weekend and realised I hadn’t even RSPVd yet.  This particular party is one of my favourites of the Christmas season; the invitation is only for people on our street (which is only two blocks long).  It is a chance to catch up with all of our neighbours who we have rushed conversations with every day as we get a coffee, catch the bus, walk our dogs, discuss neighbourhood developments, and go about our busy lives.  Every year, the party is PACKED with (very warm) people, and every year I come home wishing I’d worn something cooler.  Well this year, I am.  I’m wearing this dress which I ordered from the Australian brand Discount Universe a few months ago.  They have some pretty outrageous things, so you certainly never have to worry about someone else showing up in the same dress as you are wearing.  Even I only choose their tamest items!

You might remember the other dress (one of my absolute favourites) from Discount Universe that I’ve worn on the blog.   I’ve SO enjoyed it that I decided to order this one I’m wearing.   I mean, what’s not to like about stars, a sacred heart, and palm trees ALL IN SEQUINS?  I was a little concerned about the length so I ordered a large instead of my usual medium.  It was a mistake because not only is it still too short, but it is also too big and wide!  In daytime photos like these, it honestly doesn’t look great, but at night with opaque tights, it doesn’t seem as short and you won’t notice the lack of fit quite so much.  I’ll have it taken in, but I don’t have time to do it before the party, so what you are seeing here is what my neighbours will get.

Because nothing says Christmas like palm trees!

Details: Hermes clutch and cuff

I’m also wearing what might be my favourite pair of earrings.  They’re tiny loose rubies and pink sapphires encased in a faceted white sapphire “shell”.  I love the combination of hot and cool colours together, and I love pretty much everything that Moritz Glik does.  I’m always drawn to square shapes for some reason, so these really make me happy.

Photos by Lottie Anderson

My blogger friends in the Over 40 Collective are also sharing what they’d be wearing for a last minute Christmas party invitation.  I’ll put photos and links below as their posts go live.  I’m sure they’ll be wearing something much more sensible than a too-short ill-fitting dress with sequin palm trees.  😀

Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb is modern and chic in a sequin kimono

Michelle of RetroChicMama wears a knockout blush velvet party dress

Annette of Lady of Style glows elegantly in her cream Zara tied tunic

Michelle of The Barefaced Chic sparkles in head to to silver and grey

Liz of What Lizzy Loves goes full on firecracker in red sequins

Nikki of Midlife Chic is the definition of classic elegance in her velvet top

Linking to: FashionShouldBeFun, NotDressedAsLamb, elegantlydressedandstylish, stylenudge,