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Shop your party wardrobe this Christmas

— by Alyson Walsh

Photos: Claire Pepper

Whatever the occasion, I’ve always believed Casual Glamour is the best sartorial solution. I love texture, embellishment and sparkle (you can take the girl out of Blackpool…), but it has to be tempered with faff-free, streamlined basics. It’s all about the contrast. And so, when the world went crazy for grey jogging pants in March, I felt the need to shop my wardrobe and liberate my partywear. Blending bling – such as a dazzling vintage cardigan or some knockout jewellery – with normcore pieces, cheered me up. This year we have all reevaluated our priorities. Shopped less, made do and considered our impact on the planet – and with that in mind, there’s no need to buy anything new this Christmas. Not when there’s a vintage Lurex collection shimmering on the shelf like a festive cross-section of the earth’s layers. Now, after months of grimness and uncertainty, I’m craving more shimmer and shine. Delving deeper into my wardrobe for treasured clothes that spark joy.

For a quiet Christmas a deux, I’m unleashing the Lurex putting on my glad rags and partying like it’s 1989 (at least that’s how it will sound with our mixtape). Making a conscious effort to find cheer, the last four episodes of Schitt’s Creek have been saved to enjoy over the festive period, a new pair of super-duper chandelier earrings purchased in the Mango sale – and the other day I surprised myself by feeling inspired by Laurence Llewelyn Bowen. Usually I consider the interior stylist’s taste a little ostentatious and gawdy, but in a recent interview I found myself admiring his positive attitude and lovely selection of brocade jackets. On spending the pandemic in the Cotswolds with his family, LLB said, ‘We had this rather camped-up, Little House on the Prairie existence, where we were living off the simple abundance of the land and dressing like RuPaul’s Drag Race. It was incredibly us.’ All dressed up and nowhere to go, sounds perfect to me.

 

Turn on the Christmas tunes, pull on a winning combination and step into the kitchen disco like an absolute style star.

 

 

Thank you all for following That’s Not My Age throughout this difficult year; your loyalty, thoughtfulness and most excellent comments have really helped to spur me on. A very special thank you to all those who have supported That’s Not My Age by subscribing to Patreon – don’t miss our end of year giveaway! And please know we are working to iron out some technical glitches and make it as easy as possible for you to use. Have a wonderful Christmas, stay safe, stay healthy and here’s hoping 2021 is a much better year.

Very best wishes,

 

Alyson x

PS Don’t miss the Laurence Llewelyn Bowen interview, I love what he has to say about British taste.

 

STYLE NOTES: My Lurex cardigan is vintage (found in a second-hand shop in Bath many years ago). The gold metallic top is an old one from Hobbs. Tuxedo trousers are from Winser London. Velvet slippers borrowed for the shoot from Le Monde Beryl (more on party shoes HERE). Hair & makeup: Louise Heywood.

 

 

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Whatever the occasion, I’ve always believed Casual Glamour is the best sartorial solution. I love texture, embellishment and sparkle (you can take the girl out of Blackpool…), but it has t…