Holiday Fashion

I thought you might be interested in the thoughts of Danika Quinones, fashion expert and associate publisher for LuxeMont, owners of JustLuxe and LuxeVegas (www.justluxe.com) & (www.luxevegas.com). Danika’s personal and professional ambition is founded in fashion and publishing. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Danika has held a number of key marketing and product development positions for several fashion industry leaders, including Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Danika brings on-air radio broadcast experience as well as extensive background in publishing and an exceptional eye for fashion to LuxeMont. In her role as Associate Publisher, Danika is involved in the day-to-day trend analysis and production of all fashion consumer and industry related content.

Here are some of her thoughts:

A nice way to wear a shawl or a wrap is to style it like a cape or a poncho. By draping it over your shoulders and arms you can then keep it in place by pinning a embellished pin or a vintage pin in the corner. Pins are a great and unique way to keep a wrap secured around your shoulders!

Pashminas are cashmere wraps that come in an array of bright colors. and are great to use as a wrap, a chic blanket at the airport, or a scarf. They are soft, light weight, and very comfortable. Cashmere and wool scarf's are perfect when paired with jeans, a pair of heels, and a T-shirt. You can add instant glamour to a basic outfit with a bright colored scarf.

If you are going to be wearing formal attire, Silk wraps are best, or if it is cold, stick with a cashmere blend. A blend of silk and cashmere always works best. Try to stay away from 100% wool and other heavy fabrics. Heavy fabrics bulge, and look unflattering when paired with evening or cocktail dresses. If your dress has a pattern to it, stick with a solid color wrap. If the dress is a solid basic color you could get away with a multi-colored wrap. Keep in mind your wrap/shawl should compliment your dress. Choose a color that will match nicely, and don't pair a dark colored shawl with a light colored dress... If you're in doubt wear a black wrap with dark colored dresses, and a cream/champagne color wrap with light dresses. Don't wear a white shawl- you will look like a bride.

If you are wearing a dress the best size to get would be considered a "wrap" or a "stole". A wrap is usually about 28" x 80" for a rectangular version, or 55" x 55" for a square.

My favorite wrap that can be paired with jeans or a cocktail dress is the Monogram Shawl by Louis Vuitton : http://www.eluxury.com/estore/browse/product_detail.jsp?id=10149490