Holiday Cheer: The Not So Ugly Holiday Sweater

Back when I was in my 20s, I used to rock the holiday sweaters during the Christmas season without a hint of irony. There was so such thing as an ugly holiday sweater craze back then, it was just being festive. I even a tiny pair of candy cane post earrings that I loved...I mean, my holiday game was strong, if not a bit off the fashion mark. Eventually I came to the conclusion that these were not exactly me any longer and shipped my holiday sweaters off to my Mom, who was more than happy to have them. The apple definitely didn't fall far there. I did keep the earrings and I still love them! ;)

This fall I have been a bit obsessed with the Fair Isle sweater and have been on the look out for something that is a little different. The "ugly" holiday sweater craze has reached epic proportions at this point, with everyone from retail giants to vintage shops getting in on this little tongue in cheek trend. While surfing the web for fair isle sweaters I happened upon the most enchanting sweater ever, and I bought it. And yes, it is a holiday theme sweater! Let me defend myself here...

The Boden Fair Isle Sweater was full of British charm, with its guardsman around the neck embellished with the tiniest bit of silver thread. I wore it with a pair of rag and bone leather pants to make it more interesting and edgy. Then I added two pieces from local shops from my Queen Anne neighborhood. First, I wore a star print denim shirt that I purchased last summer from Foundation Seattle. Stars are everywhere this year, and the contrast of the print and the leather felt modern to me. This awesome black faux fur leather jacket from Peridot Boutique also gives the look some edgy fun.  Stuart Weitzman Notazzie black suede booties keep the line of the black pants going for a slimming affect. And while ugly sweaters have their place and are fun, don't be afraid to be festive with a holiday sweater that is actually cute. The key is to mix it with non holiday pieces to keep the look fresh, not kitschy.

Thank you to Leslie from Intermezzo Salon here on Queen Anne in Seattle for the hairstyling for this shoot and as always, to Krissi for making photoshoots so fun. This one in particular was at Swanson's Nursery in their Christmas tree area. I went back a couple of days later with my family and bought a tree from them and it couldn't have been a better experience. The trees were fragrant (and inside on a very rainy Saturday) and the staff was super nice and even loaded the tree up for us. We have been going to Swanson's since our children were small to see the real reindeer and pick out beautiful plants and holiday decor. It is definitely a year round Seattle treasure.

Cheers to a festive December! xx