(cool) approved holiday guide 2012

No worries, you won’t end-up with bad holiday pictures. These looks will shine in front of the camera. That said, I will admit to a sneer to two from your mother-in-law… but that sneer was coming one way or another.

Purple Pride In Baltimore we love our purple but sometimes overlook it’s holiday appeal. Doing a switcheroo away from traditional holiday colors will not disappoint. Often in the top two favorite colors of every little princess, purples from lavender to rich grape are pure pleasure like this dotty dream from Splendid. Bring up the fun dial with a bling-y legging (Tea Collection here) and a metallic shoe.

Lose the khakis Jazz up the classic boy khakis-button-down-sweater-ensemble with a cheerful pant. The trick to pulling this off is to let the bright hue shine and keep the balance of the outfit tame like the Toobydoo combo coupled with an Appaman blazer (see left). Let’s face it, boys deserve some color in their lives too.

Embrace the Romper For the wee-ist among us this holiday season a festive romper is the bees knees (you would wear your PJ’s to Aunt Mildred’s brunch too if you could get away with it). Be on the lookout for a dressed up version like this sweater knit number in fun, rich colors

by EGG Baby. Lil’ Miss & Junior will appreciate the comfort and you will love that they are warm and cozy from their heads to their sweet little feet.

Cape-Town This one is simple, give the pretty red dress a pop with fresh outerwear. The Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear runways were awash with this reinvented classic from favs Mui Mui, Valentino, Chloe, Hermes and more. So bring on the cape. It is sure to be a showstopper like this cozy knit cloak by Appaman (pictured on the previous page) Better Sweater There are some true crimes against humanity that come in the form of holiday sweaters. Let them die people! This simple cotton knit pullover by La Miniatura (from Project Runway winner, Jeffrey Sebelia) matches festive color, hip styling and the ace in the hole, comfort. Be sure to do the arm test on any sweater that you bring home. It’s an art to make a truly comfortable chunky knit. Nobody wants to see little Bobby when he’s itchy! Nobody.