How Just Getting "Dressed Up" Can Make the Holidays Feel More Special

Can you believe that Christmas is this week?! Even though there were several points when it felt like 2020 might never end, here we are – we made it! While the holidays undoubtedly look very different this year, it's important to remember that this is still a very special time. The holiday season is many people's favorite time of year and more than ever before, we should embrace our most cherished traditions and make things especially memorable. 

If you're not getting together with your family and friends as you normally would during the holidays, it's easy for it to feel like any other day. However, that's exactly why you should make it a point to do something extra special! Even though we may not physically be with our loved ones this year, there are several things we can do to feel more connected with them and boost our own moods in the process. 

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Recently I conducted a poll on my Instagram account, where I asked if everyone was really just wearing loungewear these days. I was shocked at the final result: all but one of the answers was yes! Believe it or not, how we dress – even if we're not leaving the house – has a tremendous effect on our mood, self-esteem, and even productivity.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, "Researchers studying links between clothes, brain activity and productivity have long found that dressing up for work can improve your performance." This phenomenon is called enclothed cognition and I actually discussed it in an older blog post, "I. Feel. Pretty." Essentially, enclothed cognition refers to the signals that clothes send to the human brain. It goes far beyond just work and productivity; enclothed cognition research proves that simply getting dressed can pull you out of a funk and completely turn your day around. 

In today's world when so many people work from home, children are in remote school, it's cold and dreary around much of the country, and you can have virtually anything delivered in a matter of hours, it's fairly common to not leave the house for days at a time. Add to that the totally normal "winter blues" and Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, defined by Mayo Clinic as "a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons," and you have a perfect recipe for rarely getting dressed. There is no hard data available yet, but experts believe the effects of the winter blues and SAD will be compounded in the face of the pandemic because so many people are spending this year's holidays in isolation.

This is exactly where enclothed cognition comes into play – something as simple as getting truly dressed for the day can be an instant mood lifter and have a domino effect of positive wellness benefits. 

What to wear for the holidays when you're staying in

Now that we've discussed the many benefits of getting properly dressed, let's talk about how to put that to work during the holidays. Unless your family has a long-standing tradition of staying in matching Christmas pajamas all day, put on "real" clothes early in the day. It helps you get in the right mindset for whatever you're doing, whether it's having a small family meal, hosting a Zoom get-together, or even just watching holiday movies on the couch with your partner. 

Your outfit doesn't necessarily have to be fancy. I've previously given tips for how to dress when you're hosting a party and many of the same rules apply here. 

Wear something comfortable

This includes shoes. You don't want to be too cold or hot, or spend the day adjusting straps or hiking up your bottoms. I'm a huge fan of layering long duster cardigans and as a bonus, they instantly dress up an outfit.

Don’t wear anything fussy

For example, no long, fluttery sleeves or loads of jewelry.

Go festive!

Wearing red, green, silver, or gold feel a bit extra special and can go a long way in helping you feel like this is still a “normal” holiday. The same goes for more luxe fabrics like velvet and faux leather.

Don’t wear what you don't feel confident in.

You want to be in something you know fits you well. A special day isn't the time to debut an outfit you've never worn.

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I've come up with several creative ideas for sharing special moments with your family and friends this holiday season – no matter how many miles may separate you. Thanks to modern video conferencing technology (i.e., Zoom and Google Hangouts), you can still "be together" in a sense. Believe me, I know that Zoom gets tiring, but it really is one of the best ways to connect with loved ones you can't physically be with. Personally, I always feel so much better actually seeing those people I love and miss dearly, even if it is through a screen. I'll take what I can get! Here are some of the things my family is trying out this year.  

Open presents together

Get decked out in holiday outfits

Share a toast or even a full meal!

Do holiday crafts together.

Have everyone purchase the same ornaments (or even better, send them out as early Christmas gifts!), then set a time to personalize them together. You could also do something similar with stockings, wreaths, or even cookies.

Have an ugly sweater contest

Send everyone scratch-off tickets.

Scratch them together to see if anyone is a big winner!

Remember, to get the most out of the holidays this year, get dressed – fully dressed, hair, makeup, the whole deal! Keeping up with traditions and even creating new ones has never been more important. I hope these tips are helpful, and I'd love to hear how you're celebrating the holidays! Connect with me on Facebook or tag me in your Instagram photos and stories @therealchachaolivia.

From my family to yours, I wish you a heartfelt happy holidays!

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10 Ways To Style Joggers When You're Over 50

The athleisure fashion trend is hotter than ever and joggers are its center. Joggers are pants that taper at the bottom and typically hit between mid-calf and just above the ankle. That's really the only "rule" when it comes to joggers and beyond that, they can have many different features. Some have thick leg cuffs, some have a simple elasticized band. Some are high-waisted, some are low-rise, and some have pockets, while others don't. 

It's easy to think of joggers as strictly loungewear or a "young" style, especially because they've become a gym staple and a go-to clothing item for millennials. However, there's much more to these seemingly casual pants than what initially meets the eye. The key to wearing joggers when you're older is to style them purposefully, as opposed to throwing them on and treating them as sweatpants – even if yours happen to be technically, well, sweatpants!

I've put together 10 – yes, 10! – of my best styling tips for how to wear your joggers. These tips work for anyone, but are especially geared toward women over 50.

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1. Look for dressier fabrics.

Faux leather, like the ones I featured in an IGTV video, pair equally well with fashion sneakers or pumps. Crepe, twill, and striping down the sides are also fabulous choices.

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2. Wear a slim fit style

In order to not feel like you're borrowing your daughter's sweats, it's important to choose fitted joggers, rather than baggier, more relaxed pairs.

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3. Pair joggers with booties or heels

Wearing a fierce pair of shoes is one of my favorite ways to look chic in jogger pants. As a bonus, your legs appear elongated and slimmer as a result of wearing heels combined with a little flash of skin at the ankles. 

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4. Top your joggers with a blazer

There's perhaps no item of clothing more structured than a blazer. That's why, when paired with decidedly unstructured joggers, the result is an incredibly refined, modern look. 

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5. Coordinate your top to your joggers

I love a great set, but it can be tricky to not get too matchy-matchy. Instead of going for allover tie-dye, pick different shades of the same color, like light blue with navy. 

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6. Add a crisp blouse

This look borrows from the hot menswear trend, which works beautifully with slim-fit joggers. To give this combo a feminine flair, accessorize with plenty of jewelry or fun shoes – or both, like I did in the IGTV video!

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7. Make sure your overall look is finished

When wearing joggers, it's easy to look like you ran out of the house in your sweats. To avoid this, put some thought into all the details of your outfit from head to toe. This could be as simple as wearing a coordinating top or putting on some jewelry, but it makes a huge impact.

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8. Go monochrome

Black is so timeless and it's slimming. Create a chic, all-black outfit with a fitted top and minimal accessories.

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9. Don't forget to accessorize

With something as casual as joggers, accessories can really make the outfit. Sure, some outfits call for a statement necklace, but don't underestimate the power of a simple belt occasionally. If you go back and look at the video, you'll notice I'm wearing jewelry or a watch with literally every outfit. Those are the details that help "finish" your look. 

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10. Add a statement piece

It's amazing what a fabulous handbag, a great hat, or a faux fur vest can do for an outfit!

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So, what do you think? Are you ready to give joggers a try? I'd love to see the outfits you come up with, so please tag me on Instagram @therealchachaolivia. One final thing: Joggers are outrageously comfortable and a lot of fun to wear, especially if they're new to you. Don't be surprised if you find that you're suddenly wearing yours on repeat!

Happy Styling!,

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My top "splurge worthy" items for any woman's closet.

Splurge…an act of spending money freely or extravagantly.

Our move to Florida, from New England, caused a huge upheaval in my style and wardrobe. I think about how I spent my money and what I splurged on in the past. As I weeded through my New England clothes, half my wardrobe was no longer necessary. The good news…my past “splurchases” continue to be tried and true! That’s why I feel this list can apply no matter where you live!

Splurging doesn’t mean you have to spend top dollar. It just means that if something will stand the test of time, I would recommend spending a little more on it. These are the items that are worth the extra money because they are timeless, you will go back to them over and over.

A classic style. Ralph Lauren. It doesn’t have to be this extravagant but this is a good example of a timeless splurge that will last.

A Quality Handbag (or two).

I have found any handbag that I treated as an “investment” has stood the test of time. It doesn’t have to be a “name brand.” A beautifully crafted leather bag, in black or neutral, can work with pretty much every outfit you wear. Good quality ensures that it will hold up and it will be a long time before it gives out on you. Of course, changing out a bag on a daily basis can be a bit of a chore, so my thought is to have one for Spring/Summer and one for Fall/Winter.

A Good Bra.

The support you receive from a good bra shouldn’t go unnoticed. It makes all the difference in how your tops lay. A bra that fits well can also make you look slimmer. Don’t skimp here. (Tip: Make sure you launder these according to directions so you get the most wear from them!)

Alice and Olivia.

A LBD.

A basic black dress is a timeless staple. Worn layered with a blazer or shawl, it can take you anywhere. I find a 3/4 sleeve fits all climates. Wear it with pumps, (open toe or closed) or boots to change the look around. This dress can, and should, be in your wardrobe for years.

A Good Quality Cashmere Sweater.

I would opt for a cardigan style. Wearing one over a blouse or tee can vary the look. I would work with neutrals or black to get the most use from this splurge. By sticking to the basic colors you will never tire of them. If you were to purchase a cashmere sweater in a bright color, its life span could be short lived. There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on something that feels “like a one and done!”

Kate Spade.

A Classic Pump.

Depending on your lifestyle, I would choose a comfortable heel. Remember to walk around a bit when trying on shoes. Just because a shoe is expensive doesn’t mean it’s more comfortable. I do suggest leather uppers and lowers for the most comfort and quality.

A good black blazer and my favorite jeans!

A Black or Navy Blazer.

Any great quality linen or wool gab blazer can last for years. It can be paired with denim, for a more casual look, or pair it back with trousers for a more crisp look. I often talk about completing an outfit with a 3rd piece and a blazer is the perfect 3rd item to complete any look!

A Pair Of Fabulous Fitting Jeans.

Just recently I was thinking that I couldn’t remember the last time I purchased a pair of jeans! I kept thinking “I must look for a new pair.” As I started to work on this blog, I thought…”why do I need a new pair?” My Joe’s jeans fit the bill for almost everything! They go with many heel heights and are a great wash. I already have the perfect pair. Even though it was a splurge at the time of purchase, these don’t owe me a penny!

A Leather Jacket

I have had this leather blazer since the 1990’s, it’s timeless. I have worn it over turtlenecks and tee shirts, with jeans and skirts. It has grown even more supple with age and now my once “splurge” feels like a bargain!

Citizens of Humanity White Blouse. One of my favs.

A Basic White Blouse.

The white blouse is iconic. Pair it with jeans or trousers, flip up the collar, wear a statement necklace or scarf and elevate your style. A well made blouse can carry you for years.

A timeless wrap.

A Wrap.

I have said it before but I never give up on scarves or wraps, even if I don’t wear it for a long time. There will inevitably be a time when I’ll pull it back out and wear it over a tee, denim jacket, sweater or blazer. It’s usually a print or pattern that captures my attention. My favorite one dates back to the early 1990’s. I guess it could be considered vintage! The quality and fabric of this item stands the test of time. Whenever I wear it I get so many compliments. I love it as much as the day I purchased it.

My Fav Black Trousers of all time. Ecru.

A Great Pair Of Black Trousers.

I’m a big fan of Ecru trousers. I haven’t found one person who can’t wear them. They come in a variety of leg styles and there is always a need for a good basic black pant. I love a pant that doesn’t fade or bag out at the knees. Quality is everything in a good pair!

There you have it. My timeless splurchases that have been with me for so long. Once these items are in your wardrobe you will have great building blocks. They become the foundation of your wardrobe. You don’t have to have these items all at once. I would recommend only purchasing the ones you absolutely LOVE. Make sure you can see yourself pulling them out for seasons to come.

If you are like me you are always finding things you love. This is where building on your wardrobe becomes more exciting. There is nothing wrong with splurging on other items, but my advice is to be confident that you won’t tire of the things you splurge on. For instance, animal prints and nautical looks are pretty common “trends” that come up seasonally, so I don’t think there is anything wrong with splurging on those once in a while. I would shy away from splurging on things like “harem pants.”

Stuck on what to splurge on? I’m happy to help…Check out Ways to Work with me!

Fashionably yours,

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2020 Holiday Gift Guide

While most of us love giving gifts, not everyone loves the part leading up to the actual gift-giving – shopping. I, of course, do genuinely love it, but I completely understand why many people don't. There's a lot of time involved, plus there's the pressure to pick out something that will be just perfect.

This year more than ever before, meaningful, heartfelt, and unique gifts are especially important. But don't worry! I've done all the legwork for you and put together a guide to my most favorite holiday gifts for 2020. Note that many of these gifts are custom orders that take some time to make. That means if something catches your eye, don't wait on it!

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Shop the entire catalog here, or check out individual descriptions and links below.

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01. Amanda Perna Custom Fashion Illustration

If you have a fashionista or aspiring designer on your list, this gift is a guaranteed home run. You send in a photo of the woman you want to be illustrated, as well as the outfit, and Amanda Perna works her magic. Please note these illustrations are whimsical and not intended to be an exact resemblance. P.S., it's no coincidence this is the first item listed – it's at the top of my own wishlist!

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02. What I Love About Mom Book

As a mother myself, I'll be the first to admit – moms are some of the hardest people to shop for! If you're stumped for what to get your own mama, look no further. This sweet book provides prompts such as "I love your taste in ___" and "I love getting your advice on ___." All you have to do is fill in the blanks, but make sure you put some real thought into your answers.

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03. Mask and Sunglasses Chain

These days, we all have accessories to keep track of. This fabulous acrylic chain has clasps to hold a mask, as well as loops for sunglasses. The chain is durable and fun, and will make a pleasant surprise as a gift. Available in three colors.

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04. Personalized Charm Bracelet

I'm a huge fan of gifts that can be personalized, so I love giving customizable charm bracelets. JOM Jewelry (which stands for Just One More, because her goodies are seriously addicting!) bracelets come in dozens of combinations and are made in the USA. The one I've linked to can be monogrammed, but check out the entire collection for all the different options.

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05. Mindful Breathing Necklace

I think it's safe to say that we could all benefit from some mindful breathing exercises this year. This clever pendant necklace makes it easier, providing a "mini meditation" session no matter where you are. Simply breathe into the pendant a few times, slowly exhaling. It naturally slows your heart rate and can be a true sanity-saver in stressful moments.

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06. The Pretty Picnic (Specific to South Florida)

For all my New Englanders and anyone else who isn't local to me – sorry, but this is just too good to not be included! The Pretty Picnic allows you to take someone on a surprise romantic picnic without doing any of the prep work. There are several packages to choose from, and even add-ons. Hey husband, are you reading this?!

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Shop the entire catalog here, or check out individual descriptions and links below.

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01. Notch Hat

Guys all have their go-to favorite baseball caps, but I assure you, this one is unlike any others. At first glance, it looks like a regular black hat. But look more closely and you'll notice it has clever notches to accommodate sunglasses! The hat is stylish and goes with literally everything, plus the company is owned by veterans.

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02. Sweater Shirt

Men need versatile, office-appropriate clothes too – whether that office is downtown or in the spare bedroom upstairs. This sweater shirt fits the bill and could even work for date nights and traveling. The material is cozy-flannel-meets-classic-sweatshirt, and it's unbelievably soft and stretchy. It's also available in several colors and extended sizes.

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03. Personalized Comic Book

Dads are superheroes in their own right – and generally very tough to shop for, too. This fun gift solves that problem and is sure to bring a smile to the recipient's face. The high-quality, hardcover comic book can be personalized with names and can even be customized by skin color.

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04. Custom Bowtie

I love whimsical bowties for more casual outfits or to add a pop of color to a dark suit. Amanda Perna makes several custom bowtie designs like this colorful geode version, all 100% silk. Confession: I'd actually wear this myself! I can picture it paired up with a denim blouse and some colorful shoes.

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05. Wireless Charging Station

Device cords are so last year. This minimalist-chic charging station allows you to wirelessly charge multiple Qi-enabled devices all at once. Qi-capable devices include iPhones, AirPods, AppleWatches, and many newer Android devices. What would the holidays be without at least one tech gadget?

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06. Swamp to Sea Guided Fishing Trip

Just like The Pretty Picnic for ladies, I've got another Florida-specific suggestion for the guys. Treat the man in your life to a chartered fishing trip anywhere in Palm Beach County or the surrounding areas. Better yet, ask some friends or family members to go in with you and treat a group! There are several options ranging from a half-day saltwater fishing to a full day in the Everglaes. My husband went night fishing with this company and thoroughly enjoyed it.

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01. Couple’s Bucket List

This is one of my go-to gifts for hard-to-shop-for people (so long as they're coupled, anyway!). The set of 100 cards helps couples keep the romance alive by challenging them to do things like "Spend an entire day out of the house without spending any money" and "Revisit the spot where you first kissed."

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02. Custom Pet Portrait

Got a doting pet owner on your list? A custom digital or oil portrait of their pet is sure to be one of their favorite gifts. Eliza Illustrates uses photos you send her and information about the animal's personality, then creates a completely custom portrait or ornament. I have gifted one of Eliza's portraits and can attest firsthand to the quality and attention that goes into each one. Note that the ordering deadline to guarantee Christmas delivery is December 10th.

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03. Mindful and Modern Meditation Cushion

This seemingly simple floor cushion is honestly one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. As you may know, I'm big on self-care – we could all use more zen. Although this is technically a meditation pillow, it makes a wonderful gift even for people who don't meditate. The cushion helps keep the spine properly aligned and distributes weight optimally, plus it looks great in any decor scheme.

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04. Theragun PRO Massage Device

There isn't anyone who wouldn't love getting a highly effective, professional-grade massage device. This model uses percussive massage therapy to relieve stress and tension, alleviate deep muscle pain and soreness, and promote muscle recovery. It's as quiet as an electric toothbrush (really!), plus I think it's fun that it resembles a power drill.

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Which of these gifts catch your eye the most (either for someone else or yourself!)? I'd love to see what's on your gift list, so please tag me on Instagram @therealchachaolivia.

Happy shopping and happy holidays, friends!,

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The do's and don'ts of choosing hostess outfits

Holiday celebrations may look a little different this year, but that doesn't mean you can't still safely get together with your friends and family. If you're anything like me, you take the term "hostess with the mostest" seriously and love to entertain for any reason – or even when there's no reason at all! There's just something about having all your loved ones gathered together in your home, sharing a meal and reminiscing over drinks, all while you run around doting on them, topping off drinks and socializing your way around the room. 

This may not surprise you, but one of my favorite things about holiday get-togethers is the festive outfits. Red and gold and all things glitzy are synonymous with the holidays, and everyone looks fabulous decked out for the celebrations. Plus, we don't get many excuses to dress like that throughout the year, so I really enjoy taking advantage of it. 

There is one minor drawback to entertaining, however: oftentimes, I find myself scrambling to get ready at the last minute. I spend so much time making sure all the party details are just right, that I end up racing against the clock trying to get dressed before guests arrive. Does that sound familiar?

I find that it's extremely helpful to have an arsenal of go-to "hostess outfits." These are outfits that look completely polished and put-together, yet are totally effortless and extremely comfortable.

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Like so many other aspects of fashion, there aren't many hard-and-fast rules when it comes to hostess outfits. They should just be simple and make you look your best! However, I do have some tips and tricks up my sleeve to make it easier for you to piece them together. 

Do wear something you already own and love

I know it's tempting to go out and buy something brand new for the occasion, but I don't recommend it because you don't know if that something is comfortable or not. You don't want to spend the evening constantly adjusting a strap, tugging at a waistband that rides up, or much worse, dealing with an unexpected wardrobe malfunction. If you really want something new, I suggest buying a festive cardigan or kimono to go over your dress, or a new pair of earrings that perfectly complement your outfit.

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Do keep it simple

Holiday outfits tend to have fancy details like balloon sleeves and tie waists. Although beautiful, these things can spell disaster for a hostess. Imagine your sleeve dipping into guests' drinks and getting your belt caught in the oven door! Opt for clothing with no-fuss details and save the elaborate pieces for when you're someone else's guest. The same goes for jewelry – skip the long, dangly necklace and wear a pair of statement earrings instead.

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Do dress in cool, breathable layers

Even if you live in a very cold climate, I recommend dressing in short sleeves (or even no sleeves) and adding a sweater, duster, or jacket. Since you'll be on the move all night, you'll get warm. The last thing you want is to feel like you're overheating! Using this strategy allows you to keep warm when you need to and remove your outer layer at your convenience.

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Do dress for the occasion

If you're hosting a casual cookout for a small group, wear pants and a nice blouse or a jumpsuit – not an evening gown. On the other hand, if your guests are coming over for a seated dinner party or a themed New Year's Eve party, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a sequined dress. Just make sure you communicate with your guests so you're all on the same page. You don't want anyone to be uncomfortable because they showed up under- (or over) dressed.

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Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes

Trust me on this one – if you wear those stiletto boots, you'll regret it. Choose an outfit that works well with ballet flats, wedges, or even fun sneakers.

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Don’t dress in something too revealing

We all have those sweaters with slightly risque necklines or dresses that are probably just a tad too short. Reserve those for date nights or girlfriend getaways and spare your party guests from an unexpected "show." Remember, you'll be moving around, bending over, and reaching all evening.

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Don’t choose anything that requires dry cleaning

The odds of something spilling on you while you're entertaining are high. It's important to be able to quickly duck into the bathroom and attend to the fresh stain, as opposed to needing to excuse yourself to change outfits.

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Don’t wear clothes that don’t fit well…

… no matter how much you love them. For one thing, you'll be far more confident and comfortable in something that fits just right. Plus, you don't want to be constantly tripping over pants that need to be hemmed or tugging at a waistband that's a hair too tight.

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I hope these tips are helpful! Are you hosting any festivities this year? If so, I want to see your outfits! Tag me in your photos on Instagram @therealchachaolivia and connect with me on Facebook!

Happy Holidays!,

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