By TINA M. WILSON
“I would go out but I haven’t got a stitch to wear” is a line from one of my favorite songs by Morrissey of The Smiths, one of my favorite singers and if you come to my home for a party you will undoubtedly hear it. If you are the hostess, what to wear is always a dilemma.
First things first, as the hostess you are the centerpiece, what you wear, or don’t wear is key to how comfortable your guests are. Your wardrobe signals “it’s okay to stay and party all night” or “I plan to be in bed by midnight, dishes done, so don’t get too comfy”. Your choice of garment also lets everyone know that you are “getting your hands dirty” and will address their every whim or you are “the ice is in freezer, help yourself” type. I’m a little of both, I don’t do well with guests offering to help me cook, I like to have the food ready when they arrive, but after that, all bets are off, if you need something, I’ll direct you where to find it.
Holidays are a time for matte and shine, velvet and satin, taffeta and lace…I prefer black personally but I love color on my guests. Olivia Von Halle silks are made for entertaining, it difficult to select one, they are all extraordinary, I chose the Daria Wendy Silk Shirt and Wide Leg Trouser Set, with the ladybug print, it’s fun, it’s conversational and a good party must have good conversation. It says, I’m up all night, and ready for a pajama party! Greet your guests at the door wearing this and a very, very dry gin martini and it’s all good.
For a slightly more formal look, one that says, I had this affair catered…Josie Natori’s Red Couture Samarcan Caftan. I chose it because the rich red and ivory says holiday but it also carries thru to resort, its timeless and festive. Dress it up with heels or satin slippers, and lots of baubles around your neck. If you’re wearing this, you are the ultimate hostess and your guests won’t have to lift a finger, except to pick up the canapes.
I adore the print on Christine’s Gatsby Velvet slip dress, it’s rich and slightly understated. Hosting in a sexy slip dress is a great way to give mixed signals to a “special” guest, showing a little skin but in a semi-formal way wearing velvet.
I have a thing for aprons, perhaps it’s because I love to cook, speaking of cooking, let me give you a little tip, if you do nothing else this holiday season, please make The New York Times Roasted Cauliflower Gratin with Tomatoes . I made it during Thanksgiving, I only made a small dish because many in my family don’t love veggies. I was wrong. They devoured it, the coriander seed and cinnamon give it a warm sexy spiciness and the goat cheese softens the acidic tomatoes, it’s remarkable! Back to the aprons… I came up with my ideal hostess apron, it’s made of taffeta, lined in pink so when you bend over to serve your guests they get a flash of color. It has pockets as all aprons should and it’s sexy as hell. Wear it over very little; Commando’s sold out Velvet Legging and their Double Take Lace Bandeau Bralet. Your guests will never go home.
Let’s visit Olivia Von Halle once more, her latest campaign and the model are fantastic, and hosting in her teal embroidered Queenie Kika Kimono wearing gloves is about as formal and fun as you can get. I love robes as attire and not just as cover-ups. Wear this kimono with leggings or satin pants and a little lace peeking thru. When the gloves come off, it’s time to turn up the music.
Last but not least is Only Hearts Velvet Underground Jumpsuit, first of all they had me with the name, I love it, but it looks like pure comfort. I envision a woman wearing it while greeting, hosting, cooking, dancing and finally sitting on the floor cross legged surrounded by the last few guests laughing and recounting the night’s events. When the lights go down, I want to be wearing this.
Happy Holidays to you and yours, be festive and be safe!
