Post by CM

You know it, I know it, your neighbours who already have decorations on their front lawn know it; it’s time to face up to the C-word. Not that c-word sillies (we’re all about the PG over here at TMCM Ireland), it’s the other one. Brace yourselves, I’m going to say it – Christmas.

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who’s unprepared

Whether it’s sorting out your online gifts, organising get-togethers (those weekends are fast filling up, aren’t they), or getting your mitts on this year’s novelty jumper, mid-November has become the start of the festive season; the lights are even being turned on in Dublin today. A certain penguin has got everyone blubbing but full to the brim with festive feelings, so let’s just bite the bullet and get on board the Coca-Cola Christmas truck.

Shopping

Baby steps. Try as we might, most people’s lives don’t resemble a heartwarming Christmas ad so the preparations in the run up to the big day are often fraught with stress and frustration. My big mistake over the years has been running out to do my last minute shopping in a big coat, hat and gloves, only to nearly keel over in the crowded, over-heated shops. This year I’ll go for something like this:

Shopping!

Believe it or not, no matter how cold it is, layering is key. A loose vest tucked in, covered with a cosy cardi and an open coat with a big scarf – controversy coming – not wool; gets scratchy and therefore rage inducing. A decent sized bag, not too big to be cumbersome, is handy for shoving in your gloves and earmuffs (good alterative to a hair frazzling, sweat inducing beanie). Red lipstick will keep you feeling calm and in control. It just will.

Even high-heel queen VB knows what good a Chelsea Boot can do when rushing around

Casual Get-Togethers

We stick by our choices for occasion dressing and office party etiquette from last year – Christmas dressing doesn’t really deviate too much from year to year, bar a few mini-trends (this year? Fringing, all the way). But what about those post-work drinks with blow-ins home for their Christmas holliers? You want to save your dressy-nice-clothes for the bigger socialising days but you don’t want to look like you haven’t made an effort. How about something like one of these?:

Drinks!

A lovely woolen jumper will snuggle up nicely over either one of these ensembles, and in turn each set is easy to pull on and go if you’re in a rush, not requiring a lot of jewellery. Stick on a pair of black tights (I’d go for nude) with the skirt, mix and match the shoes and bags with either look. In each case don’t sit too close to the hearth; you are guaranteed to roast, and sweat flattened hair never looks good. Speaking from experience.

Something similar but a little more casual

That’s it for the Xmas talk now, and it is still early so don’t panic! This is just something for you to chew on in anticipation for next month, to ease you into the madness. So we’ll leave you with that, and see you next Tuesday!