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Fashion Featured Living

Trend Report Tuesday: Christmas Party Season

‘Tis the season to be jolly, with parties coming up right and left, but what’s better than being jolly? Being jolly and best-dressed. Bring out that festive spirit of yours, and bring it out in style! Holiday party dresses let you show your fun side.

Parties at this time of year can be with friends, family, or co-workers, and can be formal or informal. To simplify, a dress or romper/jumpsuit is the perfect go-to. There is a wide array of styles available for holiday party dresses, and there are only a few more weeks left to make a fashion name for yourself, so now is the perfect opportunity to show off.

Here are Downtown’s top 7 holiday party dresses to make a statement this festive season.

Lulus

Photo courtesy of Lulus

Instant Romance Wine Red Lace Backless Skater Dress – $69.00

Dainty Hooligan

Photo courtesy of Dainty Hooligan

Vintage Embroider Dress in Navy Blue – $46.00

Zara

Photo courtesy of Zara

Floral Mini Dress – $49.90

Forever 21

Photo courtesy of Forever 21

Flounce Marled Bodycon Dress – NOW $19.00 (Sale!)

Tobi

Photo courtesy of Tobi

Channel Freedom Black Maxi Dress – NOW $36.00 (Sale!)

Nordstrom

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Cece Mia Crushed Velvet Slipdress – NOW $74.69 (Sale!)

Express

Photo courtesy of Express

Sequin Lace Came Shift Dress – NOW $59.00 (Sale!)

Categories
Featured Living

Downtown’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Saks Fifth Avenue unveils: Land of 1000 Delights, 2016 Holiday Windows and Light Show
Photo: BFA for Saks Fifth Avenue

It’s the most wonderful shopping time of the year! The holidays are here and to us at Downtown that means spending time with our loved ones, joyful holiday parties and finding the perfect gifts for everyone on our lists.

From beauty to experiences and picks for the family, our holiday gift guides have all of Downtown‘s favorites for the season, here to help and inspire you. Let the shopping commence!

 

Looking to host the snazziest holiday party or just trying to find a great hostess gift? Check out these suggestions sure to impress:

1. Portugalia Wines ($9.45), 2. Saks Fifth Avenue 2016 Ornament ($115), 3. Patrón Tequila ($48.99), 4. Lenox Punch Bowl Set ($79.95), 5. Casal Garcia Wine ($6.41), 6. Alacrán Tequila ($42.00), 7. Belvoir Beverages ($2.75), 8. Money on Honey Chocolates (19.95), 9. Belvedere Vodka ($40) 10. La Mere Poulard Cookies ($10), 11. Crosley Cruiser Record Player ($79.96)

 

Excitingly checking your stocking to see what’s hiding in there? These favorites will bring joy well into the new year:

STOCKING STUFFERS1. Fake Bake Tan Gel ($27.50), 2. Origins Mask ($26), 3. Trilogy Bare-Faced Beauty pack ($20), 4. Anthony Fresh 5 Kit ($30), 5. Nature Republic Ampoule & Toner ($19.90/32.90), 6. Londontown Kur Nail Cream ($35), 7. Aveda Grooming Clay ($25), 8. Ittsé Palette ($21.99), 9. Luxe Apothecary Body Scrub & Bath Soak ($18/24), 10. John Masters Lip Calm & Hand Cream ($19/22), 11. Flower Beauty Kiss Collection ($9.88), 12. JAQUA Hand Crème Sampler ($19.50), 13. Sonia Kashuk Makeup Bag ($10.99), 14. Lucie + Pompette Lip Batter ($16.50)

 

What to get for the woman who has it all? With a great mix of stylish options and key accessories this list has a wide set of options for every occasion:

For Her1. Master & Dynamic Swarovski Crystal Headphones ($1200), 2. Portolano Gloves ($225), 3. Pellobello Fluffy Jacket ($248), 4. Coach Coleen Bootie ($345), 5. EF Collection Ring ($1,350), 6. Milly Tulle Dress ($235), 7. Del Toro Slippers ($350), 8. Fendi Mini 3 Jour ($2,900), 9. Elemental Herbology Facial Cleanser ($52), 10. Scentbird Perfume Subscription ($59.95), 11. Nancy Gonzalez Clutch ($1,195), 12. De Grisogono Watch ($16,100), 13. Karl Lagerfeld Paris Faux Fur ($380)

 

It’s easy to buy presents for men… said no one ever. However, with these ideas it just got a lot easier. Now, only problem is picking which one:


1. Van der Hagen Razor ($17.79), 2. Van der Hagen Shave Butter ($6.99), 3. Gucci Ring ($260), 4. Wall + Water Holiday Tie ($45), 5. Bond no. 9 Cologne ($350) 6. Peter Thomas Roth Shave Cream ($26), 7. Pryma Leather Headphones ($400), 8. Fendi Porfolio & Wallet Case ($240), 9. Perry Ellis Red Cologne ($55), 10. Original Penguin Cologne ($65), 11. Moncler Scarf ($375) 12. Perry Ellis Aqua Extreme Cologne ($60), 13. Magnanni for Saks Hiking Boots, 14. Dollar Shave Club Traveler Bundle ($31.50), 15. Brilliance New York Moisturizing Emulsion ($120), 16. Salvatore Ferragamo Wallet ($500)

 

While the holiday season is a joyous time, it can also be stressful. Spoil yourself — or someone you love — with these wonder products and look radiant all season long:

BEAUTY1. Hepcat Phlur Perfume ($85), 2. Glow Body Butter ($16), 3. Urban Decay Makeup ($36), 4. Goop Face Oil, 5. Caudalie Glow & Go Set ($79), 6. Clarisonic Mia Fit ($219), 7. Valmont Prime Renewing Pack Mask ($210), 8. Elizabeth & James Dry Shampoo ($28), 9. Elizabeth & James Body Oil ($60), 10. Perricone MD Pre-emt Trio ($135), 11. Alterna Haircare Shampoo ($32), 12. Ahava Bath Salt ($22), Kérastase Shampoo ($47), Alexander McQueen Perfume ($115)

 

Think outside the box and choose a present that’s not easily wrapped: Experiences! We’ve gathered up a mix of cooking classes, sports and a helicopter ride:
EXPERINCES1. Protocol Terracopter Drone ($100), 2. 5 ModelFIT Classes ($149), 3. Rei Atomic Vantage Skis ($399.95), 4. FlyNYON Helicopter Ride($300), 5. Patagonia Winter Jacket ($199), 6. Lululemon Leggings ($98), 7. Soothe 3 Hours In-Home Massage ($271), 8. International Culinary Center 1-Day Cooking Classes ($195), 9. Sony PlayStation Virtual Reality ($500)

 

 

Here’s a little bit for everyone in the family; special treats for the puppy, experimenting in the kitchen or just sprucing up the home decor a little — this list has you covered:

FAMILY1. Flowers By Yasmine Seasonal Box, 2. FLAIR Throw ($365), 3. Revive Bath & Body Soap ($8), 4. Beekman 1802 Hand Care Duo ($35), 5. Camarillo Marble Bath Ensemble, 6. T-Fal Prograde Cooking Set ($169.99), 7. Coco-Roons Snacks ($7.99), 8. Terra’s Kitchen Subscription, 9. Krups Hand Mixer ($59.99), 10. Elite Cuisine Egg Cooker ($19.99), 11. Breville Coffee Grinder ($199.99), 12. Henry Bendel Puppy Toy Set ($48), 13. Lord Jameson Dog Treats ($22), 14. Le Pet Spa Grooming Sessions

 

Make the holidays even more magical for the children with some of these choices. There’s everything from winter gear to fun games that will bring fun, happiness and excitement:

KIDS1. Hudson Bay’s Company Ear Muffs ($20), 2. Wonderful Objects Subscription Box ($72-252), 3. Martone Gramercy Diamond Bike ($1,100), Hasbro Nostalgia Twister ($30), 5. Hape Early Melodies Grand Piano ($150), 6. Hape NYC Print Teepee, 7. Looney Labs Pyramid Board Game ($79.99), 8. Collection XIIX Holiday Gear ($32), 9. Hudson Bay’s Company Dish Set ($40)

Happy Holidays from the Downtown team!

Categories
Living

Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Holidays!

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Photo: Courtesy of Pexels.com

With the holidays coming up, it can be tempting to buy and eat as much as you can. However, according to The Guardian, around eight thousand tons of wrapping paper are wasted each year.

But if you’re planning on being eco-friendly this year, you don’t have to sacrifice the fun! With a few easy steps, you can celebrate the holidays to the fullest while still showing appreciation for the earth.
If you’re having a party, ask each guest to bring their own plate and utensils.  
Not only does this reduce waste, but it also saves you money. You won’t have to buy any paper plates and or plastic forks.
Reuse wrapping paper. 
 After all, everyone knows that it’s what’s inside that counts! Rather than going out and purchasing more wrapping paper every time you have to give someone a present, simply save the wrapping paper from your own gift, fold it up, and put it in a drawer.
Emails instead of cards 
 Instead of sending out Christmas cards to your loved ones, try sending out a heartfelt email with holiday pictures. This also makes it easy for them to share it with their friends if they really like it!
Shop for locally-sourced food
Big holidays also mean big holiday dinners! If you buy from local markets, that means that your food took less time to get to the store, reducing your carbon footprint.
 
Give gifts that inspire new habits 
For example, a reusable water bottle or coffee thermos or Eco-Friendly Cotton Swabs. Giving gifts like these might spark new habits among your friends and family, which can save the environment from a lot of waste-it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
 

-by Connie Lee