You Can Still Make the Holidays Special

BY MEGAN SIMONS

May you live in interesting times, as my grandma used to say, and ironically we are in the most challenging holiday season in our generation. But I am sure of one thing – the holidays are not canceled -- we all will celebrate.

The way and nature of our celebrations may be altered, the company we are comfortable with may be missing, but we will still celebrate. It is our right, it is our tradition, it is our privilege and fun. So much was taken from us this year, we were deprived of our normal ways of living in so many ways, but we can still make this holiday season special. So, let us leave behind the countless casual days and let us celebrate in style.

Even if you’re planning to spend the days of Thanksgiving or Christmas or Hanukkah in the deep woods of North Carolina with just your signifi cant other and an intimate dinner for two, make it merry, make it festive, make it memorable. Create an evening full of meaningful moments -- who said you cannot have a glamorous candlelight dinner in a full-length gown and tuxedo in the privacy of your own home? A gown is not in your plans? Well, I hope I got your attention.

One of the ways to celebrate as safe as possible is to have an outdoor party or dinner -- after all we live in Florida and we can use the beautiful weather to our benefi t. In an al fresco gathering, nothing says you’re fi erce more than a red jumpsuit adorned with shiny gold and bravely bold jewels. Not only fashionable but extremely versatile, great red head to toe is one of those things that will remain in our wardrobes forever.

Do you Zoom? Hold a virtual cocktail party online with your friends and family prior to dinner when nothing will make a better statement than a daring leopard print tunic over black pants. If you don’t have that animal daring desire, go feminine or with sparkles, feathers or chiff on. Make it exciting with shiny fabrics and embellishment. Pearls and rhinestones can make casual jeans fun and festive. Designers and celebrities are on board, having fi gured out the proper way to style these ordinary pieces and transfer them into endless versions of glam. Then suddenly you feel like you can conquer the world on this holiday season.

Megan Simons is owner of Pippa Pelure, a fine fashion boutique in downtown St. Petersburg. Contact her at pippapelure@tampabay.rr.com