Cassie Bustamante

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What to Wear to Holiday Parties: Featuring Silk & Burlap

December 14, 2015 by Cassie 57 Comments

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I am straying a bit today from DIY and design to talk a bit about fashion- what to wear to holiday parties. I will be the first to tell you I am not fashionista or fashion blogger, but what I am is a woman who believes in supporting local businesses, especially other women entrepreneurs.  When the ladies of Silk & Burlap approached me about collaborating with them, I was thrilled at the idea, and I asked my talented friend Eddie of Jalapeno Photography to come and do a shoot for me.  I thought it would be great for you to see someone who is no fashion model dressed to the nines by Silk & Burlap, and it would show just what their clothing and sense of style  could do for a normal human being.

Shopping at Silk & Burlap is an experience like no other…. it’s not at all like heading into a department store and grabbing some items to try on and seeing what works.  Angelique & Saule know what they are doing, and hand select each of their pieces.  They have a keen eye for what will suit their client’s body shape as well as personality.  I arrived in my standard long sweater, leggings, and black boots.  I should have taken a before photo!  Angelique and their manager, Jenni, worked to gather several outfits as we wanted to create looks for all sorts of holiday soirees.

Holiday Party Looks from Silk & BurlapPin

 

Holiday Party Looks from Silk & Burlap by cassie-bustamante 

The ladies at Silk & Burlap knew my size just by looking at me, and knew what would looks good on me.  I admit that several of the pieces they selected wouldn’t have been something I would have pulled off the rack, but once I put it on, I was in love!  Like I said, they know what they are doing!  Not only were they great at choosing flattering pieces, but they made me feel like a queen for a day.  And as I was trying items on, I overheard them helping several other customers, making them all feel like queens for a day… it’s just the sort of service they provide, and something you can often only find in smaller businesses.

Anyhow, we put together several looks for you to peruse, and the good news is that Silk & Burlap has an online store as well.  But if you are in the Frederick/DC/Baltimore area, I strongly recommend paying them a visit in person.  I am going to give you my honest feedback about each ensemble as well.

New Year’s Eve

Let’s start with the outfit that I would have easily picked on my own… a chic tee (The Love Eye Tee) and a black midi skirt!  I would have easily chosen this to wear to a New Year’s party- it’s comfortable, stylish, and flirty and fun.

All photos by Jalapeno Photography.  Although I hired a professional photographer to shoot, I did all the editing myself and I have purposefully not corrected any wrinkles or done any air brushing… These are photos of a real girl in beautiful clothing.

New Year's Party Ensemble from Silk & BurlapPin

As you can see, we paired it with this fabulous python clutch which adds a nice amount of edge and pattern as well.
New Year's Party Ensemble from Silk & BurlapPin

We also accessorized with these earrings.  I wore the blue (and bought them that day because I was in love!), but only the clear crystal is still available.

Tassel Gold EarringsPin

Another outfit I would have easily selected for myself is black skinny jeans paired with a gold sequin top.  It’s fun, comfortable, and says New Year’s Eve to me as well.  Silk & Burlap carries James Jeans and I love how these fit.  I have thicker legs and have always been a little bigger in the thighs, and have a hard time finding pants, let alone “skinny” pants that I feel good in.  These are the best that I have found.  And the top… so comfortable, and SO fun.  I think it speaks for itself.

Gold Sequin top with Black SkinniesPin

Gold Sequin TopPin

 

And I thought I’d share this photo with you because A) I am not very good at taking myself seriously in photos.  (You can ask Eddie!). And B) It shows just how movable these jeans are… not constricting at all!

Gold Top and Black SkinniesPin

So had I been out and shopping alone, I think I would have gravitated towards these outfits above, but the ladies at Silk & Burlap supplied me with several other options.  And I was absolutely shocked at how much I loved them.

Holiday Ball

This dress.   Oh this dress.  Angelique wanted me to try it on, and I was unsure, but I trust her opinion and so I put it on.  It fit like a glove and was the most comfortable dress I have ever put on.  And when I looked in the mirror, I was honestly shocked.

Black Maxi DressPin

 

It’s so elegant, but what makes this dress particularly special is the back with the sequin band.

Back view of Black maxi dressPin

 

I wish that I had an event fancy enough to wear this to.  It would be perfect for a military ball.

Mother-Daughter Nutcracker Date

These next two outfits are generally a little more conservative than my style, but again, once I put them on, I really loved the look.

The Maxine Beaded dress looks super short on the model online, but it’s a great length!  I am about 5’7″ and it was not super short on me.  This dress was really comfortable and such a classic… I felt like Jackie O or Audrey.

Black Pearl Beaded DressPin

Of course, I don’t have the natural grace of Jackie or Audrey, so this next photo seems sort of perfect… you can put the klutz in a beautiful classic dress, but she might still be a klutz.  I was tripping and laughing here.Black Pearl Beaded DressPin

The details on this dress are what really make it shine.  No need to wear any jewelry with this one, as it has all the jewels it needs.  We paired it with a simple gold clutch.Details of Black Pearl Beaded DressPin

You already saw this skirt in the New Year’s Eve inspired look above, but in this version, Angelique gave me this sparkly sequin houndstooth top.  It’s glamorous, but classic as well, and perfect for a day at the ballet.Black Sequin Houndstooth Top with Black SkirtPin

 

Girls Night Out

Headed out for an evening to celebrate with the girls?  The stand still top is perfect for that!  It’s fitted, feels great, and defines curves and angles just right.  I am not one who usually picks fitted tops… I tend to gravitate towards the bohemian flowy shirts, but this one changed me.  I felt confident in this top.

Black Stand Still TopPin

 

When I showed Chris all of the photos, this was outfit he wanted me to purchase.  He loved this top, too.

Office Party

Do you have to attend an office party?  Or perhaps your husband’s office party?  I will be attending Chris’ work party this week and I always feel a little unsure about how I should dress for these types of events.  This stretchy brocade dress is perfect for an event like that… it’s sexy, but plenty conservative for an office party.  It’s fitted, but not skin tight, and the blue shines to give it a unique magical look.  This dress was Emmy’s top pick out of everything I wore.

Blue Stretchy Brocade DressPin

 

The cut of this dress has a great avant garde feel, and it is honestly SOOOO comfortable!  I would be happy wearing this all night!  And look at how the blue catches the light…

Blue Brocade DressPin

All photography by Jalapeno Photography

I had so much fun putting this post together for you.  The women of Silk & Burlap knew exactly what would work for me, and I left their shop feeling like a changed woman.  As Eddie and I headed to lunch together after shooting, I said to her, “I think I need to be a fancier human being.”  While clothes don’t make the woman, clothing that makes you feel incredible combined with a positive shopping experience can completely make the woman more confident in herself.  I am looking forward to shopping with Silk & Burlap more in the future and I think my New Year’s resolution may be to become more fashionable… Maybe I can get a head start on it with the holiday party season!
I was provided with store credit from Silk & Burlap in exchange for writing this post.  I was not otherwise compensated and all opinions are my own.

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Comments

  1. Erika says

    December 14, 2015 at 6:17 am

    Look at you!! Love this post. And I love that “love” shirt! Actually, I love all of the outfits! Definitely going to check out their site and look for that “love” shirt. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:19 am

      i am so glad you like it! maybe i will start doing a little more with fashion- i think it’s nice to see a real normal non model person in lovely clothing. and yes, that shirt is so fun and so soft!

      Reply
  2. Gwen says

    December 14, 2015 at 6:56 am

    Good Lord! Those clothes are beautiful and so are you! I think when we pop babies out something happens to the need to dress up… at least it did for me. Mainly because I’m too busy clothing growing boys to think about fancy dresses and sparkly tops. But it’s coming back. Wow. I love Silk and Burlap!

    xoxo

    Gwen

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:17 am

      aaaaw, thank you so much, gwen! and yes- we need to be fancier people because it feels pretty darn good. and we made it through all the really dirty phases of motherhood so we deserve it!

      Reply
  3. Sarah says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Wow, you look stunning! Clothes should make the woman and these clothes enhance what you already have-you look absolutely gorgeous, Cassie.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:13 am

      thank you so much, sarah!!! i appreciate that!

      Reply
  4. [email protected] says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:17 am

    So so so gorgeous. It’s hard to pick a favorite outfit. When you showed me that amazing long dress (which you totally need in your closet) I thought that one will totally remain my favorite but when I saw that fitted top!!!! I think it’s made for you with your angled bob and your toned arms. I so wish I’d have arms like you 😉 You have to get that top! Even just to wear with skinny jeans.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:13 am

      aaaaw, thank you! i have seen you in person and you are one hot babe yourself.

      Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:33 am

    Get it girl! Seriously, your hubby is one lucky dude. You look amazing! I love the first outfit for something a bit casual but spunky but you look drop-dead gorgeous in all of them. Adore that black fitted top and the sequins number. You have to buy those! =)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:13 am

      oh my goodness, thank you! i will tell him you said that. 😉 haha.

      Reply
  6. [email protected] manor farm says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:41 am

    you are a stunner. time to trade in the running attire for something else!! 🙂 love all the looks but my fav is the first one- skirt and tee. Love love. you should mix in a bit of fashion.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:12 am

      thank you so much! maybe i will!

      Reply
  7. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:43 am

    Good grief woman, you look AMAZING!!!!! I want every single one of those looks. And your shoulders and arms. Gonna need those if I’m going to pull it off.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:12 am

      haha! um i have seen your smokin self… you would look fab in all of these!

      Reply
  8. dana says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:44 am

    Wow, Cassie! What a fun experience and how stinking cute are you?! Chris has good taste…that top is crazy flattering!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:11 am

      thank you so much, dana! it was a blast!

      Reply
  9. Sarah says

    December 14, 2015 at 8:04 am

    You look amazing in all these shots! What a fun day to get styling advice from one of the most stylish women we know. I wish I could buy it all.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:11 am

      thank you! me, too!!! but i am thinking the black skinny jeans and maybe the black fitted top…

      Reply
  10. Londen says

    December 14, 2015 at 8:12 am

    What a fun day! You look amazing in everything!! Really. It would be hard to choose a favorite!

    Reply
  11. Jessica Gourley says

    December 14, 2015 at 8:21 am

    The houndstooth/skirt and t-shirt/skirt are my faves! Perfect for a nursing mama to still feel cute at a party- or running errands because that feels like a party these days! 😉 you’re gorgeous, friend!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 14, 2015 at 8:29 am

      thank you so much, jessica! yes- that is a great point!

      Reply
  12. Shawn says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:13 am

    You are so darn cute, Cassie! and you look amazing in all the outfits. I LOVE the girls’ night out top (hope you got that) and the long dress with the open back.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:49 pm

      thank you so much, shawn! i love that top, too, but i went with the gold- it was more comfortable.

      Reply
  13. Haley says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:33 am

    All of these outfits look awesome on you! LOVE that stand still top.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:49 pm

      thank you, haley!

      Reply
  14. Kimberly Duran says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:42 am

    Oh Cassie you STUNNER you!! Honestly, you look gorgeous in every one of these – that black dress!! HOT MAMA! I definitely think you should get that black top, it looks fabulous on you and really shows off your (enviable) figure so nicely! Also, I love the little segue today – so much fun and so nice to support a small business! xxx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      wow- thank you so much, friend! and yes it is!

      Reply
  15. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:54 am

    You look absolutely stunning in EVERY outfit!! LOVE love the long black dress on you.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      thank you, jessica!

      Reply
  16. Bliss says

    December 14, 2015 at 10:00 am

    I agree with Chris completely. That’s the one I would of picked for you too, and you could wear it to all those occasions and stun in it. Oh and the hair, the hair made them all a winning combo, you look mahvelous!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      thank you so much, bliss!

      Reply
  17. Dana says

    December 14, 2015 at 10:04 am

    YOU are a Natural!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      thank you ,dana!

      Reply
  18. Rachel says

    December 14, 2015 at 10:16 am

    GET THE FIRST OUTFIT TOO! I mean, all of them look fantastic and you really did a good job of showing several different types and levels of fancy, but the first one and the one Chris loved is the two I would pick! And the gold sequin top. I just got gold sequin leggins and i’m basically obsessed with gold sequins now. You are hot, mama!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      aaaw, thank you so much, rachel!!! i went gold sequins! 🙂

      Reply
  19. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says

    December 14, 2015 at 11:26 am

    Cassie, you look fantastic in everything! I love the back of the gold sequin top and that long black dress is so, so good. The black top with the wrapped neckline is amazing on you. You should get that for sure. If I had your arms and shoulders…I would wear this cut always 🙂 What a fun post!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      thank you so much! i went with the gold top… yay! going to wear to chris’ work party tomorrow!

      Reply
  20. Allison says

    December 14, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Cassie, what a fun post and you look stunning in every one of those! That long black dress was made for you and that black top is gorgeous on you. You have an amazing figure. I always wanted to be taller. I’m a shortie at 5’3″. Your hair cut is so flattering on you. That gold sequin top is fun and those shoes I love! It’s fun to get dressed up. I’ve been sick for 8 months and barely out of yoga pants or leggings. I wish I lived closer to that shop and to you!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      oh gosh i had no idea!!!! are you ok??? and thank you so much!

      Reply
  21. Danielle says

    December 14, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Cassie, you are so beautiful inside and out. I LOVED reading this post. What fun to try on all these gorgeous outfits. I love the black dress with the low back, the sequined top, the Jackie O look and the fitted black top. So fun! xx

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      thank you so much, danielle! i appreciate it! i got the sequin top! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Claire Brody says

    December 14, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    AHH I love it all!! You look beyond fabulous!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      thank you, claire!

      Reply
  23. Anneke says

    December 14, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    What a FUN time Cassie!!! All of the outfits look great on you, but my personal fave is that sequin top and pearl dress. You may have felt silly, but you’re a natural! xoxo

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:46 pm

      aaaw, thank you so much, anneke! i got the sequin top!

      Reply
  24. Gretchen says

    December 14, 2015 at 11:07 pm

    So fun! I think Chris’s favorite is mine, too, although I’d have a hard time resisting the black skirt that turns up twice 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:45 pm

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  25. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    December 15, 2015 at 9:58 am

    Absolutely stunning… the clothes and the model! I LOVE that stand still top and that gorgeous snakeskin clutch!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:44 pm

      thank you so much, jennifer!

      Reply
  26. Barbara Ann says

    December 15, 2015 at 11:47 am

    These outfits look great, on you. It makes a difference to see you in these outfits versus the model on the website. You do these clothes so much more and I think more Women would consider them seeing you wearing them. I have no common point of reference with the model in the website.
    Those jeans look comfortable. You lucky duck. I hope you get the ones you want.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:43 pm

      thank you so much, barbara! i appreciate it and the jeans are stretchy and super comfortable!

      Reply
  27. sarah dorsey says

    December 15, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    love all these outfits – stunning!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:41 pm

      thank you so much!

      Reply
  28. Krystine www.KrystineEdwards.com/blog says

    December 16, 2015 at 10:29 am

    Cassie you are STUNNING in every single one of these outfits! I mean girl crush over here!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:40 pm

      aaaaaw, thank you!

      Reply
  29. Loi Thai Tone on Tone says

    December 16, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    Oh my gosh! Girl, where have you been hiding?? Looking so chic and very fashionista! Luvvvv your hair, Cassie: stylish and sharp! Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      December 16, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      haha! thank you so much, loi! i am just not a snazzy dresser most of the time. 😉

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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