Make it a Happy Holiday Season: It’s OK to Shop For Yourself As Well!

When it comes to the holiday season, I immediately conjure up images of spending time with my family lighting the Chanukah candles, staying cozy indoors, and baking yummy chocolate brownies for my pals at work.

And just like many people, I also envision a busy mall full of germs, greedy folks trying to get the last of everything, and waiting in line for impossible parking. That is what I despise about the holiday season.  So, I figure, if I am going to put myself through this hellish routine, I’m also gonna treat myself to something new and fabulous in the process.  (Don’t get me wrong though – I totally believe in giving to others without expecting anything in return and giving to charitable causes.) So, instead of making huge lists of what I would like for Chanukah, Christmas (yes, I am one of those people who celebrate and appreciate both holidays), or my birthday, which falls on the day after Thanksgiving this year, I like to ask for small gifts so that I am not putting anyone out.  Plus, it is important that I pick out my must-haves of the season…myself!

This has nothing to do with not trusting that my mom, boyfriend, or sister will pick out the right gift for me; it’s more about me wanting to enjoy the process of finding the perfect this or that. Because amongst what I despise about holiday season shopping, I thoroughly enjoy the sales galore. If things are gone when I finally make it to a certain aisle or department, then guess what? I will walk away, and figure it wasn’t meant to be!

So as I mentally try to prepare for my last-minute holiday shopping, I have a few items in mind that, if I’m lucky, will score for a cheap cost with great quality:

• Flat boots:  If I can find a pair of chocolate, flat boots that doesn’t break my bank account, then I’m going for it. I rarely do boots over pants, but with a flat boot, I am definitely gonna give it another go.  I’m going for brown over black, because it’s also a neutral, and I think it will complement denim pants nicely. I’m not an UGG- boot type of gal; a flat, knee-high depicts more sophistication and class to a casual or dressy outfit.

• A chunky scarf: I admit that I have tons of scarves in a range of colors, styles, and lengths.  These days, however, I am adopting more classic accents to my wardrobe than trendy pieces. So I must purchase a chunky, black scarf to work with any outfit.  I also enjoy the look of wearing a scarf with a short-sleeve shirt, which is practical for Southern California weather plus oh-so-cute.

• A “little black dress “:  I can’t believe that I have waited this long before I realized how important it is to have a simple, yet versatile, black dress to wear on many occasions.  All I will have to do is play with different shoes, tights, jewelry, and purses to give the dress a new identity each time.  Just in case some of the same people are at the same parties, I want to play it safe.

• A sporty leather jacket: Pea coats are adorable.  Honestly, they are so cute.  But if I’m going to do a long cover-up, I prefer a sweater.  I feel like pea coats aren’t meant to wear inside, because they are so formal. So what if it’s cold in the office? Or, what if I don’t want to sit on the jacket and wrinkle it? I like wearing jackets as part of my outfit, not just to keep warm when outside. Due to lending my black, John Carlisle leather jacket to a friend (don’t ever do that!), I am now without one. So whether a zip-up or button-up, I can still layer my long tops underneath a sporty, black leather jacket and wear a scarf to keep warm. It is totally practical, and has a youthful appeal.

So those are my big-ticketed items I hope to find on sale this holiday season.  Now, if I skipped out on everyone’s gift and just shopped for myself, I would consider myself heartless and quite selfish.  Yet, in allowing myself to update my wardrobe in the process, I feel happy.

Doing just that, I will also feel prepared in entering the New Year with fresh fashion pieces, and having family and friends who understand my logic around this time…and still love me for being me.

By Elana Pruitt (http://www.myspace/talkingchic)