This post is brought you by J.Crew Factory. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support MattieJames.com!
PHOTOGRAPHY // Erica Simmons
It’s the most wonderful time of the year you guys. Yes, I am one of those people who gets over the top giddy when the holidays hit. I love Christmastime. Especially dressing for it. I’ve partnered up with J.Crew Factory to bring you my favorite holiday staples for the season.
When the holidays hit, my calendar is always so full due to shopping, holiday get togethers and all the like. Maybe because I’m a mom now, I tend to dress festive yet casual when December hits (unless I’m headed to a party, of course). I was excited to pick out my go to holiday staples from J.Crew Factory because they have something for everyone – no matter your style – while being budget friendly. For the next few weeks, here are the staples you’ll see me mixing matching on the blog and on Instagram.
RED COAT
Honestly, I’m just convinced everyone should have a red coat. It makes such a statement and screams the holidays. When I saw this belted red coat (under $100 right now!) on Black Friday, I knew I had to have it. Whether you’re keeping things casual as you shop for gifts or sprucing your look up for a holiday party, it works for both scenarios. It’s comfy, not too bulky but definitely keeps you warm (it was freezing when we shot this!)
This is also a great gift for the lady in your life who isn’t afraid to wear a bold color like red for her outerwear.
PLAID SCARF
Plaid will always be one of those things I gravitate towards during the holiday season. In a way, it almost acts as a neutral, right? (It goes with red, black, grey, gold and even glitter!) I loved how this classic plaid scarf looked in these colors and knew it would look so cute with my red coat. And it is under $20 – a steal! The best thing about a classic scarf like this is that you can wear with outerwear or even with just a sweater or turtleneck on those days it’s cool not cold (which we have often in Atlanta). And because plaid can play as a neutral, I can mix and match this with other coats I have.
STATEMENT FLATS
While heels look so great with a festive dress for holiday parties, realistically I’m not wearing them as much these days. With two kiddos under the age of five, I’m just trying to keep it cute in flats. When I saw these bronze glitter Mary Jane flats, buying them was a no brainer. (Couldn’t believe they were less than $50!) I wore them with skinny denim for this look, but imagine how cute these would look with a tulle dress or skirt? They’re cute AND comfy (important!) and they have grip on the bottom so they’re non slip. Another a great gift idea!
COMFY TURTLENECK
Once the cold weather hits, I live in turtlenecks. They’re less bulky than a knitted sweater, so they’re ideal for layering and this pink one is a new fave. It’s lightweight but Merino wool (so it keeps you warm) and looks great with outerwear or even a blazer. But I opted for pink so if I wore it alone with a skirt or denim it would still pop and make a statement. Even in a neutral like ivory or gray, this goes with pencil skirts, denim or dress pants for any occasion (even when it’s not the holidays!) And I’m really into pink with red nowadays so I was eager to pair this turtleneck with the red coat.
GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FAMILY
So, after you’re done shopping for yourself and getting some holiday staples for the season, there are some great gift options for everyone in your family. Right now, I’ve got my eye on pajamas for my sister and my dad. Even these gold glitter slippers are so cute and less than $20. (HOLIDAY IDEA: Gift family members with cute holiday pajamas on Christmas Eve to wear for Christmas morning!)
If you’ve got a trendy lady to gift, I’m really into the gift box sets that J.Crew Factory has. This blossom drop earrings set is cute. And so are these red tassels. I love a J.Crew necklace, so I’m getting this one for my aunt who loves jewelry that stands out. (Less than $30!)
Like I mentioned before, a statement coat makes for a great gift as well because there’s a handful of months of winter after the holidays. And a great coat from J.Crew Factory can last for seasons to come. This pink one is a treat and under $100.
With less than a month until December 25, don’t wait til the last minute to get great gifts for your family. And don’t feel like you have to shop in person either. Grab some holiday staples from J.Crew Factory online and look like the best gift giver out of your family this year.
