At the height of this holiday season, we’re undoubtedly faced with a bit of a different take. In the past, I’ve always looked forward to spending time at our family gatherings, festivities with friends or a few trips — but this year will be much more intimate. It’s something I’ve accepted, but hadn’t felt until recently. Our wedding is days away; life’s been a blur. You know that feeling where you’ve on a mission to get something and find yourself standing in front of your closet, forgetting what you were doing? That’s how I’ve felt these past few weeks. 

But also excited! Since we’re celebrating the holidays on a smaller scale — and during such a tough year — it makes it even more special. The question is, what do I realistically wear this season given how much 2020 reshaped our lives this year? One by one, I grabbed pieces from my closet, hung it around my room and asked myself, “does this frilly dress make sense right now? Do I pair it with heels or flats? Clutch or bag?” After sitting on the floor, a thought loomed over me: it’s not about being “dressed up with nowhere to go.” It’s about why…  

Tossing out the “holiday handbook,” I immediately gravitated towards my classic pieces…black pants, a black blouse. Normally it’s tights, tweed, sequins, lipstick, oh my but this year I’m all about the basics, practicality (opting for a roomy bag instead of a clutch) and timelessness (you can’t go wrong with simple gold earrings and black sandals). There’s something about a head-to-toe monochrome palette that feels chic and easy… 

Meet Mini Amelia from Brahmin (similar one in red too!) in a sleek gray and black. I’ve always loved petite bags, but this bucket style melts my heart with its gold closure and luxe texture. You can wear this bag as a crossbody or a top-handle satchel (my preferred choice). Even better, this entire look will easily carry into other seasons (and years!). That’s what classic pieces are about! From sustainability to trend fatigue, 2020 has taught me sometimes less is more and to buy quality things with longevity and wearability. 

With days until Thanksgiving and our intimate wedding, I still have so much left to do…appointments to knock out, family to (safely!) greet (I can’t wait to see my siblings; it’s been a year!)…I’m glad I’ve had a few moments to myself to get organized. Even semi-dressed up (or decked out to the nines) at home, attending virtual gatherings or even an intimate wedding, I keep reminding myself to focus on what matters most right now. Everything else will fall into place… 

Xo, Stephanie

BLOUSE: here

PANTS: Anine Bing

SANDALS: Schutz, similar here

BAG: (c/o) Brahmin

EARRINGS: Kenneth Jay Lane

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[Thank you Brahmin for sponsoring today’s post!]

Photography by Chelsae Anne