[Chelsae Anne | Photography]

ROMPER, BELT, HEELS, SUNNIES: (c/o) Express/BAG: (c/o) Neiman Marcus – similar here and here, love this one too!

Everyone has their specific “going out” routine. Mine happens to be:

Turns on “No Scrubs” by TLC. Grabs straightener. Sits in sink (yes, in SINK). Puts on lipstick. Grabs heels. Throws on sexy romper. Calls Uber. Walks in feeling energized. Clinks glass. Let the holiday festivities begin!

In today’s post, I’m breaking down my “routine” for getting ready… holiday style! Besides, it’s the process of getting ready where the most fun happens. I mean, who doesn’t love blasting music and singing out loud to 90’s R&B while putting doing makeup?!

Quick story:

Back in the day, my former roommate Melissa (shoutout to Melly!) would have to BEG and plead with me to go out. I always wanted to stay in, chill out and relax. So, to get me in the spirit, she would run into my room with a ton of energy (picture this: she’s 5’2 and a natural red head), pitch a strong case for on why we should go out and then BLAST music to get me in the spirit. Fortunately, our next door neighbors were bartenders so they never had a problem with us.

I would force myself to put on makeup and get ready. Looking back, every now and then, at my comfortable bed wishing I was snuggled up reading.

The second we walked outside, I would feel a surge of energy. It was like all of the sudden I wanted to go out (more specifically, to show off my outfit. Let’s be real.) and dance with Mel. It worked every time. She knew what she was doing.

I still love staying in with a good book, writing and relaxing on the weekends. Not much has changed. Lame, I know. Seems the older I get, the lamer I get. LOL. But with holiday parties happening like every weekend, I’ve been in need of some extra motivation.

So, without further ado, to get me you in the spirit:

The 12-Step Process:

Step 1: Put on music. Prefer TLC. Ashanti and JaRule, totally acceptable.

Step 2: Straighten hair (lately, I’ve been using this vibrating oscillating flat iron. Love it!)

Step 3: A little vampy lipstick never hurt nobody.

Step 4: Start with shoes. I always start with shoes when putting together an outfit! I love this pair from Express.

Step 5: Find outfit. LOVE this velvet romper, also from Express! (For my petite gals, it runs a tad big! I got mine tailored.)

Step 6: Shimmy into romper. I mean, it’s AMAZE!

Step 7: Lay all accessories out on bed. Let’s go with a YSL crossbody + leather belt.

Step 8: Put on perfume. Seductively tie belt for camera. #jk #notworking #juststop

Step 9: Call Uber.

(insert running 10 minutes late here. “No Scrubs” took over.)

Step 10: Lipstick check.

Step 11: Insta-stalk friends going to same holiday party to see what they are wearing.

Step 12: Then head out for a fantastic night out with everyone ready for holiday fun! (And give inner style goddess “high-five” for slaying it with this outfit!)

Don’t forget to capture the fun on your camera! And as always, shop today’s look with Express below…

 Xo, Stephanie

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[Thank you Express for sponsoring this post.]