With the festive season fast approaching, there’s no time like the present to start searching for those last-minute essentials to add a sense of style and luxury to your special occasion looks.
For the first time since 2019, Christmas parties are officially on and restrictions are no more, and with so much lost time to make up for, the most wonderful time of this year is the perfect excuse to go all out. If you’re one of the many looking forward to getting dressed up to the nines and getting yourself looking and feeling like the million dollars that you are, then look no further, because we’ve collated the best brands to get you in the party spirit this season, ranging from beauty to fashion and accessories.
Empreinte: Laying the foundations with luxury lingerie
Starting with the all-important base layers, choosing the right lingerie is essential to create a smooth silhouette and have you feeling fabulous inside and out. Specialising in lingerie for women with a fuller bust, French label Empreinte plays a key, supportive role in the private lives of women and is internationally recognised for the unique fit and high quality of its products.
Empreinte’s creations are a far cry from fast fashion, expertly crafted using only quality European materials. Inception, innovation and craftsmanship have been key focuses for the brand and form the foundations of its desire to provide the best possible support for women from a C to an H cup who are looking for visually appealing and comfortable items to wear every day.
The brand’s current collection includes some particularly stand out pieces. The Agathe capsule collection beautifully blends vintage with contemporary and combines a rich traditional guipure lace with the lightness of a trompe l’oeil pleated effect, to create a tattooed effect on the wearer, thus allowing the lace to take centre stage. With two styles of bra and up to three matching briefs to choose from, the Agathe range is the perfect choice to pop on under your partywear this season.
The Bias Cut: Let glamour take centre stage
Onto apparel, and trailblazing e-commerce platform The Bias Cut should be at the top of your list when it comes to ethical luxury. The brand is currently celebrating and championing women of all ages to ensure they feel represented and empowered, with its platform leading the way for social change and challenging ageism in the fashion industry.
Encouraging women to embrace and invest in the best versions of themselves today, a quick browse of the brand’s website will reveal some uniquely curated intergenerational independent designer collections, using age diverse models and creating more inspiring and supportive content that explores and honours women’s journeys of ageing. So, it’s clearly a great brand to shop with, but what exactly does it offer for the party season?
The Bias Cut’s current collection, Take The Stage, draws inspiration from the energy, uniqueness and electric pulse of 70s glam rock and disco, making it perfect for the festive period and all the celebratory occasions that come with it. Blending a fearless attitude and retro aesthetic with modern silhouettes and fresh interpretations, stand out pieces include a sequin co-ord, velvet tailored two piece, silver blazer and variety of statement dresses from labels Fabienne Chapot and Stella Nova.
ARNE: Keep cosy without compromising on style
Of course, enjoying the party season isn’t just about looking good, but feeling it too, and finding the perfect balance between style and functionality is key. Keep the cold at bay while travelling to your events this winter, with new cult label ARNE, which offers a stunning range of down jackets perfect for keeping you warm whilst on the move between venues.
High-quality, durable, timeless and minimally designed pieces are the order of the day, with ARNE prioritising fit and a clean aesthetic across all of its pieces. The mid-length down jacket in black is a savvy investment that will stand the test of time, with clever design details like its insulated panels for added warmth, an adjustable drawcord pull at the waistline to cinch you in and accentuate your natural curves and long sleeves with ribbed cuffs all neatly finishing off the look.
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise with Annie Haak Designs
Nothing says glamour like a statement pair of earrings, and whether you opt for a sexy cocktail dress or a sophisticated trouser suit this festive season, they’re a must in everyone’s jewellery box and a great conversation starter across the dinner table.
Handcrafted from 925 Sterling Silver and 18ct Gold Plated Silver, Annie Haak Designs offers a variety of show-stopping jewellery pieces including bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings, which have been seen on a host of celebrities including Joanna Lumley, Jodie Whittaker, Binky Felstead and Fearne Cotton.
The brand’s latest Toggle Pearl collection, crafted from Freshwater pearls and Gold-plated sterling silver, evokes sophistication and timeless femininity in every piece – but the Princess of Wales inspired Toggle Pearl gold earrings are a stand-out choice to add a touch of regal style.
Nailing the look at London’s Shian Nails salon
Now to add the finishing touch with a set of statement nails. The glamourous Dalston-based Shian Nails salon has quickly gained recognition and grown a following thanks to its bright, fun space and resident dog, Pudding – and is the perfect place to go for a spot of pre-Christmas party pampering.
From simple yet stylish designs to specialised and intricate nail art, gels or pedicures, this popular salon has got you covered, and encourages customers to come with suggestions of what they would like, with no request too big or extravagant. In fact, such is the salon’s demand for nail art that it offers four pricing tiers to customers, so no matter how complex the design you have in mind, you can be sure it’ll deliver.
Nail treatments prices start from £18 for an express manicure and range from £45 for a gel manicure with tier one nail art to tier four nail art for £70. The salon will also be shortly revealing its festive nail art, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some festive inspiration.
