OOTD: Fancy Pants and Red Lipstick Tips

Today I am participating in the Statements in Fashion "Rockin' the Colors of Christmas" link up. Collette is sponsoring this link up and I am so excited she invited me to be part of it. 




I chose to wear a red blouse and a pair of creamy lace slacks.

In the Music Room

Read on for the outfit details and tips on achieving the perfect red lip.


I wore this outfit for the IT Holiday Party that was held at our office. The very same party for which I made the Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake. I think this outfit channels Christmas and cranberry cheesecake perfectly. 
I bought these lacy Victoria Secret pants while shopping with my son Aaron and Tiffany back in May. This is the first time I wore these slacks. I knew I would find an occasion and for $10 at Goodwill's Second Debut in Carytown, I had to have them. 

These pants are quite eye-catching and I love the hemline. My husband asked if it was my skin that could be seen through the lace. The answer is NO! There is a really nice neutral lining that gives the illusion of see through while  keeping you safely covered.
Rampage deep red metallic pumps paired with the blouse are a great tie in but black patent or suede heels would work as well. 

Ignore the wrapping paper in the background. In December my dining room becomes gift wrap central.

There are three things about these pants that keep me from wearing them more:

1. The zipper is in the back so that makes it a little awkward

2. No pockets! Wherever shall I put my cellphone?

3. They are winter white and I am terrified of ruining them.

Here is a closeup of the neckline of this blouse from Bebe. The details on this blouse are what sold it to me. The gathers on the bodice, pintucks running down the body of the blouse, and the ruffle collar make this top unique. I like that the top of the sleeve is puffy and then narrows to fit the arm. In the last photo of this post the five buttons going down the sleeve are visible. 
I decided classic pearls with an enhancer would be the right jewelry to wear with my fancy pants.

Note: Mom's pearl earrings came out of their box to adorn my lobes today.

Christmas and Valentines are the easiest times to try a red lipstick if you (like me) have been hesitant to give it a swirl.
MAC Classic Red lipstick adds just the right amount of color to my face. I love a red lip but it can be so hard to wear red and NOT feel like a clown. Red lips are so bold I often shy away from putting it on, but I always like the look in pictures of myself and others who dare to go red. 
Remember to let your lipstick do the "talking" by keeping the rest of your makeup drama-free. Bold lipstick colors go best with more neutral makeup elsewhere. 
Red is not red like we think it should be. You may need a red with a blue or pink base, or perhaps a warmer red with a bit of a brown base. I promise there is a shade of red that will work for you. The ladies at the MAC counter will be glad to help you determine the right shade of red for your skin tone, no purchase required. 
I always forget to reapply my lipstick throughout the day. With red this can be bad! Once my initial application wears off, I always have the red rim around my mouth which looks ridiculous. 
To extend the wear of any lipstick color but especially red:
1. I always apply lip balm first. 
2. Line the lips with a similar shade of lip liner
3. Apply and blot lipstick
4. Lightly put on another coat of lipstick
5. Place a tissue over your lips and use a powder brush with translucent powder and brush it over the tissue. I know it sounds strange but it works fabulously to set your lipstick. I learned this trick from the Tyra Banks Show.

Please take the time to visit the other bloggers participating in "Rockin' the Colors of Christmas" hosted by  Collette of Statements in Fashion. 


Merry         Happy
Christmas!! Holidays!! 


Outfit details:
Victoria Secret Lace Pants
Bebe Victorian Inspired Blouse
Rampage Metallic Red Pumps purchased at DSW