What 'Ugly' Christmas Sweater?

Written by: Nicole Grisell 

 

Everybody knows about the 'ugly' Christmas sweater. Maybe you received one as a gift back in 1997? Maybe you've seen one hiding in your grandmas closet? Or maybe, you attended everybody's favorite 'ugly' Christmas sweater themed party once wearing one. Well we've got news for you - 'ugly' Christmas sweaters aren't just for your themed parties anymore. High end fashion designers are taking 'ugly' Christmas sweaters and creating a new fabulous turn on the sweater you dread wearing just to make grandma happy. 

Let's take a look!

 

Here is our first ugly sweater by 3.1 Phillip Lim. The cute reindeer on the front of this sweater adds a cute touch most Christmas sweaters fail to do. The softer beige adds a more comfortable feel to the garment, opposed to harsh red and greens we are so used to during the holiday season.

Available at Net-a-Porter.com:

Was $385 Now $269.50 

 

For our next ugly Christmas sweater, we have a Marc Jacobs red cardigan with a bit of silver embellishment. Marc Jacobs has taken a plain red cardigan and turned it into a Christmas staple. Shiny silver embellishments on the cardigan really add that Christmas sparkle to this look, and can really glam up a plain outfit into something more.

Available at Net-a-Porter.com:
Was $1,100 Now $330

 

 

 Our next ugly sweater is a little more on the pricey side, but also plays more on the Christmas tradition front. This Meadham Kirchhoff design screams Christmas decorations all over it. You will definitely be lighting up the party in this number. Paired with a black skirt, stockings and heels, this ugly sweater will no longer be embarrassing, but classy.

 

Available at Net-a-Porter.com 

s, m, lrg  

£945 

 

 

 

 

This Stella McCartney sweater has a more playful take on our favorite Christmas animal, the reindeer. Having vibrant pinks and yellows incorporated into the design, a fun and girly feel is created. You might just out shine your tree lights this year, wearing this sweater out for the holidays!

 

Available at Net-a-porter.com

xs, s, m, lrg 

£416

For our last ugly Christmas sweater, we have another favorite by 3.1 Phillip Lim. The snowflake embellishments around the neck, bring out all the character, to what could have been a plain white sweater. The icy blue tones added also create a winter wonderland feel most ugly Christmas sweaters are not capable of doing.

Available at Net-a-Porter.com

xs, s, m, lrg
£416

 

 

Here are a few more designer ugly Christmas sweaters I couldn't resist showcasing:

To shop these looks, visit Net-a-Porter.com

Between Cliches and Diamonds

By: Erin Powers

A few days ago I received a phone call from a male friend in Valentine's Day gift buying distress. The new lady in his life had begun dropping hints about the upcoming festivities and he was unsure as to what an appropriate gift for the occasion would be. He also said that he wanted to stay away from the "lame, cliche heart shaped chocolates, flowers or lingerie" (side note gentleman this is more a gift for yourself, rather than your significant other) and get her something a little more special, but he was definitely not ready for diamonds yet.

So as I started to ponder my friend's dilemma I got to thinking two things:

1. I was shocked and more than slightly amused that my friend had even thought to step out of the commonplace heart shaped gifts in the first place. He has always been a midnight Valentine's Eve at the drugstore kind of shopper.

2. When your relationship is between cliches and diamonds, what would most ladies consider as a great gift?

If your lady is the fabulous jet setter type I would suggest the Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring. It's not only a playful and sophisticated accessory, but the top twists off to reveal Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume solid, helping to get her from check - in to take off without having to deal with maddening baggies and security hold - ups about restricted liquids. A two in one statement accessory - who wouldn't love this? The ring retails for approximately $40 and can be purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs and www.marcjacobs.com

If your Valentine is more of a haute hippie, an environmentally friendly piece of jewellery may be the way to go. http://www.upcycledjewelry.com is a great website to find super stylish and totally recycled pieces of jewellery that will make all her friends green with eco - chic envy. This line carries a multitude of pieces ranging from film strip necklaces to glass earrings so you will be sure to find the perfect gift to impress your naturalist. Just be sure your wrapping is as eco - friendly as your gift!

If you are buying for a more sentimental girl who loves a personalized gift, steer clear of the mixed tape idea (Friends episode anyone?) and go with a fabulous, totally one of a kind Pandora Charm Bracelet. All of the charms and beads on this bracelet will be hand-picked by you (think favourite colours, birthstones and hobbies), and there is even multiple ways to knot the end of the bracelet itself ensuring that your gift is the ultimate in bespoke jewellery. These bracelets are available for purchase online http://www.pandora.net or to find the closest retailer to you there is a handy store locater on the website as well.

Happy Shopping :)