I love the holidays! I love love love twinkly lights, sparkly things, pink cheeks, snow, colorful scarves, feelings of good cheer, and all of the fun events that come with the holidays. One of my favorite traditions is having High Tea with my girlfriends at one of the fancy hotels here in Chicago. This year, it was at the gorgeous, historic Drake Hotel.

Since I can’t resist any opportunity to put on a fancy frock, I love going to the Drake, even though I have to fight the urge to start speaking in an aristocratic British accent. lol. The lobby is always elegant and beautifully decorated. This was the perfect time to debut my unbelievably awesome vintage coat. It’s black with white mink trim…I fell in love instantly when I found it at Hoard Antiques, and almost cried with happiness when it successfully buttoned up over my boobs! lol

According to the bellhop…”Women of such beautiful perfection cannot stand here without getting their picture taken.”

Here I am with my gorgeous girlfriends in front of the famous fountain in the middle of the Palm Court of the Drake Hotel.

I felt so pretty and festive in this simple outfit!

I love this dress for the simple, unexpected asymmetrical hemline. Short in the front and longer in the back…it let’s me show off my legs and just adds some visual interest to a somewhat standard black charmeuse dress from Old Navy (it’s on sale right now for $34.50!). And I like that it has a high neckline (and yay for sleeves!). This dress is great for girls who are top heavy, and leggy. 🙂

To add some holiday flair, I accessorized with a gorgeous red Obi belt that I bought at vive la femme earlier this season. And…I couldn’t resist adding a red flower to my side chignon. I paired it with sexy black boots and a red lip, and I was ready for my afternoon high tea. 🙂

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?? I hope your season is off to a great start too!