Holiday dressing at home and on the town

THE official holiday party season is underway and childhood friends, co-workers, kinfolk and apparently everyone you've ever met in passing are requesting your presence at some big bash.

Or perhaps you're hosting the merrymaking festivities at your place this year--to show that you're the "hostess with the mostess," as they say!

No matter where your social calendar leads you, there are four hard-and-fast fashion rules when party-hopping, and according to everyday stylish Sisters, celebrities, and celebrity stylists alike, the first one is wearing the right holiday attire.

Rule No. 1: Always dress comfortably when throwing a feast at home or out painting the town red, advises actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon.

"I stay true to myself and I don't try to wear anything I'm not comfortable in," Beauvais-Nilon says. "It's nice to be sexy, but you don't need to show it all; leave a little bit to the imagination."

Rule No. 2: Follow your own sense of style, advises celebrity stylist Patricia Field of the HBO series Sex & the City. "Individual style is the main ideal, because women can express themselves more," Field explains. "The hottest fashion trend is the strong and sexy woman."

Diva extraordinaire Patti LaBelle agrees. "My sense of style involves putting it together and hoping that it works," LaBelle says. "Sometimes, I try not to wear things that make sense for my age. I'm 60 and I wear minidresses!" Other Sisters known for putting their best fashion foot forward include actresses Regina King (of the hit movie Ray), Elise Neal and Telma Hopkins.

Rule No. 3: Dress yourself and your home when hosting a gathering, advises events planner Erika Kendrick, managing director of the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment (New York) and managing partner of Jane Doe entertainment, a marketing firm.

"It's necessary that [your attire] is expressive of the mood, the event and your individual style," she says. "The home d6cor and your attire should be in tune; there must be synergy when people walk into the room. They should feel the party."

Rule No. 4: Don't break the bank, cautions Chicago resident Shalanda Holmes, a bureau assistant/television producer. "You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on clothes," Holmes says. "Find a few pieces that you love and build around them. With fabulous shoes and accessorizes you can look just as good as the woman wearing couture."

ERIKA KENDRICK, MANAGING PARTNER,JANE DOE ENTERTAINMENT IN NEW YORK. What she wears: "Sexy is a state of mind, but comfort is a state of being and when I'm going out, my style captures the fusion of the two. When entertaining at home, I'll wear something fabulous like a royal red caftan (a family heirloom from Africa), or a long, two-piece cream-colored formal with crystal beading."

TINA WELLS, CEO, BUZZ MARKETING GROUP, AND MANAGING PARTNER OF BLUE FUSION IN NEW YORK.

What she wears: "I'm very eclectic. I love to mix-and-match items that people wouldn't think go together. When I'm going out on the town, I'll wear something really comfortable like a designer wrap top, black pants and some leopard print Christian Dior shoes. If I'm entertaining at home, I'll wear a simple chic dress in black or red with a crazy and colorful pair of shoes."

EBONY CELEBRITY BEAUTY OF THE MONTH

Actress MELISSA DESOUSA's long curly locks look lovely on the television screen, but they can cause problems on her face. "Hair in my face will definitely cause a bump or two," says DeSousa, who plays Coco on the UPN hit comedy "Second Time Around." She zaps hair-related zits with toner and a cotton swab drenched with alcohol. DeSousa says toner is a crucial part of any beauty regimen because it sweeps away excess dirt. Look for the actress' fresh face early next year in the independent film, "Constellation," that also stars Billy Dee Williams and Gabrielle Union.

Keep your skin clean and fresh with Fashion Fair's Botanical Skin Care Collection and Olay Daily Facials Intensives.

TIPS FOR HOLIDAY DRESSING

* If it doesn't fit, don't force it. Remember, comfort comes first.

* Wear functional styles when entertaining at home.

* Wear foundation garments (body shapers, all-in-one, etc.) to define your overall look.

* Choose festive accessories to accentuate your holiday look.

* When hosting a soiree, dress your home to reflect the celebratory mood as well.

* Be yourself, relax and have fun!

COPYRIGHT 2004 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group