One Chic Mama: 5 Ways to Look Amazing this Holiday Season

Thanksgiving has come and gone and, like it or not, the holiday season is now officially in full swing. No matter what you're celebrating, this is the time of year for parties, open-houses, school performances, gift-exchanges and so much more! If all this holiday cheer has you feeling more like Ebenezer Scrooge than it does Jolly Old Saint Nick, then keep reading.

It can be a challenge to look great at the seemingly non-stop barrage of festive gatherings, so I've put together my best tips to keep you looking fabulous, day after day. But more than looking fabulous, this season is all about enjoying time with friends, family and the spirit of sharing. Here's how to make it more enjoyable all around:

1/ Get Plenty of Rest Sure, easier said than done, you may say. But let's get real. Not getting enough sleep does more than leave you with bags under your eyes - it wears down your immune system, making you more susceptible to viral infections, it often makes you overeat, but most of all it makes you grumpy. So do what it takes to get those 7-8 hours in nightly and take good care of you!

2/ Personal Care You can't look good if you're not taking good care of yourself. This includes everything from eating well to exercising to getting a massage to help ease stress. If you find it impossible to take time out for you, create appointments on your calendar for a 15-minute meditation session, a healthy lunch or even a nap! If you're not healthy than you're not going to look good, no matter what! But even worse, you're not going to enjoy the holidays if you let them take their toll on your health. Ask for help, hire a personal chef or trainer and do what it takes to feel great!

3/ Create a Beauty Plan Looking great doesn't just happen, it takes maintenance. If you haven't been keeping up with personal beauty appointments such as a mani/pedi or having your hair done,don't despair. Simply make a list of everything you would like to have done and then mark those non-negotiables in red! These are the items you wouldn't think of showing up at a party without having done. Then schedule your appointments PRONTO! Better yet, go ahead and book the next couple of appointments, mark them on your calendar and breathe easy knowing they're already set up. If you aren't able to get in with your regular stylist, don't be afraid to try someone new – but always get a recommendation first to avoid any regrets.

4/ Create a Wardrobe Strategy No, you can't just wear the same black pants, black top and pretty sweater to EVERY event. I want to encourage you to think outside the box and get creative. Spend a little time with your wardrobe this weekend (or whenever you have some spare time) and see what you can come up with that's creative.

Sure, you can wear the same core items a few times in a row but try to mix it up a little bit. A few tips:

a/Mix in metallics with your neutrals for a festive, sophisticated and subtle look.
b/Opt for charcoal gray, caramel or camel in place of black. Mix in your best red, purple or even turquoise for an on-trend look that amps up your style.

c/ Add new accessories to an 'old' outfit. The easiest way to jazz up your classics is to bring in new accessories - add a belt, a colorful cardigan or jacket, some chic jewelry and a great pair of boots--and you'll be looking fabulous in no time flat!

5/ Get Happy The holidays are no fun if you're not enjoying them, and if you're cranky or feeling like the Grinch, you're putting a damper on everyone else's enjoyment too! Do what it takes to get in a good frame of mind, whether it's taking a walk, calling a friend, or just having five minutes to yourself. If you find this hard, focus on what you're grateful for. Then get out there and get happy - or go home (and that's OK too - we all get burned out at times).

Whether you're party hopping this season or enjoying many quiet nights at home, I hope it's a wonderful time to remember.

Mary Michele LittleYour Signature Stylist^(TM)