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The Ugly Christmas Sweater

From The Cosby Show with Bill Cosby and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase to The Santa Clause with Tim Allen and Bridget Jones’ Diary with Colin Firth, the “ugly Christmas sweater” as worn in film and television has become a popular mainstay. Traditionally, seen with the iconic image of the “Cosby Sweater” and “jingle bell sweaters”, today the ugly Christmas sweater has emerged with a resurgence of popularity.

The ‘ugly’ from too much embellishment, tinsel and festive pattern, is placed in contrast with the soft, cozy, warm oversized sweater – a staple in every Christmas wardrobe. This dialectic serves to conjure up two parts, the ugly and the Christmas sweater; without its counterpart, both loose its meaning.  So what do we owe to this joining of the ugly in the Christmas sweater?

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Pop Culture

The image of the ugly Christmas sweater has become a hallmark for the holiday season. It is one that has resulted in a co-opting of the hip, trendy and nerdy, ultimately making the ugly Christmas sweater a hot commodity. As it is re-appropriated over and over in film, television, and other pop culture outlets, the ugly Christmas sweater has shown to hold significant popularity and economic benefits. Vintage stores, the Salvation Army, and Goodwill are re-defining the benefits of this trend, but we are also seeing this trend hit retailers, online shopping sites and even the book market.  As the ‘business of the Ugly’ continues to capitalize and the ugly Christmas sweaters continue to be worn, it seems like this pop culture ‘trend’ has made its way to being a permanent tradition.

Nostalgia

While, we may associate the laughable depictions of Christmas trees, reindeer or snowmen as tacky it does conjure up sentimentality for the past. These highly embellished and animated sweaters bring about the inner adult child, making us remember happy associations from the childlike aspect of Christmas. When we ruminate in recollections of the past, it makes sense to think about homemade decorations, stringing up lights to brighten the home or the decorated Christmas tree. As we “deck the halls” in celebration of Christmas, why not decorate ourselves?

Freedom

Even though the ugly Christmas sweater is a site for bad taste and hideous style it undeniably appreciates comical laughter and letting your guard down. Perhaps, we owe this tradition to the freedom it gives us to transcend the boundaries of fashion and embrace the beauty of ‘ugly’.

 

Article written by Raylin Grace aka Red Curl Owl with Luevo. You can follow Raylin at @raylingm

Bloggers Christmas Wish List

Christmas. That time of year when we secretly hope to receive everything we’ve been saving up for. As we get ready to eat as much as our stomachs can handle and open gifts we hope to see under the wrapping, we go through our mental Christmas wish list.

The wish list is synonymous with gift giving and finding that perfect gift. To make our gifts even more lovable and special we tend to make wish lists to help out those who are buying for us. With Christmas right around the corner we have compiled our own wish list from the bloggers here at Luevo.

Raylin 

W: The First 40 Years 

One of the world’s leading fashion magazines, W will celebrate their 40th anniversary with this volume of the most influential and iconic features/photos of its first four decades.

W

Reiko Red Wool Coat by Soia & Kyo  

Canadians really know how to make winter jackets for keeping warm yet completely stylish and fashionable!

Soia and Kyo

 

Suede and Leather Bootie by designer Franco Vernica 

A platform to elevate any outfit, while adding edge and detail.

Franco Vernica

 Sterling Silver Talon Pendant Necklace by Joanna Morgan Designs

For an everyday, modern, bold, casual elegance.

Joanna Morgan

 

Tsavorite, Diamond And Ruby Snake Bracelet by Toby Lynn Gems 

A statement on the wrist to add edgy glam.

Snake gem ring

 

Viva La Juicy Noir

For years now, my fun staple perfume has been Viva La Juicy. Recently, a new scent has been added to the Juicy line, Noir, which I would love to test out!

Viva-la-Juicy-Noir

Jonika

Reem Acra Pre-Fall Collection Black Dress

I know this is way out of budget, but I love it!

Reem Acra Dress

Shakuhachi Cutout Tassel Boots

With clever detailing, this has both a western and grunge inspired design.

Beige Cutout Boot

Scout & Catalogue Clutch

This is a Canadian based fashion label located in Vancouver, all the pieces made at Scout & Catalogue are hand made. This makes for a more personalized look, perfect for Christmas!

 S&C Clutch

BCBG Maxazria Wool Wide-Brim Hat

For a mysterious and high fashion look this wide-brim hat is just right.

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Bhreigh

Maje Dunkerque Military Parka

Keep warm in this military inspired jacket with fur collar, great for keeping warm when it is windy!

Military Parka

dace Jerry Medium Purse

Simplistic and practical, this leather made purse is the perfect size to fit an iPad or tablet.

Dace Purse

dace Morty Skirt

This Mini Skirt will add playfulness and femaninity to an outfit, perfect for pairing with tights this winter!

dace Morty Skirt

 

Tis the Season to gift give and of course, treat ourselves. What is your Christmas wish list? Let us know @LuevoFashion

Christmas Party Dresses

Christmas is one of the most festive times of the year. Besides going last minute shopping for those special ones in your life, you are also attending parties to spend some quality time before the New Year. Whether you are meeting your partner’s parents for the first time, or going to a big Christmas party with family and friends, it can be hard finding that Christmas look that screams you. Below are 3 dresses that will give you some ideas for what to wear this Christmas.

 

Red Wrap Dress

 

First is this red wrap dress with pockets by Frock Los Angeles. This dress is simple yet sexy and will surely catch many peoples eye for any Christmas party you attend.

 

Gold Pale Cocktail Dress

 

If you have both a dinner and party to attend Joscelyn Himes’ Jessi pale gold cocktail dress is perfect. Not only is it cute, but also the design creates a sophisticated look that will function for a night filled with many events.

 

Sequin Dress

 

The Claire Andrews SS14 sequin dress will be sure to make a statement as soon as you walk into the room. The dress is elegant with it’s light colour and subtle sheer cut out at the bottom. The silver lining along the neck and shoulders helps finish this polished look.

So get ready to toss your coat to the side and show your Christmas party look!

Let us know what you plan to wear to a Christmas dinner or party @LuevoFashion