It’s a Wrap
Follow our advice to appear poised and pulled together this holiday season.
Holiday Season can cause even the jolliest person to get a little frazzled. Running around like elves with our heads cut off to get the stockings stuffed, we sometimes go insane. Getting through the season with grace and style is a challenging task, and ALG Style has a couple of suggestions to aid in looking dashing over the next few weeks. Appearing as if you are cool, calm and collected, you can tackle that naughty and nice list of chores without anyone knowing that you might feel like you got run over by a reindeer.
Tied up with Strings
In your closet, there should always be go-to classic staples that — when you are rushed or “have nothing to wear” — you can fall back on and know you will look fantastic. Joyfully, we have found the ideal season-less frock to solve every
“I need to wear a dress!” dilemma.
Thalia Ziffer of Constant Threads has alleviated the stress of getting dressed. A local designer, business owner, wife, mom, and full-time employee for Aetna; this busy, beautiful and industrious woman understands better than most the necessity of uncomplicated dressing.
Although Ziffer has worked in industries from entertainment to insurance, she has always been obsessed with the world of fashion and dreamed of one day starting her own clothing line. This dream was inevitable. With the added pressure of working full-time and having a baby, Ziffer fought to find effortless pieces that met her demands of her hectic life and changing figure. “I have only 30 minutes to get ready to go out of the house,” Ziffer says. “I needed clothing that does not require much thought and looks appropriate, yet is feminine.” Ziffer knew her struggle was not unique.
Throw and Go
Ziffer designed the perfect wrap dress for the southern climate. This effortless one-piece, frump-to-fabulous frock is made of wrinkle-resistant fabric, is available in bold and flattering hues, is complimentary on most figures and is machine washable. Ziffer’s wrap dress was inspired by the iconic designer Diane von Furstenberg, yet, unlike the heavy material and sometimes overwhelming prints of the DVF label, the Constant Threads version is a universally appealing garment. “Men love the color red, so that was a must,” Ziffer says, laughing. “And I am a huge fan of Kate Middleton; the blue hue of her engagement dress was a certainty as well.” The debut collection also includes a sheath dress, black pant, and a blouse in both a sleeveless and bell sleeve. Thalia also sells a tunic with a bell sleeve that very petite woman could pull off as a dress. All of her pieces travel well and are at very moderate price points.
Gifts and Packages
Ziffer is blessed with a strong support staff to help her balance multiple roles. Ziffer’s husband assists with the Website and logistics of operating a fashion line. When her little one goes to bed at night, she finds time to work on her other love: Constant Threads. “It’s tough, but seeing my garments on women is such a rewarding feeling of accomplishment,” Ziffer says.
The Constant Threads collection is available at Hemline (3308 Magazine St., (504) 269-4005, shophemline.com) and at constantthreads.com.
Sparkle and Shine
Holidays call for extra tinsel. To assist in looking glam for the copious amounts of gatherings you have to attend, we strongly recommend a visit to the sugar plum fairies at Buff Beauty Bar. Buff is a convenient one-stop shop for all of your beauty needs with very accessible price points. Buff offers mani/pedis, spray tans, blow-outs, facial peels, waxing and eyelash extensions, to name a few services. This time of year, owner Catherine Alford advocates adding a bit of sparkle wherever you can. “Try one of our glitter ombre manicures to kick it up a notch, or, if you are bold enough, add shimmer on the brow,” she says.
The makeup guru, Cydney Staples, has a few special products and colors she is pining over. “It’s all about clean hydrated skin, flushed wind-blown cheeks and a creamy lip,” Staples explains. “To achieve that warm rosy glow, we use the Jouer Tint in Petal.” Another fan favorite of beauty buffs is the Smith & Cult nail lacquer in Lover’s Creep. “The opaque Bordeaux is the perfect fall/winter hue,” Staples says.
Buff Beauty Bar is an oasis in the middle of the posh South Market District. The store is open seven days a week, and is the perfect respite from the frantic streets and holiday chaos. With your amazing new eyelashes from Buff Beauty Bar, just bat your eyes and you will surely receive everything on your holiday wish list.
Buff Beauty Bar
720 Carondelet St.
504.522.2833
buffbeautybar.com
Have a haute holiday! Happy shopping!
–Aimée Gowland and Corrie Pellerin, ALG Style