
No, you won’t find this one on the calendar. This get-together meal with you and your close friends has been gaining in popularity as it’s own ‘unofficial’ gathering. The current incarnation usually happens before Thanksgiving, however it’s origins actually started on the holiday itself. FriendsGiving started around the late 80s/early 90s, with university students and other young professionals just entering the workforce. These twenty-somethings were often unable (or simply preferred not to) head home to spend time with their families for the holiday. So instead, they gathered with other friends in similar situations. This practice was in turn made famous when the show “Friends” aired in 1994 and the rest, as they say is history.
Fast forward to today, and this holiday has really come into its own as a great way for celebrating the season with close friends before heading off to visit our respective families for the *big* holiday.
The general rule of thumb for FriendsGiving is “fun and casual”. So when it comes to your look, you could probably show up in a tee and jeans and be just fine. Be that as it may, these are your good friends, so why not make some effort? We’ve got a few budget-friendly ideas…
Starting with this cozy knit mini dress from Windsor. Could that autumnal color be any more perfect? We think not. Paired with some slouchy, suede boots from Lulus, this look is pretty much complete as is. All it needs is one of Jane Basch’s super-trendy initial necklaces (they’re going fast). As for what to bring along? Look no further than Harry & David’s inhouse line of wines. They’re grown and crafted from some of the best wineries that Southern Oregon has to offer (the state is particularly famous for their award-winning Pinots).
From Left to Right:
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Lulus, Katari Taupe Suede Knee High Boots $52
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Windsor, Step It Up Collared Mini Sweater Dress $44.90
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Jane Basch, 22k Initial Necklace $79.99
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Harry & David, Red Wine Duo $49.99
Festive doesn’t have to be fussy. We’re loving this one-and-done, winter floral dress from Sugarlips that pairs so well with rich, Bordeaux colored bootie by Camper. Then take in one of this season’s big trends with some celestial inspired drop earrings from Eye Candy LA. As for what to bring? How about some fantastic pre-turkey munchies with the Popcorn Factory’s assorted gourmet pop corn set?
From Left to Right:
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Sugarlips, Roxie Floral Tiered Midi Dress $105
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Camper, Katie Bordeax Heeled Boots $165
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Eye Candy LA, Star & Sun Earrings $19.99
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The Popcorn Factory, Packed with Pop Hello Autumn Treat Set $29.99
Take your casual look up a notch with a little touch of bling. These patch pocket jeans from Joe’s Jeans receive a holiday upgrade when paired with Dolce Vita’s glittery western bootie. And Windsor’s super comfy, rib knit crop top gets the same treatment with the addition of Kendra Scott’s big and blingy crystal and gold hoops. A sweet outfit like this deserves an equally sweet hostess gift. This holiday tin from Cheryl’s cookies contains some of the brand’s most popular (and delicious) cookies.
From Left to Right:
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Joes’ Jeans, The Patch Pocket High Rise Ankle Boot Cut $99
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Windsor, Versatile Basic Rib Knit Crop Top $22.90
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Kendra Scott, Parker Gold Hoop w/White Crystal $56
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Dolce Vita, Sarene Suede Bootie $55.99 (on Sale NOW from $160)
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Cheryl’s Cookies, Happy Thanksgiving Tin $29.99
While fixings are being fixed, or for afterwards when that Tryptophan threatens to kick in, keep things interesting by bringing a great game to your celebration. The game that broke the internet, What Do You Meme?, is back with a bigger edition. A cheeky game deserves a playful look, and this Mushroom sweater from Rue21 perfectly fits the bill. Pair it with some comfy cords from Universal Standard and some cool kicks.
From Left to Right:
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Universal Standard, Cassidy high Rise Straight Corduroy Pants $138
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Rue 21, Plus Ivory Mushroom Crew Neck Sweater $23.39 (on Sale NOW from $38.99)
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Boston Proper, Slip-on Wedge Sneaker $79.50
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What Do You Meme?, Party Game Bigger Better Edition $29.99
Who doesn’t love a good overall? This heavy cotton one from WeWoreWhat will keep you warm and we’re loving the adorable blue flower print. Pair this with a chunky cable knit sweater from Aeropostale and keep those tootsies warm with some faux fur lined boots from Lulus. As for what to bring, give the gift of warmth with this fir and cypress scented candle from Paddy Wax.
From Left to Right:
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WeWoreWhat, Slouchy Slit Overall $61.99 (on Sale NOW from $99)
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Aeropostale, Cable-Knit Cropped Sweater $27.48
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Lulus, Chayy Black Faux Fur Mid Calf Boot $38
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Paddy Wax, Cypress + Fir 8oz Candle $32
Add a little fringe benefit to your outfit with this suede fringed midi skirt by Cato. Keep the textures going with Universal Standard’s silky, Eco-relaxed sweater in hot pink. A chunky gold necklace from Baublebar gives visual interest and finally sink your feet into Franco Sarto’s high shaft boot. As for what to bring your host, if they’re a coffee lover then they will very much appreciate this single-origin Kenyan roast. AA is the most highly sought after grade of Kenyan beans, delivering a bright citrus acidity and notes of grapefruit, allspice, pear, and toffee.
From Left to Right:
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Cato, Plus Size Suede Fringe Midi Skirt $14.99 (on Sale NOW from $32.99)
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Baublebar, Juni Necklace $58
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Universal Standard, Eco Relaxed Core Sweater $88
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Franco Sarto, Keaton Wk. High Shaft Boot $50.99
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Onyx Coffee Lab, Kenya Gatomboya AA 10oz Whole Bean Coffee $27
For our last look, we create a trifecta of trending fun. First, a faux leather midi skirt that pairs so well with Basin and Range’s playful homage to 80s sweaters. When we put these together with this season’s slouchy boot, we have an outfit that is sure to please. And speaking of pleasing, this latest book from New York Times cocktail and spirit writer Robert Simonson will have your host excited and ready to master a whole new world of cocktails and mixed drinks.
From Left to Right:
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Bagatelle, A-Line Faux Leather Midi Skirt $49.99 (on Sale NOW from $99)
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Basin and Range, Diamond Patter Crewneck Sweater $50.40
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Universal Thread, Harlan Tall Boots $39.99
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Penguin Random House, Modern Classic Cocktails by Robert Simonson $20
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