It’s that time of year when all good men are called upon to attend the annual holiday party and express festive style. BTW, it’s not just about donning a red silk necktie. It’s about being able to mix the look of Justin Timberlake with a touch of Prince William. The invites may read “Holiday Chic” or “Creative Formal” – the lesson is to find a modern expression of formal meets cool, no matter if one lives in the desert or the urban metropolis.

Las Vegas shopping destinations and malls from Fashion Show Mall to Forum Shops to the Galleria at Sunset are stocked with great trend items and here’s what’s topping the Lollie Shopping list:

• Velvet blazers
• Tailored vests
• Shiny shirts/sweaters
• Leather jackets
• Cardigan sweaters and tartan neckties/bow ties

Designers and brands show that a bit of glam can make a difference whether one is a student at UNLV, an LV Strip party dude or businessman looking to stand out at the annual office gathering.

Here are three iconic inspirations for this Holiday when it comes to selecting the right pieces:

HOLLYWOOD STAR
Think modern blazer or sport coat. Think rich fabrics from velvet to corduroy, cashmere to camel’s hair. George Clooney is the ideal poster guy for always being in-the-know and red carpet ready. Make the jacket the focal point of the holiday look by selecting a rich, warm hue like burgundy, chocolate or midnight blue and in fabrics like velvet or corduroy. When looking at wool, cashmere or camel’s hair, stay to classic colors like charcoal, navy and camel. The price tag will be a bit higher but the investment will allow one to wear this with office basics (shirt, tie, trousers) all thru 2012. For a contemporary look, pair the jacket with a fine gauge merino wool turtleneck or polo sweater and gray flannel trousers. The rich tone on tone will make the luxe jacket stand out.

Department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are stocking fantastic jackets. Retailers like H&M are producing inexpensive versions of velvet and cord jackets that retail under $50. Reminder that a two-button low notch lapel is the best style to consider.

THE CEO
Stay smart and serious in the business suit. This year, many designers like Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford have returned to double-breasted suits that look perfect as a formal suit. Dark hues like black, navy, charcoal and pewter should be the choice. For the D-B silhouette, keep an eye on the size of the lapels (nothing over 4”) and watch the number of buttons (no more than 6 that button on 2). When it comes to the trouser, opt for the flat front (versus pleats). For tailoring tips? No cuffs with flat front pants. The shirt and tie combo of the season is definitely a French cuff spread collar shirt with a trim solid silk necktie (width under 3”). Holiday color palette ranges from metallics to soft hues like pink and lilac. The shoe? Classic leather cap toe lace-up.

THE ROCK & ROLLER
From Steven Tyler to Adam Levine, the rock musician look has taken menswear by storm and designers can’t get enough of iconic pieces like zip-front band collar leather jackets, 5-button vests, urban boots, all to make a guy go from denim dad to stage performer. Designers like John Varvatos, Kenneth Cole and Ralph Lauren (Black label) all have an edge. What’s the best way to mix and match? The leather jacket should be worn with a rib knit Henley shirt. The vest looks best with a small collar shirt and thin necktie (around 2”). The boots need a narrow leg pant or jean to keep the proportion long and lean. The stage performer may chose a tuxedo-inspired jacket or sweater and pair with a white cotton bib-front shirt, bow tie and skinny leg jeans.

HOLIDAY REMINDERS
…The stretch dress shirt can be found at promotional prices (like buy 2-for-1) at major specialty stores including Express and Banana Republic. Look for labels that say “Modern” or “Slim” fit to accentuate the torso.

…For those that opt for no tie, time to invest in a silk pocket square. International designers may offer exotic prints at retail prices for $100 but many men’s shops are stocking solid silk squares with contrast trim stitching for $40.

…Dark denim jeans can work as the new pant staple if accessorized with the right jacket, top, belt and shoes. Seven for All Mankind offer a standard cut around $175. Select a straight fit leg rather than a boot cut.

…If selecting a shiny shirt, sweater or tie, the rule is to mix it with very dark or flat finished items. What does that mean? The black shiny shirt should be paired with dark pants not leather trousers. Macy’s INC label stocks black shimmering shirts for $40 and black dress pants for $60.

…Real leather calfskin zip jackets can range between $400-500 from designers like Kenneth Cole. Faux leather retail for under $100.

VALUE AND SAVINGS
International retailers like H&M, Zara and soon-to-come (to Las Vegas) Topshop, all offer their own distinct fashion labels and looks. These stores are trend-right and one can probably find three pieces of clothing that won’t total more the $200.

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For more information on Tom Julian and his consulting company, visit www.tomjuliangroup.com. Also, follow him on Twitter@tomjuliangroup for updates! To purchase his first men’s style book, visit www.amazon.com.

Head to your nearest Savers thrift store use your imagination and DIY it! Got a game night geek on your list? Grab three retro board games from the Savers toy section and package them together. What about a foodie? Check Savers’ book section for a vintage cookbook, then pair it with a vintage cooking utensil. If there is someone with a green thumb on your holiday gift list, consider buying a few vintage botanical books, then adding a ceramic pot filled with a plant you select from your local nursery. It really is easy. And the best part is, you can create a one-of-a-kind gift that is personalized for your recipient. Don’t forget: when you shop at a thrift store, you are recycling and doing something good for the earth.

For more DIY ideas, go to the Savers website at www.savers.com and view the holiday seasonal shopping section. Happy DIY-ing!

Even though I’m purposely childfree, I have more children on my gift list than I do adults! So I went to my favorite Ross location in Las Vegas, conveniently located on the Strip, and I searched the kids’ section for name brand fashion at low prices. I found an adorable three-piece set for my baby niece that includes velvet leggings, a graphic print long sleeve top and a super cute faux fur trimmed, hooded puffy vest. For the toddler boys on my list, I found a two-piece jacket and hat for one and a two-piece denim and dual layered top for the other. All outfits are from trusted, popular fashion brands, so I feel good about giving them away as gifts. I know the parents will appreciate it, and I only spent about $50 total!

Of course, I couldn’t help but be distracted by all the other items available at Ross. I found myself magnetically drawn to a glass case filled with high-end designer watches, the impressive selection of luggage, and, of course, the handbags. While I was there, the store was packed-full of shoppers, yet checkout was lightning speed fast and the associates were always cheerful and smiling. Shopping at Ross always manages to enhance my day.

So if you’re looking to make your holiday shopping easier while saving some cash, add Ross to your must-shop holiday list. If you want to make it especially easy on yourself, just purchase a gift card and let your recipient do her own shopping. Keep up with Ross on Facebook and post your finds at www.facebook.com/rossdressforless. Easy to shop. Easy to save. Easy to get in and get out. Happy shopping!

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