The Perfect Thanksgiving Day Outfit from a Birmingham Stylist

HOW is it Thanksgiving season already? It feels like we should still be picking out swimsuits and sundresses, but ALAS, fall is upon us - FINALLY. While we’re busy ordering our iced mocha with extra peppermint and greeting chunky knit sweaters like a long-lost friend, it’s time to game-plan what we’ll be wearing around the Thanksgiving table this year. Giving thanks and serving looks, honey!

We asked the help of Birmingham stylist, Emma Freeze, to guide us into the glory of a great outfit. She has styled looks that have us seeing autumnal beauty, while leveling up the intrigue. No boring outfits allowed. Whether you like things clean and classic or high fem chic, Emily has got you covered.

To shop all of these swoon-worthy looks, visit Emma’s link here.

Style 1 - European Street Style

By mixing texture with print, this outfit is sure to make a statement. Add sneakers and remove the coat for warmer gatherings during the day and slip on the loafers and coat to take into the cooler weather evening events.

Style 2 - NYC High Fem

Jackets are the best way to mix and match staple pieces like this knit little black dress. Wear during the day with sneakers and a casual shacket for lunch with the girls or into date night by swapping them with a blazer and chic boots.

Style 3 - Clean Girl Aesthetic

With family gatherings and drinks with friends in mind, this outfit was created to be versatile for it all. This classic jean and tee combo can be taken from day to night by adding an elevated jacket like this leather moto and mixing in some sparkle with a simple yet fun earring.

Emma, also known as The Chic Next Door, graduated with a Fashion Merchandising degree from the University of Alabama and has years of experience in different retail positions. A self-certified shopaholic, Emma’s goal is to create a meaningful relationship with you while helping you create your own style identity. She wants everyone to experience the joy that comes through the expression of your truest self through fashion. If you would like to inquire about all her styling services, visit her website here.

Expert Tips from a Christmas Tree Stylist: How To Trim the Perfect Tree

“There’s no such thing as a bad tree. All it needs is a little love. ”

— A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

If there is anything that has become abundantly clear in adulthood, it is the fact that it is never too early to begin celebrating Christmas.  The pure serotonin that is felt when the storage containers labeled “CHRISTMAS” start coming out of the attic is unmatchable.  We can all relate to the nostalgia of unboxing our favorite ornament or playing the Michael Bublé Christmas album for the first time in a year.  We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Holiday Queen herself and gleaning from all of her Christmas Tree decorating mastery.  If there is anyone who embodies the meaning of “Merry & Bright,” it’s Madison! 

Meet The Stylist: Madison Box Robinson

Madison began professionally decorating trees last year after coming to the aid of her best friend and co-worker, Leah.  What was originally intended as a routine girl’s day turned into Madison kindly asking her best friend, “what is going on with your tree?” After Leah told Madison that she needed to go out of town for her daughter’s gymnastics meet, Madison decided she would surprise her friend with a little Christmas magic.  Leah returned home to the gorgeously trimmed Christmas tree of her dreams and Madison discovered a new passion.  Now, with over 25 trees under her belt, she is quickly becoming the Belle of the Holiday Ball.  Madison has graciously shared with us her top seven Christmas Tree decorating tips, so that we can all twinkle a little brighter this season. 

“Growing up in Mobile, I remember watching my Mom and the women in my community decorate like this and it just feels like home.”

— Madison

The Stylist’s Top 7 Christmas Tree Decorating Tips

1. You don’t need a huge budget to decorate a stunning Christmas Tree. Cultivating an enchanting tree experience is all about taking your most valuable decor and marrying it with affordable options to craft the best look for your own personal style. Don’t be shy about buying ribbon from Amazon or some staple ornaments from Walmart. You can even utilize natural aspects like pinecones from your family home to adorn the perfect tree.  The sky is the limit. 

2. NEVER mummy wrap your tree. Ribbon is one of Madison’s favorite decor components for Christmas trees because it can really add so much texture and fullness to your tree’s overall aesthetic.  The term “mummy wrap” refers to the technique of wrapping ribbon around your tree horizontally which can take away from an elevated look.  Instead, Madison recommends her signature technique where the ribbon starts at the top of the tree and beautifully cascades down vertically.  This elongates your tree and feels incredibly special.

3. Buy ornaments in various sizes! Don’t be afraid to play with different sizes and textures. Madison is adamant about never skipping out on the big ornaments. She usually adds a minimum of 3 very large ornaments to every tree because it immediately catches your eye & feels grand.

4. Let your family be part of the process. If your spouse doesn’t have an eye for decorating, but wants to be involved, let them help by putting ornament hooks on your ornaments. Kids love doing that too and it often helps create the sweetest memories together. One Christmas when Madison and her brother were children, their Mom let her younger brother help decorate the tree. He was just barely walking at the time and put Vanilla Wafers & Goldfish around the entire bottom of the tree. They always look back at those photos and get the best laugh!  We have to agree that edible decor is the best type of decor.

5. Always buy decor in odd numbers. Whether you are buying ornaments, sprigs, or ribbon, always buy in odd numbers. This helps to avoid anything looking too “perfect.” Incorporating this technique will ensure that your tree will always have an organic and effortless look.

6. Get creative with your tree skirt! If you have a hard time finding the tree skirt that lives rent free in your mind, don’t be afraid to get creative. Blankets and fabric from a local craft store can be transformed into the most beautiful tree skirt. If you come across the perfect fabric for your tree’s aesthetic, you can absolutely drape it around the base of your tree for a stunning image that is completely your own.  No sewing required!

7. Coordinate the gift wrap for your holiday gifts with your tree’s color scheme. If you want to elevate your decorating game to the next level, try coordinating your gift wrapping paper with your Christmas tree. The overall aesthetic will make you feel so put-together and allow you to give your tree it’s full moment!

“I always listen to my favorite Christmas playlist while decorating because it puts me in the best mood.”

— Madison

If you would like to keep up with Madison and her Christmas masterpieces, you can find her on instagram (@MBRTrees).  While she is officially booked for this season, she will be taking new clients for Christmas 2022.  You can reach out to her via instagram to book your own holiday magic for next year!  Madison is eager to work with your budget as she brings the spirit of Christmas into your home.  When she isn’t spending her time creating a winter wonderland for clients, Madison teaches a precious second grade class in Homewood.  This year she decorated her classroom to the theme of Candyland, complete with the sugarplum-filled tree of her students’ dreams.  That is what we call a very Merry Christmas!