Houston Chronicle

GALLERIA GETS LIT

- BY AMBER ELLIOTT

On any given day, hordes of shoppers idle around Ice at the Galleria. The indoor skating rink offers lessons, birthday party packages and ample people-watching year-round — save for the annual tree-lighting spectacula­r. That night, mega-wattage festivitie­s takes center stage. More than 450,000 twinkling lights and 5,000 decoration­s adorn this year’s 55-foot Christmas pine. A performanc­e from “The Voice” semifinali­st TSoul (go #TeamBlake) brought celebrity star power, too. Add in a veterans’ tribute, profession­al ice skating routines, skating Santa and a fireworks display — it’s enough to warrant sunglasses at night.

Megan Bailey, Simon Property Group’s manager of luxury retail, would never wear such a thing. So, we dressed her in an “if you can’t beat ’em, join’ em”-inspired look for the occasion instead. It’s a look that will work at any number of events during this busy holiday season.

With sparkle and shine erected in the center of her retail universe, only a sequined gold tuxedo (like this one, by Alice + Olivia) will do. It, and her top, were pulled during a “Supermaket Sweep”-style raid of Saks Fifth Avenue. Nearby St. John supplied the perfect ornament (an oversized brooch), and Bailey’s fast-fashion stilettos hail from Topshop.

Glittering fabrics and XL jewels are your best bet for standing apart from the holiday mall mob. And if 2017’s gloriously over-the-top 29th anniversar­y tree is any indication, ’tis the season go big or go home.

 ?? Marie D. De Jesús / Houston Chronicle ?? MEGAN BAILEY, MANAGER OF LUXURY RETAIL AT THE GALLERIA.
Marie D. De Jesús / Houston Chronicle MEGAN BAILEY, MANAGER OF LUXURY RETAIL AT THE GALLERIA.
 ??  ?? Megan Bailey flashes a St. John brooch on the lapel of an Alice + Olivia suit.
Megan Bailey flashes a St. John brooch on the lapel of an Alice + Olivia suit.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States