For the past 6 or 7 years my husband has been Santa at a Volunteer Appreciation Party, so we have more than our share of photos together dressed in Santa costumes, but this is the first year I have had a fatshion blog to share my D.I.Y. costume on.

It is VERY simple:

Hat: Fedora from e4Hats, a lot of their hats run large so I start with them when I am looking for a hat.  It is just a $20 red fedora and I added white marabou around the brim.  I lost it at the party so I will be replacing it.

Cami: Plain red cami from Avenue, Size 26 – 28, I added white marabou around the bodice.

Skirt:  Plain red skirt I purchased on Ebay years ago with a large black waist band, handmade.  But if I were looking for one today I would try Jessica London, Avenue and One Stop Shop.  They all carry Sizes 24+ and are not too expensive.

Leggings:  Leg Avenue Size 3-4X, but the last time I tried that size they were too small.  If I were going to buy them today I would buy them from We Love Color, in this striped tight I am right at top of their size range, but their plain colors go to 375 lbs. (We Love Color no longer makes this striped tight)

Gloves: I buy almost any brand for as little as $5 of fingerless, fishnet gloves.  They have always fit.

Boots:  Last year’s Avenue lace up boot, Size 9.5 W, I wear them often, and the bows were in with my wrapping paper box and I tied them to my laces.

I am thinking of adding white marabou to the bottom of the skirt, what do you think?

My hat disappeared at the party (I rarely lose anything but it is gone, so it is time for a new one).  I purchased this one, which is a little pricey but I loved how fancy and light it was since my head gets too warm inside buildings sometimes.  But it is too big, and I have a big head, so I will be returning it this week.

Hope you had a happy holiday,              Ciao Bellas…affinity

photo: Nicolo Sertorio

Update December 2013: I ended up keeping the hat and using it with my Mrs. Claus costume.  I think the new look makes the argument that almost anything will work, even a “go to church on Sunday, hat” it you add your personal touch.