Yesterday, I took a personal day at the mall to do a little retail therapy and to reward myself for finishing out this fall quarter.

I wasn’t sure if there were going to be any holiday parties while I was at home, but I wanted to be ready. I wanted to be sure that I could find a beautiful dress that would make me stand out and in all honesty, I’d rather spend money on a holiday dress than an “ugly Christmas sweater.”

Since I know we’re all looking this season, I decided to round up a few options from some of my favorite places to shop and browse at:

Stretch Velvet Double U-Neck Long Sleeve Mini Dress – American Apparel

Black – $42

Nothing feels more like holiday spirit than velvet!

Longest Night Dress – Anthropologie

$168

Satin-Trim Sheath Dress – Banana Republic

Red light – $152

Strapless Gathered Cocktail Dress – BCBG Max Azria

$248

Can I have those shoes prease?!

Colorblock Cut Out Dress – Bebe

$89

Spirit Dress – French Connection

$398

Single Ruffle Panel Dress – Forever 21

$24.80

Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress – J-Crew

$225

Ali Pleated Dress – Marciano

$178

Shoshanna Strapless Jacquard Dress – Nordstrom

$328

Hawks by Geren Ford Jacquard Dress – Urban Outfitters

$98

Marc Jacobs Bow-Embellished Lace Dress – Neiman Marcus

$1200

Jay Godfrey Renzo Pieced-One Shoulder Dress – Neiman Marcus

$495

Knitted Crochet Tinsel Dress – Top Shop

$145