“Because it is the holidays, attendees are donating more,” Mr. Leveraging good humor and cheer attracts participation. Categories for the dubious honor included most outrageous or creative. “In a non-COVID year, this and our Halloween get together are always a biggie, because people like to get dressed up.”Ĭodirector Doug Hamilton said judging is completely subjective. “The ugly sweater social is a big draw,” Hamilton said. Revelers at Southern Utah Wine Guide ugly sweater social, St. The Southern Utah Wine Guild is making a comeback with smaller, COVID-conscience gatherings. Like most businesses, nonprofits, especially those whose funds are predicated on social gatherings, took a hit and a hiatus during the pandemic. Since 2015, the nonprofit organization has been hosting oenophiles monthly to mingle in support of Utah art and art education programs.
“We like to say, ‘Sipping for a good cause,’” said Marianne Hamilton, co-director of the Southern Utah Wine Guild. When asked if fashion-conscience Carlos wears highly festive holiday sweaters, she admits, “I have personally never worn one. Holiday sweaters adorn their front window display and are peppered throughout the store next to racks with Chicos, Kate Spade and Coach. Tops and blouses are our biggest sellers,” Carlos said. We no longer carry cruise attire and cocktail dresses. “Since the pandemic, the consignment business has changed. Even Gucci throws in something not so becoming to the eye of the beholder. While it has changed hands over its 29-year reign, it is back to its original roots and specializes in women’s high-end brands. Mother and daughter team, Linda Carlos and Tami Cherry own and manage the oldest consignment store in St. The store has vintage sweaters for both men and women, including some prized true haute couture, such as a vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier, which still appears to be passed over for the corny. Urban Renewal has been stocking holiday sweaters since October and displaying them on a centerpiece table. Atkins confirms that sales trend to those with “more embellishments versus the subtle.” “We source amazing nostalgia,” said Alice Atkins, Urban Renewal’s high energy and trend forward media stylist. George, Utah, Decem| Photo courtesy of Jeremy Beitler Urban Renewal sales associate Ashtyn Pickett shows old vs sporting new, St. George Boulevard are staged with an intermix of vintage and new. The floors at Urban Renewal on the corner of Main Street and St. Shoppers can also enjoy the lights in downtown as they browse options within a few block radius. George has no shortage of glue gun owners, consignment shops and vintage retailers. Revelers can purchase a sweater preproduced to be as tacky as possible with a quick Amazon search or at most large retailers.
The real prize goes to sweaters created with the true intention that it is a terrific piece of garb to wear despite being adorned with pom-pom ornaments, crocheted snowflakes and glitter red noses. Whether it is due to the pandemic discouraging large galas, formality is being replaced with light-heartedness of donning cheery and ugly cardigans. Rare these days are the corporate holiday parties sporting cocktail dresses and festive matching neck ties. It was not long until departments stores and the influx of holiday commercialism, offered holiday sweaters off the rack. History leans to the late 80s when comedy sketches including “Saturday Night Live” parodied holiday events sporting such gaudy garb.
GEORGE - When did ugly sweaters become a centerpiece for the holidays? Was it the cringe worthy moment when an eager relative watched you unravel a wrapped package to reveal the handmade sweater, made just for you? And, while you are at it, why don’t you put it on now? Classic holiday sweaters on display at Quality Consignment, St.