CHRISTMAS IN JULY – TO CELEBRATE OR NOT
In the so-called dog days of summer, we True Fashionista humans have somehow found a way to put a fresh perspective on dealing with the sweltering heat. Beyond plunging into an outdoor water source or hiding inside a lovely air-conditioned location, we like to pretend it's December. With a great deal of focus and a smidge of guilt(y pleasure), True Fashionistas, Naples' best consignment store, joins the crowd to celebrate Christmas in July!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY – THE HISTORY
Now before you assume that the idea of busting out the red and green this time of year was invented by greeting card companies and retailers to boost sales during the typical summer slump, we can confidently report that, surprisingly, this was not initially the case. Christmas in July, writes Southern Living, was invented in late July 1933 at a girls' camp called Keystone Camp in Brevard, North Carolina. Camp co-founder Fannie Holt, a whimsical creative type, included carolers, a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, presents, and fake snow made of cotton in the initial event. Then, when the party was over, everyone jumped into the lake to cool off. And just like that, an unofficial True Fashionista holiday was born.
We later got the movie "Christmas in July" in 1940, where a man's colleagues prank him into thinking his great work won him a $25,000 prize, and he goes on a jolly spree of generosity. By the 1950s, retailers had caught on, and Christmas in July officially became a reason to have a sale.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY IN A POST-COVID WORLD
Although Christmas in July sales are de rigueur these days, being able to truly celebrate together after a pandemic makes it all the more satisfying. You, too,o can get in on the festivities. Head out to True Fashionistas online or visit us at your local consignment store, Naples, and snag a goodie or two to get ready. Before you spend too much time scouring the racks for a leftover ugly Christmas sweater, consider treating yourself to a summer fashion find or two and handbag to match. Use this "celebratory" time to clear out your old purses and bring 'em into True Fashionistas, home to authentic designer handbags on consignment as well. Go shopping with a friend because we safely can (yay), and discover gems during the True Fashionistas Christmas in July sale.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY GIFT GIVING
There's no need to feel the pressure and wallet squeeze of the December holiday rush. Christmas in July doesn't have to be extravagant gift-wise. Give your loved ones some summer-themed items that will make their summer more fun—pool floats, sidewalk chalk, colorful beach towels, designer sunglasses from the True Fashionistas collection, or pretty shades of nail polish for a summer pedicure. They all fit the bill of this holiday that one might call "Christmas Lite." You could do the bulk of your shopping at True Fashionistas, Naples' best consignment store, and swim among the mega selection of authentic discounted designer consignment items!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY DECORATING TIPS
Here's possibly the best news for properly celebrating Christmas in July – there's no need to dig through your carefully packed away red and green storage bins to create a festive look. String some fairy lights through backyard trees or around your living room. Decorate a small artificial tree with fun summer décor like seashells, flip-flops, and top with a True Fashionista decorative starfish from our Home and consignment store, Naples. Of course!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY – KEEPIN' IT COOL
It's a heatwave out there! You can still, however, go for cold with the mere power of suggestion. It's a fact, says Walter A. Brown, clinical professor of psychiatry at Brown and Tufts medical schools and an expert in the placebo effect, "Reading about cold can take your mind off the thermometer, evoking one's own experience of ice and snow." Do you even need another reason to gather 'round for a reading of The Polar Express or How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Here's a thought from summer heat central: Drop the AC a few degrees and snuggle up under a blanket to complete the mood.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY – CELEBRATE!
Find other ways to bring some Christmas fun to your summer via foods like frozen hot chocolate or s'mores "gingerbread" houses made with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Play your favorite Christmas carols, and watch some of the best Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel or your favorite streaming service. You'll get into the holiday spirit even if there's an excellent ol' fashioned summer thunderstorm raging outside.
Come in, browse and enjoy the AC at True Fashionistas, Naples' best consignment store and the most trusted since 2011. Scoop some Christmas in July deals in-store, online, or in our eBay store. Merry Christmas in July!