SHINE ON

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve; a night of silver, sequins, sparkling wine & a sultry smoky eye. It's considered to be one of the biggest celebrations of the year, so why not celebrate in style? Why not wear the most stunning outfit you've worn all year? Go ahead, spice it up with sparkles, beads, strappy sandals and baubles. 

THE WHITE TUXEDO

Along with a super-chic winter white tuxedo, lace & leather make for perfect party ensembles for the New Year celebration. Take a cue from Chanel Iman's classy and sophisticated look, below. Less (clothing) isn't more in this case, despite the plethora of super-short, super-low frocks of the scantily-clad of the evening. 

Even if you can't find the trendiest pieces of the season, all it takes is a great pair of heels, a shimmering statement piece, and a killer smile (red lipstick to enhance it!) to ring in the New Year as your most confident, radiant self. Here's a toast to a fabulous evening & optimism for a Happy 2012!

ALL THE TRIMMINGS

With Christmas only a few days away, many are braving the crowded malls and shops for last-minute deals, wrapping presents to put under the tree, and gathering ingredients for specialty cakes, casseroles and cocktails alike. There's often so much attention to detail put into what to buy, what to bring or what to make, that the question of what to wear goes unasked. 


Christmastime, unlike any other time of the year, heralds warm feelings of gift-giving, generosity and gratitude. That said, there are ways to look stylish for the occasion without breaking the bank. In fact, that LBD in the back of your closet can look as trimmed as your tree with a little sparkle, pops of color, and statement jewelry. Even your tried-and-true dress suit can be stunning accompanied by a bright bauble necklace, a glittery gold clutch, and festive red lipstick. 

JIL SANDER F/W 2011

RACHEL ZOE F/W 2011

MICHAEL KORS F/W 2011

THE HOLLY & THE IVY

Though many experts warn against the combination, no other colors are as traditionally characteristic of Christmas as red & green. To pull off the combo without looking like Buddy-the-elf, choose one of the colors as your base, and accent it with different textures of the opposite color in the form of an accessory. A jade stone necklace or dazzling drop-earrings to complement a fire-engine red lip, an evergreen shift offset by a berry-colored manicure, or a teal velvet maxi paired with a flash of red-soled Louboutins are just a few ways...

Other ways to look festive {but not like an overdone Christmas tree} include sequins, sashes, baubles and bows in metallic shades of silver and gold. I favor muted metallics for a luxe edge, which look best paired with black for contrast. Silks are elegant for evening, and comfy knits and sweaters {in red, green, or fairisle} are perfect for gift-exchanging. Below are a few of my favorite holiday looks from the F/W 2011 collections...

RALPH LAUREN HOLIDAY 2011

ALICE & OLIVIA F/W 2011

...and some of my favorite holiday looks by graphic fashion artist Inslee Haynes 

J.CREW HOLIDAY 2011 via Inslee by Design

Wishing all of my stylish readers a very Merry Christmas filled with family, friends, food & fashion!

"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with melody that would last forever." Bess Streeter Aldrich

BEAUTY & THE BEST

If you're the kind of person who puts quite a bit of effort into planning outfits for upcoming occasions or even just for what you're going to wear to work tomorrow, I'm sure you put just as much, if not more, thought into your makeup and beauty routine. While each person's regimen differs in terms of daily skin care and grooming, there are some classic beauty and hair looks from which designers draw inspiration no matter the season. From Veronica Lake long locks to Nutcracker ballet topknots and Brigitte Bardot boudoir tresses, the below are a sampling of my favorites...

MANE ATTRACTION

And while some of the more extravagant 'dos may precipitate a makeup-overload-don't, the best way to compliment sleek, pulled back pony's and plaits, is with a seductive, sanguine pout. Timeless and chic, and oh-so-appropriate with holiday soirees just around the corner.

POUT PERFECTION

For heavier makeup looks that give an edge of film noir rather than Nightmare Before Christmas, stick with a smoky eye or a plum pout, but not both. 

LA NUIT

For a pared-down, more natural makeup pallette that works for everyday, choose a sheer lipstick or pinky-peach gloss to compliment dewy skin and luscious lashes. Don't forget blush and groomed, yet natural brows.

LES NATURELS

Have I got you covered as far as Fall beauty and style? Trust me that a killer combination of makeup, hair, and clothing takes some planning to fake an "effortlessly chic" look. But if I had to offer a quick, easy, and no-fail ensemble for right now, choose red lips, leather and fur [faux fur= definitely not a faux pas] and you'll be sure to impress no matter what the occasion. Leave it to DVF [below] . . .

*all photos via style.com

"Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."- Gwyneth Paltrow

INSTamuse

When I'm not blogging (guilty!), I'm most often reading my favorite style blogs and flipping through the likes of my favorite fashion magazines for inspiration. Since I don't actually own a professional camera, I record outfit snapshots and other a.musements via my handy little iPhone app, instagram. Here are some recent photos for your viewing pleasure...