NYE Special: Update your LBD

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Kristen Stewart sparkles in a sequined mini-dress; 1. Occasion Sequin Flap Crossbody Bag, Coach, $198; 2. Suede Bootie, ALDO, $90.99; 3. Tarina Tarantino Eyelicity Glitter Liner, Sephora, $16; 4. Chainmail Bracelet with Fringe,Smart Set, $7.99

Zoe Saldana wearing a '20s-influenced Gucci Spring 2012 dress; 1. Elasticized Metal Belt, H&M, $19.95; 2. Ankle-Strap Platform Pump, ALDO, $90; 3, Soft Crepe Tuxedo Blazer, Dynamite, $42.90; 4. Tassel Earrings, H&M, $6.95

Karolina Kurkova hits the red carpet in Chanel; 1. Stop the Show Feather Cape, Claire's, $32; 2. Skinny Feather Headband, Gap, $24.95; 3. Feather Clutch, ALDO Accessories, $40; 4. Velvety Feather Pump, ALDO, $80

Be it resolved that this New Year's Eve, you'll make your old LBD new again;  Instead of letting it fade into a sea of black, black, black, consider your forlorn old frock a blank canvas for party-ready extras that are made for hosting and toasting.  Be they sparkles, shiny golden extras or flighty feathers, the right accessories can renew even the most basic dress, allowing you to greet the coming year with a serious amount of Jagger-like swagger.  Whether you're celebrating with a close group of friends, or partying with thousands, Happy New Year to you!  Wishing you a 2012 filled with good health, happiness, and, of course, fabulous outfits :) xo

Falalalala...

Photo courtesy Life Magazine archives, via Club Monaco's 'culture club' blog 

My shopping is finished, my wrapping is not,

But I'm feeling quite ready to do quite a lot,

(Of eating and drinking and nothing, I mean),

While enjoying the sparkle and glitter and green.

And so my sweet readers, Happy Holidays to you,

'Til 2012, I now bid you, adieu!

xoxo

All I Want for Christmas Is...

Rosie Huntington-Whitely's makeup artist,

Lottie Moss's hair, 

Helen Mirren's confidence,

Jennifer Aniston's personal trainer,

and Gisele Bündchen's bank account.  Any chance Santa can make that happen?

It's Time for...

It's that time of year where all things pretty and shiny come out to play;  The Christmas ornaments glow, the little lights twinkle and the champagne sparkles, making everything feel just a little more magical.  I love how Mulberry's Emma Hill unexpectedly topped a shiny, snow-sweeping maxi with a decidedly utilitarian anorak, keeping the whole look from dancing into OTT territory.   The brilliance of this Club Monaco dress?  Its ribbon belt is removable, so you can cinch the dress at the waist with any of your own skinny belts, and the shimmery fabric is seasonless, meaning you get to wear it all year long.  A good LBD will always be chic but a metallic maxi is way more fun, non?

PS - I'll be talking about chic stocking stuffer ideas on CityLine today!  If you missed the 9 am show, tune in again at 2pm or watch it online!

All That Glitters...

As soon as I spotted this shimmery seductress, I knew that she should be mine.  My fierce bronze goddess would carry my money, my lipglosses and my phone, and I'd carry her through sleet, slush and snowbanks.   We'd hit up parties together - from chic soirées to turkey dinners with the in-laws, and she'd add a shot of shine to even the plainest things I own.   I know that Christmas is less than a week away and I'm supposed to be focused on giving, but I really, really want to take her home.   Is that bad? 

The Bronze 'Wallet' is available now at Zara stores nationwide ($139)