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!

Party On

Originally posted in The CLOSET

1. Hooded Parka, H&M, $69.95; 2. Snake-Print Pumps, H&M, $39.95;  3, Metallic Mini-Dress, Club Monaco; 4. Knit and Leather Gloves, Gap, $44.95; 5. Snake-Print Belt, Le Château, $19.95; 6. Loose-Knit Beret, Smart Set, $12

1. Jones New York Wrap Coat, The Bay, $199.99; 2. Patent Leather Pump, Le Château, $109.95; 3. Pleated Tube Dress, Jacob, $99; 4. Faux Fur Cap, H&M, $12.95; 5. Satin Flapover Clutch, Le Château, $39.95; 6. Dotted Feather Necklace, American Eagle Outfitters, $12.73

1. Quilted Metallic Cross-Body Bag, Gap, $44.95; 2. Faux Shearling Bomber, H&M, $59.95;  3. Maxi Dress, Le Château, $189.95;  4. Leopard-Print Pumps, Nine West at Town Shoes, $110;  5. Door-Knocker Earrings, ALDO Accessories, $8

1. Shiny Jeggings, Dynamite, $39.90; 2. Tuxedo Blazer, Smart Set, $65; 3. Python Print Clutch, H&M, $  4. Suede Lace-Up Boots, H&M, $179; 5. Sequined Open-Back Blouse, Dynamite, $32.90

1. Thin Feather Headband, Gap, $24.95; 2. Pleated Sheer Tank, Smart Set, $30; 3. Lace Pumps, ALDO, $70; 4. Bright Skirt, H&M, $34.95;  5. Hammered Bangle Set, Le Château, $22; 6. Cropped Blazer, H&M, $39.95

It's the middle of November (can you believe it?!), which means that party season is just around the bend.  You survey your closet, only to realize that you have a few LBDs (been there, rocked that), a smattering of sparkly tanks and shoes that look more ready for the dump than the dance floor.  Sigh.  What's a party-girl to do?  Before throwing your hands up in despair, check out these looks for a little holiday inspiration, with dresses, blazers and sparkly extras to get you through the entire party season without busting your budget.   

A metallic mini, a little red dress, a snow-sweeping maxi, a tuxedo jacket or a bright skirt will instantly update your holiday looks and are way more versatile than you might think.  If you're looking for a little longevity, try these tips to get more wear out of each piece:

Metallic mini dress - Who says you should save metallics for going out?  When paired with black tights, black ballet flats and a little cardigan, a metallic dress is suddenly appropriate for day.

Little Red Dress - This is a dress you can wear all year long.  For winter, add a little drama to the red by pairing it with black tights, edgy booties and a tuxedo blazer.

Maxi Dress - Maxi dresses are a gorgeous option for day when you throw a little bomber or chunky knit over top and add a pair of flat boots.

Tuxedo Jacket - This will be your new go-to topper.  Wear it with dresses, black leggings, slouchy pants or even a cute tank & jeans.  

Bright Skirt - A plain white short or long-sleeved tee will make that bright orange pop next spring. Or, try it now with grey tights and a pretty grey crew-neck sweater and a shiny silver cuff.   

Perfect!  Now who's hosting?