Tonight We're Going to Party Like It's...2011

Okay, okay, so "tonight we're going to party like it's 2011" doesn't exactly have the same ring to it as Prince's "1999." Nonetheless, with the New Year fast approaching, it is our solemn duty as fashionistas to celebrate in style. So without further ado, allow me to suggest a few wardrobe possibilities for whatever venues you might currently be considering (decisions, decisions!)...

(1) If your plan is to party like a rockstar...then you need the Althazar Dress by Tory Burch. Once thought to be irreverent, even a fashion faux-pas, the combination of navy and black is now considered bold, modern, and sophisticated. Its body con fit and rows of sequin stripes brings the Althazar's timeless silhouette to a whole new level--one that's simply made for a new year. Styling tip: best worn with opaque black tights and your very highest black heels.

(2) If you're snuggly and snowbound...then you need the Electra Vest from the J. Crew Collection. Reinterpret "snow bunny" by adding a bit of hipster flair with this electra-fying furry vest. Made of Italian shearling panels with a defined collar, the short and fitted silhouette is ultra flattering when worn over a boyfriend top and paired with skinny jeans. The overall effect is a subtly modern homage to the après ski look. Styling tip: tousled hair and hipster glasses are optional...but absolutely fabulous.

(3) If you're braving the elements...then you need this Wool Felt Coat from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Because let's be honest, freezing outside is so not hot. The good news is that it's hip to be warm when you select the right outerwear, and this Marc classic (worn by the likes of Sienna Miller and Blake Lively's Serena van der Woodsen) brings a bit of military edge to the table with its gold tone buttons and hook and bar closures. And because the details really do matter, this jacket's bold red lining adds a little pop! of color that can boost a fashionista's spirits during the doldrums of winter. Styling tip: As fabulous as Blake/Serena may look in her itty bitty mini and spiky heels, if you're spending NYE in the bitter cold outdoors, ditch the stilettos and opt for sleek riding boots instead (shearling lined is a plus).

One of the things I love most about New Year's is that there's not just one option for celebrating. In fact--rather symbolically, I think--the possibilities are endless. For some, this means going downtown and standing in the freezing cold as the minutes tick down to midnight. Others opt for parties with friends, or cozy evenings at home with loved ones. One of my high school friends celebrated his birthday on New Year's, and so--in my younger years--December 31 always meant the most fun birthday party everrr. But whatever your New Year's Eve protocol, style is a MUST. And on that note, cheers to a very fashionable New Year.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Althazar Dress by Tory Burch $416.50 (now on sale for an additional 25% when you enter promo code "extra25" at check out!), available online(http://www.toryburch.com/); (2) Electra Vest $498 by J. Crew from the J. Crew Collection, available online (http://www.jcrew.com/); (3) Wool Felt Coat from Marc by Marc Jacobs $340.80 (on sale--marked down from $568!!), available at Saks Fifth Avenue and online (http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/); (4) Marc Jacobs' Wool Felt Coat as worn by Sienna Miller, photo thanks to iOffer (http://www.ioffer.com/); (5) Marc Jacobs' Wool Felt Coat as worn by Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl, photo also thanks to iOffer.

A-List Status

Last week, I confessed that I tend to wear my heart on my nails--which means that for various reasons, the past few months have found me solidly in the black nails category. Well, due for a polish update, I met some dear friends for a mani/pedi at MiniLuxe last night. As we perused the nail polish selection, I debated between navy blue and dark grey. I mean, nothing says "holiday" quite like black-ish polish, right? Settling on navy, I took my seat at the manicure station between my girls. It was then that I noticed they had selected the same festive shade of red--and I thought, why not?...

The color, A-list by Essie, is a bright, cheery, red-carpet-worthy red. I admit, I hadn't been feeling all that festive, but sometimes a few good friends with fabulous taste is all it takes to brighten a day. Granted, I'm talking about nail color here, not saving the world... But in fact, I learned today from a lovely yoga guru friend of mine that our hands are included in the flow of heart chakra energies; so there is indeed something to be said for lightening their burden--and nail color. And it is my humble opinion that if you're going to opt for a change, you might as well go for A-list status.

It is this fashionista's humble opinion that a manicure can make a difference. So whatever complications face you this holiday, don't feel bad about indulging yourself a little. My girl Ani DiFranco has said, "I owe my life to the people that I love." I would have to agree with her. And on that note, happy holidays, dear fashionista friends.

Image: A-List nail color by Essie (www.essie.com).

A Coat to Covet

I feel like it's a rule, of sorts: whenever I find myself shopping for others, I undoubtedly stumble upon countless items that I'd like to have for myself. This is especially true around the holidays--and so I was unsurprised when, during a shopping outing at Anthroplogie this past Friday, I discovered a coat fit for royalty.

The Tyndall Coat is the definition of classic, with its simple tweed design, faux fur collar and bracelet sleeves. I love the way its elegance is simultaneously reminiscent of Margot Tenenbaum and a bygone era. And then there's the obvious functionality factor, for a fashionista simply must remain warm and stylish during the chilly winter months. Okay, so it might not be quite as functional as my North Face, but there's no denying that it's a coat to covet! And isn't that what it's really all about anyway?...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Tyndall Coat by Tabitha $248, available at Anthropologie (www.anthropologie.com); (2) Image of Gwyneth Paltrow and Luke Wilson in The Royal Tennenbaums.

All Zipped Up

I'm all about the exposed zipper look, be it on a dress, pants, sweater--whatever. So you can imagine how pleased I was to discover this zipper bracelet at J. Crew, as it's essentially just an exposed zipper. Period. Now, how fabulous is that?

Available in black and taupe, J. Crew's Double Wrap Zipper Bracelet is the perfect marriage of punk and princess. Made of rayon ribbon, a bold zinc zipper zips through, wraps twice, and knots at the end. Simple, yes--but that doesn't make it any less fierce. Given its inherent versatility, I'm into to the black (shocking, I know), though the taupe may indeed be a little less heavy metal. I guess it's a fashionista's prerogative; how edgy do you want to go? Not for nothing, if you put this awesomely amazing accessory on your wish list this year, Santa's getting off easy; it retails for a mere $26.50, and I've been very well behaved this year... Time to get all zipped up!




Images: Double Wrap Zipper Bracelets in warm taupe (1) and black (2) $26.50 each, by J. Crew, available online (www.jcrew.com).

Jingle All the Way

I find holiday-themed fashion an interesting thing to behold. Some opt for holiday sweaters that might have walked straight off the Bridget Jones set (which would make them "jumpers," no?); others pair snowflake or Santa earrings and necklaces; some go with a broader red and green color theme; and then there's the men around the office with the fun snowmen ties... I suppose I'm far less adventurous with my own personal holiday fashion, preferring a more subtle approach.

My favorite go-to accessory for the Christmas season is the red plaid headband that I "borrowed" from my adorable sister years ago.* While it is far less overt that some of the aforementioned options, I find it no less festive and definitely more versatile. When it really comes down to is my personal refusal to commit to a fashion theme. I see it not as a question of boldness (after all, did you see the animal print dress I so covet?) but more of a desire to think outside the box, if only in an understated way. And it is for this very reason that I find myself inspired to jingle all the way--to Kate Spade.

This year, Kate Spade's holiday look is all about jingle bells. If you're not one for headbands (shame!), then earrings, bobby pins, and/or rings are also fair game. Even without the one horse open sleigh, you'll still look dashing in the snow with these festive holiday accessories, made from 14 karat gold plated metal. I'm especially partial to the bobby pins, as they perform in both the form and function categories. I also love the little jingle bell studs that would bring a bit of holiday cheer to practically any outfit. Alternatively, if you're shopping for others, any of these would make a fun and fabulous gift (they come pre-boxed and basically too cute for words). Talk about ringing in the season!

*I fear that admitting this in writing will result in the forced return of this very headband and one very sad older sister--but such are the risks that I take in the name of fashion.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Jingle Bell Bobby Pins $45 by Kate Spade, available online (www.katespade.com); (2) Jingle Bell Studs $45, also by Kate Spade.

Brrr, It's (Chin)chilly Outside!

Some people wear their heart on their sleeve. Me? Like other fashionistas I know, I tend to wear my heart on my nails--which means that for various reasons, the past few months have found me solidly in the black nails category. I like to think of it as creative emoting, but that's neither here nor there. However, on a recent trip to the nail salon with my darling Momma, I made my best effort to brighten my mood by making the bold move into...grey. And this is precisely how I became acquainted with Chinchilly.

Yet another fabulous nail color from Essie, Chinchilly is a soft grey infused with an oh-so-subtle hint of purple. The Essie site calls it a "sleek granite grey," but I shy away from the stone analogy because I feel it's actually a lot warmer than that--think Chinchilla coat (sorry, PETA peeps). If you're not quite ready for a festive red on your nails this holiday season, I'm thinking it's a perfect alternative that channels blustery winter days--days when it is, in fact, (chin)chilly outside! The cold never looked so good.

Image: Chinchilly by Essie $8, available online from Essie (www.shopetsy.com).

Unleash Your Inner Animal

Everyone who's anyone already knows that Eclipse, the third cinematographic installment in the Twilight saga, came out on DVD this past weekend (can I get an Amen?). So, of course, a Twilight marathon was a MUST for me, and I accordingly subjected my wonderful husband and equally wonderful mother-in-law to countless hours of Team Edward vs. Team Jacob... That said, it may come as no surprise that the whole concept of the "inner animal" has been on my mind, and it is perhaps for this very reason that I now find myself inexplicably obsessed with Tory Burch's leopard print Capys Dress.


What might otherwise be a conservative silk dress with a classic silhouette is anything but-- given its bold leopard print. I actually had the recent opportunity to view (and covet) this dress in person at the Tory Burch store in Las Vegas, and I have to admit that the photo online doesn't do it justice. I found the color to be a more of a muted yet rich caramel color than the almost golden yellow in the photo. Nonetheless, I love the styling of Capys in this photo, with the opaque black tights and black heels; I feel it's crucial to balance a wild animal print (or any sort of wild print) with more understated accessories, and black is ideal for this particular dress. The Tory Burch website touts it as "perfect for holiday cocktails," and whether it's cocktails or mocktails that you're sipping this season, I agree that it's high time to unleash your inner animal.



Image: Capys Dress by Tory Burch $395, available online from Tory Burch (www.toryburch.com).