Sparkles, Glitter, and Glam

New Year's Eve is upon us and what can be more exciting than having an excuse to cover yourself in shiny, fun, fab attire! I usually rock a pretty classic look but I'm definitely partial to sparkles. I can't help it. I love adding that touch of unexpected funkiness to an ensemble.

New Year's Eve is the PERFECT time to really step outside your comfort zone and kick it up a notch. There are so many options out there right now that are adorned with sequin, rhinestone, and metallic thread details. Sometimes the glare of said outfits can be daunting and scary, but don't be a wuss, try them on and give it a whirl....girl!

If you just can't bring yourself to wear a sequin dress or funky shirt, remember your options. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Silky smoothe. Use different materials like satin pants, a velvet jacket, or sequin vest to jazz up your outfit. The classic Tux look is SO in right now and it's flattering on most body types. A nice jacket can take and outfit from 'meh' to 'my word!' in an instant. Add a pop of color with your shoes or purse and you're set, my dear.
2. A touch of class with a dash of sass. There is nothing wrong with a plain dress or pant/top combo. Look for a cool statement piece necklace or a few necklaces that you can wear together to pump it up, just make sure they are different lengths if you are going with a combo look. P.S. it's okay to mix metals: gold, silver, bronze, rose gold. The more the merrier, especially on NYE!
3. Don't forget about those gams! Haven't had a chance to get that last minute spray tan (mine is scheduled for Friday;) and feel a bit pasty? No sweat. Find some great fish nets or even bring back that sexy Mad Men secretary look with some back-seamed hose or perhaps a row of rhinestones. Patterned hosiery/tights are huge right now. Just remember, if you have a thicker, athletic stem, go for a smaller pattern.
4. Fascinate the crowds with a Fascinator! Take a cue from the fancy English folk and don a fun topper. Weather permitting, a really great hat with some flair would be totally appropriate. Just make sure it's cohesive with the rest of your look. A hat with a full sequined dress is not cohesive:-)
5. About Face. You know that glittery palette you have in your makeup set that never really gets touched b/c I mean, how many fancy events does one have that requires a sparkly eye? Well, this is the night to pull out all the stops and pump up those peepers. You can either go with a dramatic eye and neutral lip or emulate Ms. Marilyn with her soft eye color and red hot lips. Take it one step further and try on some fake eyelashes. They have colors, feathers, and rhinestone selections that will make everyone say "turn around bright eyes". This is the night you have a legit excuse to walk on the wild side.

As of yet, I haven't assembled my entire look but I bought this dress a few weeks ago that will be the base. You might think "hmph, simple and black. how un-fun." Have no fear fashionistas, I'll sugar it up.  Don't you worry!

I know NYE can be a chore and it's hard to get excited every year but dig deep, get motivated, and arm yourself with sparkles and glam. After all, you never know who you might end up smooching. Cheers to you!

Love and shoes,

Kim