The music's loud...

The New Year's Eve party is a tradition for almost everyone around the world, and it's a fun excuse to get dressed up. Of course, most of us won't be wearing $3000 Matthew Williamson gowns, but it's nice to fantasize. For New Year's, everyone and their mother will be wearing something metallic or something velvet. I suggest you go ahead of the curve by either working the minimalist look, or going the romantic route -- both big trends for spring.

For the minimalist look, start out with a solid-colored, modern, cleanly cut dress. I like ones by Mary Ping, Dolce Gabanna, Grey Ant, Narciso Rodriguez, or 3.1 Philip Lim. To balance out the simple beauty of the dresses, add more intricate and eye-catching accessories, like shoes from Terry de Havilland, Pedro Garcia, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, or Pierre Hardy. A rich-looking and exotic evening bag, like Bottega Veneta's or Nancy Gonzalez's always works, but younger girls can pull off a larger bag, such as Zac Posen's or De Couture's -- just as long as it's worn with a shorter dress. Finish off the look with delicate jewelry and simple hair and makeup, maybe with one standout feature, like a smokey eye or dark lip.

As for romanticism, a dramatic, opulent, embellished, or just plain feminine dress is key. Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Matthew Williamson, Isili, and Ann Valerie Hash all make excellent ones. Add in simple accessories, like a Bottega Veneta clutch, a Nancy Gonzalez clutch, Louboutin pumps, Jean-Michel Cazabat d'Orsay heels, an Ann Demeulemeester clutch, Pierre Hardy pumps, or maybe even Alaia flats. Girlish but easy makeup and minimal jewelry finishes off the look.

Happy New Year!

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Actually, it's not. Here in Southern California, we don't get much "weather" in the winter. It's generally 60 or so degrees, and it doesn't start to rain until mid January. Too hot to snow, too cold to go swimming. Translation: boring. Thus, I'm envious of both the northerners, who get snow and wind and all that good, cold weather, and the people who live, or at least vacation, somewhere hot and exotic.
My dream cold weather outfit of the moment would start off with Diane von Furstenburg wool pants, a Marc by Marc Jacobs knit top, and Blumarine sweater, topped off with Chloé cape (although I'm also a huge fan of APC's pull-over parka, it wouldn't really work with this outfit). I'd wear Miu Miu moccasin boots when I need to be practical, and Anna Sui boots when I don't. My hat would be from Ann Louise Roswald, my scarf, Hermes cashmere, my gloves, cashmere convertibles from Barney's. And, of course, I'd carry a Lanvin bag, in this case, the Ludvine.
As for warm weather, I'd frolic about St Barts in dresses from Grey Ant, Vince, United Bamboo, more United Bamboo, Elissa Coleman, and Michelle Lowe-Holder, with swimsuits by Missoni, Tomas Maier and American Apparel, and sandals by K Jacques. My sunglasses would be Tom Ford, and once again, of course, I'd carry a Lanvin bag, the Kansas.

T-t-t-thanksgiving

It's that time of year (for us Americans, at least) where we all migrate to a certain family member's house, and stuff ourselves full of pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and that sort of thing. For me, it also includes picking a great outfit for Thanksgiving dinner, because if I have any excuse I have to dress up, I will. But, for purposes of mobility (since I'm flying across the country), I need an outfit that is simple (hence no skirts that require petticoats underneath, or massive Pierre Hardy wedges, and won't give good old Grandpa a heart attack (thus nothing extremely bright or see through).
Ideally, I'd love to wear something from Thakoon's fall collection (particularly this, sans footless tights, this, or this) with some Pierre Hardy flats, but instead, here are my choices out of my closet, which are a lot less over the top.

I could go with the classic look -- Marc by Marc Jacobs (which shall henceforth be referred to as MxMJ) shirtdress, with vintage alligator pumps. I might add some sort of headband and faux fur cape into this as well.


There's also the princess -- Vena Cava dress overtop a white tanktop, with MxMJ shoes, and probably some hair ornamentation.


Or, I could go with something a little more casual -- Rozae Nichols top, MxMJ shorts and shoes.


In conclusion, happy Thanksgiving, and may all your Philip Lim dreams come true!