sparkly skirts

New Year's Eve is the night when all the glitz, sparkle and glitter come out from hiding. To make my look a little unique this year, I'm eschewing the standard LSD (not that... the Little Sparkly Dress) for a shiny skirt. It's a little bit of a challenge to dress-up a skirt to the level of all the cocktail dresses that will be up there, but that just makes it more fun.

Fancy-it-up with rich textures like lace, feathers and fur. Add jewelry that is glamorous, but not overly trendy and add wear it with quality accessories, like a structured clutch, patent heels and a fur coat.

Free People Glitzy Sparkle Skirt
J. Crew Naomi Feather and Sequin-Embellished Silk Skirt
Max Azria Stud-Embellished Silk-Chiffon Mini Skirt
Haute Hippie Sequined Wrap Miniskirt
White House Black Market Stripe Layered Skirt
ASOS Pencil Skirt in Sequins
Topshop Premium Metallic Pleat Skirt
Trina Turk Umar Lurex Tweed Pencil Skirt
Diane von Furstenberg Jayde Metallic Mosaic Skirt

tiny tinsel trees

I always struggle with finding holiday decorations that aren't kitsch. When it comes to Christmas, I don't like red and green. My mom does garlands, white lights and gold accents, which I love. I'm not that dedicated, but I want to add some spirit to my apartment. For some reason, I can't get tiny tinsel trees off of my mind. I would love to cover a mantle or small table in little trees in different shapes and colors, like the girls at Glitter Guide. I just hope I don't look like a crazy old lady.

christmas countdown

I went to Catholic school for 14 years, so I'm a firm supporter of an Advent calender that doesn't involve cardboard and old chocolate. Etsy store EcoMonster's DIY Advent calender kits are the perfect, modern alternative.

Every day leading up to Christmas, open an envelope filled with little craft supplies, like beads, glitter, stickers and stamps. The insides aren't the only treats, as the clothespins and envelopes give Christmas decor a nostalgic twist.

For those that aren't as religious (or are just behind the ball!) there's even a "12 Days Till Christmas" version.

weekend party pants

Holiday season means there can't be enough glitter or sparkles in your wardrobe. Instead of looking like everyone else in a sequin skirt or dress, try one of these awesome pairs of sparkly pants.

A pair of sequin leggings may be for the biggest risk taker (with a banging bod), but sparkly trousers are perfect for a party but polished enough to wear at the office.

The pants are such a statement piece, topping them with a simple sheer blouse would look elegant and fun. There are also tons of ways of rocking these while avoiding looking predictable. Mix in harder pieces like chambray, leather or even flannel. Go monochromatic without being too showy by topping with a shirt or jacket in matte colors of the same shade.

Tory Burch Caylee Pants, Alice and Olivia Paula High Waisted Sequined Pants, AG Adriano Goldschmied Sequin Ankle Legging, Zara Metallic Trousers, Camilla and Mark Papillion High Waisted Trousers, Bebe Sequin Cluster Legging

winter formal: part one

My baby sister is a junior in high school and has her winter formal in December. I love getting her, and my other sister when she was in high school, ready for their dances. It's quite the process, starting weeks before the event and involving lots of forwading e-mails, weekend shopping and closet raiding.

It's helpful to start from the beginning with some obvious dress choices. The formal comes right in the middle of the holiday season, so sparkle and shine is an easy jumping-off point. I try to avoid putting them in anything overly trendy, or something someone else might be wearing, since their age group is weirdly obsessed with pictures, Facebook, etc. and I don't want them to cringe when they look back at the photos.

I prefer a shorter dress and like experimenting with sleeves, necklines, backs and skirt silhouettes. A lot of the girls their age end up in straight tube tops with bell or bandage skirts, so I think it's fun to mix things up for them.

Check back soon to see different options for high school formal dresses.

tired of the same old thing

 

Did anyone catch my "The Nightmare Before Christmas" reference in this post's title?

I'm not one for themes, so Halloween isn't my favorite holiday. I usually put on a cute outfit I would normally think was too flamboyant and call it a costume. I can't remember the last time I didn't end up as a hippie or a celebrity.

I also hate scary things. Like, really, really hate. I'm currently traumatized from seeing a commercial for Paranormal Activity 3. I won't go into details. Just more of a reason for me to not get all uppity about Oct. 31.

Because of my reservations about the holiday, I don't normally decorate or throw myself into things surrounding Halloween. This Martha Stewart project, however, has convinced me to change my ways. I am heading out right now to get supplies and make some of these adorable glitter pumpkins. I'm feeling two oranges, and a pink... and maybe a purple. I'll let you know how it goes and maybe post some pictures.

P.S. This picture was snapped by someone and posted to Apartment Therapy and the comments on the page suggest that it's Sarah Jessica Parker's stoop! Even more incentive to get my craft on. I'm doing it in my parents' garage though. You know what they say about glitter...