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Fashion Picks

New Year’s Eve Style

December 2009

Alright, so you have your New Year’s Eve dress, your jewelry and your shoes, but where can you stash your lipstick, cards, camera and sparkly noisemaker so they’re all easily accessible? In a cute clutch, of course!

You may have a stash of go-to clutch purses in your closet, but NYE calls for something flashier—something more daring! It’s the start of a new decade, and what better way to celebrate by looking fabulous for a great price. I’ve gathered together five cute clutches under $25 that you can snag last minute at your local shopping mall, so you can stick to your budget and still look like a million bucks!

Forever 21 is a great place to buy trendy pieces because they have amazing prices and you won’t have to worry about dishing out a couple hundred for something that will go out of style next season (and probably back in style in a year or two)! Their Stone Blossom Clutch is made of striped taffeta and faux leather, bedazzled with jewel accents. It would look great with a purple frock or a LBD, and it’s a bargain at just $19. (Photo from www.Forever21.com)

Charlotte Russe has a simpler Rhinestone Kisslock Box Clutch in plain black. This one is perfect if you’re wearing a bright colored dress or anything with a bold pattern. It’s effortlessly chic and goes with anything and everything. Keep in mind, the stuffed-full factor is high in a small clutch like this one, so be sure to cut down your essentials to the bare minimum. This one is $16.99.

I don’t normally go into Hot Topic very often because I’m out of my rebellious phase and all their Hello Kitty paraphernalia freaks me out, but they do have some seriously awesome bags and funny t-shirts! The Silver and Black Bow Clutch is adorable and at just $16.99, I wish they came in every color of the rainbow. It almost looks like a cute little gift package—very fitting for you to snag for yourself after all that holiday shopping for your family! (Photo from www.HotTopic.com)

I love love LOVE the Asymmetrical Flap Sequin Bag from The Limited. The original price on it was nearly $45, but it’s on sale for just $24.99! It has a detachable strap so you can either wear it as a shoulder bag or carry it as a clutch (I’m in huge favor of the latter) and the allover sequins are so NYE and so in right now! I’ve seen it in person, and let me tell you—it’s absolutely encrusted in sequins that shimmer black on one side and gunmetal silver on the other, so you can play with the knap to make it a combination of both colors, if you like. How cool is that?! It’s also available in gold. (Photo from www.TheLimited.com)

The Wristlet Bow Detail Café Bag from White House Black Market is probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, with its Celtic knot and tassel magnetic snap. I suggest getting it in red (the black one is also on sale) to jazz up any LBD or sparkly silver ensemble. It is rather small, but it’s totally worth downsizing because of how adorable it is, and it’s on sale right now for just $19.99! (Photo from www.WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com)

And now, you’re probably finished your last-minute NYE outfit and accessory shopping, so go out with friends, look fabulous, take pictures, make memories and have a very Happy and Stylish New Year!!!

Note: No samples were received for these reviews.

-Keri

Favorite

Fashion Picks

New Year’s Eve Style

December 2009

If you love dressing up for special occasions, there’s no celebration quite as exciting as New Years’ Eve. The glitz, the glamour, the sequins! Mini dresses and high heels abound in every girl’s hopes of beginning a stylish new year.

Whether you have plans to enjoy a fancy dinner and champagne celebration out in the city, or spend the evening at home entertaining friends with fine wine, or even if you don’t have any plans yet, looking fresh and fantastic is always part of the equation. No matter your style and body type (and despite the fact that you may have overindulged on edible goodies a bit this Christmas), there’s a dress that will make you feel sexy and turn a few heads this NYE. And there’s still time to snag a great dress for a great price!

Thanks to the masters of sexy at Frederick’s of Hollywood, who are most well known for their edgy, feminine and naughty lingerie, there’s a wide variety of stunning and affordable clothing fit for the naughty and the nice. They have tight and flowy dresses, classic styles and sexy detailing, and they’re having a great sale right now—up to 70% OFF!!

The stretch satin dress is ultra feminine with ruching on the bust and down the front for a flattering fit. The back shows a hint of skin with a satin bow to finish the look. It comes in a few different colors, my favorite being charcoal, which just so happens to be on sale for $49.99 right now! The fabric does have a little give to it, but keep in mind this is a more body-hugging style, so pay close attention to the handy sizing chart.

For the envelope-pushing fashionista, a statement LBD is more your style. This deep V-neck dress has retro 80s-style shoulder detail, but ruching on the bust keeps it fresh. Also be conscious of the slim silhouette of this one. Keep your accessories on the demure side to balance the strong shoulders and prepare to get a lot of stares.

To accent your “top,” try a halter dress with flowy chiffon. The paneled satin bust gives structure while the open back provides instant sex appeal. The loose chiffon will soften your curves and make you look gorgeous! It comes in black or red at $69 and in hot pink or purple for just $39.99. Don’t be afraid to wear a statement accessory with this one, like some sparkly, long earrings or a chunky cuff bracelet.

I don’t care what anyone says—flappers did it right. For a surprising and trendy NYE, this ombré fringe dress starts the party and keeps it going until well past midnight. Plenty of wiggle room in the accessories department—go for long strands of pearls and rhinestones or stack tons of silver bangles up your arm. Just imagine how great you’ll look shimmying on the dance floor!

Lastly, I have to highlight the dress that I bought from Frederick’s—the goddess dress. Talk about back detailing, this dress is amazing! The deep V-neck is flattering to your bustline while the high waist is flattering to your waistline. The horizontal and vertical black bands are a surprising twist to the typical open back. The fabric is a polyester/spandex blend that’s smooth to the touch with lots of give. I plan to wear it with footless tights and high heels in a surprising color—purple!

Reminder: If you choose a style with an open or strappy back, don’t forget a coordinating versatile bra!!

Note: No samples were received for this review. Images are from www.Fredericks.com.

-Keri