New Year's Sparkle - Northern California Style

Tory Burch at a party earlier this year. Vogue.com

What are you wearing for New Year’s Eve? Are you going to a fancy party or just hitting the couch to watch the ball drop? The latter was what we did for many years when our kids were very small. Now, we have been lucky for the last few years to get together with fun friends whose kids are similar ages. The kids have a blast waiting for midnight and we adults dress up a bit and ring in the the year with good pals. With the kind of party we are attending we get sparkly, but still dress comfy. We’re talking jeans and cute tops with a fun accessory or two. I’ll try to bring it and wear something that feels fun! I am right now contemplating wearing a ruffly black blouse, jeans and black motorcycle boots or a sequin sweater tank top in grey and some skinny dark pants from J Crew. Or maybe I’ll go shopping…

Here’s a few stylish ideas.

Love this if I was going to a fancy party. Michael Kors via Vogue.com.

What about a cute sequin skirt and a soft long sleeve sweater? I would love this with flats or boots. With heels you’ll look like you’re trying too hard. Classy vs. crassy if you know what I mean. Less can be more. Nordstrom.com

Hey, even easier, this is a dress. Like the relaxed appeal. Nordstrom.com

I’m loving one-shouldered tops. This Rachel Zoe top is cute with jeans. Add a fabulous earring or cuff bracelet. Nordstrom.com

Simple and elegant. Love this blouse especially. Hair up would look cute with this ruffled collar. Vogue.com

Pretty pale look from Club Monaco. Do you feel like a bit of time travel? I’d be channeling some fabulous British drama like, ” Passage to India”, or something in this. Oops wrong party! Darn.

A more casual top with sparkles from Nordstrom.com. I’d go for an authentic Northern California look and add some cute ripped jeans and keep the hair natural as shown. If you’re entertaining at home, go barefoot if you dare and currently have a good pedicure status. 🙂

Speaking of pedis you might have fun wearing this… Rainbow Connection by OPI.

If your outfit is not sparkly try to find a fun bracelet or a glittery purse to go along. You shouldn’t be all glitter, just one or two pieces. If your outfit is already shimmering, maybe just one or none. This is one time adding a bright red or dark pink lip applied perfectly can look so right. Remember to keep the rest of your face clean and just do the lip for a modern look. Like this look below.

I love this $20 clutch from Nordstrom.com

Sequin and bead clutches from Club Monaco

How about this pave link bracelet? J Crew.com too.

Club Monaco

Tasha earrings from Nordstrom again. If you’re going to wear earrings as your main bling then go big or go home!

Loving this $58 jacket from the juniors department. Nordstrom .com Perfect topper to keep you glamourous but warm. At least here in Nor Cal. Sorry if you are in Chicago, this is probably not going to cut it.

Speaking of accessories, one that screams New Year’s Eve is the fascinator! If you don’t already know, fascinators are all the rage now thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge, (Kate Middleton), who wears them to many of her formal events instead of a hat. A fascinator is a headband with feathers or often a small hat attached. They are the perfect sassy addition to a sparkly New Years’ ensemble. My talented friend, Meilei creates them and I was so lucky to grab one myself for my New Year’s Eve. Fascinators say you are ready to party and they are not for the faint of heart!