MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE SPARKLE

Faster then the speed of light here we are once again at the cusp of a New Year. It seems that the entire 365 days of 2016 have been leading up to this one event; New Year’s Eve. There is always so much pressure around this night to make it memorable so we have some traditional ideas combined with a fresh perspective to make your New Year’s Eve sparkalicious!  (sure it’s a word LOL)

FASHION FIRST

This is the one night of the year that glitter is appropriate; anytime, anywhere, no holds barred. So live it up! Grab that sequined dress, jacket or skirt out of the closet that has been hanging back there for years waiting for its debut and knock-em dead.

Sequined Jacket
Sequined Dresses
Sequined Skirts
Sequined Tops
*Order any item before December 29th. for NYE delivery and receive FREE shipping in the continental US.

If an entire garment full of sequins feels to bold for your wall-flower personality, make it a little more subtle with some glitter tights, jewelry or make-up. If you can’t find glitter tights in your area and do not have time to order them from online we have instructions on our Facebook page for a DIY version that looks terrific.

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FOUR SPARKTACULAR CITIES FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE

New Year’s only comes around once a year, so why not make the occasion memorable and join the celebration in one of these sparktacular cities.

New York City – Although New York may be too much for some people, there is no denying that it is one of the best parties in the world when it comes to New Year’s Eve. Whether you are down in Time Square watching the ball drop or out on the water enjoying the fireworks, New York will give anybody an experience to remember.

London – The iconic Big Ben is the gathering place of hundreds of thousands of people on New Year’s Eve. The banks of the Thames and all of London’s most famous bridges are crowded with people watching the incredible light show and listening to the clock chime at midnight.

Paris – The “City of Lights” lives up to its name during its New Year’s Eve celebration. From the spectacular fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower, to the massive block party in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe and finally to the show at the well known Moulin Rouge, Paris provides an experience not soon forgotten.

Sydney – Because of its unique location Sydney is the first major city to ring in the New Year and they do it in style. The city is known for having one of the largest firework shows  in the world, the show starts at 9 PM and ends when the clock strikes midnight. The large waterfront provides a place for millions of people to gather and enjoy the show which features aerial acrobatics, an Aboriginal smoking ceremony that is said to cleanse bad spirits, and the Harbour of Light Parade.

LET THE NEW YEAR SPARK A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

So, if you are like me and are so over the hype and hubris surrounding this holiday there are others ways to make it memorable without all of the hubbub.

Indoor Camping – Set up a small tent and to add some sparkle put up some lights and light some candles. You can even venture outside and ring in the New Year under the twinkle of the stars. If you are really feeling adventurous you can light a fire (in the fireplace of course) and roast some marshmallows.

 

Create An At Home Spa – This is a great way to pamper your spouse and it sets the mood for a romantic New Year. You can plan out the spa treatments you will offer. Don’t forget the candles and champagne.

 

Spark The Inspiration Of Those Around You, Create A Giving Calendar for the New Year – Create a calendar of ways you want to give in 2017. Plan something for each month, find a charity or ministry that you would like to support and create unique ways to give back to them, it could be as simple as the gift of your time.

 

Put Some Sparkle in Your New Year and Plan a Trip to Vegas in 2017 – Spend your New Year’s Eve planning your next vacation. There are a lot of great ways to enjoy Vegas, from Cirque Du Soleil shows to Wynn Night Clubs, there is something for everyone. Vegas is a great place to make your New Year sparkle.

 

FROM MOROCCO TO PARIS TO L.A.: SPRING’S INSPIRED PRINTS

Thrilled by the exotic? Waiting for your next getaway? Dreaming of Paris? Even if you can’t afford to vacation in luscious Morocco or romantic France this summer, take your own little “mini travel escape ” for a few minutes, and peruse the mysterious yet alluring foreign style inspirations for Spring 2016.

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, colorful tapestries, and exotic locales, the Mediterranean is full of rich heritage and intriguing culture. The influence can be seen in brightly colored pattern and print dresses, blouses, skirts, and pants, as well as sweeping, luscious fabrics.

Hot red and luscious pink prints derive from the colorful sunsets and intricate embellished patterns of Moroccan scarves, tapestries, and fabrics. Sizzle in a silky pink and purple printed maxi dress or try a pretty patterned halter dress paired with your favorite flat sandals.

The lifestyle is much less hectic and fast paced than other parts of the world. Moroccans enjoy a lunch break on the beach or dinner by the sea in their own brightly colored “cabanas” created by their own tapestries and scarves. Food of choice includes flavorful spices, bright fruits, fresh vegetables, and homemade pita bread.

From the mint hue in cropped floral capri pants to kelly green on printed silk blouse to neon color on  silk wide leg Palazzo pants, Moroccan nature’s favorite color is popular throughout Spring’s fashion lines. Earth green patterns influence prints from skirts, to swimwear, to blouses, to pants.

Echoing the natural beauty of the terrain, sellers in the popular Moroccan baazars utilize nature’s green, gold, and beige hues in the pottery, tapestries, and home decor. Earth green colors seep into the patterns and prints of Spring’s favorite fashion lines.

The beautiful yellow and blue patterns on the Mosque Hassan are just one of the many examples of the intricate architecture and rich design found in Morocco and across the Mediterranean. The people are proud of their heritage and culture, and take time to beautify their buildings as works of art.

Inspired by Moroccan tile print and architecture, get your own blue and yellow print flowy maxi dress this Spring.

It’s easy to get swept away in the mystery and natural beauty of the Moroccan culture in sweeping chiffon printed wide leg pants or coral colored pants, reminiscent of the desert sun.

Incorporate the beautifully patterned tapestries and silky scarves sold at Morocco’s favorite outdoor bazaars. Feel like your own “Queen of Sheba” in a printed jersey maxi or blue printed crepe de chine wide leg pants. Throw on a lace design poncho for perfect Moroccan style.

Across the sea, the Moroccan influence can be seen street style in Europe’s most romantic “City of Lights.” Rich in art, culture, music, film, and architecture, the Parisian woman combines the patterns of the Mediterranean with the sophistication of the metropolis.

This Spring, combine the world of Paris’s art, pop culture, and celebrity with influences of Moroccan lifestyles and femininity.

Celebrity and fashion icon Olivia Palermo perfectly portrays the quintessential Parisian woman’s style- classy in an effortless manner. A vintage A-line Moroccan-inspired print skirt easily pairs with a tailored top and black Bolero jacket or rabbit fur vest, mixing exotic patterns with classic silhouettes.

 Parisians know how to rock Spring’s favorite romper in style. Incorporate the exotic ancient prints of Morocco with the trendy new styles of today in a blue printed romper roaming the streets of Paris.

And finally, around the world to America, combine the culture of Morocco and the romance of Paris with the trends of the vibrant city of Los Angeles.

With the trendy yet artistic vibe of the city, L.A. women combine the culture of the Mediterranean with the class of Paris to create a fresh, new style all their own. Trends are often started in the “City of Angels,” spreading across the States one by one.

From Sofia Vergara to Paris Hilton to Salma Hayek, vibrant Moroccan prints attract celebrities of all ages and fashion tastes. With designer style yet affordability, you too can dress like your favorite Hollywood star in a  Boho printed jersey knit maxi dress or go with a classic style in the printed jersey shift dress.

You’ll feel the mystic of Moroccan style as you relax poolside in a custom print sheath dress complemented by lace up Boho chic sandals.

Vacation in style with a colorful Moroccan inspired print maxi or flutter sleeve maxi with the pose of a Parisian lady.

And bring the fun to your own back yard like the Angelenos do. Entertain just like a celebrity with Moroccan tapestries and decor complemented by your own patterned, print dress. From Boho printed maxi dresses to classic shift silhouettes to floral cropped pants, there is a Mediterranean style to fit your personal taste.

From the mystery of Morocco to the romance of Paris to today’s trends from L.A., get swept away in other worldly cultures this Season. Whether Boho maxis to classic shift dresses to cropped or wide leg pants, there’s a perfect style for you.

FASHION WITH PARISIAN POISE

As the Fall Fashion Week 2015 Runway shows come to a close in Paris, the City of Lights, we can’t help but be inspired by the quintessential French woman style. The iconic “French Woman” is so comfortable in her own skin, she is beautiful yet natural, exciting yet calm, fashionable yet simple. This Season why not be inspired head to toe by the organic yet trendy lifestyle of the Parisian woman. Try some tips from top French designers on what exactly constitutes the French woman’s mindset and lifestyle, making her an icon for the fashion world to follow.

NATURAL HAIR

To start your “Parisian” style, begin with the French woman’s undone, “I just woke up like this” natural beauty. Caroline de Maigret states that French women rarely spend hours in front of the mirror perfecting every little detail. Though they do care about beauty, French women take a more holistic approach. She suggests a few hairstyle tips that French women never do, in order to keep their hair healthy, stylish, and natural: never dye your hair, never use a hair dryer, never wash your hair everyday, and never accessorize your hair. Try going to bed at night with slightly damp hair. In the morning, shake your hair out, style with L’Oreal Elnett styling spray to keep strands in place, and embrace your natural hair just like a French woman.

A SCENT OF ROMANCE

The second thing to consider in achieving the “Parisian” look is never forgetting the power of scent. In Caroline de Maigret’s book “How to be Parisian Wherever You Are,” she states “a touch of perfume on your hair, behind you ear, or on the nape of your neck never did anyone any harm.” The French woman knows the art of seduction and romance in a subtle yet irresistible way. Try a romantic look with a Hale Bob sweeping floral maxi skirt paired with a classic Burberry fitted cashmere sweater for chillier Spring days. Choose Audrey Hepburn’s favorite with a sweep of Givenchy Le Rouge lipstick and, of course, a splash of Chanel No. 5 (or your favorite scent) for a romantic Parisian touch.

NO FASHION RULES

When selecting an outfit for the day, the French woman makes up her own rules and dresses herself in the styles that make her shine. This Season do not be afraid to mix and match patterns from your own wardrobe for a unique Spring style. Pair a chic Hale Bob purple floral wrap dress with Hale Bob’s long teal boucle coat. Accessorize with Carmen Marc Valvo leopard heels and a Rebecca Minkoff silver industrial handbag for a contrasting look. Be uniquely you and make up your own fashion design to suit your lifestyle and taste.

 THE PARISIAN SCARF

To perfectly accessorize the “Parisian” way, a scarf is one of the most simple yet stylish items that can be used to enhance your daily outfit. In America, we tend to to just wrap a scarf around our necks and think nothing of it. The French woman can transform any outfit instantly by utilizing a scarf in new and unique ways. We love Hale Bob’s selection of beautiful silk scarves, perfect for any occasion. To get you started, check out Wendy’s Lookbook “25 Ways to Wear a Scarf” for styling inspiration. No need to spend a fortune to update your look this Spring.

COMFORTABLE ELEGANCE

For evenings out, the French woman seeks comfort and ease with no fuss, while still remaining chic and classy. The French woman’s evening style, therefore, is any style she feels comfortable and confident in- being the best woman she can be. On your next night out, capture the French woman’s casual elegance with Hale Bob’s black floral lace pencil skirt, paired with an Eileen Fisher silk tank, and Michael Kors’ black cage heels. Top with a camel leather jacket from Kenneth Cole for a casual yet sophisticated “Parisian” style.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

The Parisian woman is all about natural health and fitness both inside and out. Paris-based editorial make-up artist Violette says “A French woman would rather kill herself than go to the gym. Never get stuck in a hardcore, rigid habit.” Though she admits that classes like The Barre Method are starting to become popular in France, Violette says that the French woman stays fit by just living life. Biking, walking, and hiking are much more popular methods of exercise for the French woman on the go. Incorporate new ways to exercise this Spring by enjoying the warmer weather outside, nurturing your body and soul at the same time. “What we want to be is a better version of ourselves.”

OWN YOUR OWN SILHOUETTE

Forget skinny jeans and bodycon dresses. The French woman embraces her own figure in confidence with no need to flaunt or emphasize it. The French style embodies floaty summer dresses, cigarette pants, and undercoats that flatter and highlight the female form. Parisian shops are full of materials that create beautiful shapes and shadows that enhance your shape and style. We love Hale Bob’s vintage nude pleated shift dress paired with chic Giuseppe Zanotti black heel booties for daytime activities or Valentino nude flat sandals for a day at the beach. Accessorize with a stylish AQUA straw hat from Bloomingdale’s and a straw tote from Moda Operandi and you will look like you just spent a day in the City of Lights.

QUINTESSENTIAL PARISIAN STYLE

The French style is timeless and never goes out of style. In shopping for your next wardrobe essentials, think quality not quantity. The French woman chooses materials that are durable yet classy for any time and mixes and matches clothing items for the latest trends. We love Citizen of Humanity’s relaxed cropped jeans paired with a Rag and Bone striped top and a draped navy cardigan from Neiman Marcus to keep you warm against Spring’s chillier days. Accessorize with ballerina flats from Repetto,  a classic Parisian shoe and ballet shoe company founded by Rose Repetto on advice from her son Roland Petit, a famous dancer, choreographer, and director with the Paris Opera Ballet.

Be uniquely you this Spring by embodying the Parisian style of quality, class, and fashion. Try simplifying your daily beauty routine with natural hair, a moisturizing tint, and a swipe of bright red lipstick. Don’t forget to add a touch of romance to your look with a hint of your favorite scent. Create your unique outfit by mixing and matching items in your closet in new and creative ways that flatter your physique and give you confidence. Accent with a scarf, the most basic of accessories, styled in different ways.  Finally, enjoy the Season and get active outside doing what you love to do most. For true Parisian glamour, forget about trying to look like someone else and be the best you can be.