The eternal New Year’s Eve struggle: stay in, or go out. If you’re not one for braving the drunken crowds and starting the new year with an epic hangover, consider a festive night at home with friends. By staying in, not only will you be saving money by not paying for overpriced drinks and entrance fees, but you also won’t have to incur the bitter sting of unmet expectations. Read on for a checklist of must-haves for a glitzy and entertaining evening at home with friends! 
1. The perfect outfit. For a New Year’s Eve in, your outfit could go a thousand ways. Want to wear a floor-length sequin dress with heels? Go for it! Sticking to your guns in sweatpants and a college tee? Fine! I tend to go for an outfit somewhere in between to ring in the new year with comfort AND style. In my eyes, a new pajama set paired with lots of layers of sparkly vintage necklaces and a swipe of lipstick makes me feel my new years best. 2. A signature drink. This is the most obvious must-have for a New Year’s Eve at home. Either stick with a classic bottle of champagne, or find a fun drink recipe on Pinterest. If you don’t serve the drink in nice glass stemware found at home, buy some cute occasion-appropriate disposable cups. 3. Bite-sized snacks. Unless you’re planning a New Year’s Eve dinner party, you’ll only need a few different types of snacks for your friends to nibble on as you count down to midnight. Go for chocolate-dipped orange slices, popcorn balls, homemade rice krispie treats, or white chocolate pretzels – anything simple enough to throw together at the last minute. 4. New Year’s Eve party accessories. In order for there to be a celebratory mood at the gathering, it is important to have classic new year accessories for your guests to play with. Hats, tiaras, 2015 glasses, glow sticks, horns, blowouts, squawkers and whatever else you can get your hands on are crucial additions. 5. Celebratory decor. Lighting is everything. Put up a few strings of clear Christmas lights around the room you’re hosting in. Tacking them up on the ceiling and turning off the rest of the lights creates a particularly beautiful atmospheric lighting. If those Christmas lights aren’t bright enough, back them up with all sizes of unscented candles to add to the soft, festive lighting. Turning on regular room lights just makes it feel like any old night in. 6. Grownup games. Once everyone is a little buzzed, keep them entertained with something other than food. With a group of ten people or less, something like a deck of tarot cards, a ouija board, or a game of charades is bound to be fun. I just recently came across another great fortune-telling game in How to be Parisian Wherever You Are. The directions are as follows: Take a random book off of the shelf. Player 1 asks Player 2 a question about their own life, as if they are addressing a fortune teller. Player 1 asks Player 2 to choose from the front or back of the book. If from the front, Player 1 flips through the pages of the book from the front and stops when Player 2 says. Player 2 then chooses right or left, to determine which side of the book to read from. Player 2 chooses a line between 1 and 30. Player 1 then reads this number line from the chosen page. This line answers the original question posed in a prophetic fashion. 7. Resolution making. Before the stroke of midnight, have everyone write down a resolution for 2015 on a piece of paper. Once everyone is finished, seal the deal by throwing the paper into the fireplace and watch it burn up. Can’t take the resolution back now! 8. Bubble wrap stomp. Regardless of how old you are, popping bubble wrap is fun and sounds like fireworks. In the 10 seconds before the Ball drops, lay out a few sheets of bubble wrap for you and your friends to stomp on. 9. Balloon drop. I found directions for a DIY balloon drop on a blog post aimed for parents with children, but what the hell, it looks fun. Nothing says New Year’s Eve party like a rain of balloons and sequins at the stroke of midnight. 10. Crowd-pleasing movie. Once the Ball drops and the champagne haze is wearing off, turn off your music playlist and turn on a good movie. If everyone is having fun and energy is high, put on a movie everyone has already seen a thousand times as background noise. If energy is running low and everyone is partied out and sobering up, redirect focus to the TV with a gripping movie everyone will enjoy. My choice? Gone Girl.
holiday
Shopping Guide: January Party Dresses
Still have nothing to wear on New Year’s Eve? I advise you head over to the ASOS dress sale immediately and schedule yourself a 2-day delivery! Below you’ll find 8 of my picks from the ASOS collection. All are classic dresses that you can wear not only on New Year’s Eve, but all year round (if worn with the proper accessories). Trend-followers avert your eyes; asymmetrical cuts, peplum flair, and neoprene fabric not included.
ASOS, Midi Cami Body-Conscious Rib, $19.90.
ASOS, Netted Prom Dress, $60.64.
Forever Unique, Lace Pencil Dress with High Neck, $217.93.
ASOS, Baroque Embellished Midi Shift Dress, $96.65.
Chi Chi London, Premium Metallic Lace Midi Prom Dress with Bardot Neck, $87.17.
ASOS, Floral Placed Body-Conscious Dress, $45.48.
ASOS, Vintage Midi Bardot Dress, $96.65.
ASOS, Satin Bardot Midi Prom, $89.07.
What to Wear: New Year’s Eve
The fashion forecast this New Year’s Eve predicts plunging necklines and all things sequined. While the following seven pieces are by no means innovative picks for the most glamorous night of the year, I prefer to think of them as classic New Year’s Eve selections. To switch things up, pair one of these show-stopping ensembles with barely-there makeup. After all, the pairing of opposites is a sign of innate sartorial grace. Read on for shoppable links, inspiration, and styling advice.
H&M, Jumpsuit with Fringe, $59.95.
Conservative enough for dinner with family, yet festive enough for drinks with friends, this jumpsuit is a good pick regardless of your New Year’s Eve itinerary. Jumpsuits in general are particularly well-suited to plans that involve a dance floor. Complete the outfit with metallic heels, a sequined clutch, and vintage, clip-on earrings.
Atterly Road, Black Sequin Slit Maxi Dress, $42.00.
This dress has a precarious cut – so wear with caution. Pair the dress with a comfortable pair of pumps (ones you don’t have to worry about), and minimal jewelry. Sweep hair out of the face and into a low chignon for a glamorous, old Hollywood look.
ZARA, Dress with draping at the back, $39.99.
This dress has the same dramatic draping at the back as the previous dress, but with this one, you won’t have to worry about the high leg slit as well. Since the dress grazes the knees, and might hit even lower on shorter girls, wear this dress with heels to lengthen the leg. Note: Don’t wear a cross-body or shoulder strap purse with this kind of neckline – it will have your dress slipping off your shoulder all night. Annoying!
Nasty Gal, Hustle Sequin Dress, $98.00.
With so much skin, and so many sequins, tone this look down with a beautiful pair of flats. Brightly colored, embroidered flat mules would be a particularly trendy choice. As for jewelry, layer a few of your favorite delicate necklaces to add some dimension (and coverage).
TOPSHOP, Sequin Bandeau Jumpsuit, $160.00.
Whether it’s a dress, a skirt, or a jumpsuit, mid-length pieces should always be worn with leg-lengthening shoes. Avoid booties, platforms, wedges or heels with a thick ankle strap. Again, keep jewelry simple and delicate so it doesn’t interfere with the onslaught of sequins. Necklaces should not extend past the sweetheart cut.
Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue Sadie Deep-V Sequin Tank Dress, $79.00.
If you only remember one thing from this post, let it be that super short dresses should not be worn with sky-high heels. Do it for your mom, do it for the sake of good taste, but mainly do it for yourself. Pair this dress with a faux fur caplet, shiny oxfords, and a stack of bangles on each wrist.
TOPSHOP, Silk Bardot Pencil Dress, $420.00.
This is the most elegant and timeless ensemble of group, and, not surprisingly, the most expensive. Draw attention to the beautiful neckline by pulling your hair up into a ballet bun or a french twist. Pair the dress with a classic heel (nothing too bulky) and a bejeweled clutch.
Table Setting DIY: Holiday 2014
At our house, Christmas Eve dinner is the most elegant night of the holiday season. Fine china, crystal stemware, and silver utensils are all in attendance at the dinner table just a few hours before Santa’s sleigh touches down on the roof. While these three components remain the same from year to year, we like to make small annual changes to aspects of the tablescape and dining room decor. Below you’ll find a few hosting tips and DIY ideas for a festive holiday dining experience.
Always pull out your best china – if you can’t use it during the holidays, then when can you? Review those pesky table setting rules to keep your grandmother happy.
Be inventive with your flower arrangements. Cotton branches: snow-like, won’t melt, and doesn’t have a scent that will interfere with the food.
Decorate the table with small, unscented candles. Candles of slightly different height and shape will add some dimension to the table. Not everyone likes scented candles, and the artificial scents can give many people headaches. If you want to add some Christmas-spirit-inducing scents to the atmosphere, go for a pine garland or cinnamon sticks.
Ahh, place settings. Place settings are one of the easiest ways to get creative with a tablescape. For the most part, these seat-holding indicators are small and discrete, but pack a major punch. In my experience, everyone always notices this thoughtful detail and it automatically makes your dinner party more formal and elegant (even if you are dining with immediate family). Inscribe a piece of card stock with each person’s name and put it in a jingle bell.
Last important detail? Napkins! Paper napkins are a big no-no at a formal dinner table, and folding napkins in an intricate fashion can look mainstream hotel. Instead of falling into one of these pitfalls, try dressing up your napkins with things found around the house at this time of year – tinsel, pine sprigs, tiny ornaments, etc. This year I’m rolling up napkins, topping it with a pine sprig and a full cinnamon stick, and tying it all together with some hemp twine.
Check out the finished table setting at my house on Instagram – @twyla_shelmire. Merry Christmas!
How to Wear: Novelty Leggings
No one loves leggings more than I do. Stretchy, soft, and able to be worn both in and out of bed, leggings are a part of my daily uniform. In my eyes, the only thing better than your typical cotton or nylon-blend legging is a pair of holiday-season-appropriate novelty leggings. Novelty (/ˈnävəltē/) is defined as “the quality of being new, original, or unusual.” In the phrase “novelty leggings,” novelty comes to refer to velvet, knit, and sequins. These types of leggings can be easily found at a “fast-fashion” store this time of year – Target, H&M, and the like have got you covered. As to how to style these pieces? Keep reading…
I just bought a pair of velvet leggings at Target the other day, and am having trouble convincing myself to wear anything else. While these can obviously be worn in a party setting to stay warm and look festive, I like wearing mine during the day for some subtle, sartorial holiday spirit. For a daytime look, pair the leggings with a white, button-down shirt (one that is a little large and covers your butt), a colorful, chunky scarf, and either loafers, pointed-toe ballet flats, or your favorite booties. My opinion this holiday season = velvet leggings > leather leggings.
Another amazing Target find this last week: pink sweater leggings. These Fair Isle showstoppers are a little more difficult to style compared to velvet and sequins because they are multicolored, patterned, and closely resemble pajama bottoms. Okay fine, they are pajama bottoms. In order to avoid looking like you literally rolled out of bed in the morning, I suggest only wearing these at night – either vamped up for a party or just to get into bed on Christmas Eve. Pair bright knit leggings such as these with a chambray shirt, a structured, satin blazer, and a pair of sky-high, bejeweled heels.
A few years ago I invested in a pair of Alice & Olivia sequined leggings in black. At this point, they have paid for themselves in compliments. If you haven’t already taken the plunge and bought a pair of sparkly pants, I suggest you do so immediately. Regardless of the color of sequins you choose, I find sequin leggings easy to style because their texture is so unique. The only rule with sequined leggings is not to wear them with other sequined items of clothing – let the leggings be the star of the show. For a party outfit, wear sequined leggings with a long, chunky knit sweater, and a pair of delicate (non-bejeweled) heels.
Home Inspiration: Holiday 2014
If you’re prone to Grinchyness when the holidays roll around, or if you simply have trouble getting into the spirit – make some hot chocolate, cuddle with the nearest furry animal, and take a look at these beautiful, snowed-in homes. Eye candy galore!
Kiss-Proof Lip Balm: Holiday 2014
Mid-December to January 1st is a very affectionate time of year, second only to that holiday we all love to hate – Valentine’s Day. Between lurking sprigs of mistletoe, and the infamous New Year’s embrace, celebratory kisses are (hopefully) on the horizon. That being said, don’t get caught at a crucial moment with dry, cracked lips induced by winter weather. Prepare in advance for potential suitors with the following colorless lip balms, which will have your lips feeling soft, moisturized, and kissable in no time. Lipstick optional.
Clark’s Botanicals, Ultra Rich Lip Balm, $19.00
Deeply hydrating, subtle vanilla flavor, scented with jasmine absolut.
Elemental Herbology, Nutritive Lip Complex, $18.69
Soothing with a noticeable pluming effect, and texture improvement.
Herbivore Botanicals, Rose Lip Butter, $12.00
Buttery texture, light rose scent, and 100% natural.
Fresh, Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy, $25.00
Immediately moisturizes dry lips, prevents flaking, and enhances volume.
Philosophy, Kiss me Tonight, $21.00
Restores color to lips, and deeply conditions with a creamy texture.
Party Shoes: Holiday 2014
Here you’ll find 10 of the most lust-worthy pairs of shoes out there to complete – or inspire – your holiday party attire. On the forecast: pointed toes, leopard print, light pink, and manageable heel height. Dance the night away, Twinkletoes!
Prada, Pointed Toe Metallic Flats. While I can’t find these online to save my life, here you’ll find a similar pump by Prada, and metallic pointed flats by Marc Jacobs.
Anthropologie, Pilcro Hayden Booties, $208.00.
Dolce & Gabbana, Mary Jane shoe, price upon request.
Christian Louboutin, So Kate Booty Red Sole Ankle Boot, Papaye, $1,095.
Ballet Beautiful, Satin Street Shoes, $280.00.
Oscar de la Renta, Evelyn Point-Toe Calf Hair Bow Flat, Leopard, $725.00.
Kate Spade, Angelique Heels, $350.00.
J.Crew, Dulci Calf Hair Kitten Heel Loafers, $398.00.
Valentino, ‘Rockstud’ Patent Leather T-Strap Ballerina Flat, $975.00.
Steve Madden, Sillly Shoe in Silver Foil, $79.95.
Last Minute Beauty Gifts: Holiday 2014
If your main gifts have been bought, but you’re still looking to even out the number of things everyone has to open, take a look at these beauty products. Super cute, super effective, and all under $40, these products are crowd-pleasers to the highest degree. Below find everything from jasmine hair powder to beard balm.
Thayers, Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, $9.95
I’ll trust any product that has been on the market for over 150 years. This witch hazel, alcohol-free toner comes in a variety of aloe vera infused formulas, from rose petal to peach to lemon. Everyone on your list, including the hard-to-please-boyfriend and the conservative grandmother, will be pleased to receive a bottle of Thayers delicately scented, highly moisturizing toner.
Santa Maria Novella, Antique Calming Water, $14.00
The historian in me totally loves this kooky gift, which is sure to spark a debate or two upon opening. Back in the days when women wore tightly laced corsets, the extreme discomfort and lack of oxygen often caused hyperventilation and hysteria. Ingestible formulas made with essential oils, such as this one, were meant to be taken by hysterical women for a generally calming effect. Santa Maria Novella’s “Anti Hysteria Water” was first prepared in 1614 by Dominican friar, Angiolo Marchissi. Gift with caution.
Herbivore Botanicals, Orchid Facial Oil Roller, $24.00
Ever heard of a facial oil roller? Me neither! Give the gift of innovation with this well designed, highly potent exotic flower oil. This face oil formula is a mouth-watering blend of orchid extract, jasmine sambac, and Japanese camellia flower oil. The combination of these three ingredients increases elasticity, restores beneficial vitamins, and defends skin against free radicals. Overall effect: a youthful, hydrated, lit-from-within visage.
18.21 Man Made, 3-in-1 Wash, 16oz, $24.00
When buying for men, you can never go wrong with a 3-in-1 wash. As a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, this powerhouse product will help your man stay clean, smell good, and keep his shower organized. 18.21 Man Made is Texas local, with a man-approved, sweet tobacco scent, and packaged in what seems to be a whiskey bottle. Head to their website to check out complementary hair styling products as well. It’s safe to say 18.21 Man Made products leave nothing to be desired.
Beauty Counter, Routine Clean Cream Cleanser, $24.00
While it can be tricky to buy everyday beauty products as intimate as a face wash for someone other than yourself, this cleanser is a well-priced, best seller at BeautyCounter. Routine Clean Cream Cleanser is perfect for an adolescent little sister, beauty product maven, or anyone who needs a soothing cleanser for the winter season. This cleanser gently removes makeup with organic coconut oil, and hydrates skin with witch hazel. In conclusion, if it’s good enough for goop, it’s good enough for us.
Olio E Osso, No. 1 Clear Balm, $28.00
This is one of those items that should be on your list of “3 things I’d take with me to a deserted island.” Olio E Osso produces four highly effective balms (all of which you should give a whirl), but this one in particular is well suited to those who don’t need the added cheek and lip color – i.e. dads, brothers, boyfriends, babies, and the makeup-intolerant. Use the clear balm on everything that needs conditioning: cracked lips, split ends, unkept beards, scary eyebrows, and dry cuticles.
Lulu Organics, Hair Powder 4oz in Jasmine, $30.00
I came across this amazing, organic jasmine hair powder while standing in line at Anthropologie. At Anthro, they sell tiny, 1oz capsules of the silky powder, but these larger 40z sizes are available at the source – Lulu Organics – in a variety of intoxicating scents. The original dry shampoo, hair powder is perfect to style and spruce up unwashed hair on the go. To use, put a dime size amount of powder in your hands, and rub through the roots of dry, unwashed hair. In my book, the art nouveau packaging is reason enough to purchase a capsule – or two.
L:A Bruket, No. 050 Petitgrain Face Scrub, $32.00
My darling mother is the mastermind behind Dallas’ Flower Road Natural Therapies, and let me tell you, I have smelled every essential oil and absolut under the sun. That being said, my favorite essential oil is still petitgrain, one of the first essential oils she ever imported. L:A Bruket, a Swedish skincare company, has combined this increasingly rare essential oil with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin e, and fine sea salt, for a gently exfoliating, highly moisturizing facial scrub you won’t want to part ways with. L:A Bruket products were created to address skincare issues associated with coastal living conditions in Sweden – so as you can imagine, this line is particularly well suited to the harsh winter climate.
Little Wonders: Holiday 2014
Slinkies are cute for the first five minutes, but these are the things we actually want to find in our stockings this year. Ladies – add these sub-$30 little wonders to your list, you won’t be sorry. Thanks in advance, Santa!
Egyptian Magic 2oz Jar, $26: http://www.egyptianmagic.com/store.htm
Named “The People’s Choice” for a reason.
Marvis Toothpaste, Jasmin Mint, $10.50: http://www.beauty.com/marvis-toothpaste-jasmin-mint/qxp85279
My secret weapon – so good you’ll wonder how you ever used Crest.
Clarisonic Brush Head, $27: http://www.clarisonic.com/shop-our-products/clarisonic-deep-pore-brush-head-CL305.html?cgid=Brush-Heads&dwvar_CL305_size=Single#start=7&cgid=Brush-Heads
Plan ahead, you’re always going to need a new one.
Hurraw! Vata Balm, $4.29: http://www.hurrawbalm.com/vata-balm.html
Organic, vegan, raw, and AMAZING.
Scotch Naturals Premium Nail Lacquer in Lambs Wool Creme, $15: http://www.scotchnaturals.com/products.php?pack=none
Non-toxic and beautiful? I’ll cheers to that!
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