Happy No Knickers New Year!

The time between Christmas and New Year can often feel like a fashion wasteland, when we have had enough of party glamour and want to slouch around in a 'slanket' and bury our heads under duvet covers. (Sign up for our January newsletter to find out what we think about the 'slanket' phenomenon.) The thought of ramping up the glamour for a feeling fabulous new year can sometimes be a little daunting.

Always evaluate your new years party. There can often be a tendency to assume that a new year party requires glitz and glamour but in reality people can often turn up really dressed down, having tramped through wind and rain and you may end up feeling a little bit too shiny and over dressed! If it's a bunch of friends getting together for a 'relaxed affair' then don't dress like a piece of tinsel or wear skin tight party gear because you might end up facing a round of 'twister' and feel most imappropriately dressed! 

I normally wake up from my fashion stupor on the 31st of December and realise that I need to get dressed up for the evening affair. If this is you, you're last minute, want to feel great but don't want to invest in lots of time shopping or simply don't have the time or the money, then focus in on one simple, stylish accessory that will see you thorough the night.

Whether the event is low key or is going to be like a Grazia ' fashion off, ' a glitzy, stylish glamour ring can be an adorable new year trinket. Really nice, with low boots, jeans and a manicure or with heels and a cocktail dress..your choice...your party! We particularly like this ring at glitzy secrets.com. It's bold but has a vintage retro appeal too, just be careful because the band is a dark smoky colour which may or may not be what you are looking for.Ebay have some fabulous vintage reproduction designs that can be snapped up cheaply, just make sure you look at the sellers history to ensure they are not ripping you off! A simple tip for buying a cheap, glitzy ring is to go for a black Rhinestone look because it is much harder to see how cheap it actually is and is stunning and dramatic without being overly blingy and cheap! For a meaningful and enjoyable antique purchase, take yourself off to an antique shop area and have a bit of fun without having to face the consumer mania of the sales crowds. We recommend Portobello, Northcote Road, Islington Upper Street if you are in London.  If not, we adore The Laines in Brighton as a fabulous place to stroll and be inspired.

If rings aren't inspiring, there are fabulous chandelier earrings everywhere. We particularly love The Lavender Room for gorgeous, stylish ear accessories!

Whatever you wear, take the pressure off this New Year, wear something you love and spoil yourself with a fabulous pamper, massage, manicure or fake tan, whatever gives you that 'fabulous me' feeling. Start the New Year as you mean to continue...with a little bit more care and love for the one who will make it all happen in 2010!

Have a fabulous time and a marvelous new year.

Happy, happy days!

Love No Knickers