Don't let the ball falling from Times Square be the only shiny thing people notice this New Year's Eve.
You, too, can incorporate sparkle into your ring-in-the-new- decade celebration.
"Sequins, crystals, beads, tassels, anything that sparkles -- it's all about piling on the glamour this holiday season," says Suzanne Mauro, a stylist accredited by the Association of Image Consultants International.
Shimmer and shine with items ranging from sparkly shoes by Stuart Weitzman to a fedora decorated with festive garland from White House Black Market. Even your makeup can have some glam.
Shimmer powder is the great finishing touch to any holiday outfit, says Estee Lauder global makeup stylist Rick DiCecca. When choosing a shimmer powder, look for softer, smaller flecks of shimmer -- not glitter -- to avoid looking like a disco ball, he says.
"Dust softly on your cheekbones and temples for a shimmering glow that catches the light and accentuates your features," DiCecca says. "If you are wearing earrings that you want to highlight, apply a little to your earlobes before you put the earrings on to add a little high-shine drama. The same can go for a beautiful necklace: Sweep shimmer powder over your collarbones and shoulders to highlight those jewels. For added glamour on the eyes, apply the center color on the brow bone and in the center of the lid for a pop of sparkle that will open up the eyes."
Don't be afraid to go a little wild to welcome 2010, say representatives of the Jemma Kidd Makeup School in New York. The inspiration is the heady days of disco, Studio 54 and 1970s glam rock, but toned down for a more refined interpretation. Use a synthetic brush to apply beige-gold creme eye shadow from the upper lash line to the socket crease, and layer with gold glitter.
Replica ESQ Watches Fake Balenciaga Handbag HandbagsNow you are ready to get dressed for the soiree.
At Jupe boutique in the South Side, you'll find embellishments on everything from a tank to a skirt to a dress.
"Each piece is dressy enough to stand out without having to add any additional sparkle," says Emily Funk, manager of Jupe. "Take the tank and wear it with jeans or wear a basic top with the skirt, and you could add some jewelry to the dress because the top is plain. Wearing something with sequins is great for New Year's Eve because it is a fun time of the year, and your outfit will be fun, too."
Making your shoes the focal point can add pop to an otherwise basic ensemble to ensure you're party-ready.
"Patents and metallics are great for adding glam," says Paola Venturi, Via Spiga's lead designer and creative director. "The right pair can be appropriate for multiple holiday occasions, from party- hopping with girlfriends to working the room at your office gathering, to meeting your significant other's family."
A sequin blazer works for the trendy woman, says Patricia Clyne, vice president of design for Doncaster, a luxury brand sold through consultants.
"Sequin pieces are great for holiday," Clyne says. "They are great statement pieces and add to the look for that special occasion."
Sequins are everywhere, says Erin Sumwalt, fashion market director for InStyle magazine, which recently featured "dark sparkle" -- sequins on dark pieces, including leather. Tuxedo blazers with embellishments and sequin dresses work with no additional accessorizing,
