Bring in 2011 with Glitz & Glam

New Year’s Eve is a time to party, but it can also be a time of fashion frustration. If you are already stressing about what to wear on the last night of 2010, here are a few suggestions so you can ring in 2011 in style.

Evening Organza with Flowers Strapless Dress by Betsey Johnson

Oh, Betsey Johnson, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This Evening Organza with Flowers Strapless Dress reminds me of a shorter version of Audrey Hepburn’s black and white dress in Roman Holiday. A modern, flirty update on a classic dress.

Store: Betsey Johnson

Multiple Locations: 3029 M Street, NW (Georgetown, Washington, DC); 1809 G International Drive (Tyson’s, McLean, Virginia); online

Price: $388.00 – get 40% off on the Betsey Johnson website for a limited time.

Ski Bop Dress from Shabby Apple

Shabby Apple is quickly becoming one of my favorite online shops. The company’s philosophy is to provide dresses that are complete one-piece outfits so their clients do not have to wear, “a tank top, cardigan or long slip,” with the ensembles. The items are also conservative in cut and show only a little bit of skin. But, that does not mean the clothes are stuffy! Instead, they tend to be vintage-inspired, shapely, and sexy. The Ski Bop Dress is a nod to old Hollywood glamour.

Store: Shabby Apple

Location: Online

Price: $92.00

Bold Faceted Beaded Ring from Forever21

Attending a New Year’s Eve gathering does not necessitate dropping money on a dress. Instead, you can take something out of your closet and add accessories for a crisp, new look. The Bold Faceted Beaded Ring from Forever21 is a fun piece, and at $5.80 it’s an affordable way to add some glitz to your night out.

Store: Forever21

Multiple Locations: 1025 F Street, NW (Washington, DC); 1100 S. Hayes Street (Pentagon City, Arlington, Virginia); 7101 Democracy Blvd, Space 1252 (Montgomery Mall, Bethesda, Maryland); Online

Price: $5.80

Grey Ladder Necklace from White House Black Market

NYE is a great excuse to throw on flashy jewelry. But, what about investing in a small piece that you can wear throughout the year? The Grey Ladder Necklace from White House Black Market has enough sparkle to get you through the end of 2010. It can also make the transition from daytime to nighttime when you are wearing a black skirt or dress pants.

Store: White House Black Market

Multiple Locations: 2103 M Street, NW (Georgetown, Washington, DC); 5330 Western Avenue (Friendship Heights / Wisconsin Place, Chevy Chase, Maryland); 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (Union Station, Washington, DC); 8023L Tysons Corner Center, Suite A (Tyson’s, McLean, Virginia); online

Price: On sale for $34.99

What are you wearing this New Year’s Eve?

2011 Resort Wear

It’s hard to think about short sleeves, blouses, and sundresses while there is still snow on the ground, but the latest designer Resort Wear lines are now available.

Resort Wear was originally marketed to people who were going to spend December and January traveling to warm, tropical climates. Now it is seen as a year-round look that is especially useful to those who live in sunny parts of the United States and abroad.

As we sit in DC wrapped in layers of clothes and wearing accessories like mittens and faux fur hats, it’s nice to take a break and imagine sunshine and mild breezes. So, here’s a peek at Resort Wear pieces that are in stores right now:

Brisa Wrap Dress in Black & Ivory by Diane von Furstenberg ($325)

Dian von Furstenberg doing what she does best – the wrap. It’s an easy, breezy garment that will still look fresh seasons from now.

Denim Roxanna Bustier Dress by alice + olivia ($297)

I love the bright green color on such a classic shape. It just says sunshine!

Liseth Tunic by Tory Burch ($350)

The simple cut of this top allows for the bold, layered pattern.

Belted Drape Dress in Black by Michael Kors ($1,595.00)

This sophisticated Little Black Dress can easily transition from day to night.

What do you think of this year’s Resort Wear? What do you think of the concept of Resort Wear in general? Is it completely impractical, or something that is welcome after all that cold weather?

Store in Chevy Chase is Accessories Only

I’m a self-proclaimed Anthropologie addict, so I was completely delighted to hear about the new Anthropologie Accessories store in Friendship Heights (i.e. Chevy Chase, Maryland). It’s the first Anthropologie store of its kind and carries shoes, jewelry, scarves, and other beautiful baubles. Here are some pics!

Wall-O-Necklaces

The boutique is similar thematically with the main Anthropologie store and includes whimsical means of decorating with merchandise.

Handbags as Artwork

Functional art - a display of mirrors and necklaces.

I like it that Anthro also incorporates couches and chairs into the design of the store. I call the below furniture “boyfriend chairs,” since significant others tend to sit in them looking bored out of their minds while trying to distract themselves with iPhone apps.

The Boyfriend Chair

The back section of the store has a display of hats, hairpieces, and more jewelry. The sign above a section of purses reads, “Use it up wear it out make do or do without.”

Hats and Feathery Headbands

I especially loved this selection of eyeglass cases.

Eyeglass Cases

Finally, let’s not forget the shoes!

The Anthropologie store is located within The Shops at Wisconsin Place. Metro: Red Line to Friendship Heights. Hours are Monday – Saturday 10:00AM-8:00PM, Sunday 12:00PM-7:00PM.