DRESS ME, KATE

The holidays are around the corner which means holiday parties. It's the one time you can get away with wearing sequins and sparkles galore and not feel overdone. Topshop's Kate Moss Christmas Collection has to plenty to offer for a shin dig but this sequin mini dress is to die for. It hits mid-thigh and has a plunging neckline (although not quite as plunging as they've made it out to be in this picture) but has long sleeves and weighted fabric. It's the right combination of covered and uncovered. Sparkly but subdued in color. So pretty. Dress me, and kiss me, Kate.

www.topshop.com

CONVERSING AGAIN

If Converse sneakers never turned you on, I get it. Too round. Too long. Too white. Too clunky. Save it for the boys right? Well, no longer. If all you needed was a little bit of sparkle to warm your heart, you're in luck. Free People's embellished high top will make even the biggest Converse detractors smile. Rabbit feet never looked so good.

www.freepeople.com

MAKING UP

Just thought another before and after might be fun. There is no limit to what makeup can do. What could makeup do for you?

LONG GONE?

It used to be said that once you reached a "certain" age you should cut your hair. Luckily that rule, along with so many others regarding age has disappeared, but I wonder what prompted it in the first place? Is it the hair? Is it the face? Is it just in the attitude? Maybe it's all three. If your face, attitude and style can handle the length, fine. If your face is dripping down like a basset hound like mine is, maybe a cut is in order. Hello salon? 2:00 appointment please......

MUFFIN TOPS ARE FOR EATING

You've heard it before but apparently you're not listening. Muffin tops are the best part of a muffin. Slightly crispy, sugared hopefully, just doughy enough. THAT is the breakfast version. The body version is horribly frightening and needs to be put to an end. When your pants are a) too tight and b) too low, it creates a muffin top. It's not pretty and it's not cute. Put down the muffins and eat an apple instead or at least get a bigger pair of pants.

FURRRRRIFIC!

Nothing says posh like a fur coat. Or a fur hat. Or a fur collar. Whatever fur you choose, even if it's faux-fur, it will drastically change your look. Even a pair of khakis can't look boring when paired with the luxury of fur. And unlike some winter coats, fur coats actually keep you warm, and isn't that the whole point? Thinking of wearing that old puffy jacket? Fur-get it.

SOLE SLIPPERS

My daughter walks around constantly on her tippy toes. She pretty much likes her shoes depending on whether she can stand on her toes and do pirouettes in them. Fair enough. I love the excitement she shows for them and I secretly long to be that excited about my shoes as well. And now I am. These London Sole flats look like a grown up version of something the Sugar Plum Fairy would bust out if she had a choice to wear anything but pink. My inner ballerina is Tendu-ing all across the living room floor.

www.londonsole.com

MAN'S WORLD

If you're having a hard time locating a great cardigan sweater, try looking in the mens' department. I did just that at a recent fly-by at American Eagle. While the womens' sweaters were lightweight and flimsy and sometimes too brightly colored or with overly whimsical detailing, the mens' sweaters were heavier weighted, tailored and in great colors. I scooped this sweater right up in an extra small and it fits perfectly. Not too tight and not too short. Sometimes boys rule.

www.ae.com

WALK OF SHAME

First let me say, there is nothing, NOTHING, like a pair of Louboutin heels. The craftsmanship, the line of the shoe, the quality of the materials. They're worth every penny. They are works of art and art can be expensive. However, there are times when you only want a shoe for one night and one night only. Who wants to spend that kind of money for one night?

Bakers shoes, while certainly not quality, manage to get "the look" a lot of the time. And for under $100 it's one 1 night stand you can't resist.

www.bakersshoes.com