Getting into the holiday spirit can be a bit of a rut with so much going on. With a calendar full of festivities and the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to get the party look together. Though this can be a tricky task, there are a few things you can do to get by with ease. My number one suggestion is “HAVE FUN!” Don’t be shy and sparkle all you can this season. After all, this is a the most festive time of the year.

Start off with a chic coat to keep you warm while you’re out in the cold weather. Make the coat pop by adding a broach or tying a belt around the waist. Sparkle up the season with a shimmery piece like sequined a skirt or a metallic blazer. Forget the little black dress for a moment! Get the into-the-holiday-spirit by wearing a bold blue or red dress instead. Add a velvet pair of shoes or an accessory like a hat or scarf to your outfit. Wear gigantic bib necklaces and bangle bracelets if you dare. Up-do your hair, get red lips, and smokey up your eyes. Simplicity isn’t for the holidays. This season calls for leather, lace, and faux furs. Give it a try! Ditch the denim until the party circuit dies down. Instead of denim, try the trouser in a fun festive color.

I hope these tips help get you in the holiday spirit. Have fun going out to your party of choice. There is nothing better in life than to dress to eat, drink, and be merry. Have a fabulous Holiday Season wherever you go.

“Remember you’re a star. Never go across the alley even to dump garbage unless you are dressed to the teeth.” -Cecil B. De Mille

What is fashion all about during the holiday season? It’s about color and shopping, of course! Black Friday is starting before the turkey gets cold this year. There’s no time for shut eye. With the extreme competition these days when it comes to retailers and holiday sales, it’s too soon to tell who really has the best deals. Here’s the fashion scoop for you Black Friday seekers and adventurers:

Nordstrom: will be opening at 8 a.m. (BF) and the Clinique department will offer a free Tracy Reese gift with any purchase of $25. They are offering free shipping on entire orders.

The Nordstrom Rack: will open at 7 a.m. (BF) and they have a 25% off coupon toward one item.

Macys: Opens at 12 a.m. (BF) and is having throughout the store discounts from kitchenware to men, women, and children’s shoes, clothes, jewelry and accessories.

Kohls: Opens at 12 a.m. (BF) and their feature is the home sale from 30 to 40 percent off selected comforters and sets.

The Gap: Opens at 12 a.m. (BF) and will feature their winter accessories at discounted prices.

Old Navy: Opens at 12 am (BF) and their sales will go into the weekend. Friday will feature all the winter accessories (pea coats, jackets, and sweaters) at 50% off. They will give away limited amounts of Free Kodak easy-share Sport Digital Camera bundles with a $40 purchase. On Saturday the entire store will be on sale: Kids jeans $10, and Adult jeans $15.

Jcrew: Opens at 12 am (BF). Almost everything is marked down to 60% off, the schoolboy blazers are 40% off, winter accessories 40% off, and ballet flats are 20% off.

The Ontario Mills has a Nordstrom rack, Gap, Old Navy, and JCrew if you want to make a one stop shop. At a time where every penny matters, some deals may be hard to pass up.

Look for big fashion statement pieces this season, like the beautifully adorned knitted jackets and wraps. Another statement piece is the sleeveless fur jacket. Whether belted or worn loosely, they work beautifully and no question about it: these are in. Whether you’re into BF or not, enjoy the magic time of the holiday season by catching a glimpse of some autumn color, even if just in fashion. I love this time of the year because everywhere I go there are people wearing colorful scarves, just walking their dogs or simply entering the local library and they are all beautiful people. Enjoy the whole thing and I will be back next week after your turkey meal.

“Above all, remember that the most important thing you can take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it’s an open mind.” -Gail Rubin Bereny

This weekend I visited Las Vegas. I couldn’t help noticing all the women wearing fun rings. There’s something really nifty about them. They are a fun accessory. I knew I had to have one. Upon my return to California, I found a unique cocktail ring that fit my personality. The cocktail ring is an oversized affair that covers up to four of your fingers but is only worn on one. They have been around for about seventy years.

Stunning cocktail rings are big this year and make the perfect holiday accessory. They are a gorgeous number for any occasion. Some are embellished with diamonds, colorful stones, and some come in shapes of animals. The fun ring can add tons of pop to any ensemble. You can find cocktail rings just about anywhere (Nordstrom, H&M, JCrew, Macys, Target, etc…). Prices vary from as low as $4 up well into the $100 range. Some fun/cocktail rings are topped with large single stones or other patterns. These rings add boldness and sparkle to any outfit.

The point is to find one you can have fun with and wear it with your favorite dress, jeans, suit, etc… Cocktail rings are fabulous because you can actually find them for less than five bucks. The trend never goes out of style, they’re versatile, they add the sparkle that another accessory can’t replace, and they’re plain fun. If you don’t have your fabulously fun unique cocktail ring yet, it’s time you go out and seek the one for you. Off we go!

“A ring is a halo on your finger.” -Doug Coupland