'Holiday Looks' Christmas & New Year's Eve Edition

Holiday Glamour!  Elie Tahari Halter Evening Gown.

Holidays are the time for over the top glamour and shine!  Rich gold and silver metallics with vibrant jewel-tones are perfect for this time of year and when making an entrance at that Christmas Ball or New Year's Eve party.  The goal is to look chic and elegant with a touch of shimmer.  When it's time to get ready, you'll need to make sure you compliment the festive surroundings.  That little black dress will need some gold or silver embellishments.  The dress shown above is by NYC designer, Elie Tahari and is simply gorgeous with beautiful rich gold flowers against a satiny background.  This particular design even has hidden pockets! I like to wear a gown like this with a light crinoline underneath which gives it a little lift and movement as it is floor-length. This is a generous women's Size 6 with a long back invisible zipper and very comfortable to wear.  Get more details about this Tahari ASL, Size 6 evening gown now HERE 

Tahari Evening Gown

Your Chinese New Year Celebration - Asian Flavors and Style

Peking Duck House & Ping restaurants on Mott Street in Lower Manhattan

This year Chinese New Year is February 19th! The Year of the Sheep, I really like the way Asian style and flavor permeates everything. Just like fashion, cooking is an art form so it is no small surprise to see Chinese restaurants and markets mingled in along side dress shops nearly the whole length of Mott Street in Chinatown. The two just compliment each other so take a cue for Your Chinese New Year Celebration!

Panda Clothing Shop at 24 Mott Street selling beautiful Mandarin style jackets

Your Chinese New Year Celebration

So this Chinese New Year, try immersing yourself in the culture with a beautiful satin or silk top/dress, something jade and an array of delicious Asian foods for yourself and your party guests.

 I'm wearing this lovely Black Cranes dress by Joseph Altuzarra for Chinese New Year

The Black Cranes Dress by Joseph Altuzarra has four flying cranes embroidered in gold thread. The dress has satin tuxedo lapels and a gold zipper up the side. Joseph is known for his plunging necklines and high leg slits so this dress does not disappoint there! The belt shown in the photo is not included so try a wide banded wrap style to replicate this look. Part of his capsule collection for Target, this structured black dress is my choice to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Structured Black Cranes Dress by Joseph Altuzarra for Target.  PHOTO: c/o Target

Try new flavors and textures! Steamed dumplings with an array of traditional Asian Sauces.

Hosting your own Chinese New Year Party can be as simple or as ambitious as you like. You can make some delicious heat and eat: steamed dumplings, egg rolls, pork ribs, hot wings, chicken fried rice and more. All of these are available in the frozen food section of most grocery stores.

You can also go the other route and simply order Chinese takeout or do a combination of both! There are no rules here, just go with what you like and is easiest for you. As an example, my college friend Jean Chen taught me how to make Egg Foo Young using a Wok. Her family owned a Chinese Restaurant near Princeton, NJ so she knew her stuff! So certain Asian style dishes I can make on my own and others I prefer to order out.

Spice is Nice!
Whether you decide to make it from scratch or order takeout, you'll always want to have a few traditional Asian spices and sauces on hand to take that meal over the top. This will give your Chinese dishes an authentic flavor and delicious complexity. I like Lee Kum Kee of Hong Hong's array of fantastic, restaurant quality sauces and condiments. If you are just starting off, these four sauces should be in every cook's kitchen who wants to cook Asian style:

My Four Essential Sauces and Spices to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine.

Garlic Hoisin Sauce (thicker and more complex than plain soy sauce)
Minced Ginger can also be used in a marinade
Plum Sauce which goes so well on crispy egg rolls, chicken and pork
Shrimp Paste of which a little goes a long way. Very concentrated but essential to many seafood dishes

Some Like it Hot
If you want to add a little kick to your menu, you've got to try this new Sriracha Chile Ketchup. It is SO delicious without being overly spicy and hot. Just enough kick for: Hot Wings, Ribs, Shrimp, Pork. See the entire line of restaurant quality sauces from Lee Kum Kee online.

NEW! Sriracha Chili Ketchup

So bring it all together for Chinese New Year. It's like getting a restart on 2015. You can learn to prepare some new dishes and try different cooking techniques such as steaming using bamboo baskets. A great way to prepare vegetables, stuffed dumplings and fish that's low in fat but big on flavor. Eating with chopsticks also slows you down, helping you to eat less. Try it!

Bamboo Steamer Dumplings: (L-R) Plum Sauce, Shrimp Paste, Minced Ginger and Garlic Hoisin Sauce

Joseph Altuzarra Black Cranes Dress - Mine
Asian Sauces c/o Lee Kum Kee

New Year's Eve in Altuzarra's Red Wrap Dress, Sam and Libby Over the Knee Boots

Red Wrap Dress by Joseph Altuzarra, Suede Boots by Sam & Libby

New Year's Eve in NYC in the area of Times Square is often called the biggest controlled riot on earth! I'm often in that area and there as always a current of pure electricity in the air. Whether you plan to join the crowd there to ring in the New Year or enjoy a toast at home with friends, you can look sensational doing it. Here are some style tips from top fashion designer, Joseph Altuzarra and shoe makers, Sam & Libby.

Lady in Red
Studies have shown that men are more attracted to women wearing the color red. Why not use that little factoid to your advantage?  Stop being a wall flower and take center stage by wearing: a red cap, scarf, top or go all the way in a RED DRESS!

Altuzarra Red Wrap Dress

Joseph Altuzarra's Red Wrap Dress
I picked up this dress from Altuzarra's Fall 2014 Capsule Collection for Target. If you look at his Fall 2014 runway show, you will see a similar but more complicated dress design in WHITE. As you can see, the fabric has a bit of sheen which makes you look somewhat like a gift wrapped present. There you go! This dress has a high empire waist and the included fringed belt is poetry in motion when you walk. Talk about fringe benefits.

All wrapped up...like a present.

This dress has a full zippered back

This dress has a full zipper in the back so it helps getting into it. The only thing I have an issue with is the wrap situation at the bust line. It will flop open on you so I would recommend putting a pin or jewelry there. Remember, Altuzarra is especially known for his high skirt slits! So this is what it looks like when you sit down.

Altuzarra Wrap Dress seated.

I am wearing Hanes Silk Reflections in Barely Black hosiery here but you can go with a bit more opacity for extra coverage. The back of the dress falls below the knee and hits the top of my boots. All things considered, I'm glad I got in on his capsule collection this season as this dress is a classic and very well made to dance the night away!

Sam & Libby Over the Knee Suede Boots
I wanted to contrast the shimmery sheen of the dress with the soft matte texture found with these Sam & Libby Boots. These are easily 5 inch heels and the rim of the sole is done in gold. The back has laces with gold grommets and tassel accents with a small zipper on the inside seem. This gives them a comfortable fit around the ankles.

Back Details on the Sam & Libby Boots

The back cuff of the boot is open which makes them easy to walk in. I've had a pair of thigh-high leather boots before and it was almost impossible to bend your knees in them! Not so with these. They fit amazingly for me as I wore them to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. These are quality boots from Sam & Libby who are also known for their dress shoes.

Altuzarra dress and Sam & Libby boots.

JLo Tortoise Framed Rx Sunglasses-Mine
Dress & Boots-Mine

NYC Fashion Designers: Donna Degnan, Michael Kors and Joseph Altuzarra Holiday Outfit Ideas

Tis the season to be FABULOUS! NYC's top fashion designers show you how.

Christmas in New York is like no other place in the world. The smell of hot chestnuts roasting on the street corners to the Macy's Herald Square holiday windows, the city has it's own unique vibe. Seventh Avenue in Midtown is also known as Fashion Avenue and I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the top designers who made their start there such as Nichole Miller and Vera Wang.

This holiday look is based on neutral colors and tones with a minimum of flashy accents. Clean lines with a bit of texture and interest in the bag and boots makes it perfect for travel, shopping and enjoying the season. Here is what I am wearing:

Just in: Aaliyah Zip Front Tunic Vest & Adele Shirt by Donna Degnan

Aaliyah Zip Front Tunic Vest by Donna Degnan
This on trend long ponte knit vest is made in NYC by fashion designer Donna Degnan. This is a three season piece and there are SO many ways to wear it. Colder weather means layering a turtleneck and some opaque leggings underneath. Oh yes, Donna does those as well! Shown here in the color Vicuna, the side panels are 100% leather and the tunic is fully lined. The fabric portion of the tunic vest is has a bit of stretch and so is quite comfortable to wear. I really like the seam front pockets which makes this piece a travel-worthy companion. It resists wrinkles and packs well too. Extremely well made garment from top to bottom.

Adele Stretch Cotton Hi Lo Shirt by Donna Degnan

Adele Stretch Cotton Hi-Lo Shirt
I wear a size 6 in Ralph Lauren's women's dress shirts but the Adele fits me like a hand tailored blouse. So comfortable to wear under the Aaliyah Zip Front Tunic. Has just the right amount of stretch as it is a cool cotton-nylon-spandex blend. Made in NYC, it can be machine washed and line dried. Pair it with Donna Degnan's signature leggings or wear under your favorite suit to the office. Everyone NEEDS a white shirt. City chic all in one package! See both these designs and more at DonnaDegnan.com

My Bag: Knox Leather Tassel Hand Bag by Michael Kors

Knox Leather Tassel Hand Bag by Michael Kors
This black leather bag by Michael Kors is soft and supple but sturdy enough to handle the 5th Avenue crowd during rush hour! Yes, this bag can take a beating. Beautiful full grain leather with an inside zippered pouch and side pockets to hold your cell, keys, etc. Has an outside zippered pocket with his gold MK monogrammed emblem and luxurious leather tassel. Has rolled top handles and a adjustable shoulder strap. Extremely well made and just the right size.

MK Knox Leather Tassel Bag

Ankle Boots by Joseph Altuzarra
Ankle Boots like these are everywhere this season but I especially like the gold buckle, reptile texture and lace up details on these. Part of Altuzarra's Fall 2014 capsule collection for Target, I purchased these one half size larger than my usual shoe size due to the pointy toes. They fit great and don't gap too much around my skinny ankles! Easy to get on and off as they have a full sized zipper on the inside seam. Really these are the bomb as you can see and would work great with pants, leggings or a dress. So there you go...from the runway to your walkway...work it!

Ankle Boots by Joseph Altuzarra for Target

Foxie Ivory Knit Cap by Pistil Designs
Topping everything off is my cozy knit cap by Pistil Designs. This is a soft, knitted hat with a super fluffy pom pom on top. The Foxie reminds me of the Tam O' Shanters I used to wear as a child but so much more stylish! Has a metal plate with the Pistil name sewn on. Pretty, soft and warm for those cold snowy winter days. So I guess I can go ahead and dream of a White Christmas? I think so. See all the new Winter 2014-2015 hat and scarf fashions at PistilDesigns.com

Handbag and Ankle Boots-Mine
JLo Tortoise Shell Rx Sunglasses-Mine
Makeup by: Kett Cosmetics, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Envious
Clothing and Accessories c/o Donna Degnan and Pistil Designs respectively.