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.