Between the war, the economic crisis and the general state of malaise in the world, I wouldn't exactly call 2008 a golden year. So, like many other Americans, I'll be happy to say goodbye and good riddance to this last year and start 2009 fresh (under Obama's rule and amen to that!). I'm gonna kick 2008 outta hear like I would a triflin', sorry-ass man —and I'm guessing you are too.
Whether you'll be watching Anderson Cooper on TV or popping champagne bottles at a friend's crib, you need to get yourself in a celebratory spirit. Wear something that sparkles — be it a sequined dress, jeweled pumps or a statement-making ring. Make those lips extra kissable (and keep the breath extra fresh) in preparation for the countdown to midnight. Stack up on sparklers, noisemakers, champagne flutes and goofy glasses — get ready to bring in the funk, a'ight?
Rachel Gilbert Scottie Sequin Dress, $875. Visit Net-A-Porter.com
This is very Beyoncé-ish in the "Get Me Bodied" video meets Sienna Miller's frock at the Anglomania exhibition. Most of all, it reminds me of the Alice & Olivia dress actress Sarah Jessica Parker wore to a UNICEF event back in '07 (she's such the style guru).
Color Champagne Flutes, $29.99 for set of four. Visit Wrapables.com
When you raise your glasses up, wouldn't you want them to shine bright like a beacon of light and hope? Well, with these beauties, you can definitely do so.
Gerard Yosca Bow Cuff, $150. Visit MaxAndChloe.com
Bows are so festive and bejeweled touches add even a snazzier look.
La Regale Port Hole Mesh Tote, $40. Visit LaRegale.com
Black sequins just emanate pomp and glamour — the classic elegance of stark black takes on a flapper-esque liveliness with the way each piece shimmers in the light.
Rene Caovilla Satin and Rhinestone Sandals, $910. Visit Vivre.com
This toothpick-thin heel elongates those legs and makes your calves look like you've been doing StairMaster for 10 hours a day. How can you not love that?
Jules Smith "Kiss Kiss" Stud Earrings, $110. Visit MaxandChloe.com
Make sure your honey knows how much you're looking forward to that midnight kiss with thee luscious lip-shaped stud earrings by Jules Smith.
Shikha Singh "A Graceful Era" Beaded Evening Bag, $85.99. Visit Novica.com
Any opportunity to wear this elongated clutch, with its beaded center clasp and rounded fold opening, is a golden one.
Chapeau Claudette "Lucy Rose Veiling" Pillbox Hat, $49. Visit PixieMarket.com
Though it looks a little bit like the hat Carrie wore in that Sex and the City episode where a bitter and grudge-holding Berger mocked her style sense, saying, "Nice hat" in a mocking tone. And Carrie was right — it was fabulous! Shaped like an opening bloom, this pillbox hat also features a very femme fatale veil.
Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne & Painted Glasses Gift Box, $250. Visit WineBasket.com
If you're a guest at someone's house for New Year's Eve, bring along this wonderful gift set. Not only is Perrier Jouet a fine champagne, but the bottle and two glasses included in this kit feature elegant, hand-painted flowers that any host will want to put on display.
Andrea Lucille Designs Gavarnie Collection earrings, $975. Visit AndreaLucilleDesigns.com
The overlapping strips of gold, along with the pearl and diamond accents create a dynamic look reminiscent of a fireworks explosion. Perfect for the occasion, wouldn't you say?
Oral Fixation Orna-Mints, $30 for a 12-pack. Visit OralFix.com
Keep that breath under control (you don't want to have dragon breath at the stroke of midnight) by stashing some Oral Fixation mints in your evening clutch.
Santi Silk Bag With Grey Beads, $143. Visit UrbanMinx.com
These leaf-shaped beads add volume and substance to this clutch, and the gray color creates a shadowy, slithery sense of intrigue.
Sure As Blue 2006 "Objectification II" Desktop Calendar Postcards with Stand, $11.99. Visit SureAsBlue.Etsy.com
Start your year on track with a brand new calendar and, instead, of opting for a boring rule-paper variety planner, you can also add a nice visual to your desk with these graphic calendar postcards. The set includes twelve postcards (one for each month) and each boasting a unique visual pattern. Best of all, they come with a clear plastic stand.
Calvin Klein Euphoria Perfume for Women Gift Set, $48.99. Visit ValentinePerfume.com
Philosophy Party Girl Bag, $35. Visit Sephora.com
These three pomegranate-scented products are perfect for bringing in the new year fragrant. The set includes a 4 oz. Bubbly Exfoliating Shower Gel, a 4 oz. Shimmer Body Lotion and a 0.5 oz. Lip Shine.
Cosabella Bamboo Thong in Corn, $20. Visit Amazon.com
In many Latin American countries, including Brazil, Peru and Venezuela, it's
customary to wear these on New Year's Eve to secure monetary gains.
Te Casan "Leoni" D'Orsay Pumps, $159.99. Visit Bluefly.com
Did you ever think vegan shoes could look like this? The way the ruffled strip curves along the side of this pump is simply musical.
Matt & Nat Streamline Bauhaus Bag in Plum, $375. Visit Tobi.com
If you're planning on traveling on New Year's, this hefty bag, with its many zippered sleeves and hidden compartments, will come in quite handy. And if, like some superstitious Dominicans, you believe that setting a suitcase by the door on New Year's Eve will lead to travel opportunities in the new year, you might as well entertain your tradition with some stylish vegan luggage!
