SEXY CONFETTI

Who knew pinatas and streamers could be so sexy? 

See more at Confetti System.

p.s. Speaking of party decorations ... 
hope you'll stop by this Saturday for a special blog celebration.

OH SO PRETTY

Last year I faced winter head on, with a series called Surviving Winter With Style.  This January, though, I'm escaping into the soft and lovely, seduced by dreamy photoscapes and alluring art, smitten by balloons and beaches, seeking cozy spots for brunch and perhaps peeking behind the curtain of the ballet.  And then there's a certain blog birthday at month's end, for which we'll need streamers and sparkly wrap and some presents, of course.  And perhaps along the way a virtual visit to Paris and other magical stops, courtesy the whirling and wonderful blog carousel.  It's going to be oh so pretty.

Feathers & Sequins image discovered on The Paris Apartment.  Adapted by Doreen Creede for this month's masthead.

WHAT WILL YOU BE WEARING NEW YEAR's EVE?

Peacock plumes ... blue ball gowns ... slinky black ... snow white spangles ... glittery gold. A dusting of fantasy, a sparkling of glamour.  Whether heading out or celebrating in, I say let's dress up for New Year's Eve.  How about you?  What will you be wearing?

credits:

{blue velvet} Rachel McAdams photographed by Michelangelo DiBattista via Peacocks Garden
{black} Jean Patou gown illustrated by Rene Gruau via hprints

{gold} mini photographed by Benjamin Kanarek for Harper's Bazaar China via Fashion Copious
{peacock plumes} on avatar created by Cajsa Lillihook via Flickr

{tunic & leggings} Chanel pre-fall 2011 via Style.com

{ombre}Kate Hudson, Harper's Bazaar 2007 from Style Maniac's files
{frothy blue} Arthur Banks ballgown illustrated by Ruth Freeman and
{white spangle} dress by David Downton from 100 Years of Fashion Illustration

A GLORIOUS MESS

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the
mess created in the living room on Christmas day.
Don't clean it up too quickly."
- Andy Rooney 

After all the planning ... buying ... wrapping ... rushing ... it all comes down to spending time with those you love and enjoying every small moment.  I'm off to do just that and I hope you are as well.  First, just want to thank all the bloggers and photographers who have brightened my month--and year--with beautiful inspiration, images and words. And thanks to each of you, dear Style Maniac readers, for visiting, commenting and sharing here.  It's a wonderful gift you give me every day.  

See you just before New Year's Eve.  Merry Christmas.

Quote discovered on Belle Maison. Gold Glitter image by Shandi-Lee via Flickr.

THAT TOUCH OF BLING ... 'tis just the thing

Oh the glitter, oh the glamour! 

That one touch of bling, 'tis just the thing.
If you had to choose, which would it be: shoes, bag or jewelry?

Cocktail Bag (with built-in ring), Lady Marmalade Cuff and Twirl Heels all by Kate Spade.  

Image created by Doreen Creede

GLITTER, GLAMOUR, GIFTS ... with a twist

Suddenly I'm in the mood for glitter, glamour, gifts  ... all with a twist.  So, this month, take a break from the mad mad rush of the season and stop in to enjoy all kinds holiday treats, tips and finds assembled just for you, dear smart, fun, stylish readers.

FIRST TREAT: One of the prettiest pics I've seen all year (which is saying a lot). By stylist Nancy Queller as discovered on French Frosting.  (A snippet of this image also appears in the masthead this month.) Doesn't this just make you want to dress up and celebrate?