'Shining in' the New Year - filed 12/12/2000

Although 'ringing in the New Year' might have a better 'ring' to it, and Vogue Magazine may be admonishing you to do the same, who really wants to walk around loaded down with heavy, noisy bells? (as in Viktor & Rolf's bell-decorated couture fashions for fall/winter 2000!)


Sparkle and shine are always seasonal favorites, and this time is no exception. But since I think 'a little bit goes a long way', I'm tiring of all the over- the- top embellishment and decoration these days, and we are, after all, firmly entrenched in the new millennium, I think the modern way to 'go' is with small doses of versatile gold, silver, sequined, pailleted and beaded separates.


Forget old fashioned and cumbersome ballgowns or boring and dull slipdresses. Instead, 'think' in terms of items that can function in many different ways, and really give you a lot of look for the money. And by taking pieces that are traditionally 'evening', and pairing them with elements of day, you can add a sporty, young, modern, and unexpected touch.


On my recent rounds of some of the most influential stores and boutiques, I found many great examples of what I think should be on your shopping list when planning what to wear for New Year's Eve:


Max Mara, located at Madison Avenue and 68th street, mixed day for night with a very hip looking 'silver foil' lame short skirt paired with a tailored black double breasted wool coat, and they also have a silver lame camisole, which can be worn under a black wool pantsuit.


Carolina Herrera, at Madison Avenue and 75th street, has silver sequined boot cut pants paired with a black cashmere sweater and black fur collar, as well as a simple silver sleeveless top and narrow black wool pants.


Mixing two of holiday's favorites- red and sequins, I happen to love DKNY's - at Madison Avenue and 60th street - hot looking red sequined tank paired with red pants, red fishnets, and red strappy sandals...this would surely make an entrance, and liven up any party!

At Ralph Lauren, Madison and 72nd Street, sporty and 'casual' choices for New Year's Eve could be their racy black sequined hot pants, shown with a simple black top, gold leather capris worn with simple bare black sweater, or a matte gold sequined halter top, worn with long black skirt.


Chloe, at Madison Avenue and 70th Street, has one of the best versions of 'day for night' around: Stella McCartney's glittery and ombred green feathered collarless jacket, paired with skinny dark gray cotton denim boot cut pants, and a wool herringbone hobo bag.

At Cerruti, on Madison Avenue at 67th Street, there is a silver 'striped' sleeveless v-neck top shown with the chic and unexpected mix of wool tweed pants.


Etro, on Madison between 63rd and 64th streets, has a knee length tiger patterned sequined skirt trimmed in fox, matching bag, and shown with an ivory cashmere cut-in shoulder sweater, and camel suede boots.

"Black and White" Report

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