Outfit inspiration: New Year's Eve

With New Year's just a few days away, I, like most girls (and some boys), have been fantasizing about what I'll wear to ring in 2011... despite the fact that I have no actual plans yet.  I discussed my love for longer skirts last month, but the obsession is still lingering.

These skirts are perfect for this time of year because they're a breath of fresh air amidst the swarms of black tights and mini-dresses, but they're still long enough to keep your legs warm with bare legs.  I love how these layered tulle versions look so elegant and fancy, yet feel young and whimsical at the same time.  Here are three of my potential outfit contenders at the moment...

1. j.crew half wing earrings, $50.  2. Vince sequined t-shirt, $295.  3. YSL mail clutch, $395.  4. Tom Ford lipstick, $45.  5. Kate Spade peep-toe pumps, $220.  6. Hue It Girl tulle skirt, $35.  7. Show Off costume ring, $54.  8. Show Off black costume ring, $54.

1. Proenza Schouler cropped pullover, $612.50.  2. Oversized vintage crystal brooch, $26.  3. Victorian flower brooch, $24.  4. Vintage bow brooch, $26.  5. Bourne Annie jeweled box clutch, $175.  6. Alexander Wang peep-toe boots, $685.  7. Free People netted layers skirt, $90.  8. MAC nail lacquer, $13. 

1. Armitron watch, $41.25.  2. Wool and the Gang stripy mariniere, $87.50.  3. Elie Tahari bib necklace, $348.  4. Nordstrom pleated silk frame clutch, $88.  5. Lanvin bow pumps, $418.  6. Hue It Girl tulle skirt, $35.  7. Chanel nail colour, $23.

I just love how lady-like but contemporary all of these looks are!  For the first, I'm obsessed with the YSL envelope clutch!  It adds just the right amount of sass and irreverence to the look.  The second outfit is a little more casual, so I would pair a cluster of brooches on the chest or waistband, again, just to give it a little quirkiness and up the festiveness factor.  Also, if you look at that skirt on Free People's website you can really see how it moves, it's much pretty in their look book shots!

The final outfit is my favorite.  The breton stripe sweater is such an unexpected and fresh pairing for the more formal skirt, and the statement necklace ties it all together.  I like the way the gold in the jewelry and nail polish plays against the silver in the skirt, giving it a vintagey charm.  Now the only decision is which one to wear?

Happy shopping!

xoxo