Sparkle & Shine for the New Year

I don't like to spend too much time looking back or looking ahead. It keeps me from focusing on what is right in front of me. Most of the time we think of something ending with sadness or relief or a mixture of both, while the beginnings of new things bring up feelings best described by bog words like excitement, anticipation, and, perhaps, trepidation. All those words aside, December 31^st is the one night a year, just as the old year passes into the new that we are supposed to simultaneously look back and look forward. It's the one night a year when we should celebrate the ending as much as the beginnings. What better time of year to bring out the sparkle and shine than New Year's Eve?

All the glitz and the glitter are meant to symbolize the celebration of all good things accomplished, all difficult things survived, and all new changes and challenges on the way. It is a moment of raising a sparkling glass and sharing a kiss for the good times behind us and the better times ahead. I can't think of a better way to style this wonderful evening than with a glittery Purple Iridescent One Shoulder Bodycon Mini Dress - Mariah dress from FemmeLuxe.

FemmeLuxe's Puff Sleeve Tops and Slinky Dresses are amazing and they're always my go-to for mini dresses like this Mariah Dress. Ok, I know I keep fixating on holiday weight gain in my posts lately, but I really want to encourage you not to shy away from a bodycon dress. Let's face it, adding a few extra pounds during this season of decadent desserts and plenty of them, is something that happens to pretty much everyone, I know it definitely happens to me every year, so why not talk about it? 

What better way to celebrate your holiday curves than something that fits your form? I chose to wear this dress, which is a bodycon dress and also a mini dress, just as it is today because I think it's pretty stunning as is, but if you're feeling a little insecure, shape wear is always an option and/or add a belt at the narrowest part of your waist. If you do decide to accessorize with a belt, for a luxe dress like this, the belt needs to be equally amazing. I'm thinking something gold and perhaps with a bow or geometric shape.

The Mariah Dress has some really great style elements that I want to talk about. For starters, this is a one shoulder dress and there's something about the asymmetry of the neckline, the unexpectedness of the bare shoulder that one shoulder dresses have that create such a stand-out look; I love it! Remember to take your coat off and no cardigans, shrugs, or boleros, please. Let your style shine.

If you've never tried a one shoulder look before you can visit some of my previous FemmeLuxe posts (here, here, here) for some tips on how to style this neckline. It's pretty simple really, but if you need a quick reminder on the number one rule for styling a one shoulder it's this: keep it very small to none at all on the neckline jewelry since the dress is doing all the work already, but feel free to go big on the earrings.

Now that you have a standout element in the neckline add to it the gorgeous rich violet purple of this Mariah dress with the metallic gold glitter flecks in it and there is no party too fab. For a night like this, I definitely want to play up the metallic element of the dress with some metallic gold heels. Gold dangle earrings and a chunky cocktail ring or two would also look chic. Dramatic eyes? Dramatic lips? No shy violets tonight, put on that glam; after all it is a celebration.

Now that we styled this perfect New Year's Eve party dress, it's time to bring the right attitude to the party with you. Put on that very best accessory-a smile. Not a fake smile, a genuine smile that says to the world I've had my victories this year; I've had my defeats. I've learned from all of them and I'm ready to let the old year go and embrace the new with a thankful heart. What are you most looking forward to in this new year? Comment below :)

Shopping Info: Purple Iridescent One Shoulder Bodycon Mini Dress - Mariah from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk, Gold heels from ThredUp