Savoir-Flair: Present Perfect: Metallics & Jewel Tones

Marc Jacobs' Arabian Nights Holiday Party 2007

This weekend, I got my first dose of holiday party style at an engagement party for one of my best friends. It's always so fun to see the what winter fashions everyone has chosen, but it also had me panicking- "Holidays ALREADY?!" Just last week I was posting on cold weather skin issues. Now I'm already feeling like I've got to swipe the milk and cookies before Santa gets here!

Don't get me wrong, though. I absolutely love the holiday season- for the most part. But, friends, it's already time to think about what to wear for all of the fantastic events coming up in the next two months!

Here are some looks that might prove festive for your holiday fetes and tips on how to wear them...

Metallics:

As the new neutrals, metallics are a fun and easy way to add some holiday flair to your wardrobe. For the chillier temperatures, anchor gold or silver pieces with black tights, skirts, pants and shoes. Suede booties would be my shoe of choice but any cold-weather appropriate black shoe will work. In these fun frocks, you'll sparkle brighter than the lights on the tree...but keep the hair and make-up simple as to not compete with your embellished threads.

Tory Burch Fall 2010 Inspiration

Adam Strapless Wool-Felt Bead-Embellished Dress from Net-A-Porter

A look from Isabel Marant's Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Show from Style.com

Proenza Schouler top and skirt from Net-A-Porter

Tibi Mara Jacquard Dress from Net-A-Porter

AllDressedUp Banaba Mini Dress from Net-A-Porter

Jewel Tones:

In a room full of dark and dreary colors, jewel tone pieces can really punch up the fashion factor during the winter. These bold, rich hues flatter all kinds of skin tones, proving very necessary during the bleak winter months when are healthy tans are fading to pale and pasty. Anchor the looks with simple black heels- you want your accessories to flatter your outfit, not compete with it. However, you can afford to go a bit more daring with the make-up and hair. Keep your entire look bold and vivacious, and you'll be sure to shine brighter than those red poinsettas.