Gold Rush

It’s probably fairly obvious that I’m obsessed with gold accents. I feel like I’m constantly recommending a “hard cased gold clutch” and “oversized gold jewelry” — it’s just very now and it goes so well with my favored looks: the nautical, the neon, the glitzy, and — yes — the 1970s disco scene. So this post is positively gilded: get ready for some 24 karat, let’s-go-for-the-gold objets d’art. To begin: the classic Alice & Olivia Sequin mini (on sale for $346, ChickDownTown):

This dress has been around a few seasons and it ain’t going anywhere fast. Perfect for Vegas, bachelorette parties, New Year’s Eve, and — well — anytime you need a little gold rush. For mega-watt shine (and telling taste), pair with these sculptural Moschino heels (on sale for $408, Zappos):

There’s something fetchingly futuristic about them that I can’t quite put my finger on — but at 50% off, what a treasure! Seal the deal with this hard-cased clutch (Menbur, $144, Endless) and a pair of faux rocks ($40, Max & Chloe):

You’ll look like a million bucks. Of course, you don’t need to be as blinged out. There’s a slightly more understated, less-Vegas-appropriate side to the gold tone. It begins with this lovely Kors sheath ($663, The Outnet):

Pure class, especially with these bow-toe Kate Spade pumps ($285, Zappos):

It’s the perfect hostess getup, in my opinion — chic, slightly retro, and pulled together. (I always find that a tidy, uptown, “Charlotte York”-inspired aesthetic is perfect for entertaining guests — you’ll feel on top of things, even if you’re running around at the last minute.) Come to think of it — gilded serve-wear might be the Midas touch for effortless entertaining. Imagine serving hors d’oeuvres on this chic platter ($145, Vivre):

Truth be told, however, I’ve snapped up a collection of inexpensive gold lacquer chargers over the years ($4 apiece, Pier1) and they always look festive and more expensive than they appear:

I use them to creatively arrange cheese plates, rows of appetizers, and even glasses of champagne. And serving champagne has never been as regal as it will be with these flutes ($128, Eden & Eden):

Back to decorating yourself, however: this Mad Men-inspired dress has all the panache you’d need for an evening of hosting ($123, ModCloth):

I’d pair with these similarly textured Kate Spade “Carlies” ($298, Kate Spade):

Those puppies would look equally lovely with this metallic-threaded lurex dress by Chloe (why does Hannah MacGibbon do everything right? Her stuff is exquisite but delightfully wearable — $1,795, The Outnet):

Throw on this chunky gold statement necklace to “toughen” things up (Kenneth Jay Lane, on sale for $89, Piper Lime):

Perfect for a lady’s lunch, a meeting in the boardroom, or slightly-on-the-conservative side cocktail hour — especially when you’re keeping time with this expensive-looking — but affordable! — watch (ugh, love it, need it, want it — on sale for $76.90, Nordstrom):

And if you’re the hostess, you might consider arranging some buds in this gorgeous vase (matches your servewear above — bonus points! — $895, Vivre) and serving post-prandial coffee or tea in this opulent teapot ($42, Jayson Home and Garden):

Don’t forget to fluff these fit-for-the-queen gold thread pillows ($175, Jayson Home and Garden):

Very neo-Versailles…though if you want to go the old school Napoleon route, imagine seating your guests on these over-the-top chairs ($515, Ivory Pearl Interiors):

Pretty luxe. If you decide, after your guests leave, that you need to head out and let loose with cocktails and into-the-night dancing, slip into these “I’m ready to disco” Louboutin heels ($1,195, Net-A-Porter) and throw your essentials into this to.die.for Amanda Pearl clutch ($1,595, Amanda Pearl):

Don’t forget to slip out of the collar necklace and opt for these swinging gold danglers instead (Roberto Cavalli, $615, Net-A-Porter):

Or overhaul the sheath altogether and opt for this glitzy-glam Pucci mini ($1,336, TheOutnet) instead:

Golden goddess material — especially with some dramatic faux cils (Shu Uemura’s are supposedly the best — $20 a pop) and these kicky, dance-ready shoes (appropriately titled “Fire It Up” shoes — $49, Lori’s Shoes):

Don’t forget the perfect little hard-cased minaudiere (DVF, $295, Diani Boutique) and — just for fun — this bow ring by the one-and-only Kate Spade ($75, Nordstrom):

For those of us with an evening schedule that is less-than-packed with shimmery-little-dress occasions, don’t fret! There are plenty of awesome ways of glamming up your daywear routine. These two wear-everywhere totes are as good as gold: the first is by Tory Burch ($325, Foot Candy Shoes) and the second is by Kate Spade ($585, Kate Spade):

The lattice-work of the floral bag above reminds me of these perforated gold flats by Ciao Bella I’ve looked longingly at for awhile now (on sale for $59, PiperLime):