Golden Girl

The other day, I was sifting through some of the items I’d dog-tagged for inclusion in future posts, and realized that almost half of my recent “picks” were black, gold, or some combo of the two.  Weird how you can find yourself subliminally gravitating towards something, inspired by who knows what?  Where does inspiration come from?  Too heavy a thought for this deary, oh-so-close-to-vacation Tuesday?  No worries — just settle into auto-pilot like I have and enjoy the gorgeous glimmering beauties below!

First: a little something-something for an upcoming holiday party: a simple LBD ($60, In Love with Fashion), which I’d pair with dramatic drops ($78, Raffine) —

— I’m eying these glitzy tootsies from Michael Kors ($175, Zappos), but if the gold scares you off, they’d be just as chic (and more versatile) in the black ($165):

I’d wear this with look with a funky little clutch in an interesting color or print.  Something like this Sondra Roberts style ($126, Sondra Roberts) would be ideal:

For more casual wear, I think a little daytime sparkle is in order over the holidays, especially in the form of this covetable sequinned, striped sweater ($118, J. Crew), which I’d pair with (surprise, surprise) a black statement necklace (love that J. Crew brought back their “bubble” style! — $150, J. Crew), black skinnies and some sloafers (still obsessing over these Charles Phillip styles…$135, Bloomingdale’s):

It would look fantastically chic with the Proenza Schouler PS11 clutch ($975, Net-A-Porter) and this patterned shawl-collar topper (Rory Becca, $247, Shopbop):

Finally, I just recently snagged (and am ga-ga over) this inexpensive black-and-gold watch ($60, Piperlime), which I would most definitely pair with the above look, in addition to a simple gold ring ($32, BaubleBar):

Or, for something a bit dressier, I’m loving the shape of this Parker dress in classic, silky black ($275, Eve’s Apple), which I’d couple with this “cascade” necklace ($162, Bauble Bar):

I’d remove the black belt provided and replace with this eye-catching gold-accented style ($48, BCBG) and pair the look with these gold and black ankle-strap wedges (on sale for $236, MyMu) and this Marc by Marc Jacobs panther clutch ($328, Saks):

This eye-catching gold-lined jacket would be perfection atop it all (on sale for $301, Built by Wendy) — what a statement!:

The above coat would also look perfect over this jacquard Tibi number ($420, Net-A-Porter), which I’d style with a big black necklace ($60, Max and Chloe), black tights, and some serious platforms (wowza — Charlotte Olympia, $895, Bergdorf Goodman):

For a more refined affair (with parents/grandparents/parents in law in tow), this classy little number is the perfect blend of sophistication and sexiness (on sale for $250, LKBennett).  I’d wear with sparkly drops (Anton Heunis, $300, LesPommettes)

And imagine the BANG you’d make finishing with these gold-tipped Louboutins ($675, Bergdorf’s…and a few more sizes here, at Net-A-Porter), this beyond adorable DVF clutch (available for preorder — $495, Intermix), and a fur scarf ($235, Net-A-Porter):

And, while I’m much more inclined towards dresses for dressier occasions, I am loving this metallic-striped top from Rachel Zoe ($275, Saks), which I’d style with shoulder-grazing tassel earrings ($22, ASOS — and I’ve also had my eye on this $88 pair by Soo Inh Kim), black jeans (or, if you dare, black leather or waxed pants — ooh la la!  I’ve seen some serious fashionistas rocking the leather pants in a major way, but I’m kinda terrified…), and some glam booties (woah, gold heel — $296, Reiss):

If those boots terrify you, check them out in pump form ($288) instead or swap in some platformed black suede/velvet pumps.  Alternately, if you’re digging the shoes above but want something a bit more refined, check out these sleek Tabitha Simmons!  I’d love to finish the look with this bow-accented Louboutin purse ($1,595, Net-A-Porter…TDF.):

Glam.  Love being a golden gal.