My Baby Sparkles and Shines

I’ve had Steve Earle’s “Sparkle and Shine” stuck in my head for the last 24 hours and have no idea why. It’s funny how you’ll absorb the bric a brac around you, subconsciously picking up a little string of music or turn of phrase, and suddenly, it’s a part of your process, permeating your thoughts and words. I suppose that’s the 21st century condition, as surrounded as we are with this glut of information, signals, sounds? (Or maybe its a 20th century condition, as the concept reminds me very much of Ezra Pound’s poetics in The Cantos, the subject of my graduate thesis and a “poem” that I would, incidentally, not wish on anyone. Thousands of pages of unstructured poetry, crowded with allusions and myths. Love/hate.) Regardless, I’ll take inspiration where I can get it, and today’s post will therefore center upon the glitz. Also. I’ve wanted an excuse to showcase this ridiculous little number by Notte by Marchesa (on sale for $302, TheOutnet), whose purchase I have been desperately trying to justify. Where does one wear this?! I don’t know, but if I were wearing it, I’d style it with this glitzy little necklace (Kate Spade, $268, Zappos):

Gold heels would feel a little…too, unless its NYE in Vegas, so I’d tone it down just a smidge with some nude pumps (Jimmy Choo, $695, Neiman’s):

And add this structured little hexagon clutch, which I’ve been eying for some time (House of Harlow, $168, Singer22):

Finish the look with a swipe of glam red lipstick (I wear YSL — $30, Sephora) and a spritz of Michael Kors GOLD (love the packaging — $75, Sephora):

I’d wear my hair up in a high bun. Done and done. And consider how sophisticated AND festive you’d look at a holiday lunch in this glitzy little mini (Vince, $345, Shopbop), a nude bow-front blouse (dying of Rachel Zoe’s “Natalie” style…OMG, when will it go on sale?! — $275, Shopbop), and some statement studs ($138, Suzanna Dai):

Pretty close to perfect paired with these nude pumps ($595, Rupert Sanderson) and this unbelievable deco-style clutch ($61, ASOS):

A quick slick of Michael Kors’ “leg shine” ($32, Sephora) adds just the right amount of shimmer. I’ve used this many times in the past and it really does work (and smells FAB).

For something a bit different (I’m always gravitating towards skirts/dresses, but why not try the pantalones?!), consider slim-fit black trousers ($118, J. Crew) with a white blouse (the one pictured below is a Jason Wu, but I’ve had my eye on this affordable Tinley Road style — $49, Piperlime), some sparkling drops ($245, Alexis Bittar), and some glitzy pumps (these are going to sell QUICK based on the rapid disappearance of their classic black suede counterpart — $79, Zara):

I’d finish with this insta-icon jewel-studded minaudiere (O.M.G. — $379, WanderLust Co) and a glitzy bracelet ($31, Warehouse):

For just a touch of the effervescent, try this bib necklace ($79, Banana Republic) over a simple black shift (love the unfussy minimalism of this Acne mini — $440, LaGarconne)

I’d finish with these sleek Giuseppe Zanotti flats ($495, Intermix), which add just the right amount of metallic flash, and a silver Balenciaga bag (do we LOVE?! — $1,320, Matches):

I’d top it all off with a bold orange coat (Tibi, on sale for $257, TheOutnet)…oh.la.la!

Continuing with the silver theme, I have to take a moment to gush over this TDF flapper-esque evening mini by Rachel Gilbert ($1,100, Net-A-Porter), which I’d eagerly sport with these sparkly danglers (Dannijo, $297, Singer22):

I’d finish with some glittery t-straps (Miu Miu, $640, Bergdorf Goodman)

Suh-woon. I like it with this simple, structural clutch ($50, Oasis):

A fur capelet would be beyond…and it would totes drain all your $$ for a million years (Nina Ricci, $5,190, Barney’s), but I just had to include it…unreal!:

ACK. LOVE. Finally, go ethereal in a white Halston Heritage dress (on sale for $328, MyWardrobe) and this captured-my-heart KJL statement piece (stupidly awesome — $391, MyWardrobe):