Buried In Betsy's Closet

Clearly Chic

"Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." Huxley

Would you believe that magazines are already talking about trends for the spring?  And one of the big fashion fads will be accessories that are clear, transparent.

The nice thing about acrylic is that they will never clash with anything you're wearing, so you can pile them on with all your brightest colors!

Just look at this "glass: slipper. One warning, though. I once wore a similar pair of shoes to a black tie event and I have never suffered as much. The plastic dug into my foot, leaving gashes and scars. (Well, maybe not scars). They were gorgeous to look at, but I'm not sure that they served me well because I was limping and bleeding all night. Maybe you'll have better luck with these - (except they are quite high, six inches in fact, so maybe you won't be walking a lot, or at all)

 

Glass Slipper 

If the shoe above is a little too daring for you (it is for me) you might want to try a lower heel (less than four inches) and just a little see-through on the sides -

Cut Out Shoes

And for even a lower heel (Betsy and I both ordered these) - a glass-like heel, a sequin toe - (My niece, Samara, says that they are very pretty - for an old lady - but that's just because she doesn't like kitten heels) -

Blue Sequin Shoe

And then there is icy jewelry by Meditations -

Icy Necklace

And a seaglass pendant -

Seaglass Necklace

The prettiest bracelet -

Ice, Baby, Ice Bracelet

New Year's Resolutions

"Everyone lives by selling something." Robert Louis Stevenson

For those of you whose New Year's resolution includes earning extra money (not necessarily by selling something) there is a website that pays consumers to view ads. There is a waiting list, but definitely consider putting your name on it. The link is -

Beezag

This year I resolve to: (besides throwing away half of what I own) -

To take more kickboxing classes - which combines cardio and working out your arms and your legs and even if I'm off beat, who will know with these colorful sneakers -

 

Reebok Classic Sneakers

To make a serious attempt to organize my shoes - (maybe I can fit several pairs into one slot) -

Storage for Shoes

I resolve to spend more time playing with my dog, Dolce - so lovingly painted on my Prada handbag by my good friend, Kate Erin Lee -

Custom Painted Pet Handbags

To Redecorate My Bedroom -

Every morning on my way to work, I walk by a store called Gracious Home. Their Christmas windows are so cozy I want to jump in there and stay (like the Twilight Zone with Robert Duvall when he plays a lonely man who ends up living in a dollhouse). My favorite window is one done all in silver and white and I'd love to wake up every morning looking at a silver alarm clock (first thing I spot when opening my eyes), sleep in white sheets (of 1,000 threads) and be surrounded by photos in silver frames. Well, it's a start.

This should wake me up on a cold, snowy morning -

Silver Alarm Clock

The best website to get 1,000 thread sheets is overstock.com. Where else can you sleep in such luxury for less than one hundred dollars?

1,000 Thread Sheets

This frame is dazzling - a combination of silver and white pearls -

Silver and Pearl Frame

Zip it up!

Just had to share this - the holiday house at the White House made from my favorite candy - white chocolate!

Zippers can add a lot to a outfit - turn it from girly to edgy and they're on everything from clutches to boots to shoes. Some examples -

These booties are only for the fearless - black spikes five inch high heels -

Wild Rose Bootie

Love this very glamorous messenger bag and lots of zippers means lots of compartments so no more having to dump everything out just to find a pen - or an aspirin -

Gold Messenger Bag

These beautiful leather gloves are from Michael Kors and they zip up tightly to keep the chill from turning your hands into ice cubes -

Michael Kors Gloves

A beautiful rose colored zipper satin corsage - by katecusack -

Zippered Corsage

A zippered cuff - ever so edgy -

Zipper Cuff

Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows

"Everything that can be invented already has been." Statement released in 1899 by the U.S. Patent Offi

I like bright coats with equally bright scarves and even brighter gloves. But judging by the sea of darkness I see walking the streets in New York City, most women (and men) seem to prefer black or brown. If you're dead set against color, at the very least, soften the brown with white accessories - such as -

This ruffled scarf, which will keep you as warm as toast and will look stunning over your dark coat - (and it's faux fur, of course)

 

Ruffled Scarf 

Brown and White Scarf 

This winter white wool hat by amberstudios is lined for extra warmth -

 

Winter White Trapper Hat

And then, of course, if you're looking for something brown to wear over your white coat, this cowl with taffeta roses is so pretty -

Cowl with Roses 

This sweater combines the best of both colors - chocolate brown and winter white -

Knit Jacket

Surviving The Season

"Depression is a luxury I still can't afford." 50 Cent

We're all so busy with Christmas shopping and holiday parties and last minute baking - sometimes we need to slow down and just take a breath and reach inside our handbag for these life savers -

These little ballet flats roll up so tiny that they fit inside your purse with no problem whatsoever - you can whip them out when you think you can't stand one moment longer wearing those beautiful five inch spike heels -

footzy rolls

I love the idea of stopping for a gingerbread latte and pouring it into your own travel stainless steel mug as you navigate through the mall. This mug claims to keep your beverage steaming for three hours, so even if you don't finish it shopping, you can enjoy it once you're home -

Tullys Travel Mug 

I've tried all kinds of chocolate, some drug store items, some shipped right from Paris and my favorite is still Godiva. If you're starving and a Balance Bar just won't do, stash one of these candy bars into your purse and savor it as it melts into your mouth. You so deserve it!

Godiva Bar

The great thing about this tote bag is that folds ever so nicely and you can carry it around in your handbag and then whip it out and use it to carry your purchases (instead of those cheap shopping bags which rip before you get to the parking lot) -

Tote Bag 

A student gave me one of these for Christmas and it has remained for all time one of my favorite gifts - I take it with me everywhere - and jot down things I'm liable to forget -

Tiffany Appoinment Book

Four Ways To Look Smashing

"Astonish me!" Diaghilev

I have a New Year's Resolution, which my son tells me that I will never be able to keep. My third grade class has their doubts also. But I'm going to try and I shall keep you appraised of my progress.

I'm going to throw out or give away (well, maybe just throw out because I never actually do give it away - I spend too much time thinking of who might want it or need it and it just stays in my closet in a big trash bag) half of everything I owe.

I love having shoes and handbags and sweaters and jewelry but the truth of the matter is I never wear half of my belongings, because I can never find them. And I can no longer spend the better part of my life, looking for items which are buried in a closet under pretty paper bags (which I never use) and in drawers which have become like quick sand.

I'll let you know-

In the meantime - here are five ways to look smashing -

Have a Signature Style

We all have clothes we're more comfortable in and in which we think we look our best. I love a fitted pencil skirt, a brightly colored sweater set and a pair of spiky pointed brilliant hued high heels. Pencil skirts are easily enough to order but the best ones actually contain a spandax undergarment to suck in your stomach and smooth out your thighs. I bought this one -

Shape fx Hold You in Skirt

Love this bow sweater -

Bow Sweater

The shading in these spiked heels is amazing -

Snake Print Red Heels

Carry a great handbag which you'll always reach for when you have an extra long day -

Red Satin Handbag

A piece of jewelry which you wear a lot - (I can't imagine wearing something every day). Hoop earrings, an inspirational necklace, a huge cocktail ring, a decorative cuff - I love this bracelet by Banana Republic and intend to order it. Since white is my favorite color, I intend to wear this - a lot.

White Pearl Cuff

Have a signature perfume. I love it when people say - "I knew you were there - you left a light scent." The key is light - overpowering, musky, heavy scents make people want to vomit, especially in the elevator. I love florals and keep experimenting but always end up with a lily of the valley base. The most famous is Dioressimo - which is a little hard to get, but really delicious. (I must admit I do have a problem with people I know copying my perfume because I hate people to smell like me, so if I know you -) -

Diorissimo

A Little Imagination -

 
"Imagination rules the world." Napoleon

I thought this was a nice picture to share - would you believe that this Mona Lisa is made entirely out of coffee cups Talk about imagination!

Design Per Day

My imagination is hardly as well developed, however, I did see a pair of boots in a magazine, which I so admired. They looked like black satin and on the outer edges rhinestone pins were scattered. Beautiful, blingy and unexpected. And I thought - I could do that.

So I did.

I bought these black satin boots (the boots have to be made of a soft material otherwise it will be difficult (if not impossible) to poke pins through them -

Satin Boots

And put a number of sparkly pins on it - (like this adorable lizard)

 

Lizard Brooch

And ended up with boots that look like this!

Great jewelry from someone with a great imagination from mpratadesign -

Cast Vintage Silver Flower Necklace

A simple but stunning flowered bracelet with a center cultured pearl -

Silver Pearl Bracelet

Let It Snow

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer." Albert Camus

Winter is here, cold winds and icy sleet. Whatever you wear has to water proof, but that's no reason that it can't be pretty. At the very least you can smell pretty. Found this great perfume site - what's fantastic about it is you get to sample every scent under the sun, perfumes only available at boutiques and high end stores - you can pay as little as five dollars for a small vial to hundreds for a large container. Just ordered a sample pack of lilac scented bottles - my favorite and until now had no idea where and how to go about finding one that could possibly be my signature scent.

Perfume Court

And then there are rain boots -

These are called Autumn Wellingtons but I can't see why this rose print couldn't be worn on a snowy, damp, chilly, day -

Autumn Wellingtons

You're safe and cozy under a bed of roses as you watch the snow falling around you -

Rose Umbrella

How can you be assured that your wallet and your i phone and your notebook stays as dry and warm as you? Snow will slide right off patent leather handbag and this one is on sale -

 

Black Patent Handbag

When it's sleeting, you need waterproof mittens because nothing is worse than the smell of wet wool -

Waterproof Mittens

Carrying a water proof pancho in your handbag is a great idea for those sudden downpours -

Waterproof Pancho

Stunning, Sparkles

"If a passion burns inside of you so badly, that you can't think of doing anything else, everything will fall into place." Katherine Lanpher

I must tell you about an incredible offer - on December 17th, hundreds of retailers will offer free shipping and a guarantee to arrive before Christmas Eve. So, if one of the reasons that you don't order on line is because the shipping adds considerable cost to the merchandise, here is your opportunity!  A list of retailers are available at this link -

Free Shipping

People are always asking me, at work or even at cocktail parties, if I have someplace else to go after I leave, because I look so dressed up. That comment is music to my ears, especially when I can reply, "Nope, this is all for you."

The quickest way to add bling is to add jewelry and these are great choices -

Love this ten row rhinestone bracelet for less than thirty dollars -

10 Row Rhinestone Bracelet

A butterfly ring to remind us that spring always returns to the world -

Butterfly Ring

This is called Holiday Pop Ring for obvious reasons -

Holiday Pop Ring

This necklace by latelierdenaomi is called Melt With Me - and it looks as though it might melt in your mouth -

Melt With Me Necklace

A breathtaking Melt With You Headband -

Melt With You Headband

Glittering Dream Earrings

Glittering Dream Earrings

Inspire Me

"We are all angels with one wing and we can only fly by holding on to one another."

Helping others and helping 1.5 million homeless pets find homes by January is the goal of Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Campaign. Learn how you can help by linking to:

Home for the Holidays

And then there is that Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet with such an inspirational message - "Choose Hope". One hundred percent of the profits from the sale of this item will go towards helping children with cancer. Can you think of a more perfect gift?

Choose Hope

Love this necklace from bellawish. Again, a wonderful gift (maybe for a daughter) a reminder that she is adored -

You Are Loved Necklace   

For all the sea lovers (myself included) who look to the ocean for perspective and motivation and a sense of peace and calmness, this necklace is perfect -

 

Look to the Sea Necklace

This necklace is a great gift for a new mother - and you can be assured she hasn't received anything like it -

Baby Necklace