Mint

Sometimes it’s very fun to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes it’s more hassle than it’s worth. Few things illustrate that point more succinctly than holiday parties. You have a faithful dress from years past that you could wear again. But what if someone remembers? Should you buy a new outfit? Or modify your old one? I say instead of reinventing your holiday attire, just refashion it.

Chicos

I firmly believe that everyone should have at least one statement piece of jewelry in their collection. Something dramatic and eye catching. It creates a new focal point on an old outfit and is a natural conversation starter, which makes it great for meeting new people at parties and networking events.

Betsey Johnson

If you’re going sleeveless or strapless and want a quick tweak, a lace, velvet or sparkly shrug is an easy update. If you like to wear pants more than dresses, this is perfect for creating a classic cocktail suit.

Givenchy

A bondage inspired belt adds a bit of intrigue to a basic black dress, without being full blown kink. Sometimes it’s fun to be “that girl” at the party…but, look for subdued details and low color contrast to keep the effect office appropriate.

Brrrr!!!!!!! It’s cold out there! Winter has arrived and, well, let’s face it- “winter wonderlands” are only wonderful if you’re not a shivering, sniffling mess. Assuming you have to venture out of your toasty lair at some point this season, then you have think about staying warm. The easiest way to warmth is with layers, and base layers let you do that without adding a lot of bulk. Think of base layers as the new generation of the long underwear of yesteryear. Worn under your mid layer (say, your favorite trousers or cashmere blend sweater) they keep you cozy and and keep your clothes clean, saving you money on dry cleaning or time on hand washing. Go ahead and let it snow- you’ll be ready for it.

Patagonia

Synthetic base layers come a gazillion colors, are super low maintenance and are easy to find. They come in everything from light weight to expedition weight and are a great all around option.

Smartwool

Wool fibers have tiny air pockets that create a natural form of climate control, keeping your core temperature consistent. Truly the Cadillac of base layers, wool wicks water vapor (as opposed to actual sweat) and is naturally odor resistant.

Land's End

Silk base layers are 100% indulgent and heavenly. They tend to not be quite as rugged as wool or synthetics, so think of them as a great city option rather than your ‘go to’ items for outdoor adventures.

Black has some serious competition this season. Which isn’t to say that “color X” is the “new black.” You can always wear your LBD to wherever you need to go. But let’s face it- there’s a very fine line between “signature style” and “stuck in rut.” Introduce a new neutral into your wardrobe and find that your might love your new navy pants just as much as you love your black pants. It’s okay to have more than one favorite in your closet- variety is the spice of life and style.

Marc New York

In color psychology, blue is the color of thought and reflection while redis the color of decisions and action. Purple, being a combination of the two, pulls traits from both sides. Just something to think about while you’re shopping for a new purple dress.

Ann Taylor

The great thing about navy pants or a navy skirt is that if you’re used to wearing black, the whole rest of your wardrobe seems brand new next to the new navy bits. Another great thing (spoiler alert) is that navy is big, big, big in spring 2011. Start wearing it now, and suddenly you’re a trendsetter.

Anthropologie

Of all the things going on with fashion right now, green coats might be my first love. They’re fashion forward, but not challenging and have a slight retro tinge to them. Because coats are made of heavier fabrics, they tend to hold up well through the years. For a piece that is exclusively yours, check out vintage and consignment boutiques.