A wise woman once said  "It is far better to have a Christmas tree than to be one."   So, if you are tempted to drag out that old Christmas sweater again this year, please reconsider!  The fashion police went after these gaudy little numbers years ago and fortunately for the rest of us, few have been seen since [except in schools, of course].  I also have it on very good authority that angels enjoy sitting on top of Christmas trees.  Being pinned on a collar, lapel or turtleneck sweater?  Not so much. 

• When your shoes look tired and worn, so do you.  Treat your feet to a pair of colorful satin pumps or flats.  Your feet will look and feel beautiful and so will you.
• A silk blouse or cashmere cardigan with rhinestone buttons feels oh so soft and luxurious against your skin and adds a touch of glamour to your classic black slacks.  If you want to be super practical, why not just change the buttons of a favorite sweater or blouse to rhinestones?  Voila!
• Carry a bejeweled or sequined satin clutch bag [see photo above] to a holiday party.  If you don't want to buy a new clutch, just pin a pretty brooch [no, not an angel!] on an evening bag you already own.  Brilliant!
• Look for a belt with a sparkly buckle to cinch the waist of your black slacks [or skirt].  A great belt like this serves as your jewelry for the outfit while instantly elevating your look from everyday to "holiday".
• A colorful scarf with a sprinkling of sequins or shiny metallic threads running through it can do double duty this winter.  When indoors, wear it as a wrap over a lightweight or sleeveless top.  Outdoors, it becomes a beautiful holiday touch for your winter coat [while running from store to store finishing up your Christmas shopping]. 
• Change your hair and make-up just a little for evening.  Nothing drastic, mind you . . . just enough to spark up your look.  Try a red lipstick [there is a perfect shade of red for everyone, you just have to be willing to look!].  Or add some shimmery eye shadow and a smudge of eye liner to your make-up routine.  If you usually wear your hair down, try a pulled back style.  If you always wear it pulled back, try it down with a little more oomph and volume.  If  it's very short, push the sides back behind your ears and sweep the bangs to the side for a more sophisticated look.  Add a pair of chandelier earrings and WOW!  You are good to go! 
• Have some fun dressing up, even if  it's only for dinner at home with your family.  'Tis the season!  And trust me, someone will notice.
  

Looking ahead, our January 2010 Style File issue . . . "2009 in retrospect: A Few of  My Favorite Things".  Plus, the "best hat ever" for warmth and style this winter!