NYE Style, Etiquette & Christmas Wishes For 2014

If you haven’t noticed, the last month has been filled with Christmas and New Years inspired blogs.

I absolutely LOVE this time of year and really can’t contain my excitement! Kids get excited about what Santa might bring, teenagers tearing open their gifts hoping for the latest smart phone but me – I’m here for the festivities.

Even if you don’t celebrate these events, globally it is a time of togetherness, giving and renewal.

In Australia, most of us have holidays and spend it with our families far and wide.

This year is particularly special for me as I’m having Christmas dinner with my parents for the first time in 12 years!

As many of you know, my mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s early in the year which was devastating news for the whole family. But looking on the bright side are two of my wonderful sons who surprised us all to announce they were flying my parents down to Melbourne so we might share Christmas lunch at their restaurant – O.MY (which just features in The Age Good Food Guide as best new restaurant 2014 🙂 )

Now before I launch into my emotional spill, I also wanted to talk New Years Eve. Did you know it’s only nine sleeps away?

New Years Eve

Have you got your New Years Eve party booked in or are you someone that goes to bed at 10pm to sleep the New Year in? 🙁

Perhaps you’re keeping New Years Eve quite tame and opting to celebrate on the day itself.

So whether you’ll be yachting along the harbour fireworks (wow – can I come?), eating and drinking your way to midnight at a bar or restaurant or perhaps with a few family or friends, here are some looks for your holiday perusal:

Party Etiquette

Now unlike the Christmas party where you’re around your colleagues and need to be on your best behaviour, you can get a little sillier with your family and friends – judgement free. Oh and you probably won’t get fired but etiquette rules still apply wherever you’re reigning in the New Year.

While I love a glass of bubbly or two, large amounts of alcohol can make you lose all your inhibitions. Whether you think this is a good or bad thing, I can tell you it will draw a huge hangover the next day, keep memories of the evening scarce and have you asking yourself – did I really do or say that?!

Oh and depending on your age, you can always trust that your friends who thought you were hilarious at the time to place it all on social media the next day for everyone to see. Bless them.

So for a wonderful evening, where the only talk is about how wonderful you are and fabulous you look, here is what I suggest.

1. If it’s too short, too low, too tight – forget wearing it! No one wants to spend the evening tugging at their skirt, breathing in and wondering if the girls have popped out.
2. Elegant doesn’t mean stuffy, it merely means dressing appropriately for your body shape and above all, feeling comfortable.
3. If your hem length is very short, opt for a lower heel to balance you out.
4. NYE is a bit like the races. Ask yourself, how do I want to look at 2am in the morning? I imagine the answer is fabulous.
5. Have a wrap, cardigan or blazer on hand, especially if you are going to be in Melbourne.
6. Keep your shoes ON, there are no expectations to this rule. If you really can’t, keep a pair of foldable flats in your clutch – yes they do exist and are great for these occasions where the dance floor may have tired you out.
7. No drinking and driving. Plan your arrival and exit strategy with taxis, public transport or staying at a friends. It will be the best decision you make for the New Year.

In terms of dressing, NYE is the one chance to glam up, wear metallics if it’s your thing or have some fun with colour. If you enjoy a simple style, go with an outfit that is comfortable, opt for a classic neutral palette and maybe bring a colourful lip in if you please.

My Christmas Wish To You

Now it’s time to slow the pace and put down the glitter and the champagne glass to reflect.

Christmas, New Years Day and the first few weeks of 2015 are generally time we get to spend with our loved ones.

I ask you to exercise gratitude for the year that has been, whatever wins or challenges you’ve been through and know that they’re all for something.

I would like to wish you all a beautiful and safe festive season and hope that you’ve enjoyed some of the blogs I’ve planned for you through this time.

I’ve loved working with so many of you this last year and hope that in some way, Style with Cindy has made a difference in your life.

To my blog and social media followers – thank you. You keep me inspired week after week to deliver you content, images and inspiration. I hope it’s been worth your while.

And to those of you who have followed me all year and sat on the cusp of booking in a Style Consultation, I hope you put a stake in the ground in 2015 and allow us the opportunity to make an impact on your life also.

Style is a truly powerful way to make your mark in the world, change your life and make you feel the best you ever have. I see it happen every single day.

But for now, I wish you all a very merry, safe and stylish Christmas!

Love Cindy and everyone from the Style with Cindy Team!