Now that we’re all starting fresh due to the New Year, taking inventory of our closets is definitely in order. This past weekend, I decided to purge some items that are no longer welcome in my wardrobe. For a few of the garments I found myself asking, “What was I thinking when I bought this,” or “was this ever in style?”

Those unflattering fashions were donated to my local charity while others were turned in for cold-hard cash at Beacon’s Closet, a NYC-based store where you can sell, trade and donate clothes.

If you decide to clean out your closet, be sure to hang on to these timeless pieces that will take you from season to season!

LBD (these frocks are my weakness…you can never have too many!)

Lightweight scarf (perfect for chilly days or summer nights)

White cotton/Spandex blend t-shirt (long & short sleeve – the most versatile item I own!)

Cashmere cardigan (if not cashmere, any fabric in this sweater style will do!)

What do you do with your unwanted clothes? Do you swap with friends, donate or hold on to them hoping you’ll fit into them again or they’ll come back in style?

For those of you who won’t be donning a stylish party skirt this season, BGG has rounded up some of the hottest holiday frocks for all of your upcoming fêtes! Ring in the festive season with reasonably priced dresses that will take you from a business cocktail party to a lively family soiree. Getting dolled up for the holidays is one of the reasons why it’s my favorite time of year!

Do you purchase new dresses each year for the holiday season?

Flirty Satin & Tulle Party Dress by Mori Lee available at www.edressme.com for $112

Maggy London Belted Charmeuse Party Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $105.90

Armani Exchange Luxe Ruffle Dress available at www.armaniexchange.com for $120

Gold Two-Tone Chiffon Bubble Dress available at www.edressme.com for $94

Sequin Chiffon Key-hole Dress available at www.bebe.com for $90.30

Jessica McClintock Single Shoulder Party Dress available at www.dillards.com for $90

Max & Cleo Sleeveless Taffeta Ruffle-Hem Dress available at www.macys.com for $148

Holiday Dazzle Shirred Sexy Dress available at www.bebe.com for $83.30

Silence & Noise Ruffle Tie-Back Party Dress available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $78

Gone are the days when women only wore basic, plain tights. This fall the choices are virtually endless! Now you can easily choose from a wide variety of cool and creative leg wear at just about any store.

Whether you prefer a funky fishnet or a preppy argyle motif, you’re sure to find a pair of tights that will give your gams warmth without sacrificing style!

Do you typically purchase textured tights or basic opaque hues?

Betsey Johnson “Layer It” Diamond Tights (2-pack) available at www.nordstrom.com for $30

Ribbed Tights available at www.bebe.com for $24

HUE Houndstooth Sweater Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $21

Heather Hip Diamond Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $8.90

HUE Openwork Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $13.50

Spanx Dream Catcher Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $28

Paisley Tights available at www.freepeople.com for $28

Trellis Tights available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $14

Cable-knit Tights available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $18

HUE Argyle Sweater Tights available at www.nordstrom.com for $13.50

You know the saying, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend?” Well, that’s true but the reality is that we’re BFFs with anything that will make us look more fab and nothing does that like a few hot accessories! This season, drape yourself in inexpensive costume jewels, brooches and hair adornments for a dose of instant glam. Now is the time to add decadence to your ensembles with bold statement pieces that don’t cost a fortune.

Check out some of these must-have accessories of the moment:

Kenneth Jay Lane Rounded Square Cocktail Ring available at www.bloomingdales.com for $80

Jeweled Metal Headband available at www.forever21.com for $8.80

New York & Co. City Style Medallion Necklace available at www.nyandcompany.com

Metal Beaded Bracelet available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $24

Egyptian Silver Hoops available at www.girlprops.com for $9.99

Ann Taylor Faceted Stone Spray Brooch available at www.anntaylor.com for $40

Armani Exchange Rhinestone Cluster Necklace available at www.armaniexchange.com for $38

Do you ever wear costume jewelry or other faux accessories to add flair to your outfits?

After writing last week’s post about celebrity closets, it got me thinking about the renowned fashion designers of the world. Have you dreamed of wearing a gorgeous one-of-a-kind Oscar de la Renta evening gown or perhaps a custom-made party dress designed by fellow BG, Tracy Reese? There are so many wonderful designers who create beautiful garments from everyday wear to extravagant couture pieces.

If you could chose a famous designer (Project Runway contestants included LOL!), living or dead to design an outfit of your dreams, who would it be and for what occasion? While you’re pondering, check out one of my first BGG interviews with fashion designer Joan Vaccianna, maybe you’d like her to design for you one day!

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