One of our readers asked for suggestions on what to wear for New Year's Eve. I would have answered sooner, but I've been busy celebrating my 25th birthday! New Year's is a special day. It only comes once a year, after all! For all you starlets who are planning on ringing in the New Year in style, a little glamour is absolutely de rigeur.

This is not a night to dress conservatively or tone down your makeup, hair, or jewelry. New Year's Eve is a night of fantastic potential, a night of outrageous hopes, the forging of dreams and plans to ensure your future happiness! It's a time to celebrate the best life has to offer with those you love, and to lay plans for a bright and happy future. With this in mind, cast off your typical jeans and silk camisoles! This is a special night.

So let's say, just for fun, you're going on a dinner and dancing cruise for the evening. Maybe you're going to a cocktail party. I love this Anna Sui number at left. It's glamorous and enough off the beaten trail that you'll feel special. What about accessories? I love pearls. I'll take any chance I get to wear those wonderful, luminous orbs. However, this dress would also look lovely with big gold earrings and a matching gold necklace. Wear what makes you feel like a princess!


What if you're off to a decadent bash overflowing with Veuve Clicquot? I favor this outfit from DKNY. As with the previous dress, it's different than your everday party wear. It's special. It's unique, just like this evening.

Don't be afraid to try something new! Recently I bought a halter top from INC that I never would have typically picked up. It is black with gold sequins on the front. It looks smashing, and I laugh when I think that I only tried it because my mom insisted it would be a good choice. I was shocked at her suggestion because I've avoided the sequin craze like a bad plate of sushi!

Whatever your plans, have a wonderful and safe holiday! We're so thankful for your ongoing readership.

Happy New Year!

Most people dream of having whiter teeth. OK, I dream of having whiter teeth. I didn't want to take the time to do the Crest Whitening Strips, and professional whitening is quite expensive. I needed a quick alternative.

I've been using whitening toothpastes for a long time, but I only recently discovered Crest Vivid White Toothpaste. It definitely made a difference! Within a few days my teeth were whiter. Note, though, that I'm an obsessive brusher--I'll be 25 this month, and I've only ever gotten 1 cavity. I brush about 4-5 times a day, so that might have had some affect on the effectiveness of this product. Still, at $3.69 a tube, you don't have much to lose.




I also discovered the Rembrandy Whitening Wand. I keep it in my purse and use it occasionally. This little wand does a fabulous job. It's more expensive at $12-14, but if you're serious about brightening your pearly whites, I'd go for it.

Disadvantages: If your teeth are sensitive to heat or cold, you'll want to use whitening products sparingly, as they do increase temperature sensitivity.

Maven's verdict: If you want to whiten your teeth, these products are a definite go.

Note--both of us are going to be really busy in the next few days. F Jersey is getting ready to go abroad, and F Cali is enjoying some time off in preparation for her 25th birthday on Friday! So, we aren't ignoring the questions--we're just not posting a lot right now! Stay tuned!

Stila Lip Rouge

As with many makeup items I end up buying, I've been curious about Stila Lip Rouge, $20 at Sephora, for quite some time. A lipstick in a marker?! What will these kids think of next? Let me tell you, when they call this a marker, they ought to specify PERMANENT marker. It lasts quite awhile. This is good for me since I need my makeup to last for the greater part of the day with little opportunity for touch-ups.

I ordered the rouge in Pucker. Be forewarned, ladies--unless you like BRIGHT red, this is NOT the color for you. I've heard that Moue is one of the most popular colors since it's a neutral brown-pink. Anyway, the stain has to be applied BEFORE you put anything else on your lips. It feels a little dry, but I put some lipstick or gloss over it, and then it looks nice.

Maven verdict: This is a toy, not a necessity. Buy it if you need your kissers to stay covered all day--or all night!