By Jacque

While many of us wait all year long to unleash our best suits and frocks on the occasion known for its high glamour, this season’s trend is calling for a full fledge pre-New Year’s Eve celebration.

Add sparkle your wardrobe:

Take note from exemplary starlets like Camilla Belle and Nicole Richie who are leading the trend in gold sequin tops.

Other trends include adding a touch of glitter like this skinny glitter belt from J.Crew to a dress or bottom.

Shoes are also getting in on the glitter action, which is why adding a pair of glitter Louboutins on your wish list isn’t a bad idea.

Look sleek in leather:

For an effortless look that can take you from day to night, pair faux waxy leather leggings with a solid-colored top, similar to fashionista Lauren Conrad’s look here:

A touch of faux leather can add edge to any look. This Elsa jacket from Ann Taylor is not only ˜incredibly stylish’, it’s also ultra versatile for the season’s numerous festivities.

Keep warm in faux fur

Ever since the fashion gods recognized faux-fur for its ability to help troubling consumers in an environment-conscious population, it’s happily rocked styles in the runway and on the streets.

This season, faux fur jackets will not only keep you comfortably warm, you’re guaranteed to make a noted entrance before revealing whatever classic piece you have hidden underneath.

Looks like this Juicy Couture faux rabbit fur jacket are statement pieces that will easily survive long after the New Year.  If a touch of faux-fur is more up your alley, accessorize with a chic leopard print beret or a posh scarf like this piece from Michael Kors.

I’m dying over the Cynthia Rowley holiday gift wrap, available exclusively at One Kings Lane.

Wrap your holiday gifts in love and style with this uber-fab wrap.

As written by me this morning for Desert Living Today:

Prepping for Black Friday shopping can be much like prepping for a hike at the Grand Canyon – you’ll need endurance, proper footwear, snacks and strategy. If you’re heading out, your best bet is to snatch that the deals before sunrise this year.

Valley malls plan to open midnight Black Friday, with salivating sales for all on your holiday list. Visit Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Desert Sky Mall, Paradise Valley Mall, Superstition Spring Center, Flagstaff Mall or Prescott Gateway Mall opening midnight, November 25.

If the post-turkey coma gets you and scoring first dibs on early morning black Friday sales won’t temp you outta your warm bed, Scottsdale Fashion Square opens at 6:00 a.m. Friday, with multiple shopping luxury events throughout the day, starting with the Breakfast Pop Up Shop in the Barneys Wing from 6:00-9:00 a.m. After lunch, stop at the White Mitten Lounge in the Neiman Marcus / Dillards Wing from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with activities and refreshments served for a small donation to a local charities. The White Mitten Lounge will be open Fridays – Sundays from November 25  - December 18 and will benefit local charities including Desert Stages Theatre, STARS, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale and Ryan House.

And one lucky Black Friday shopper will win a day of pampering courtesy of Mood Swings Salon in Tempe for the earliest purchase receipt after midnight on Black Friday. Snap a pic of your early receipt and email to marketing@moodswingssalon.com before midnight Friday, November 26. The winner will be announced on their Facebook page here. The winner will receive a full Retail Therapy Package including 60-minute facial plus eye-zone treatment, arm and hand massage, Aveda comforting tea and a makeup touch-up.

If you can’t even wait until Friday, some big-box retailers are opening as early as Thursday at 10:00 p.m., including the Outlets at Anthem, Best Buy and more. Check out a full list of Thanksgiving night openings here.

And of course, Small Business Saturday sponsored by the Arizona Small Business Association will be held Saturday, November 26 with Arizona small businesses offering deals, post Black Friday mayhem. A kick off event will be held at the Scottsdale Waterfront Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00p.m. More details here.

You’ve got less than a week to prepare for the holiday shopping Black Friday blitz. If you looking for more ways to get yourself ready, check out the chuckle-worthy The Black Friday Preparedness Guide.

Friday night, November 11th at 8:00 pm. One local designer wins $3,000!

For tickets www.projectethose.com