As 2009 comes to a close, it’s time to toast the year that came and went, say goodbye to some trends (both good and bad), and toast the year that’s coming!

2009 gave us color trends of purple, red, and metallics, open-toed boots and booties, and peep-toes worn with tights.  It also gave way to the rise of the “recessionista,” that is, a fashionista on a budget.

For 2010 I wouldn’t mind some of the color trends to stay, I love tights (but not so much on the open-toed boots and booties), and I am hoping we continue to see economic improvement but that we don’t forget how to do beauty and fashion right on a budget.  While I loved some of the 80s looks that were revived in 2009, there are a few looks I can do without: lace gloves, shoulder pads, and big hair.  We can also leave behind the Ed Hardy (blame Jon Gosselin and the Jersey Shore crew)  – and before I forget – the Oompa Loompa tans!

My look for 2010 is going to be fun and natural.  I am feeling dresses that can work for multiple seasons, natural hair, and fun dramatic eye makeup!

If New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was any indication of what we can expect, we’re still going to see some great reds, neutral tones, prints, and feminine shapes.  For hair and makeup we’ll see a range of looks.  My favorite is the fresh-faced look, but red lipstick is staying hot!

And please, everyone, don’t forget to wear pants in public this year!

Happy 2010!

One of the easiest, more effortless looks for a great night out like a New Year’s Eve bash, is the classic little black dress.  The drawback?  If it’s easy for you, it’s easy for every other hot lady in your area who will be out partying!

I love black and white (I even had a black and white wedding, um… circa 2004).  One of my favorite places for fun pieces to wear with my LBDs is White House | Black Market.  They have these great embellished silk opera belts.  I picked up the Silk Mimi Opera Sash Belt for $68.  It looks great with the LBD pictured (which I also got, call me a shopaholic!).  If you don’t have the budget, you can find great rayon sashes that look silky for a fun splash of color.  This is a great project for fashion DIY-ers, too!

Not afraid of mixing black with bright colors?  Try a great pair of colorful tights to make your little black dress stand out!  You can find steals on tights at places like Target and Urban Outfitters.

Go for a statement necklace.  This is one of my favorite trends!  I had a hard time picking a favorite, but I really love the Mykonos bib necklace from Banana Republic (pictured, right).  No budget for statement necklaces?  They were a huge trend this season, so you may be able to re-purpose one, borrow from a friend, or score a great deal on one while shops are having their huge holiday sales.

Fun shoes! I love when I see a woman who has gone with a simple head-to-toe look and punched it up with a gorgeous stand-out pair of shoes.  You can find a lot of statement shoes and shoes in fun colors and prints, but I have my eye on the Gim Me sandal from Luichiny, available in several colors at Endless.com.  Personally, I am all about the purple.  They’re also under $80, which is a pretty good price for a quality stand-out shoe!

Flirty hair accessories are a fun, less expensive way to punch up your party look.  There are lots of pins that you can wear on your dress that are also interchangeable with a bobby pin, like the one from J.Crew pictured right.  This trend is not for everyone, but I like it with a simple chignon or smooth up-do.  Other options include headbands with similar bows and embellishment.  One caution about headbands is to be careful not to go for something that is not age-appropriate.

Perhaps you’ve been busy, or perhaps you left someone off your list by accident.  Or maybe you just need a quick something to give as a “New Year’s” present.  There are a lot of great, accessible gift options that are both economical and fabulous!

• Ted Gibson Empowerment Body Travel Kit, just $24.99 at Target.  Did you know that Target carried Ted Gibson products?  How awesome is that?  This kit comes with three boy shampoos and three body conditioners.  Perfect for pampering on the go.  In this season of traveling, what could be better?
• A drugstore may not be your go-to for holiday gifts, but there are really some great beauty finds.  You can even get lots of great designer fragrances.  CVS/Pharmacy carries popular choices like Burberry Brit, DKNY Be Delicious, and other great designer fragrances.  You may not find anything super new or cutting-edge, but you will be pleasantly surprised!
• If you’re near a Macy’s store, you already know they have a lot of great beauty and fragrance deals around the holidays.  An added bonus is the extended holiday hours at most locations.  My favorite pick for a last minute gift?  The MAC 5 Models Misbehaving Deep Mini Lipglass/Lustreglass set comes in a great silver gift box with circular perforations reminiscent of a nighttime sky or perhaps holiday ornaments. Colors are: Pinkular, Magnetique, and Gitane Lipglass, and Angel Wing and Instant Gold Lustreglass. At $29.50, it’s also a great bang for your buck!

If you’re really tight on time, something edible can also be a winner!  I personally am accepting gifts of champagne and chocolate.  Just saying….