The easiest way to add brilliance to your New Year’s Eve outfit is to accessorize with sparkly (sustainable) jewelry.

I don’t care where I spend New Year’s Eve as long as I am surrounded by people I love, don’t have to make resolutions I cannot keep and get to wear something with some serious shine and sparkle. Here are our top fashion picks for a sparkly New Year’s Eve.

African Cactus Quartz Pendant Necklace
This gorgeous African Cactus Quartz pendant necklace by Mineralogy hangs elegantly from a vintage brass chain that measures 15 inches long. It will add some subtle sparkle to your outfit without becoming overpowering.
$70, Workshop

White CZ Ring by Kevia
This classic yet unusual ring features a faceted white cubic zirconia stone surrounded by 15 flush white cubic zirconias. The hammered band is made from 22k gold vermeil and is adjustable. You may find it exciting to know that Oprah has one.
$188, Olivine

Recycled Diamond Necklace
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Smile inducing and budget friendly, this recycled necklace stylishly comments on the conflict-heavy diamond industry. Made of recycled 14K gold overlay, it’s handcrafted in California by designer Kris Nations.
$39, BTC Elements

Lulu Frost G&S Mezze Necklace
Lulu Frost is something of the master of sustainably made statement jewelry. This piece, from the Modern Vintage collection is made from vintage rhinestones, gold and silver chains. Pair it with a simple dress and you’re center stage stunning.
$385, Lulu Frost

Metronome Bracelet by DLC Brooklyn
The beauty of this mixed ball chain bracelet is the simplicity of the three knots. Made in New York from nine vintage chains of various sizes in silver, brass, hematite and gold plate. Maybe sometimes a bracelet is all you need but if you feel you need more, a matching necklace is available as well.
$155, Green With Glamour

Carole Tanenbaum for Atelier-Mayer 1950s Rhinestone Necklace
Be the belle of the ball in this amazing statement piece. Wear it with a strapless gown and keep accessories minimal to let this really be the center of attention. Carole Tanenbaum started dealing in vintage costume jewelery 20 years ago. Her trained and critical eye helped her to cultivate a stellar collection of over 20,000 pieces, which includes pieces from designers like Dior, Chanel, Lanvin and Sherman. Every piece is hand selected with an eye for design, creativity, strength and exceptional workmanship.
Roughly $2890, Atelier-Mayer

Lulu Frost 100 Year Necklace
This necklace is truly one of a kind. Made entirely of vintage jewelry, it spans a century with elements from 1860-1960. This means that each necklace will vary, and you can be sure nobody will be wearing the same thing to the party.
$1925, Lulu Frost

In a recent competition in Miami, accessories are seen as valuable assets in a growing eco wardrobe.

EcoArtFashion Inc. and LMNT Contemporary Arts of Miami, Florida recently joined forces to host and sponsor the first annual EcoArtccessories challenge, a juried competition calling for artists and designers the world over to create and submit one of a kind fashion accessories using eco-friendly techniques and recycled materials. The competition included the following categories: head piece, neck piece, waist piece, arm/wrist piece, hand piece, hand bags and shoes.

EcoArtFashion Inc. is a concept created by renowned fashion designer and visual artist Luis Valenzuela in an effort to bring attention to innovative art and fashion-based ideas formulated with an earth friendly consciousness. EcoArtFashion Inc. developed the EcoArtccessories challenge as a means to bring special attention to accessories designed and created with sustainable materials in mind.

The jury was composed of Emma Grady, Publisher of www.pastfashionfuture.com, Michael DeSio, who works in Merchandising Management for Saks Fifth Avenue and has an extensive background in fashion including stonecutting and his own men’s shirt collection, Daniella Sforza, Curating Director for LMNT Contemporary Arts, and Luis Valenzuela. Valenzuela says the group of internationally renowned professionals were hand-picked based on their experience in the art, design and retail industries as well as their boundless support of EcoArtFashion Inc.’s green world mission.

Lisu Vega

I asked Emma Grady why she believes it is important to further develop, support and highlight the presence of eco accessories.

“Accessories can transform an outfit. It’s more acceptable to wear accessories (rather than clothing) day after day so they simply get more wear. They serve as a way to experiment with new styles without changing a whole look entirely. Like fashion, eco accessories can serve as great conversation pieces, which is an opportunity to share the story about their origin, whether they’re hand made by artisans or made with an unexpected material,” says Grady, adding that more mainstream designers are dabbling in eco fashion with accessories as they are also a way for designers to get their foot in the door designing sustainable products.

Valenzuela said they received over 100 submissions for the competition with designers implementing materials like recycled cardboard, wire, recycled plastic and unexpected hardware pieces.

Grady says, “I enjoyed seeing a collection of brightly-colored bracelets made with recycled fabrics. They were visually appealing, rich with texture, and statement pieces that would add instant personality to an outfit.”  The selected winning and finalist pieces were chosen by the jury considering use of materials, creativity, and innovative concept.

The winning piece was a geometric-inspired bracelet submitted by Carla Nesci made of hand painted repurposed cardboard from shoe boxes, food boxes, and other pieces of thin cardboard. Finalist’s whose work will also be featured during EcoArtFashion Week are Lisu Vega, Olga Saretsky, and Pat Taylor.

Carla Nesci

The winner and finalist’s works will be showcased on the opening night runway show for EcoArtFashion Week December 2011, and at the “Wrap Yourself In Art” party on November 28, during Miami’s Art Basel, a week-long annual event drawing more than 200,000 art and fashion enthusiasts.

Please visit here for further details.

Images: EcoArtFashion Inc., top image bracelet by Pat Taylor

Water. We all need it on a daily basis. Having a sleek bottle to encase and deliver your hydration is not only desirable, but logical. Why argue with logic? Simply give in and take your pick. I have gathered the best reusable bottles for your picking pleasure.

From left to right:

1. Platypus SoftBottle (Raspberry) – Cascade Designs, $7.95 (Don’t miss the filtration options!)
2. Alex Pop Bottle (Yellow) – Alex, $29.95
3. Hydros Bottle (Blue) – Hydros, $29.99 (Built-in Filter Included)
4. Tap Water Bottle – Reform School Rules, $14
5. SIGG Traveler (Olive Green) – SIGG, $24.99

6. Glass Water Bottle – Roost, $31
7. Glass Beverage Bottle (Graphite) – Life Factory, $19.99
8. Water Bobble (Black) – Bobble, $12.95 (Built-in Filter Included)
9. Klean Kanteen Classic (Green Energy) – Klean Kanteen, $19.95 (There’s an optional filter, too.)
10. KOR Delta Hydration Vessel (Orchid Pink) – Kor, $22.95
11. Earthlust Liter (Fish) – Earthlust, $21

Whether the glamour of a shiny metallic SIGG or the sensual curves of the Platypus bottle attracts your attention, each of these bottles provides a handsome encasing for a beautiful way to reduce your plastic use. Although, I may be tempted to skip the Platypus, it would be a shame (and slightly embarrassing) to carry a water bottle with a more feminine figure than my own. Gulp.

One of my favorite interior images is the nightstand shot; it’s a soulful glimpse into the most personal of practical spaces. I always find myself studying the details and styling of bedside tables.

Here are five essential (and pragmatic) items to rest on your nightstand that will help you rest easy.

1. Literature: Reading a book for 15 – 30 minutes before attempting to retire into sleep can help prepare your brain and body for the rest it deserves. Leave the non-fiction in the living room, fictional content tends to quiet the mind most effectively.

2. Light: The lower the ambient light levels during your nightcap reading, the better (optometrists everywhere are nodding disapprovingly). Turn off your bedroom light and read by lamp light instead. There’s an added bonus here, too – you won’t have to leave the bed to turn off the light when reading lulls you into sleep.

3. Water: There is a plethora of water carafes and cup products (this one is handsome) begging to lounge on your nightstand. Pour a little water into the cup at night before retreating to bed, allowing you a cup ready for sipping if you wake up parched (and if your cup is already full, you won’t need to turn on the light to pour). If all the midnight sipping has you heading to the bathroom, skip turning on the light, which can interrupt your natural melatonin levels during sleeping intervals.

4. Notebook & Pen: We all have thoughts that keep us from sleeping.  Whether you wake up in the middle of the night with a stroke of creative genius, or simply remember your dentist appointment the next day – having a place to write it down allows your mind to release the thought and drift back into sleep.

5. Indulgence: This is something that flirts with your senses or your soul. If your nasal passages love a great scent, keep a candle or diffuser on your bedside table (think aromatherapy scents for sleep and relaxation like lavender or peppermint eucalyptus). If leafy green vegetation calms your mind, keep fresh cut flowers or a houseplant next to your bed. While fresh petal blooms are indulging, opting for a healthy houseplant requires way less maintenance. Perhaps a picture of your loved ones or your favorite travel experience lends you a warm fuzzy feeling? Keep one indulgence that suits you.

You’ll notice two things missing from the five essential items, an alarm clock and cell phone. Keep your alarm clock on your dresser – crossing the room to hit snooze will mean you are more likely to wake up on time. Turn on the light and your chances of oversleeping dwindle even more (back to the melatonin interruption). Leave your cell phone in another room, or at least on the dresser, keep your connection to socializing and work far from your slumbering mind.

Select a nightstand that has storage – hidden compartments allow for the rest of your nighttime needs without creating two square feet of chaos next to your dreams. Keep your hand cream, lip balm, ear plugs, sleep mask, and the rest of your nighttime novelties tucked away. Keeping your bedside sanctuary clean and uncluttered gives your chaotic day a hint of order at the end (and beginning) of each day.

Images: Rue Magazine, Fritz Hansen, & Pia Ulin

Ah, fashion. Just when you’ve sorted out what trends to ride for the current season, it’s time to look forward and incorporate a whole new wave. Luckily, there are some key accessories this spring that will help smooth out your transition.

Moving into spring provokes a sense of fresh intrigue and a renewed energy to be daring and perhaps a little bold and bright.

1. One of the biggest trends for S/S11 is to politely retire the black bag and put into play a colorful counterpart, like a blue bag from Matt & Nat.

2. Geisha Gem Dangle Earrings made with eco-friendly Argentium sterling silver add just a hint of color.

3. A multi-colored scarf from Edun is perfect to introduce color and warmth.

4. Stella McCartney’s Eco Cotton Multi Botancical Print Wallet with exaggerated chain trim is a little something special.

5. A vibrant statement necklace from Lizzie Fortunato gives you a uniqueness that is admired and coveted.

If the cold has got you down, or if you are just ready to move your wardrobe forward into spring fashion, incorporating these accessories is a great way to keep you feeling inspired and on trend.

The second I spotted these gorgeous lights on Trendenser, images of these lovely recycled paper mache bowls lined with metallic leaf danced in my head. The silver (or gold) lining of these products provides an unexpected gleam of glamor. One of these products will provide sheen at the bottom of your treasures and the other will shed light over your gourmet meals while dangling above your dining table.

The Etco Paper Vessels come in confections of colors (white with gold, brown with copper, black with silver, etc.).

The Tom Dixon Beat Pendant Lights come in heaps of silhouettes to drop from your ceiling.

Here are two clever ways to incorporate upcycled wine bottles into your home. The Wine Sphere Chandelier from Wildflower Organics is a delicate glass globe dangling from heavy gauge wire. The Antiqued Mercury Demijohn Wine Bottles from Mothology add a bit of gleam and glamor to any space.

Looking for an excuse to imbibe a ridiculous amount of spirits? Enjoy the pleasure of at least twenty bottles of wine, add handfuls of taper candles, and you have everything you need for a sultry and flickering centerpiece. It isn’t often that preparing for a gathering is as amusing as the dinner itself. Cheers!

(These last images are by Tom Mannion for Elle Decoration – as seen on This Is Glamorous).

This Thursday, as you gather round the table and devour your traditions, take a moment and offer a little ambiance to your guests of honor. As you prepare to verbalize your many blessings, set the stage (and table!) to celebrate. Here’s a heaping serving of inspiration on a silver platter – just in time for you platters of yams and pumpkin confections.

It seems the clever creatives at Sweet Paul have imagined a handful of stunning ideas to inspire your entertaining. When crisp winter intersects with harvest notions, the result is a gorgeous combination of pristine white and sultry pumpkin silhouettes (image above). Your culinary efforts are sure to glisten on this simple and elegant palette.

If you love the produce aisle and crave a little more color on your table, seek natural hues with interesting shapes to adorn your holiday gathering. Artichokes, beets, carrots, and radishes are vivid and lovely.

Or capitalize on Mother Nature with the habitual shades of amber and orange. Fall leaves can be gorgeous, as this natural setting with rich wood styling depicts.

If the saturated hues of the traditional feast are the beauty you want to highlight, add a dash of dignified blue and watch the edible harvest hues of the season gleam.

These gorgeous images are from the glossy (virtual) pages of Sweet Paul – both the Fall and Holiday issues. If you are still finalizing your menu, you will devour the recipes that accompany these visual feasts.

Still looking for the perfect details?  Lonny has a great feature on the most glamorous table setting ever.  And just in case you’re the type of host who craves order through seating arrangements, this pumpkin place card holder will bring the perfect allure to your table setting.

In case you want a bird in your dining room this Thanksgiving, but not on your table – check out these ostrich lovelies from the distant (and more glamorous) cousin of the gobbler.

The Fiela Feather Light by Haldane Martin is a vision of spherical feathers to float over your dining room (or living room, or bedroom). The drama of gentle light filtered through feathers is palpable – if only it were on the menu at my house this year.

Two dimensional ostriches have lingered around EcoSalon before and they are still stunning. The avian wallpaper from Beware the Moon (available here) is a bold way to bring a bird (or seventeen ostriches) into your dining room this Thanksgiving (and of course, being the gracious host you are, invite them to stay year round).

(Photograph Credits: Image 1, Image 2)

Ferm Living offers this colorful felt pillow with humorous and vibrant tufts (it also comes in blue); lean it in the corner of your couch, let it rest on your favorite chair, embellish your bed, or add a little cushion beneath your derriere next time you lounge on the floor. (Don’t miss this charming yellow knit floor cushion either!)

When you need a place to rest your eggnog or absorb the sloshes from your cranberry martini, utilize these felt coasters from Parkhaus (they make a bevy of alluring felted objects). With a slew of saturated color choices to mark your liquids, you’ll never confuse your apple cider for his whiskey. These gorgeous felt coasters are available here for a bargain price of $4 each (plus, you can soak up a little history about felt while you purchase these beauties).