Is it me or do the years seem to be flying by? I was just settling in to 2015 and on the horizon is 2016 within a few weeks! We will begin deciding our New Year’s resolutions, some will be honored and others we may disregard, while watching the ball drop as we count down to the New Year. Whether you plan on ringing in this joyous new year, by glamming it up or opting for comfort with family and friends, I hope you will find inspiration from the sites and information below.

From a historical standpoint, according to http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/12/why-nyc-drops-an-11-875-pound-ball-on-new-years-eve/266654/ the traditional ball drop in Times Square began on December 31, 1907. The original ball weighed seven hundred pounds and was created from wood and iron, a much lighter version of today’s illuminated ball, which now weighs 11,875 pounds. This tradition has continued through decades with the exception of “1942 and 1943, when wartime light restrictions caused it to be canceled”. Let’s commemorate this auspicious occasion by choosing from a plethora of fashion forward ensembles available.

According to http://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/new-years-eve-outfits#2 if you are headed to Times Square, layer up with stylish, super warm sweatpants, from Topshop, a stylish quilted coat as seen to the right available at www.Zara.com, cream turtleneck and “let your accessories do the talking”. You will be both warm and stylish as you watch the ball drop where it all began! “A sequined mini dress and… party-worthy clutch make the perfect combination for a New Year’s night out” topped off with a leather biker jacket, metallic sandals and a rich burgundy lipstick. Don’t forget the little black dress that never goes out of style and is appropriate dress for any function. Pair your dress with a sparkly clutch and jewelry! Remember every outfit should contain the four key elements, color, pattern, texture and shine according to style guru Tim Gunn. If you prefer the comfort of jeans pair them with an embellished sweatshirt or sequined sweater and fabulous Zara booties. www.Zara.com has some of the coolest shoes and incredibly unique items available with prices that will make you glad you logged on!

If dresses are what you are looking for log on to http://www.bestproducts.com/fashion/g106/new-years-eve-dresses/?slide=1 to view the gallery of dresses in sequin, metallic and fantastic fabrics in an array of colors and styles. This site has handpicked an assortment of dresses that are sure to appeal to everyone and every wallet.

As we ring out the old and ring in the new, let us form our resolutions beyond our own self improvement by generating kindness toward others. It is always advantageous to look inward, reflecting on who we are and where we are going. Don’t discard this year’s resolution but remember the words of author Karen Lamb, “A year from now you may wish you had started today”. Resolving to grow spiritually by committing to make a difference, whether in school or at home and towards one another, is one way to maintain a resolution and feel good while doing it!

Quote of the day:
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”
~Bill Vaughn, American columnist and author.

Affordable accessory alert:
As previously mentioned, check out http://www.zara.com/us/. They offer FREE SHIPPING for standard orders over $50 and FREE RETURNS on a variety of trendy, classic clothing and distinctive accessories and more at affordable prices!