Pick Six: New Year, New Beginnings Edition

I know that many people are looking forward to 2017.  After a 2016 that seemed to be filled with disappointments, some of us are just ready to kiss this year goodbye.  But that doesn’t mean that we can’t say ‘ciao’ in style.  From New Year’s Eve attire to the products you need to get your year started off right, here are six items that make the most of new beginnings.

Do this champagne lover a favor, and please stop serving sparkling beverages in plastic cups.  Plastic may be perfect for utility, but it ruins the champagne-sipping experience.  You might as well serve it out of those tiny, paper Dixie cups from the dentist’s office.

These super-chic Rosanna Art Deco Flutes ($86 for 4) are a unique edition to any bar.  For something more affordable, try World Market, they always have lovely, inexpensive wine glasses like their Connoisseur or Confetti glassware.  Or do what I do for special occasions, and pick up antique champagne coupes on Etsy.  For large groups, you can rent glassware inexpensively or hit up Costco for stemless wine glasses that don’t break the bank.

New Year celebrations are a great reason to buy new shoes.  And if you choose wisely, you can treat yourself to a pair that can be worn to weddings, cocktail events, and date nights for years to come.  I love these Schutz Rene Tie Sandals ($180) are a great option–neutral, stylish, fun.  Nordstrom also has some great pieces in their half-yearly sale, like these Jimmy Choo Isabelle Pumps ($346) and these Vince Camuto T-Strap Sandals ($93).

While going cocktail-for-cocktail with your friends can make for a fun night out, it can also make for a rough morning after.  Especially for your skin.  Unless you want your skin to start the New Year off on the wrong foot, 1) do not go to sleep in your makeup, 2) apply a nourishing night cream before you head to bed, and 3) drink plenty of water.  Then, the next morning, give your skin what it needs with Leaders What Happened Last Night Mask ($)9 for 2.

I almost never make New Year’s resolutions, but this year is a little different.  I’m turning 35 in May–deep breaths–and I want to start my late-30s–inhale, exhale–of on the right note.  I’m seeing a new dermatologist, I’m planning to start eating healthier (sorry, McDonald’s sales of your Big Mac are about to nose dive), and I’m going to start working out.  I hate the gym.  But it’s probably past time that I had a workout regimen.

One thing about heading back to the gym, is how expensive workout clothes are.  I’ve had decent luck with Lululemon’s ‘we made too much’ section (Work the Circuit Tank $39).  I also find good deals in the sale section on the Nordstrom website (also, in plus-sizes).  But, for the money, I think Old Navy has the best affordable workout attire (Go Dry Performance Pullover $26).

I mentioned earlier that I wanted to eat healthier in 2017.  Anyone who has ever met me knows that this is unlikely to happen.  For nearly two decades, cheeseburgers have been the foundation of my food pyramid.  So, for the days when I will fail in my quest to eat more leafy greens than a Guinea Pig on steroids, I’ve decided to give 8Greens Dietary Supplement ($12) a whirl.

A New Year means it’s time for new calendars and agendas.  I like a leather notebook for my daily to-do-list.  I think it looks more sophisticated, but there are plenty of lovely paper agendas on the market.

This Gigi New York Journal in your choice of metallics is a great option at ($90).  I bought the rose gold.  The brand’s Wire-O Notebook’s have long been my go-to choice for work notebooks.  I like that they’re spiral bound, and refillable.

For something on the whimsical side, I like this Rifle Paper Co. agenda ($27).  I also like this dotted Fringe Studio 17-month planner ($28).  Or you can go all-in on an Smythson leather planner ($270).