It’s the end of 2014 in two days and, well, first: where the hell did this year go? I demand an answer!!! second: that means parties. Lots of parties. And parties means shopping and dresses and above all: outfits.

Because looking good to ring in the new year no matter how drunk you are is always a must. Any and all embarrassment endured will be because of behaviour, and not by how we’re dressed, thank you very much. Or accessorised. Unless the accessorising is really very tragic – which it wouldn’t be now, would it. But putting all of the oomph into what you’re wearing, especially at short notice, like I’m prone to doing, is sometimes so annoyingly hard, and all creativity seems to run away.

So when I was introduced to  Invaluable, and asked if I could style an outfit around a ring of theirs to provide some inspiration, I thought why not – this isn’t a sponsored post. Invaluable is an auction site, way more upmarket than ebay, that sells things from collectibles to estates. Most of the items listed are quiiite a bit out of my price range, but I find it fun to look at the expensive stuff and find dupes on the ‘definitely more affordable’ side of things. Plus jewellery is always a special gift, if you want to get your Christmas shopping done a full year in advance…

You can browse the rings > here <.

#1: Classic Combinations

Ruby & Diamond 10k white gold bracelet ||  Missguided satyra black bardot skater dress – £17.99 || Jeffrey Campbell finola suede heel – red – £87 || ASOS foldover laser cut clutch – £22 || ASOS LE open crystal choker – £14 || Mac cosmetics makeup, £11 

I was instantly drawn to this ring – it’s so delicate. It could also play a part in so many looks, but I chose to go with a classic combination of red and black. Subtle red accessories, like shoes and lipstick, mean that there isn’t too much red throughout the look, and the eye is drawn to the colour rather than being overwhelmed by it, so the ring attracts attention without you having to signpost it. I’ve kept everything else quite down-played here, the clutch and necklace are both pretty and understated, not ones that will steal attention. The dress is an absolute style steal, if you ask me! You can never go wrong with a black dress, and the bardot neckline gives it a classic, vintage feel.

#2: Purple Rain

Amethyst & Diamond 14k yellow gold ring || Jeffrey Campbell soiree heel – £79 || Dune burex framed clutch – £59 || Little Mistress Girls on Film purple lace sleeve dress – £45 || Little Mistress Girls on Film Purple and Lace Collared Playsuit – £40 

This stunning ring would go well with either of these Little Mistress numbers. Purple to match the amethyst stone, understated for optimum elegance. I’m more drawn to the dress than the playsuit, but for variety’s sake, I’ve included both. Other accessories really aren’t needed with this look as the ring is such a statement, The shoes are simple, the clear strap and perspex heel add interest but don’t overpower the outfit, and the clutch adds a nice colour dimension. I think boxy clutches have been such a brilliant thing this season. I’d keep makeup quite neutral for this outfit.

#3: Dancing Fever

Two-tone 18k gold diamond ring ||  ASOS all over matte disc sequin crop – £45 ||  American Apparel disco pant – £55 || New Look silver holographic ankle strap block heels – £19.99 || ASOS v-bar clutch – £18 

I do have a love for statement pieces, and this flower ring pretty much embodies everything a statement ring should be, to me. The outfit I’ve styled here is high-shine disco fever, holographic and sparkly and perfect for a NYE party. The disco pants are a blogger tried-and-tested fave, if you can’t get your hands on the American Apparel version, almost every other high street store has their own take. A boxy sequined top adds a looser, but still ‘put together’ feel, so it’s not all figure hugging. Though if you wanted to go in the body-con direction that’s fine too! The clutch and the heels are holographic, a homage to the fabric of choice for 2014, and something that I’d really like to see stay in the trend books in 2015. It’s a glitzy outfit for a glitzy ring.

My social calender for New Years is definitely not as packed as last year, so I’ll probably only get to take one outfit out for a spin. #3 is definitely my favourite – I’m really feeling more ‘relaxed’ glam this party season. What about you? Which look is your favourite? Do any of you have a super busy New Year’s planned, or are you spending it lowkey?

♥

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Thanks to invaluable for directing me to their site and giving me inspiration for this post 🙂