Despite my complaints all year 'round that "New Year's is overhyped", when the day finally arrives, I can't help but be excited. Not because of the midnight kisses and prospects of a new year ahead, oh no. It's the glittery fashions, of course, that get me revved up for an evening of once-a-year glamour.

There is nothing worse, however, than wearing an outfit that only makes it to midnight and the first thing to go is usually the heels. As much as they lift and elongate, many high heels also serve as successful torture devices. In comes your New Year's Eve backup: Damn Heels.

Best Dress: Gwyneth Paltrow
In a sea full of one-shouldered gowns and sequins Gwyneth walked on to the Oscar red carpet like a breath of fresh air. She was simply stunning and statuesque in a white column Tom Ford gown, but the crowning touch was that floor skimming cape wrapped over her shoulders like a fashion queen.

The Christian Louboutin Un Bout pumps were one of our favourite trends of 2012

BEST: Pointed Toe Single Soled Pumps
Sure, they may not be the most comfortable, but these stylish shoes are worth the sacrifice. The pointed toe pump was unstoppable this season, elongating silhouettes and adding sleek lines to women the world over. Celebrities seemed to really embrace Christian Louboutin's gorgeous Un Bout pump, while cheap and chic retailers like Zara and H&M kept the trend in reach for the rest of us.

WORST: Hip-High Slits
It all started with Angelina Jolie and her now-infamous right leg at the Oscars in February. To show off her hip-high slit, the actress kept protruding her slender gam through a velvet fabric curtain and shortly thereafter, similar cuts started cropping up on stars like Lea Michele and Anya Rubik. As the slits got higher and higher, eventually there was nowhere for this hard-to-wear trend left to go, but out of style.

You can't go wrong with a classic! Roots' red-striped wool-blend socks are a staple in any Canadian wardrobe. Perfect for chilly nights by the lake and early mornings by the fire. Cabin Socks, available at Roots stores.

If you haven't made it to the nail salon by now, then it's probably not happenin' before Christmas. So what's a bare nailed gal to do? Well Maybelline to the rescue with holiday-ready nail stickers that will not only make your look more festive, but they'll only take a sec too.

Yesterday the Internet was abuzz with news that Kim Kardashian had cut bangs. Groundbreaking stuff, I know, but celebrity hair is always a hot topic. As it turns out, however, Kanye's honey was faking it for a Cosmo cover shoot.

It was the same situation years ago when Taylor Swift popped up with a full fringe. Sure, she has properly cut it now, but at the time, she was simply taking some clip-on bangs for a test drive. I love the idea of clip-on bangs for that exact reason: such a drastic haircut is a big decision made easier if you can try out the look first.

Who says head-to-toe looks need to cost a fortune? There are tons of cheap and chic fashions available to carry you through the holiday season. From family dinners to cocktail parties, here are three looks ringing in at under $200.

     

Bow Tie Silk Shirt, $49; Sequin Skirt, $39; Ankle Strap Pumps, $99;  all Joe Fresh.

Phew! It's not just me. I've been thinking that Romeo Beckham is insanely good-looking, but have refused to say it out loud since he's, umm, 10 years old. It felt creepy, so I kept my crush to myself. Then today: validation! Burberry, too, thinks the middle Beckham boy is hot stuff.

With their irresistible colours, textures, and scents, beauty buys always make for great gifts. It can be tough to buy something so personal, however, which is why I always steer clear of perfume and makeup, and aim for fun luxurious buys that we rarely splurge on for ourselves.

Here are a few of my favourite picks:

Clarisonic is the one innovation that beauty editors can't stop buzzing about. The skincare brush penetrates pores to remove dirt and makeup, while minimizing pore size. Adding the deep clean to your skincare regime is guaranteed to lead to a healthier looking complexion, no matter your skin type. My pick: Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System, $140, available at Holt Renfrew and Sephora stores.

As if magazine editors didn't already dislike bloggers enough, wait until they get a load of this: ThisNext, a U.S. social-shopping company, has created a new platform where anyone and everyone can create their own online magazine. Using what people love most about Tumblr and Pinterest, this new site, Glossi.com, provides a flippable, clickable online magazine format where people can compile their favourite text, images, videos, and audio bites.