There is no time quite like December, in theory a joyous, celebratory season. In actuality—a complicated, often terrifying reflection on what has passed and what is to come. The New Year holds in its hands inevitable change, the one constant thing in this human life. Our challenge is to accept it, somehow embrace it, to love it. Some of us will ring it in from big, blowout parties, some from smaller sofa soirees, and some even from hospital beds. Many will actually sleep right through it! But in today's social era, regardless of our reality, we often participate in a charade of celebration where the performance of joy is more important than joy itself. In an urgent plea to be seen, we look for confirmation through strangers and find it's never enough.

What has this got to do with fashion? The answer for me is power. Through the worst of times there is always freedom in self-expression. You can wear who you are and say so much, not just to those around you but even more importantly—to yourself. A candied sparkling delight of a jacket has the power to deliver a lightning bolt gift of self-esteem. I believe a glimpse in the mirror can be life-altering, often harsh; we see ourselves and all our flaws in real time. How many of my darkest moments begin and end in a mirror... but conversely—how many of my best? I believe clothing has the power to liberate us from our worst critic, ourselves. As spoken by Caroline Caldwell, "In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act."

So here is a collection of sparkles to bring you some frothy, uncomplicated joy. All I can hope is they will make you feel as powerful as you truly are.

Shine on!