With New Year’s Eve approaching, it’s time to consider your evening party attire. You certainly can’t show up in that ugly Christmas sweater you wore on Christmas Eve (even if you won first place), so what are you going to wear?

Not into wearing the sparkly sequined dress that seems to accentuate errythang or long elegant gowns (how does anyone move in those things)? Then it’s the little black dress to the rescue!

We are talking about the closet staple that almost every woman has. That simple dress, infinitely capable of making you feel the most amazing! You’ve been working hard to take care of yourself and your body, why not enjoy your hard work?

Take your little black dress from “pretty” to “knock-out” worthy,

with these 3 Simple Accessories:

Gorgeous Smile

Believe it or not, your best accessory isn’t an amazing necklace or perfectly coiffed “do”, it’s the air of confidence you exude when you’re looking and feeling your best! And what better way to rock that feeling than with your beautiful, genuine, smile and clear, glowing, skin.

With New Year’s Eve just four days away, it’s not too late to get yourself ready for the big night!

Start by showing off those pearly whites! There’s no need to purchase expensive whitening gels! Just using a simple mixture of baking soda and peroxide to brush your teeth, will help remove superficial stains and enhance your smile! Use a straw when drinking tea or other beverages that are likely to stain (like coffee) and avoid tomato sauces, yellow curry, and other foods which can cause yellowing or discoloration. Dying for a cup of joe?  Rinse your mouth out with water, or brush your teeth immediately following, to minimize staining.

Clear Glowing Skin

We all know that there are multiple benefits to drinking water, but glowing skin is possibly the most visible of them all. Drinking water gives you a natural dewy glow that can only be achieved through natural hydration. A good quality daily moisturizer will help, but there is no replacement for plentiful water intake that will get you there faster! Starting today, aim to get around 80-96 ounces each day, leading up to New Year’s Eve. You’ll be surprised how great your skin will look! Using a sugar scrub the day before, is a great way to get rid of dead, dry skin, as is a good quality exfoliant (as opposed to an over-the-counter peel)!  You just need to be careful when trying a product you’ve never used before! (The last thing you want is for your skin to continue peeling and flaking)!

As an added bonus, maintaining your hydration also smooths out the appearance of fine lines and the lumpiness of cellulite! Win-win!  Staying hydrated also helps minimize the effects of “overindulging” (alcohol is super-dehydrating). If you can, drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol you consume. You might be surprised how much better you feel the next day!

Trim Physique

Worried that you’ve put on a few extra pounds during the Holidays or that you’re not feeling as trim as you thought you’d be? Before you break out the SPANX, consider the fact that most of the “bloating” and “tightness” we feel with “Holiday Overindulgence” has less to do with actual weight gain and more to do with types of foods we’re eating.

Starchy carbohydrates, especially those found in baked goods and other sugary treats, are notorious for slowing down our digestive tract or making us retain water. In fact, when you consume carbohydrates, your body converts them to glycogen, which is then stored in the muscles for energy. For every gram of glycogen stored, you gain approximately 2.7 grams of water. Water retention occurs because your kidneys hold on to sodium in response to carbohydrate consumption. What can you do to help it?

1. Increase your water intake
2. Decrease your sodium intake (think added salt, processed foods, deli meats)
3. Get more sleep (believe it or not getting more sleep decreases bloating and inflammation)!
4. Give yourself a break from the gym and try going on relaxing walks instead
5. Increase your potassium intake, naturally by consuming: Beans, Dark leafy greens, Banana, Potato, Squash, Yogurt, Salmon, Avocado, and Mushrooms

Transform a plain little black dress into something that is comfortable, unique and classic to your own style. Check your closet and find some of those pieces that really make you happy: a gorgeous clutch, a beautiful scarf, or the perfect pair of kitten heels! Combined with your gorgeous smile, glowing skin, and trim physique, you’ll be ringing in the New Year in style!

Enjoy the night of New Beginnings!

Have a wonderful and Happy New Year! Drink safe and remember to use a designated driver!