Happy New Year!

It�s hard to believe how quickly 2004 swept us by. It�s time to start off 2005 with bright splashes of color and design. From royal blues to sultry maroons, it�s a very berry month for the ladies.

Think sweet. Think of blueberries, strawberries and grapes. January starts off the New Year, and is filled with the aura of sweetness and natural rejuvenation. Forget about the cold, stale weather and concentrate on radiating a warm and fresh glow. Start with one color as your foundation, ladies. Choose a red, burgundy, lilac or plum shade. Double shading or tie-dying your look with the same color in a different shade can look absolutely amazing.

To accessorize, bring in some of the frost from the weather outside and think lots of metal. From your clothing, shift your focus on the work of the outfit. Be it embroidery, beading or sequined dos, find the right metal to match, usually gold, silver or copper. Oxidized or antiqued metals can be picked as well. Match up jewelry and bangles with the right color, keeping everything one solid metal color. Add a pair of light anklets as an accent to simpler, but glittery sandals, of course, in metallic shades.

Hairdos are all about being up, up and up. From French twists to coiffed buns, braids to high ponytails, a close and neat hairstyle is a must to finish off your outfit. If lots of jewelry is not your thing, wear just a pair of jhumke, heavy chandelier earrings - they�re still in, and will remain so until about springtime.

Most men are glad that the holidays are over - it�s about time they can stuff their heavy Jodhpuris and Sherwanis away for a while. Now is the time for more casual kurta pajamas. Kurta pajamas with a thicker feel are the demand now. To feel extra warm and toasty, add a dupatta, or long scarf for added comfort and style. For New Year parties (yes, they can linger on throughout this month as well), gentlemen should still opt for Jodhpuris, but ones with a lighter feel and decorative workmanship. Light colors, such as whites, fawns and beiges are best for this month as well, especially in contrast to the ladies� darker, sassy shades.

Once again, happy 2005 to one and all. Start off this year with positive and self-fulfilling resolutions filled with joy, happiness and superb fashion. And as always, remember to grow with style!

Read previous story