As 2008 becomes one for the history books, we look forward with great anticipation to renewed hope in a new year. 

My hope will be renewed on Monday when a technician from AT&T will miraculously repair my damaged internet connection so that I can download a graphic or two! 

Until that time, I have a few final notes for 2008:

Today is the last day for Doncaster 2008 Fall and Winter Collections.  Those last pieces might still be available through midnight on December 31st.  Access them at www.doncaster.com and for ease of ordering, use consultant code 1867121. 

Check out final shopping treasure for Fall/Winter at http://shopping.glamourbylbd.com.

GlamourByLBD will focus on two things for January.  One is resort collections and looking ahead to Spring 2009.  With a new president, look for style to emphasize patriotism in the more classic styles and whimsical colors in the more trendy and casual.  The second focus will be health and wellness to recover from the holiday habits and stay ahead of the winter colds.  Now is the time to get ready for lighter spring and summer clothing and prepare for active outdoor lifestyles. 

I wish each of you a most blessed New Year! 

Yesterday, I went shopping with a client.  There are great deals to be had but keep these thoughts in mind:

Be very patient.  Things are very picked over. 

• There are a lot of returned items.  That means there are a lot of pieces that are “orphans.”  If you want to buy something at a great price because it will look great with something you have at home, be absolutely certain you can return it.  There is an excellent chance that the color is a little off, the styling won’t quite work, etc. 
• Try on everything.  Pieces that look great on a hanger do not necessarily look great on a real body.  Remember, these pieces are still sitting on the shelves after all of the pre-season sales.
• Look carefully for stains and tears.  I found a good number of damaged pieces yesterday. 
• Shop stores with retail prices that are higher than you usually shop.  With prices at 40%-80% off, you have a great opportunity to buy one or two really great pieces that you will treasure for several seasons. 
• The best deals that I have seen since Christmas are shoes and handbags.  Another good item that is in ample supply are coats and jackets. 

Frankly, I am ready for Spring!  A rack or two of resort wear is starting to show up at the department stores and my online retailers are already launching.  Starting with the New Year, I will be moving into Spring.  Happy New Year!

I have a confession to make.  I do own a pair of Uggs.  They are so comfortable after spending the day in ski boots.  They are great for walking in snow and ice.  And even to my standard, they are perfectly acceptable at a winter snow resort.  Other than that, their wear should be limited to those under the age of 18.  Why?  Because they are very unattractive!  They add pounds, they look sloppy, and so on. 

So, whats a great stylish alternative?  Check out this little wedge number from Bruno Magli.  They are well made, comfortable and very attractive.  And with the clearance price at Endless.com, they are only slightly more than those UGGs! 

Endless.com says of the Revello,  “A luxe look and feel is part and parcel of Bruno Magli’s Revello boot. Its soft suede upper is enhanced by woven leather trim on the slight platform and wedge heel. Its rubber outsole reduces impact, providing complete comfort.”

Click here to learn more about the Revello by Bruno Magli, currently priced for clearance at endless.com. 

This morning, I am throwing last minute items into our SUV as we head to beautiful Lake Tahoe for a few days.  As much as I love writing for all of you, even I need a break from my glowing computer screen!  I will be back just before Christmas, well rested and ready to cover the after-Christmas Take-the-Gift Cards-And-Get-What-You-Really-Want Madness! 

As we look forward to 2009, I am excited about new partnerships and opportunities.  We must continue to remain optimistic! 

If Christmas is your celebration, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas! For my treasured friends who celebrate Hanukkah, I wish you peace and light on Monday.  And a heartfelt Happy Holidays to everyone else I missed! 

Laura Beth DeHority, GlamourByLBD

I just started looking ahead at the spring fashions this week and one thing really struck me.  Strong feminine looks will be an important carryover trend into Spring.  Look for sophisticated uses of lace as a statement that says “pretty is a very strong word”  Isn’t it great that as women we get to have our own signature style?  We don’t need to dress like our daughters or “one of the guys!”  We can make a statement that expresses the strength of our own point of view. 

This is a great top from Nanette Lepore, a great designer of clothes that can be worn.  It is pretty in a way that emphasizes all that we want to emphasize.  The short sleeve gives length to the arm while there is sheer fabric to conceal the top of the arm.  Look at the chiffon draping at the v-neck.  The rosettes are pretty without being dowdy.  The pointelle banding at the hem of the top is a nice finish to a top that falls at just the right spot.  The merino wool has a nice weight to it–substantial enough to hold its shape but breathable to wear comfortably.  This one’s a winner! 

Learn more about the Love I Lost top from Nanette Lepore at Shopbop.