Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Left it, ahem, fashionably late to pull your party outfit together? We get it. December is often a blur of a chaotic countdown ‘til Christmas Day, then we’re lost to the Twixtmas lull and before we know it, New Year’s Eve is upon us.</p>



<p>This one’s for you if the mere thought of partywear&nbsp;makes you want to chain yourself to the sofa in your PJs and fire up Netflix. Or if you’ve quite simply left your party prep too late. Step away from the sequins and dive into these top tips from Muddy’s stylish pals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-add-sparkle">Add sparkle</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/Party-Prep-christmas-new-year-Shutterstock-1024x683.jpg" alt="Friends celebrating Christmas New Year's Eve party" class="wp-image-7403" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/Party-Prep-christmas-new-year-Shutterstock-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/Party-Prep-christmas-new-year-Shutterstock-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/Party-Prep-christmas-new-year-Shutterstock-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/Party-Prep-christmas-new-year-Shutterstock-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/Party-Prep-christmas-new-year-Shutterstock-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/Party-Prep-christmas-new-year-Shutterstock-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The days of feeling obliged to wear a different outfit every time you&nbsp;venture out have long gone – it’s not exactly eco-friendly, for a start. A view echoed by the team at <a href="https://www.conscious-closet.co.uk/">Conscious Closet</a>, Southwell, a lifestyle brand created by two women – Sarah Rockley and Lisa Holland, who love fashion but loathe waste.</p>



<p>‘Adding sparkle immediately makes you feel dressed for the occasion,’ says Sarah. ‘Either glam up a plain outfit with sparkly earrings and necklace, add a sparkly top to plain elegant trousers or casual jeans (at most dinner events you are more often than not only seen from the waist up!) or cinch in a plain dress with a sparkly belt.</p>



<p>Still struggling? Just customise something you already have with some sequins, a sparkly&nbsp;clip or crystals. ‘Order for next day delivery from Amazon and get handy with a needle and thread or glue!’ says Sarah.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-back-in-black">Back in black</h2>



<p>If in doubt, go for elegant, timeless plain black glamour. ‘Most people have an outfit in black or dark navy &#8211; whether these are separates&nbsp;or a simple dress,’ says Lisa. ‘Feel more dressed up by adding glamour&nbsp;with hair and make-up, beautiful red nails, and a gorgeous statement pair of earrings.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stilettos-on">Stilettos on!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="788" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/high-heels-788x1024.jpg" alt="gold high heels and sparkly accessories" class="wp-image-7412" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/high-heels-788x1024.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/high-heels-231x300.jpg 231w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/high-heels-768x998.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/high-heels-404x525.jpg 404w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/high-heels.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px" /></figure>



<p>‘Get out those heels lurking at the back of your wardrobe,’ advises Lisa. ‘We are so used to wearing flat shoes nowadays that a pair of heels always makes you feel dressed up. Even the simplest trousers and top can feel glamorous with a high heel statement shoe &#8211; or add sheer patterned tights to high heels to glamourise a plain&nbsp;dress.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-a-statement">Make a statement</h2>



<p>The shortcut to a glam party look? A stunning statement piece say the girls at Conscious Closet. ‘Add a statement piece such as a jewelled bag, faux fur shrug, beautiful scarf tied delicately round your neck, long gloves, or a glamorous headpiece,’ recommends Sarah. ‘Let the piece do the talking on a plain outfit.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-style-it-up">Style it up</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/party-hair-the-lounge-ashbourne.jpg" alt="party hair sleek low bun The Lounge Ashbourne" class="wp-image-7408" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/party-hair-the-lounge-ashbourne.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/party-hair-the-lounge-ashbourne-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/party-hair-the-lounge-ashbourne-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/party-hair-the-lounge-ashbourne-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/party-hair-the-lounge-ashbourne-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/party-hair-the-lounge-ashbourne-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Try a timeless low bun like this one styled by <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-lounge-ashbourne-hair-beauty-derbyshire/">The Lounge</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Can’t get an appointment for a bouncy blowout or full glam up-do? We asked Muddy Award-winning hair salon <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-lounge-ashbourne-hair-beauty-derbyshire/">The Lounge</a> in Ashbourne for some DIY tips if you’re at home and pushed for party prep time. ‘Creating movement in your hair is key for any effortless up-do,’ says snipper supremo Harriet. ‘Velcro rollers or GHD rise will help create volume and movement. Or try a dry powder spray, like Kevin Murphy Doo.over, to give body and volume to hair, while still allowing the freedom of movement. Tapioca starch is the key to volume, giving body and form to hair for effortless styles that last whilst also absorbing excess oil.’</p>



<p>Seriously last minute party invite? ‘If it’s hair wash day but you don’t have time, sleek ponytails or a sleek low bun is elegant, timeless and very on trend with some statement earrings,’ adds Harriet. ‘ Just use some gel and a bristle brush to create that smooth finish.’</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-your-glow-on">Get your glow on</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/glow-skin.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7413" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/glow-skin.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/glow-skin-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/glow-skin-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/glow-skin-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/glow-skin-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/glow-skin-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Skin looking a little, er, lacklustre? December can take its toll on your skin, especially after we’ve all had the heating cranked up to the max. If you’re in need of a glow-up, the beauty team at <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-lounge-ashbourne-hair-beauty-derbyshire/">The Lounge</a> in Ashbourne swear by The Crystal Clear 10 Minute Glow Mask. One of their top sellers, this zesty papaya fruit and lemon professional peel-off power mask sloughs off dead skin cells to leave you glowing. &nbsp;Perfect for a fast DIY beauty-fix. </p>



<p>Prefer an entirely plant-powered party prep alternative? Try a dab of local natural skincare brand Skin Elixir’s <a href="http://Using active ingredients that tackle the over production of sebum; sloughs off dead skin cells">Super Natural Oil</a> to give dull skin an instant boost.&nbsp;Crafted with plant-powered oils and easily absorbs into the skin, leaving behind a light sheen that leaves a radiant glow. The secret ingredient? Bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that has been shown in small-scale studies to have anti-aging properties.</p>



<p>‘Bakuchiol has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a promising alternative to retinol, which can cause irritation for some people,’ explains Shona Munro of Skin Elixir.&nbsp;</p>


You shall go to the ball (or, er, pub)! How to nail last-minute party prep

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