Pop, fizz, clink!

Clare Bever gives true meaning to the saying “the hostess with the mostess.” She greeted guests wearing a vintage red and coral beaded three-quarter sleeve top she found at a Hampden boutique, layered over a black Kay by Kay Celine blouse from the now-closed Jones & Jones. Clare balanced those feminine pieces with looser leather Diesel pants, purchased at the Georgetown store.

Clare then added some festive zest with a Stella & Dot gold leaf cuff bracelet and a cheer-filled Kate Spade purse. The purse was perfect for ringing in the New Year with a cork pattern, round shape, and gold lettering that writes “pop fizz clink.” Clare loves beautifully made pieces that last from year to year but she also loves to accessorize! She feels that a beautiful scarf and a gorgeous clutch can pull almost anything together, and gravitates toward pieces that incorporate a variety of materials, colors, and textures. “I love dresses and heels, and hope that I always look polished and elegant with a little bit of an edge.”

Mariah Bonner turned heads at a Baltimore cocktail party with her black strapless jumpsuit from H&M. Mariah was in town from Los Angeles where she works as an actress. In her everyday life, she likes to be put together and stylish even if she is only making a trip to the grocery store. She often chooses flats during the day, pulling out her favorite leopard print ballerinas from Nine West or her orange sherbet Nike Air sneakers. She likes to pair them with skinny jeans by Guess, or a pair of black capris from Ann Taylor. But, this jumpsuit inspired me to go scouting for one to add to my closet!

Mariah likes to mix and match high-end designers like Helmut Lang with more affordable brands such as H&M, Ann Taylor, or The Gap – like what she did by pairing these funky Jimmy Choo heels with the jumpsuit. It’s fun and makes for a timeless look.

I also liked how Mariah provided her own touch of Hollywood glamour by adding this gold choker from Bebe.

I spotted Julie Norin on her way to dinner wearing an edgy yet classic grey cut-out dress, a silver and leather tassel necklace, and a snake-embossed leather clutch. Her minimalist dress, designed by Bailey44 Deneuve – from Nordstrom – is anything but simple, with the flirty shoulder cut-outs and form-fitting silhouette.“Most of my wardrobe is comprised of basic items that I can mix with a few stand-out pieces, to keep my look fashionable, yet timeless,” she told me.

The long double leather tassel necklace is from White House Black Market and is a statement piece without being too flashy. Her clutch, found at Neiman Marcus, is a simple faux snake skin with a more ornate silver clasp. Julie explained to me, “if I’m not comfortable, I won’t wear it.” Case in point? Her shoes that night – a pair of cut-out leather wedges from Aerosoles. They’re functional, sophisticated, and so fun! She can wear them to nearly any occasion for any length of time and still be comfy.

But, Cloud 9 also offered an even more phenomenal selection of jewelry, including textured metallic cuffs and choker, easy add-ons to any outfit.

My top faves were a spiral gold upper arm cuff, a rose gold engraved cuff, black and white spotted bracelet with a silver cuff and a brass and leather choker – all with a certain boho flare.