Happy New Year to all! We all wish you a happy, healthy, successful and beautiful 2009.

As we usher in the new year, we take a look back at the Best and Worst of 2008, along with a look ahead to 2009. From all the Splendicity bloggers, here are some of our favorite (and not so favorite) things from the world of beauty and fashion.
Tracy at Hot Mama Daily tells you about the top 5 Hot Mama moments of 2008 and her top 5 favorites beauty products too. She also clues you in on the worst hot messes of the year.
Dexie …read more

For a lot of drama and high-end style, check out these platform sandals from Christian Louboutin. These black patent leather sandals feature rows of adjustable buckle straps going up past the ankle.
These shoes are available right now on pre-order at Saks Fifth Avenue, but they don’t come without a big price tag. At $1,495, these stunning Christian Louboutin sandals are definitely a luxury buy.

They have a closed back, a 5-inch heel and the signature Louboutin red sole. Though they might cost more than your house payment, these shoes will definitely put you on center stage.
Photo credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

This red hot slingback pump from Christian Louboutin is the perfect choice for a holiday party. It features a little bow on the vamp and simple slingback style.

You can get this shoe in either red or black satin. It’s priced at $695 right now at Neiman Marcus.
If you love Christian Louboutin, here are a few other shoes that you might consider for the holiday season.
Christian Louboutin Alta Nodo Platform d’Orsay – $995

Christian Louboutin Armadillo Satin d’Orsay – $865

Check out the rest of the Christian Louboutin collection.
Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

When I first learned about the concept of Red Tag Crazy, I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in the project. I’m a big fan of sites like WOOT. And this one is like WOOT for fashion (and better!). Though, I’m involved with the marketing of the site, I can honestly say that it’s worth checking out.
RedTagCrazy.com sells one item at deep discounts of 50-80%. Everything from jeans and t-shirts to shoes and dresses. All the items are from brands you know and trust.
Red Tag Crazy is for those women who know what they want when they see it. …read more

All around b5media’s Beauty & Style Channel, the Splendicity bloggers have put together some amazing holiday gift guides. Everything from makeup and skincare products to little black dresses and accessories, we have it all.
Let’s go shopping!

Beth at Aging Fabulous offers a selection of terrific beauty gifts.
SP shows you some terrific handbags at Banging Bags, fabulous stocking stuffers at Shopaholics Daily, and even more holiday gifts at Style Her Hair.
Nikki shows us some wonderful little black dresses at Celeb Look.
Gayla features some adorable gifts for your pets at Couture Critters.
Aly offers beauty products for holidays at eBeautyDaily.
Star shows us a selection …read more

I’m a big fan of Jimmy Choo shoes. Though they are expensive, they are always very beautiful and high quality. Here are three of my favorite Jimmy Choo booties that are available right now from Saks Fifth Avenue.
Jimmy Choo Suede “Erica” Shoe Booties
For purple lovers, this suede Jimmy Choo bootie is a fab choice. It features a tie in the front, back zipper and a 4 1/2-inch high heel with the signature mondrian print. Get these booties now for $1,395.

Jimmy Choo Sandal Booties
Somewhere between a sandal and a bootie, you will find these Jimmy Choo shoes. Featuring glossy patent leather …read more

With the Presidential election just a couple weeks away, you can cast your votes in Bluefly’s Fashion Decision ‘08.
This online election runs through five weeks and allow YOU to vote on which political figure rocks their fashion the best.
Every Thursday, Bluefly will ask voters to decide which candiate (one repping red, the other blue) “rocked it better.” The political people include the First Wives-to-be, the candidates and more.
Right now the vote is all about who wore their party’s color better: Michelle Obama in Republican red or Cindy McCain in Democratic blue?
All the votes are represented graphically on a regional …read more

These booties from Donald J. Pliner are on sale right now at Neiman Marcus for just $229 (originally $315). They come in espresso or black leather and are accented by a tonal croc-embossed strap. The combination of different textures gives these booties a unique appeal.

Other booties from Neiman Marcus you might like:
Sesto Meucci Woven Bootie – $249

Cole Haan Mid-Calf Boot – $149

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

From the Splendicity community, comes this week best in beauty, fashion and shopping.
SHOPPING
NY Spender suggests that “if you buy only one pair of shoes this fall, buy one with stacked heels.“
Her Accessories is celebrating the cooler weather with a roundup of her favorite fall jackets.

Gleaming Things loves Givenchy’s look of layered chains, but they just aren’t in the budget right now – these picks are though!
Shopalicious finds a very stylish quilted handbag — with an eco-friendly twist! (Plus a coupon for 10% off!)
Chic by Nature has a great wrap top that you can wear out and then to bed.
There’s …read more

Are you looking for a colorful, comfortable flat shoe for fall? These Tory Burch ballerina flats come in black, coconut, hunter green, fuchsia, deep purple or equestrian orange suede.

These shoes are highlighted with the Tori Burch logo medallion on the vamp. The elastic back and simple style means these ballet shoes are as comfy as they are cute. You can order a pair right now at Neiman Marcus for $195.
Photo credit: Neiman Marcus