Maybe it's because I fell in love with fashion around the same time I fell in love with theatre, but I've always regarded my closet as a Tickle Trunk of possibilities: Each year, I add bits and pieces that help me express myself, make life sartorially fun and, sometimes, even transform me.
Here's a fond look back at the some of the gear that rocked my world in 2007.
Candy apple red stilettos Who would have guessed that the flashiest accessories I'd invest in this year would come from a shopping mall in Tennessee?
Last summer, a pair of T-strap, red patent shoes called out to me at the Anne Klein boutique in Nashville. I had to have them: Shoes that make a statement are worth their weight in gold. Besides, they were on sale.
A couple of months later, Twiggy stopped me at Stella McCartney's show in Paris to admire my fab footwear.
Andy Warhol Dangerous Things necklace New Yorker Robert Lee Morris has created a line of silver jewellery based on Warhol iconography. The necklace dubbed Dangerous Things features a small dollar sign, a high-heeled shoe and a gun, with a Warhol quote etched on the back: "Just shoot and every picture turns out right."
The necklace is a great conversation piece - especially at airport security. Apparently you can't take anything that resembles a weapon on board with you. Hide Society shearling
and knit mink coat Toronto designer Domenic Bellissimo has taken the creative reins at Hide Society, a label that is becoming known for its gorgeous leather and shearling coats and jackets.
My black three-quarter number is lightweight, warm, luxurious and, best of all, Canadian.
Nothing feels better to me than strutting a glamorous homegrown garment in the wilds of the international fashion jungle.
Joeffer Caoc jersey dress Leave it to a Canadian designer to come up with edgy glam that is both practical and highly wearable. My ruched LBD takes me from day to night with a simple accessory change.
The dress is especially great for travel, because the fabric doesn't wrinkle and the ruching disguises all those dreaded little bulges.
Knee-high black Frye boots This year, Frye came out with the most flattering and practical pair of high leather boots.
They look smashing tucked into skinny jeans, or with tights and a miniskirt. They're superplain, with a rounded toe and a three-inch Cuban heel, which translates into a comfy, yet sexy look.
I got my Fryes at Ron White's - a retailer who is always trying to talk me out of my stilettos. And my feet are indebted to him for that.
Chanel Cabas tote The Chanel Cabas tote is a humongous handbag made of shiny black patent leather, with a chain handle and a big honking silver Chanel charm. It's dubbed the "Garbage Bag," and fashionistas claim they carry their whole lives in it. I'm not sure this bag is "deep" enough for my whole life, if you catch my drift, but it sure is convenient and cool-looking.
Kate Moss swears by hers, and despite its hefty $1,000 price tag, there is a waiting list. Call me a victim: I adore mine.
Wide-leg J brand jeans J Brand is a hip label that makes some of the most coveted skinny jeans around.
But this past year saw the wide-leg jean rear its head once again, and J Brand's Joplin cut jeans are exceptional. I wear mine with a wide low-slung belt and tight-fitting top for a funky look.
BCBG bubble dress Silhouettes ballooned this past year, and bubble dresses suddenly seemed to work again.
When I was in Los Angeles recently, I decided to pick up a sassy little something.
I came across a BCBG grey knit bubble mini-dress, embroidered with silver and white paillettes across the bust.
Teamed with a silver cuff, grey tights and shiny black pumps, it's the perfect party outfit.
As a matter of fact, I think I'll tuck it into my suitcase as I head for the slopes this week. I've got one more party to dress for before I ring in 2008 - and fill my Tickle Trunk with a new realm of hot trends and cool possibilities.
Jeanne Beker is the host
of FashionTelevision and the
editor-in-chief of FQ magazine.