If there is one thing in life that is absolutely guaranteed, it is that a woman who wears an outfit designed by New York-based designer Rebecca Taylor will look pretty, feminine and polished. So, if looking good and feeling elegant are not your cup of tea, then this story won’t be of much use to you. But if you are thinking of making a fashion splash on your upcoming mid-winter vacation, want to look divinely romantic for this fast approaching New Year’s Eve, or simply want to attend a Christmas party and leave with your head full of compliments and accolades, then read on!

Ms. Taylor originally hails from New Zealand, where her dynasty of fashionistas include sister Victoria Taylor of the Tory Jewellers line in Wellington. Together with her savvy business partner Elizabeth Bugdaycay and her husband Wayne Pate, Rebecca Taylor has created a fashion empire that not only produces stylish and wearable clothes, but is a Seventh Avenue force to be reckoned with.

To say that my own closet is full of Rebecca Taylor clothes would be an understatement. Let me see, I also have some of her flirty, bohemian silk shirts tucked away in my drawer, a strapless cranberry dress in my suitcase – ever-ready to travel with me to my next destination – and… Ah, well you get the picture! Her stuff makes me feel cute, all grown up but still flirty and fun. And there is nothing like a flowery, chiffon dress to take the edge off a city gal! It’s OK to be aggressive and tough in the boardroom and on the subway, but once the sun goes down and the lights come on, a woman should always feel a little bit like a girl.

Personally, this New Year’s Eve I plan to wear the sapphire long, sexy number (top left), from the current Holiday collection. But her short ultramarine dress from the Resort ‘09 collection is also an option, or I could choose last minute to go with the whimsical long gypsy flower dress (right). I’ll have to make up my mind soon though, since Rebecca Taylor’s Resort ‘09 collection hits the stores this week and will be sold out shortly, from the great looks of it.

So, what will you wear this holiday season? Basic black and boring is only OK if you are in mourning or have recently been personally affected by the countless cutbacks in the job market. Otherwise, do as Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Stiles have been known to do – pick up something magical, colourful and start looking at life through some Rebecca Taylor-coloured glasses.

Images courtesy of Rebecca Taylor