2012 Party

The main events of the Aussie party season may be over, but we're keeping the spirit alive by taking a look at celebrities who like being the life of the party by providing the night’s tunes. Alexa Chung loves to hit the decks at events (even though she’s claimed to be a ‘fake DJ’) and Elijah Wood has entertained at the after parties for some of his film premieres. Ruby Rose is transitioning her DJ career into that of a full-fledged musician, and Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s son Connor is juggling disc jockeying and acting. Click through to see which other celebs have taken a turn on the decks, as well as some of our favourite famous DJs.

Whether you're the type of person who carries your life with you everywhere or you're a minimalist, you've gotta admit that a night out is much more fun when you've only got a small bag instead of a shoulder pain-inducing handbag that knocks everyone in your way. As it's New Year's Eve we thought it was a good time to revisit party bag essentials — click through to see the only things you need to bring (aside from super essentials such as your phone, keys, ID and money), from fold-up flats to lipstick with an in-built mirror, and have a fantastic time tonight whatever you're doing!

Celebrities have a million excuses to dress up — another premiere, another red carpet, another dinner, or award show — so who better to cull a little party-dressing inspiration from? We've had our eye on this pack of glamazons, like Olivia Palermo, Brooklyn Decker and Ashley Madewke, making the rounds in sparkly cocktail dresses, peplum-trimmed sheaths, and even a jumpsuit or two (more on that inside!) as they've hit their respective events. Now, we're giving you a month-long recap on their gorgeous ensembles to repurpose for your most eventful time of the year. Hoping to nail down your look for New Year's Eve? Or seeking out the perfect little party dress for your best friend's fete? Click on for 31 days of holiday-party material, all courtesy of some very fabulously, festively attired celebs. — Additional reporting by Brittney Stephens

There are only three sleeps until New Year’s Eve! Whatever your plans may be for ringing in 2013 — a low key house party, a fancy soiree, camping out all day for a great fireworks-viewing spot — we’ve got a selection of recent celebrity looks to draw inspiration from for the big day and night. From Lara Bingle’s luminous glow to Diane Kruger’s top knot to Cara Delevingne’s sexy, brown smoky eye, click through for their beauty up close, as well as some product recommendations so you can get the look at home.

I’ve had a year-long love affair with bright lipstick but for 2013 I’m looking to switch beauty gears and return the focus to my eyes. As a result I’ve had to go back to basics with looks such as the smouldering and sexy black smoky eye, which I’m trying to perfect in time for New Year’s Eve. The funny thing, though, is that its appeal isn’t in its perfectness but in its slightly unkempt appearance. I’ve been practising a few smoky eyes at night with different products to see what goes the distance so I don’t look too dishevelled when the clock strikes midnight. Click through to see my ultimate combo.

Working out what to wear to your office end-of-year shindig is a cinch compared to figuring out your Christmas day outfit. Why so tricky? Well, there's a number of factors to consider; eating capacity, ability to play a round of backyard cricket, and striking the right cool-yet-endearing level of festiveness. We've come up with some easy style rules to get you looking the part, and enjoying your lunch, on December 25th. And no, there's not a pair of novelty earrings in sight. . . Merry Christmas kids!

Well, would you look at that. It's Catherine McNeil back on the international campaign circuit! The Aussie supe is doing her thing for US chain Madewell's holiday look book, and doing it well. Ms McNeil has been slowly getting back on the modelling horse so to speak after taking a couple of years off making a local splash for Vogue and for Seafolly, and we have to say — she looks as good as ever. Her tomboy-ish cropped 'do and cool-kid 'tude perfectly sets off Madewell's laid-back take on party season dressing. Madewell may not ship to Oz (c'mon already!), but you can shop a keen edit via Shopbop. Joy.

No Essential Wardrobe is complete without a stand-out, head-turning, meet-me-on-the-D-floor party dress. Yes, we know. separates feel fresher this year after the dominance of 'The Dress' in seasons past — but believe us when we say that you will never regret investing in one drop-dead-amazing frock for the festive season. Sequinned or studded, backless or sheer — pick on decorative trick then keep the rest super simple. Add a pair of no-fuss pointy-toed pumps and you're done. NYE, here you come!