High Five

CEBU, Philippines - It would have been easy to belt out in drunken bliss the entire Auld Lang Syne last January 1, 2012. After all, who knows, it just might be the last. But honeys, I'm not here to be your harbinger of doom. That would be like sprinkling salt on an open wound. It's enough that a lot of people are already talking of the looming possibility of the end of the world, as you read this article, so let's not unnecessarily add to that.

Instead, as we welcome 2012 with a bang, we'll zero in on the top five pieces that you simply must not consign to the very back of your wardrobe just because they were 2011's crazy finds. Consider these pieces, the pieces that have been worth every centavo of your hard-earned money simply because these will be the five key pieces you will decide to keep rather than ditch into the pre-loved items basket.

Here are your top five pieces for 2012, ladies:

1. The Tuxedo Jacket

This piece is just a dream—a dream that should come in two colors: for lazy days of summer, a white or cream-colored tux jacket is simply perfect as a cool cover up for a garden party or over a pair of denims for an extra dose of cool factor. Take it to the night by switching to a well-fitted black tux jacket as an edgy overcoat to a glitzy cocktail dress for the night or as a key piece to a night out at the club. The tux jacket will definitely take you from day to night without a lot of sass.

2. The Leather Harness

For the lack of a better word, the leather harness is whimsical. Whimsical yet edgy, bringing into mind tough femmes who can tame a dragon with a solid stare. Fetishist and hard, the leather harness can go well with even the softest fabrics to give it some rough and tumble. Give balance to spring-inspired pieces that come in flowing fabrics and transform the every day princess into a warrior.

3. The Wide Leg Pants

Wide leg pants are hot—sometimes literally, given the kind of abundance in sunshine that we have here in the Queen City of the South. But just to be a wee bit more practical, ditch the versions that are heavily lined or are made from fabrics that will only make your sweat glands go on OT. Instead, choose lighter fabrics that are cool with the sunshine. Go sheer if you're hitting the beach in style. Add an extra oomph by playing it up with different kinds of footwear from boots to stilettos to platforms.

4. The High Slit Dress

This may be a fave on both the runway and during evening parties but the high slit is not just limited to evening gowns, babe. This sexy detail can work its way into your casual, every day wardrobe for as long as you stick to block colors so as to bring the eyes on the slit. The rest is up to the imagination. Pair a slitted skirt with a nice cotton top that comes in one color and voila! You're ready to make hearts pump faster.

5. The 60s Peter Pan Collar

The 60s was a big trend in 2011 and there's no hiding the fact that this vintage craze will spill over into the new year. But more than mod and all the other 60s stylista sets, what's really staying is that sweet detail of a Peter Pan collar. Go all convent-ish ala Louis Vuitton with it's strict take that comes in black and white. Or you can opt to go sweet and sexy by playing it up with color.  (FREEMAN)