What to wear on New Year’s Eve? Ask Diane at Alta

A destination women’s clothing store in downtown Menlo Park? Apparently so, given the brisk holiday business on a recent week night at Alta, a fixture on Santa Cruz Avenue for 13 years. Cynthia O’Brien had driven down from San Francisco. “The women who work here are great” she said. “They’re delightful – and honest!”

Store manager Diane Rogalski provided a tour of what’s currently in stock with an eye toward what to wear on New Year’s Eve. She pointed to a flirty skirt from San Francisco designer Babette, a cashmere sweater that can be dressed up with a peek of lace undergarment, and a stylish taffeta jacket (pictured with Diane) that was paired with pants that were just a bit edgy.

“It’s interesting,” commented Diane. “Our customers come in and say they want something in a color other than black. But then they see something not in black and ask me, ‘Do you have it in black?”

Black is, after all, flattering to almost all, no matter shape or age. Note to last minute shoppers: Alta is closed on New Year’s Eve day.