Okay, now that you’ve (hopefully) committed to some of the beauty resolutions I suggested, let’s talk style. Every day is a new day, which means a new chance to do better. But, there’s just something about a new year that really inspires us to improve our overall selves. So if you’re looking in the mirror and wondering what you can do to upgrade your look, take a note from my book and pick one (or all) of my suggestions for style resolutions for the new year. And, my wish for you is a most fashionable 2014 filled with great self confidence, loads of compliments and many, many sales. Happy new year!
- Get fitted for a bra. Either you’ve lost weight or you’ve gained it, but even if you haven’t done either, you’re a year older. And that means the girls have changed. Yes. They do that. So visit a fine retailer like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue and have a professional help you discover your true bra size. When your breasts are properly lifted, your midsection will look smaller, and you’ll feel better about your body. Try on several bra brands, purchasing the one that feels most comfortable, looks flattering, and meets your budget. Know that a good bra will cost $60-$80. But once you know your size and preferred brand, just shop flash sales and outlets (Last Call Neiman Marcus, Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack) to score a deal.
- Dress and love the body you have now. Look, if you’re healthy and mobile, how can you NOT love your body? Being a size 14, or a bra cup size A, or having cellulite, a muffin top or back fat is no reason to belittle yourself. I promise you, once you embrace your body and start buying clothes to complement the figure you have today, an emotional burden will be lifted and you’ll feel so much happier. Don’t go on a shopping hiatus because you think you don’t deserve a new dress until you lose weight. Today is the day to fall in love with your body and dress it like you adore it.
- Organize and purge your closet. Now that you have accepted your body, will you please get rid of all those clothes that don’t fit you? Give them to a friend or donate them to a local charity. You could also have a garage sale, auction them off on eBay or give Re-Closet a try. And once you have purged your closet, do yourself a favor and organize it. You’ll love your wardrobe so much more once it contains only items that fit and flatter. I also encourage you to merchandise your closet, much like a boutique. Doing so will inevitably make those “I don’t have a thing to wear” moments disappear forever, and you’ll find yourself shopping your closet more than your favorite store. Plus, when you organize your closet, you’ll shave minutes off your morning routine and be able to get ready for work without stress and fuss.
- Mix patterns. Hopefully in 2013 you finally gave patterns a try. Now is the time to take a risk by mixing paisley with stripes or polka dots with floral or plaids with animal prints. Be experimental and have fun!
- Bring your own shopping bag. I keep a stash of reusable tote bags in my car. I have a set I use for grocery shopping, and I save the really cute ones for when I’m shopping for fashion or makeup. We need to get away from using plastic grocery bags, and even cutting down on your use of paper bags will help to save a few trees. Being a stylish, shopping-addicted fashionista should not be something that harms the earth. So start collecting cute, reusable shopping bags and take them with you the next time you hit the mall.
