2010 Style Resolutions

Happy New Year Dahlings! As usual around this time of year everyone is making ridiculous resolutions that they will never quite see through to the end. Although we know deep down inside these lists---full with the best intentions toward self improvement---are merely that, just lists. But we can't refrain from making them. I'm sure some people find success with their resolutions and manage to turn their lives around for the better, but I don't know any of those people. I'm sure they exists. But as this is a time honored tradition, I must list out for you my ( style) resolutions that I truly, truly hope to triumph over.

1. Step-Up My Investment Dressing. I've hit the 30s (I'm shocked every time I say this) and this is a critical turning point in terms of continuing my style evolution. For me it means investing in more classic pieces that I can pair with of the moment trendy items. The goal is to own less by buying items of better quality that I can wear forever. When I look in my closet, the items that have stayed with me over the years are the ones I dropped beaucoup bucks for. But in this age of fast cheap fashion it's hard not to fall for the inexpensive stuff. I believe that one's closet should consists of 80 percent classic, body flattering pieces and 20 percent should be designated to trendy, fun items. Since I'm still toiling away in the non-profit world, I can't quite hit up the designer boutiques and maxing out my credit cards is not an option (ever). I'm going to stick to clothing stores like Jeremy's and other thrift stores, and major discounters like Loehmans, Bluefly.com Nordstrom's Rack, or even hitting up the outlets once in a while to continue building my grown-up wardrobe.

2. Trim Away the Fat In Style. Like every woman in America, I'm committing myself to dropping some unsightly pounds this year. I'm giving myself until April ( ha-ha) to drop 10-15 pounds, that have accumulated mostly around my stomach. I've never had belly fat but in the last year, wow, I've noticed rolls in places I didn't know could roll. So I'm hitting the gym big time. And I'm also hoping to supplement my gym work out by taking some dance classes. But I need motivation and that will only happen by purchasing a really cute work-out outfit and that will make me look good and feel good while I work off all the bread pudding I ate in the last six months. My tattered Lulu lemon look just won't cut it any longer (their stuff didn't hold up very well and it's expensive as hell). Target has a line by Champion that is working for me. I've also been eyeing Gap's Athleta line since they are having a major sale right now.


3. New Year New Look? I used to be one of those girls that changed my hair style every 3-6 months. I've been a honey blond, I've had wild curls, straight parted long hair, braids down my back and very early on I had what folks were calling the Halle Berry cut. Yes, it cost a whole lot of money and time needless to say. In my second year of college I got smart and opted for a hassle free style: the two stranded twists, which looks like a cross between braids and dreads. I now do my hair myself because I just couldn't spend 6 hours at the hair salon any longer. The last time I changed my hairstyle was three years ago when I straightened my hair for my wedding but went back to my twisties four weeks later. I love twisties and I get a lot of compliments on my hair no matter where I go. I often get black women running after me down the street to ask me who did my hair ( if you're not black you won't understand the obsession black women have with their hair). So with the new decade I'm exploring some new options. Not sure when I'm going to make the change, which will be temporary since my twisties may always be my safety net. But it's always great to switch things up once in a while.

4.Shop My Closet More Often. I always have the urge to shop. I do. It's awful. When I have that urge I force myself to look at what's in my closet to create new clothing combinations. I began this habit in the middle of 2009 when it was imperative for me to begin saving to travel more. I hope to continue this habit into the new year to create new and exciting styling possibilities with the clothes I already have. The other alternative is to shop my friends' closets. Last year I began hosting clothing swaps. Ten lucky girls are invited to my house to bring gently worn or never worn clothing, shoes and accessories to swap. It's a fabulous time and most of us take home a bag full of "new" clothes, shoes etc. I 'm hosting one in February. Hit me up if you want an invite.

5. Experiment More. This year, I will also try to take more style risks and try things that I wouldn't normally wear but they have to ring true to me and will not be about blindly following a fashion trend. For instance these risks can be as small as wearing a new shade of lipstick or wearing a bold color that I swore I would never wear. The idea for me is to not get stuck in a rut. But I do believe if something is working for you, you should stick to it but once in awhile it's fun to try new things not only for yourself but for the poor souls who have to look at you everyday.

Happy New Year Dahlings!  Here's to smart style moments in 2010. What are your New Year resolutions?

Image Credits:Photography- Amy Gwatkin and Anna Leader, Art Directiona and Glasses- Fred Butler, Nails- WAHNails, Make-up- Megumi Matsuma, Model- Tracey Onyecachukwu @ Elite London.