Resolutions

Ah, the new year. By now, everyone jokes about how we've all given up on resolutions already (although there's always a sad, nervous little twinge at the end of every 'screwed-it-up-already' joke). Every other commercial is for online dating, a weight loss program, class action lawsuits, or (my personal favorite) get out of debt/tax liabilities free! Of course this is probably because I'm out of work and watching Bravo reruns all day, not because it's a new year. Anyway, I thought I'd share my three style resolutions & inspiration for 2012.

1. Inject more color into my wardrobe. 

Milly Spring '12 RTW, 
Style.com

Courtesy of J.Crew, 
"Looks We Love"

Skirt, J.Crew, $158

As I've written about before {here},  I'm a big fan of black. I also have way too many white, gray, and navy pieces, but I can't seem to shake off my neutral security blanket. This year, though, I'm going to make a conscious effort to add more bright colors to my wardrobe. I've already started a little bit, with the orange Minnie pants & magenta wool Cafe Capris (both J.Crew), but the confidence I get when I wear those colors has inspired me to look for more bright hues in the future.

Last week I also paired my fuchsia Cafe Capris with a teal cashmere crewneck sweater, and I loved how it looked! So I'm also going to make an effort to wear brights with brights, not just with neutrals all the time.


2. Collect more printed pieces, especially polka dot, geometric, and colorblocked patterns. 

Milly Spring '12 RTW,  
Style.com

Diane von Furstenberg 
PF '12, Fashionologie

As a college student, it's super easy to get into the plain T-shirt/jeans/flats/optional sweater or jacket routine. But the style rut thing doesn't end after college - when I worked part time at a bank while going to community college, I found myself stuck in the boring 9-5 uniform rut: cardigan/dress skirt or pants/blouse/low heels. Anyway, my comfort zone is solids, so this year I'm trying to inject some fun into my wardrobe. I do have a good deal of stripes in my closet, both the nautical & preppy varieties, so I'm looking to add pieces with geometric, polka dot, and colorblocked patterns. 


3. Go for a more glamorous, modern look with a mix of chic and edgy accessories.

Necklace, Bauble Bar

Necklace, J.Crew, $158

Dior, photo c/o Fashionologie

I come from a pretty traditional Southern family, and the women I grew up around dressed pretty conservatively - think twinset sweaters, pearls, shapeless Ann Taylor sheaths, low heels from the 80s, the same dated leather purse they've had for 30 years. It's hard to have much of an individual style when that's what you grew up assuming that's how you'd one day be expected to dress. But as I've gotten older, I've started to break out of my comfort zone in terms of accessories - and this year, I'd like to keep it up. Lately I've started collecting bold, edgy statement necklaces, and I'm always floored by how a single piece can totally make the outfit. In 2012, I'll be scooping up pieces that mashup classic and edgy, tough and traditional. I'm loving modern, interesting takes on classic pieces, like the Dior bag above (obviously not in my budget, but I can dream!).


What are your style resolutions this year? Are you looking to add more color, prints, or edgy accessories to your wardrobe?

Long Time, No See!

I'm back! My apologies for the extended vacation - it's that time of year again where everything gets a little more nuts than usual :)

It's also the season of wean-myself-off-of-Ebay-so-there's-enough-money-to-buy-people-presents. For the past year or so, Ebay has been my latest hobby - it's insanely addicting to win cool stuff, and almost as exciting when you get cash for things you don't wear anyway. So in honor of my slightly unhealthy obsession, I thought I'd get back in the swing of things by sharing some of my recent purchases. Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving!

J.Crew Bi-Stretch Twill Minnie Pants, Bright Flame

 John Bartlett for Bergdorf Goodman sweater

Lee Angel Faux-Pearl Necklace

• Pants, $50
• 100% Cashmere Sweater, $21.50
• Necklace, $17.50

Zara?!

Zara, $70

There isn't a Zara store where I (or most American ladies) live. I think the closest one is in DC. I've never even been to a brick-and-mortar Zara store, because I've heard it's essentially a more-expensive-because-it's-Spanish Forever 21. More expensive? Yes. Forever 21? Hardly.

I was browsing some less-expensive websites looking for cozy sweaters, when I discovered exactly how cool Zara is. I found leopard print pointed-toe flats! I'm snapping those babies up as soon as I deposit my next paycheck (which seems like 10 million lightyears away when you're drooling over something, let's be honest).




Some other envy-worthy finds:

Tweed Blazer, Zara, $90

Sequin Jacket, Zara, $129

Zara, $159

Zara, $100

Zara, $60

Blazer, Zara, $80

Blazer, Zara, $80

Top, Zara, $40