STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

jj · Kate Spade

2008 Style Resolutions

Luv2Shop · Kate Spade

jj wrote:

It's that time again! What are your style/fashion resolutions, and did you keep the ones you made last year?

My resolutions for 2008 are:

- plan outfits in advance so I don't grab and wear the same things every day

- try to look more polished for work

These two for sure and:

- de-clutter my closet with things I haven't worn in YEARS so I can see my actual wardobe and not forget about things I have and like because I can't see them!!

- try to accessorize better instead of wearing the same earrings every day. I have really cool jewelry, I just never get up early enough to leave time to pick some out.

Kelly · Hermes

I did pretty well with mine. I still didn't get any tops tailored, but I became much better at finding and buying things that do fit, which is almost as good! And I've been a lot better about not buying basics. Yay! I kind of forgot that I had made them resolutions!

-My small style resolution this year is to find things I can belt. I like the look of a cinched waist, and I even have a couple belts good for it, but few things in my closet lend themselves to belting.
-Learn to be OK with spending more on shoes. I shop at PL and Target almost exclusively, and it's dumb.
-don't buy another bra for a while (except one strapless that I do have on backorder) because I REALLY don't need any more of those!
-Find a new hair stylist
-Get my nails done every once in a while. I rarely do it, but I should because I always love it.
-Do not acquire any more "painting/working in the yard" t-shirts. I have too many XXL t-shirts from walkathons, fundraisers, etc. and I need a junky shirt like maybe once a month.

littlebean · Kate Spade

My resolutions last year were:
1. Wear more of the clothes in my closet. I have so many different shirts, sweaters, pants, etc., but I get into these ruts where I only wear a small subsection. I need to wear more of my clothes -- or be sure to get rid of the ones I don't wear.
2. Invest in at least one really classic piece -- I'm thinking a nice watch.
3. Accessorize!
4. Try to be brutally honest with myself about what styles, colors and cuts are flattering to my body and stick with them.

I did pretty well. I think I have started to wear more of what I have -- although that tends to be harder in the winter than in the summer for some reason! I accessorized more -- I've started wearing rings and bracelets and a watch (a nice one -- see #3) for the first time in ages. I could still do better on #4.

Here are my resolutions for the upcoming year:
1. I really need to refresh some of the classic items in my wardrobe that have become tired. This includes: t-shirts, classic white shirts, underwear and a new nice pair of black pants. After a year of deliberately buying prints, I think this year will be back to basics!
2. I want to only buy comfortable shoes from now on.
3. Invest in one more classic accessory.
4. I want to keep accessorizing, mixing things up and focusing on fit.

kenzie · Chanel

I thought I did this last year, but I can't find my post. Anyway, last year, I wanted to do a massive closet cleaning and I managed to do that, for the most part. I'm still working on editing my closet even more ruthlessly, but I'm on the right track.

Here are my 2008 style resolutions:

- Only buy what I really love - if I think it's mediocre, it doesn't belong in my closet. But, even if I love it, if it looks like crap on me, then it really doesn't belong in my closet

- Quality over quantity (this is an ongoing struggle)

- Build a complete accessory wardrobe

- Complete my wardrobe of basics (turtlenecks, camis, cardigans, trousers, skirts). Once I have all the basics, I would like to add pretty blouses and printed skirts

- Build a weekend wardrobe that's cute and casual, but not sloppy

- Actually style my hair, which will require the purchase of a T3 hair dryer and a straightening iron. I'm tired of feeling unpolished because my hair is everywhere or up in a sloppy ponytail.

-- Edited by kenzie at 09:58, 2007-12-30

brazilian · Dooney & Bourke

I didn't do it last year, but I think I should do it this year.

-First and foremost, pay off debt.
-Go through entire closet...get rid of anything unworn, undesirable, unfixable, etc.
-Organize closet with new shelving, drawers...may not happen, but would be nice. :)
-Start wardrobe from scratch. I need to first purchase nice basics that will last a while, then get a few signature pieces that will round everything out. Same for accessories, jewelry.
-1 *maybe* 2 well made bag(s), possibly Bianca in black.

These are some huge goals for me, but I think if I can stick to them it will greatly improve my poor spending habits!!

Good luck everyone! wink

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I didn't make any last year. Let's see...

Upgrade jeans
Stop buying things just to buy something (make sure it fits and looks right)
Keep shoes polished

Elle · Hermes

I've been thinking about this alot lately - 2008 is going to be something of a wardrobe/shopping habits overhaul for me!

- Buy only things that truly fit and are flattering
- Build collection of basic/classic items
- No throw-away items to be purchased; quality over quantity
- Only buy what fits with my actual lifestyle, as opposed to the fantasy one I sometimes buy clothing for!
- Only keep what fits with my actual lifestyle; if I don't wear it it's getting tossed, no matter what I paid for it or how much I like it.

sfclinevandy · Coach

I don't remember doing this last year, but I looked at the post and I am happy to say I kept everything I resolved to do. I am wearing a wedding dress in just a couple of months and I have lost a good amount of weight so that is pretty exciting. I've also been good about buying more age appropriate clothing and closed toed shoes. Pat on the back for me!

This year my plans are:

1. Find an amazing dress for my rehersal dinner

2. Put more effort into looking polished, rather than taking the easy route

3. Style my hair more and not so many ponytails

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

I guess I haven't participated in this poll in the past, though I thought I would have. At any rate:

1) try to NOT wear jeans everyday....I do in fact have a perfectly respectable assortment of other slacks and skirts and dresses...I HAVE to stop dressing for ease.

2) take the time to do something with my hair at least once a week

3) take the time to pamper myself in some way at least once a week: ie...take a hot bath, paint my nails, etc...

4) finally get around to making a few purchases off of my '3 years and counting' list of closet needs

5) look for some decent handbags

-- Edited by leah_leanna at 19:20, 2007-12-29

Sunshinegirl · Kate Spade

For this year (I did not partake in this last year):

1) Do not, under any circumstances succumb to anthropologie and their stylish catalogs.
2) Clean out my closet and put all of those anthro items that i did succumb to on ebay.
3) Do not buy anymore bathing suits! I have six and dont need anymore
4) Accesorize with bold necklaces and earrings
5) Still looking for a solid colored dress in either greeen or blue for going out
6) Wear more of my vintage dresses that i so desparately needed.
7) Add solid colored skirts (even if i have to have them made) to my wardrobe.

sephorablue · Marc Jacobs

Didn't do it last year, so here is for 2008:

-identify and refine the colors and neutrals that look best on me, and consciously buy with that palette in mind.

-similarly, identify and stick to cuts that really flatter me, and stop flirting with trendier cuts that don't.

-weed out the junk. I'm actually pretty good about doing this every few months, so I have fairly little dead weight in my closet at the moment, but I do think there's some more stuff that could be gotten rid of.

-invest money in tailoring and maintenance. I did actually get protective soles put on all my nice shoes this year, so that was a step in the right direction, but I currently have a big heap of stuff that needs tailoring or mending, and I just have to bite the bullet and deal with it.

-make more of an effort to wear my dressier clothes and shoes, even when I don't strictly have to. It just makes me feel so much better about myself when I know I look great.

-somehow, find my new holy grail: shoes that will be dressy enough for a client meeting, yet sturdy enough to hold up to walking around a dusty, obstacle-laden construction site. I do sometimes have to do both things in one day and it is really a challenge to find the right shoes!

-concentrate on only buying things that I REALLY love, that fit beautifully, make sense for what I need, and work with lots of things I already have. I did well with that in the last half of the year, and I can already see what a difference it's made, especially combined with just shopping less in general. I've spent $210 on clothes in the last three months: a pair of gorgeous shoes I've been wearing constantly; a super-flattering and versatile pair of trouser jeans; a sleeveless blouse in a yellow and gray floral print that I've worn under blazers and cardigans, and will be able to wear alone in the summer; and a rich brown tweed pencil skirt that goes with almost everything I own. I really feel great about all those purchases, especially considering how little money they amounted to!

atlgirl · Gucci

2007 goals:

- the first is the same; buy quality over quantity.

- look for interesting colors or details.

- focus on the shoes I really need (i.e. basic black pumps, some more kitten heels, ankle boots) instead of getting so sidetracked by the ones I love

- add a *few* more dresses and sweaters.

- find a good medium-weight, medium-length, coat.

#1 is working out just fine.

#2 I've tried to do, and sometimes it's worked, but damn, there are a lot of really basic "basics" out there. I've had a hard time finding things like sweaters with interesting neckline or sleeve detail. I've definitely added more colors though.

#3 has been about half successful. I added more wedges, which are great for me to work in when I have to stand all day. But I still don't have a decent pair of good black pumps, and I haven't found any ankle boots that I just love. I have held off on buying the fancier shoes though, so at least that's progress!

#4 I've not found many sweaters I like so far this year, though I've looked and looked. Dresses are another story though - I added about five to my wardrobe. And have worn them often.

#5 I bought a great *casual* coat in Germany this year, but still nothing a little dressier has come along. And my good wool coat got stolen, so any fall coat $$ had to go to a new winter coat!

For 2008, it's pretty much continuing with all my resolutions from last year. :)

-- Edited by atlgirl at 11:32, 2007-12-29

-- Edited by atlgirl at 11:33, 2007-12-29

kealoha · Kate Spade

i can't recall if i did this for 2007, but for 2008, my goals are:

buy what i truly love
add more color
no more black pants (i think 6 pairs is more than enough)
buy one FABULOUS statement coat

i've been much better about buying quality over quantity and trying to purchase needs over wants. i hope that i can adhere to the above. ashamed

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

1. Less black. I'm out of control, and if I keep this up, you guys will be seeing me on What Not to Wear. A couple of months ago I wore a different black dress to work four days in a row. On the fourth day, when my boss walked in, the first thing she said to me was, "Goodness, you wear a lot of black." My response: "I think I'm in a rut."

2. Coincides with the black thing, but I need to work on adding more neutrals. I don't even own a pair of brown shoes, can you believe that? I did get a leopard print cardigan from jcrew and I got a ton of compliments when I wore it, mostly about how good brown looks on me, so it's definitely something I need to work on.

3. Work on adding quality basics. I've only been building my professional work wardrobe over the past year, and I have to admit that I'm not thrilled with it. I need to work on buying things that I love and avoid buying pieces that are "okay," and will work "for now."

4. To get out of my fashion rut. Most of the women that i work with are much older than I and not particularly stylish. I don't look awful or anything, but it's awfully easy to just put on black pants and a sweater when you know that no one around you would even notice or care if you wore that same combination every single day.

jacL · Coach

I didn't do this last year either, but I do have a few for this year:

     Buy more interesting shoes. All of my shoes are BORING. It has always
     been hard for me to spend money on shoes but I am starting to realize that
     they can really make the outfit, and are a lot more versatile than I used to
     think.

     Wear more skirts and dresses. I bought a couple this
     year and I want to buy more--they are fun, easy, and feminine.

     Take better care of my shoes and handbags.  I store my shoes and
     bags adequately but I cannot remember the last time I treated anything!

     Buy a couple of decent shirts (maybe dresses?) for going to the bars in. I
     am at such a loss everytime I go out because I have nothing adequate!

     Buy more clothing with details. I have such a "basics" mindset that
     practically everything in my closet is basic and boring!

     Actually shop for bargains--consignment shops, wait for sales, etc--I am
     really bad about this--I hate looking through a million things to find only
     one item that I like or that fits but I think I will save more money this way.
     This will be the most difficult for me, but so many of you ladies find some
     really great deals, I am going to let you all be an inspiration to me!

-- Edited by jacL at 14:40, 2007-12-29

Chloegirl · BCBG

My 2008 style resolutions:

1. As others have said, quality over quantity. This has been something I've really had to work on.

2. Build a good accessories wardrobe.

3. Find the perfect red handbag. I've been wanting one, but just haven't found The One yet.

4. Wear more skirts in warmer weather. I have a collection of skirts that I rarely wear.

5. Do more with my hair.

lynnie · Chanel

* buy more dresses/tops with sleeves. I always wish I had more things with sleeves! (mainly applies to summer)

* don't spend too much on spring/summer- I spent so much on winter clothing and it needs to even out.

* refine what I want to a few new pieces a season, sell/donate what I don't wear

*buy another good pair of jeans

* hem/tailor/fix what I do have

*buy more NYC appropriate heels (somehow comfy... we'll see)

* find a couple of good go to pieces (clutch, heels, cardigan) to wear to events. I don't really own anything dressy!

erin · Chanel

i think i did pretty well with my resolutions! i got rid of a ton of clothes, shoes, etc and tried to wear more jewelry/accessories. the only thing i still am stuck on is wearing ONLY flattering clothing. i cut out a lot of thrifting/cheap clothes i don't need, too, which i am happy with.

my resolutions for 2008:
-pare down wardrobe even more
-try to only buy one or two items a month/seriously cut back on clothes spending!

more beauty related, but i think that's part of style, too...
-take better care of feet with pedicures, scrubs, etc!
-make an effort to at least put on a little makeup every day (even if it's only gloss and mascara)

ILoveChoo · Hermes

*wear more of my wardrobe
*look for gaps and fill them, but only buy what I need unless I absolutely fall in love with something. No more shopping just for the sake of shopping.
*mend and tailor things that I already have
*put more effort into my hair and makeup (I've been getting better at this)

And generally put more effort into looking nice. Since I moved, I feel like I'm always either in a suit (boring) or jeans and a t/sweater (boring). I've also put on a few pounds, so my clothes are all a touch too tight and don't look very nice on me. (but thats another resolution.

)