~Style Evolution~

Happy 2011! There’s plenty of good reading as it relates to making resolutions for the new year. Well my stylish friends, I want to challenge you to evolve and not resolve as it relates to style for 2011.  Resolutions are rarely kept.  I feel that with style, just like anything else, you want it to be a lifestyle change, not just a short term goal or a quick fix.  So instead of making style resolutions, make a style evolution!  One quote we usually hear around this time is out with the old, in with the new.  To begin evolving your style, you don’t necessarily have to get rid of the old.  Many of us have fabulous finds in our closet that only become more fabulous with time as they become either classic or rare fashion pieces.  Go in your closets and ID these pieces first.  Lay them out on your bed and take inventory as these will become the foundation pieces to begin your evolution.  Next, determine what these pieces say about your sense of style and think about where you want to go with your style.  For example, are they casual and you want to step it up and add a bit more glamour? Are they over the top fabulous and you want to tone it done but not by much?  Are you starting a new career or new chapter in your life and want your style to reflect that?  Once you answer these questions, you are now ready to begin adding the building blocks to your style foundation! Set some time aside to do your shopping and don’t go out without a list (yes, I said a list)… A list will help you stay focused on this evolution mission.  I know better than anyone it’s easy to get side tracked when shopping and buy everything but what you intended or need!  List what places you plan to shop and what pieces you are on the hunt for.  Select a shopping time that is earlier in the day and through the week.  Stores usually replenish throughout the week .  By choosing an early to mid day shopping time and a weekday, you’re sure to have the best selection at hand and first pick of new items.  Additionally, you’ll most likely have full attention from the sales staff if needed.  Once you’ve made it home with your selections, begin mixing and matching your current pieces with your new ones to determine different options.  Try on a few outfit ideas and play with accessories.  Make a mental note of what you like and how these things flow together and hang them close together in your closet.  This will simplify morning dressing.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and to try pieces together that you wouldn’t normally put together… you may be fashionably surprised!  Once you’ve put your style wheel in motion, it will be easy to add pieces and continually evolve throughout the coming seasons and throughout the year!

~StephanieMarlis

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