two thousand and ten

I had considered giving two thousand and ten shopping tips for the new year, but I decided in light of a new decade...ten was more feasible :) May this year bring us all a chance to shine, to be healthy, and to live our best lives.

1. Buy a color that looks good on you. If you've always wished to wear orange, recognize it doesn't look good on everyone. Stick with what works, even if you end up buying lots of one or two colors!
2. Buy only things that fit well. I've spent too much time worrying about the size, and not enough on whether it really fits, regardless of the number or letter. No one will see the size, and everyone can see fit!
3. Be good to your shoes. You should spend time taking care of your walking wonders, especially because they protect an essential body part! Scotch-guard your suedes, mink oil your leathers, brush your canvases--and with any really good pair, it's a good practice to have the sole and heels of shoes reinforced. If you live in wet or icy climates, having those slick soles refinished with rubber saves some serious slipping injuries :)
4. Accent your best body parts. I've said this before, if you have a small waist, show it! If you have long and lean legs, wear skirts or shorts! Whatever it is you like about your body, shop for it- there's no need to dwell on those areas we all feel need some work.
5. Let jewelry do its job: accessorize you! Separate your jewelry in two categories: everyday and fun/special occasion. And I'll be the first to say that sometimes wearing a special occasion piece on an ordinary day gives you just the little pep in your step. I highly recommend this practice on Mondays!
6. Dress age appropriate. There are fashion trends that truly only look good on those who still put their books in lockers and move with a ring of a bell. Likewise, only those who pay monthly bills should wear other trends. Recognize where you are on the spectrum and buy with ease.
7. Invest in wardrobe staples: suits, great dress shoes, timeless coats...This is your time to own them. Plus, these after Christmas sales are ridiculously good. If you haven't been to the Brooks Brother's outlet, you are seriously missing some good sales gentlemen.
   
8. Know your limits: financially and with the trends. Nothing feels worse than paying too much for a "must have item" if it creates stress on the budget. (Isn't life stressful enough?) And I cringe at seeing men and women in clothing that simply is too tight, too bold, too ANYTHING- it's obvious to the outside world when you don't look natural in your clothing. If big flower prints are your thing...please make sure you aren't 4'11 and still can fit in juniors...
9. Compliment yourself daily: not just verbally (I actually do think this is a good practice), but find a clothing item that makes you YOU. Everyone can wear a turtleneck and jeans, but find a way to make that style compliment the true you: maybe with a great vest, brooch, or scarf.
10. 2010 Resolution of the Year: Rise above the little things! (and shop to ignore those little things! :)
    

Happy New Year everyone!