January 7, 2004
Fashionable Resolutions
Rather than make empty promises to stay fit, trim my pasta intake to only three times a week, or spend within my budget, this year I've made a resolution that I will actually want to keep. I am going to be more fashion-forward this year and make sure I never leave the house without a put together 'look.'

To ensure that staid items don't hinder my success, I've decided to clean - as in purge - my closet. I've even got a partner in crime, as she she me is eager to lighten her overstuffed wardrobe. After a dozen Krispy Kremes and several coconut lattes, we decided that items such as jeans that are too tight and too low to be worn in public, sweaters that have had four birthdays, and the black trainers I wore only once simply must go. Anyone, interested in doing a little closet-cleaning on their own, should know that chunky-heeled shoes, jeans with boxers attached and all tummy T's should make their way to the banished clothing item pile.

Once successfully purged I turned my attention to outlining a plan for fashion fitness.

1. I will have more fun with fashion. If I feel inclined to do so, I will mix stripes with flowers or pair satin with wool.
2. I will master the art of taking celebrity l fashion I admire and transforming it in to my own reality. (Don't smirk, we all do it.)
3. I will get a trench. (And I suggest that everyone not in possession of this staple do the same.) I can not sacrifice one more rainy day outfit to my nylon 'I have never camped in my life but like to look as if I do' raincoat.
4. I promise promise promise to trade my ninja black for splashes of color. This spring's chiffon dresses are just too delicious to pass up.
5. If I haven't worn it in two years, I'll set it free from my closet.
6. I will take my own advice and factor more flirty dresses into my wardrobe, while limiting the number of times I wear jeans. I will also add a dash of femininity to my work week ensembles.
7. I will make sure that there is a difference between my day and night makeup. I will take the time to put on some lip gloss, will try a smoky eye, and might even get bangs.
8. I will invest in some slim, short (just above the shins) pants to complete my clean, spring look.
9. I will try with all my might to give my blow dryer the occasional day (maybe week) off. SJP's waves are gorgeous enough to convert anyone.
10. I will add drama to my otherwise dull everyday attire by accessorizing with over-the-top jewelry (i.e. multiple strands of pearls, large brooches and long earrings). Not to worry if your baubles are faux, even Coco Chanel okay-ed costume jewerly.
11. I will be creative and charming in dress, all the while exerting my inner chicness that I know is still buried under jeans and winter wool.

There you have it. A resolution worth working on over the course of the year. In fact, I'm so pleased with my first week's progress I may consider it a lifetime resolution. I mean, couldn't we all stand to renew our chic-ness each year? Happy spring cleaning.

Cheers,

Shopgirl

she she me Sponsor: Presents For Purpose

Ribbon watches, $65, available on www.presentsforpurpose.com.

Shopping for a cause just got chicer with the launch of Presents For Purpose, an accessory company that was founded to raise national awareness and needed funds for charitable organizations. This fun and fashionable website was created by two equally fun and fashionable women whose initial goal was to fund a grant for the Lymphoma Research Foundation. With the widespread popularity and positive press coverage of the site (they were just mentioned in our style bible - InStyle) they are right on track to achieving this goal as well as many others. Their shopping site boasts chic items such as a tote bag from Buzz by Jane Fox designed exclusively for Presents For Purpose, crystal embellished watches and fun shirts by My-Tees. This spring they will wow the fashion world again with the introduction of a line of preppy-chic ribbon watches that are available in four fun colors. Every civic fashionista worth her plastic is sure to have one on her wrist.

The best thing about shopping on this site (even better than just shopping) is that 25% of the proceeds from each product benefit charities like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, CANCERcare, The Lymphoma Research Foundation and SIDS (Sudden Infants Death Syndrome Alliance). Some items are even 'shoppers choice,' which means the shopper can determine to which charity a donation will be made. Thanks to these two brilliant women, we can shop, and keep that resolution to get involved with a worthy cause.

You can view their entire line of products on their website www.presentsforpurpose.com