Closet Expectations.
After coffee and something like 137 resolutions with she she me, I had to get some air. Preferably recycled, semi-stuffy retail air. (You know, the smell of brand new clothes, mixed with scented candles and at least 30 different perfumes. It's like coming home for me.)

I gathered some of my other (as in hard-core shoppers who would never comply with SSM's resolution #106) friends for their take on the new year's resolutions. We prefer to call them 'closet expectations.' Closet because most of them concern our closets, and expectations because we actually 'expect' to acquire/keep/not break them, thus succeeding in our resolutions. It's foolproof, actually.

Now, lunch with NYC It Girl (but not in an intimidating way), a real shop girl (as in she actually owns a boutique, therefore new jeans are a work expense), my equally fashion-forward friend (who, might I add, can pull off chic Bella Dahl sweats with stilettos) and our very own designer diva, (she actually owns 2 Gucci keepers AND two Louis keepers and has a friend of a friend of a friend of a work colleague who has had face-to-face contact with Jessica Simpson), was extremely informative. It's good to get an outside, slightly-professional opinion every once in awhile.

Somewhere between apéritifs and dessert, we decided to look at the new year as a clean slate. No money spent yet on clothes, no new shoes purchased this year, no new must-have earrings adorning the ears, nothing. With last year's resolutions no longer holding me back, the expectations were endless. As a fashion journalist (I take my work v. seriously) I figured it was my job to do what was expected of me - shop. Thus, Expectation #1 became: to shop more wisely. I will leave the passing trends on the rack; this is the year for classics.

Expectation #2: Become a little less star-struck, therefore abandoning last year's resolution #2. (BTW, it needs to be mentioned that SSM has been paralyzed by grief, which led directly to poor dress after hearing the news of the Pitt Split. After reporting their breakup to her early Saturday, she has yet to change clothes (she's in sweats {the original gray, non-chic kind, ewww]...), leave the house (thankfully) or gloss her lips. She's actually broken her resolutions #3 (get out of the house everyday; even just for a walk), #54 (work out attire will be chic), #96 (never have lips be gloss-free) and unless resolution #108 is to limit time spent on hair, that's out the window as well. I'm telling you all of this out of concern. I think an intervention may be necessary.
Expectation #3: Purchase a pair of black flats. I've been trying them on, eyeing them endlessly and now it's time to close the deal.
Expectation #4: To dress for every occasion.
Expectation #5: Shopping means for the home, the fridge and others, not just me. Though my closet should definitely not be ignored.
Expectation #6: This will be the year Prada meets the inside of my pink closet. (Gotta aim high.)
Expectation #7: To learn to wear my head scarf as it is meant to be worn.
Expectation #8:To be more proactive in my shopping. It hurts to admit that my sometimes slow-to-swipe mentality has cost me some highly-desired pieces, like Trina's faux fur wrap.

Yellow Chalcedony drop earrings, Lucie, $110.

Expectation #9: There will be a Diane (as in von Furstenburg, who else?) wrap dress in my closet.
Expectation #10: To wear earrings everyday. I'll of course need to stock up on these pretties, pictured right, found on www.luciejewelry.com.
Expectation #11: Not all blouses have to be white or cotton.
Expectation #12: To have more fun with fashion.
Expectation #13: To plan the next day's outfit the evening before, therefore eliminating outfit anxiety and allowing more time for coffee and amyl. SSM could use some help in this area given her propensity to go through at best 3, worst 7 outfits in the morning.
Expectation #14: To not let any comments from Rock Star beau change my mind about my outfit.
Expectation #15: Give wedge heels & espadrilles another chance. (NOT the chunky styles though.)
Expectation #16: Wear more Kelly green. (Aside from making your eyes brighter, it really is huge for spring.)
Expectation #17: Be smashing in bermuda shorts. (Also falls under # 14.)
Expectation #18: Buy early in the season. DD swears that is when the 'real gems' and professional shoppers hit the racks.
Expectation #19: Continue learning another language. (As in actually remove the plastic wrap from the French 1-2-3 CD's purchased last year.)
Expectation #20: Be better about correspondence. You're only as chic as your stationery.
Expectations #21-25 are boring and made every year: pay off the plastic completely each month, not justify whim purchases in my head UNLESS it's Chanel (which is never, because I've yet to be sponsored), lay off the blow-dryer every once in a while, learn to do my bangs like Mischa Barton (drat, there goes #2), and gloss the lips before leaving the house.

I think she she me will be pleased with my expectations for the year. I even used the notebook she gave me to record them. They're right there beside my shopping list. Can't wait to start checking them off, particularly #6.

Ciao, dahlings.