First up, props
ladysarah, awesome thread idea and so timely!!
I have been thinking over the New Year break about how the past 3 years have been quite hard and stressful for lots of reasons and in almost every area of my life - family, work, relationship. It seems like life just got in the way and fashion, which I had always loved, became a bit of a distant memory. I stopped reading my fashion magazines and I stopped buying clothes because I felt like it was a waste of my time which was already dedicated to other things!
So this year I have had a chat to myself and reminded myself of the following: fashion is a passion of mine and has been since I was a teenager. I am allowed to have passions and to pursue them. I have lovely things and should continue to curate and edit to my aesthetic.
Finally, feeling well dressed gives me such a confidence boost and makes me feel like I can take on anything.
My resolutions are:
1. Fitness is not optional. When you are running, you feel better, sleep better and look better. Taking time out for yourself to exercise is not fivolous or indulgent, it is necessary to keep stress under control.
2. Femininity is the watchword of your working-wardrobe aesthetic. Play to your strengths.
3. Some things will never, ever suit you, so don't spend money on them. Enjoy trends on other people.
4. It's time for an update and a critical edit, taking into account how much time you spend at work, how much time you spend socialising, how much time you spend lounging at home and the seasons. Throw out things that you haven't worn/will never wear. Sell unworn items on eBay. Repair pieces that you used to wear all the time but are damaged.
5.
Jeans do not translate as casual for every occasion, so give it up and buy some summer-appropriate inexpensive dresses and shorts. (*I have actually already done this and am really thrilled with what I have - dressing for the weekends is no longer impossible and I didn't have to spend a lot to do it!!)6. Tailor the items that do not fit.
7. Spend money on items that you will use again and again and again. If it comes down to a choice between a fabulous cocktail frock on sale but still $1K+ or two pairs of shoes that you will wear 24/7, go the shoes.
8. Lust after and save for truly special items - it is allowed
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/334188
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/313863
My items to purchase are:
1. Chic flats for walking to and from work.
http://www.oroton.com/view-all-shoes/essentials-bow-ballet-flats/w1/i1769186_2287640
2.
Bally new Clea pumps in black and camel - these will be the second pair of each of these colours in my wardrobe and will be left at the office while I wear my flats home.
3. Dresses, tops, pants and skirts. I spent last year trying to dress for work in a wardrobe that either stopped fitting or was completely worn out. It's ok to buy new things as long as you will wear them.
http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/140372
http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/151518
http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/153392
http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/138786
http://www.matchesfashion.com/product/139945
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/334183
http://www.oroton.com/tops/bauhaus-blouse/w1/i1755159_2273630
My fashion/style icons are:
1. Emma Stone and Julianne Moore - redhead inspiration
2. Anna Wintour - working chic
My brands to watch are:
1. Maxmara
2. JBrand
3. DvF
4. Bottega Venetta
5. Alexander McQueen