They’re Resolutions – Not Revolutions

By Brian Maynor

 

With the dropping of the ball and the bright, shining potential of a new year, it is only natural to look at making sweeping changes across multiple aspects of your life, but we’ve all been there and done that with little to show for our efforts.

This year look at making smaller resolutions that you could realistically accomplish and why not start with your wardrobe?  Since how we look directly impacts how we feel think of it as an investment in your entire wellbeing.  Here are a few of my favorite fashion resolutions:

1.   Advance your style.  So you’ve spent the last year establishing your sense of style, what’s next?  Make 2015 the year your start cultivating your look.  A look is your style taken to the next level.  Audrey Hepburn.  Michael Jackson.  Hillary Clinton.  When you think of these people you immediately think about their look, but this phenomenon isn’t reserved for the famous.  Everyone can have a look, as long as you’re welling to work for it.  Now that you have a clear sense of your style explore, experiment and play with ways of turning it into a look that is both unique and individual, just like you.

2.   Create a plan.  I prefer the term plan over budget just because it sounds better, but feel free to use what works for you.  Whether it’s a designer handbag, pair of shoes or watch you’re coveting you can afford it if you make a plan.  The easiest thing is to focus on one high-end item and divide the price by 12.  Once you know how much you need to set aside each month start looking for ways to do it.   That might mean cutting back on your coffee runs or bringing your lunch to work, but the sacrifice will be worth it when you slip on your new lifetime piece for the first time.

3.   Update your staples.  T-shirts, socks and underwear always fall to the bottom of the replacement list because they may seem like unexciting and unnecessary purchases, but I am here to tell you they are not.  These pieces are often crucial to your wardrobe so they need to be maintained.  Bite the bullet and buy quality pieces that can last the 6, 8 or 12 months of continuous wear.   And while you’re at it, don’t forget to replace those shoes you seem to wear with everything.

4.   Invest in storage.  Buying the right pieces is just half the story. Once you get them home you have to have a place to put them and preferably it’s not in a pile on the floor or folded on a top shelf that is out of sight and out of mind.  It may mean taking things out of your closet to make room for new purchases, but that’s perfectly fine.  You might also want to look at pulling out your truly seasonal pieces and relocating them to a box or closet in another room.

We all want the new year to be better than the past one, but that doesn’t always mean completely overhauling your life.  Sometimes it’s the small tweaks that have the biggest impact.  For example, these relatively small steps will dramatically change your wardrobe.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.