The Ten Commandments of A HAPPY NEW YOU!

If you didn't get the memo, 2011 is here and moving quickly!  In fact, we're already at the end of January.  That being said, I'm sure many of you have broken at least one of your New Year's resolutions by now.  Have no fear -- here's a way you can redeem yourself.  I'm challenging you to make a commitment to focus on YOU this year, and work  towards presenting your most fabulous (and fashionable) self every time you walk out the door. Now, I'm not saying it's going to be easy.  But . . . if you can pull it off, it will definitely be rewarding!  Here is a guideline to send you on your merry way! Repeat after me:


I SHALL NOT . . .

1. Wear my husband's sweatpants in or out of the house.
2. Wear clothes that are too small for me.
3. Wear clothes that are too big for me.
4. Buy anything that is not flattering to my figure.
5. Leave the house without wearing any accessories.
6. Wear athletic sneakers any where other than to the gym.
7. Dress in a manner that is not "age appropriate."
8. Buy the same piece of clothing in 9 different colors.
9. Buy one more pair of black shoes (when I have no other colors).
10. Hoard clothes I know I should never wear again (e.g. I wore them in high school).

Embrace a Style Makeover in 2010!

Over the past week I have been making phone calls to all of my clients, asking them one simple question: "What are your style goals for 2010?" Each of them has been eager to chat - many saying that they want to leave their style mishaps of the past in the past, and to continue building the "fashion fierce" wardrobes I have been working with them to create. But one client in particular had to take her style goal to the next level: "I don't want to look 50 anymore!"

To say "mama" was proud is an understatement. She proceeded to tell me she was sick of her sweater sets and those long skirts I had encouraged her to get rid of the previous year (but I didn't push her since I was bringing her along slowly). We proactively made a list of everything she should purge from her closet and donate to "Dress for Success," (www.dressforsuccess.org) and set a date in March to start building her new wardrobe for the spring. A few days later, she sent me an email with a status update outlining what she had disposed of and the additional items she thought she needed.

As I updated her file with this new information (adding a few more items I thought I would sneak in for good measure), I was reminded that encouraging my clients to set style goals for themselves at the beginning of the year forced them to pause for a moment to focus on their image. After all, if we're going to set resolutions to finally lose those 10 pounds or to move to the next level in our career, shouldn't we ultimately be concerned with how we package ourselves? Your attire and overall physical appearance are the first two things people notice, well before you open your mouth to engage them. Since a first impression is a lasting impression, why not make it a fabulous one?

One of my favorite monthly features in Harper's Bazaar Magazine is the "Fabulous At Every Age" section. (Last year they put out another style book by the same name.) From your 20's to your 70' the editors show you how you can look fashionable and fabulous with age appropriate pieces that keep people wondering, "how old is she really?"

I encourage all of my followers to make sure they focus on themselves in 2010. Instead of throwing on those sweats and running out the door, why not consider wearing a pair of boyfriend jeans (they are just as comfortable), a black tee and a colorful scarf? If you need someone to help you set your goals and hold you accountable, email me at adrienne@psiloveyoullc.com.