Kara Birkenstock

Fashionista Resolutions for 2012

It’s a New Year ladies and gents, and there’s no better time than the present to start fresh! We’ve all made resolutions that require a lot of change, like losing ten pounds or making more money. But what about vowing to make a few Fashionista Resolutions that are not only easy to stick to, but will make a difference for yourself and those around you? The New Year means it’s time for a New You – a refreshed, revitalized, and better you from the inside…out!

1) Embrace Your Body Type

There’s nothing more powerful than embracing (and owning) your body type! While we all wish we had perfect bodies, there comes a time when we must love who we are no matter how much you want to change. At 5’10”, I’ve always had a hard time finding clothes that fit me, especially jeans and pants that are long enough. But knowing and appreciating your unique qualities makes the world a much happier place, and makes shopping a heck of a lot more fun! I have learned to accept that it takes me three times as long to find a pair of jeans, and that I can’t wear miniskirts like other gals. All clothes are not created equal, and once we learn how to dress for our body type, we can truly accentuate all that’s beautiful and unique about ourselves!

2) Clean Out Your Closet For A Good Cause

The holidays are a time for fashionistas to replenish their wardrobes. Most of us received some great gifts from the ones we love, and others may have stocked up on staples during the after Christmas madness! But with all that fabulousness coming in, we need to clean out some of our old clothes as well. The basic rules still apply – if you haven’t worn it in a year, toss or donate it. Hang on to only a few key “goal” items, like your “one day I’ll fit in to these again” pants. Reorganize your clothes in to sections, such as tops, sweaters, pants, dresses, suits, etc. You’ll be amazed at the things you find in there that you probably forgot about. The point of this exercise is there’s no need to keep an entire wardrobe of “what ifs,” because there are many people out there who could benefit from your overflowing armoire.

Donate your clothing to a great charity such as Working Wardrobes or Dress For Success. These organizations accept new or gently used professional attire and provide wardrobe services for people trying to enter the workforce. Instead of just taking up space, your unused clothing can help to improve the lives of men and women across the country!

3) Put Your Best Foot Forward

We all have an old but favorite pair of shoes that has probably seen its last day. After we’ve cleaned out our closets and made a pile of shoes that we no longer wear anymore, donate them to those in need. While it’s true that we are judged by the shoes on our feet, it’s also true that there are millions of people that cannot afford a pair of shoes at all. Instead of throwing your old shoes away, or having some beautiful but unworn pair collect dust in your closet, put your best foot forward by contributing to organizations like Soles4Souls and Donate Your Old Shoes. These non-profit groups collect new and used shoes and distribute them to less fortunate people in need around the globe, making a difference one pair at a time.

4) Pamper Yourself

Somewhere between our busy schedules, work, kids, life and the holidays, we forgot that we need to reward ourselves too. This year, make it a point to pamper yourself! Whether it’s having your nails done, getting a massage, doing a yoga class, or even walking along the beach, taking care of your mind and body will make you happier and more productive in 2012. As modern fashionistas, we always strive to help and do what’s best for those around us. But remember, it’s okay to be selfish once in a while. Instead of always saying yes to other people’s requests, say yes to yourself!