Out with the old habits and in with the new! Here are 10 ways to look your most beautiful this year.
By Lisa Kovalovich and Sasha Emmons
Stylish Resolutions
Want to look your best ever in 2005? Resolve to:
1. Wear color. It's easy to stick to a black, gray, and cream wardrobe. Start breaking away slowly with a brightly colored top or shoes. Progress to a bold coat -- or even a vibrant eye shadow. This year's rich plums and playful greens are a great place to start.
2. Find a good tailor. Perfectly fitting -- not necessarily expensive -- clothes are the definition of true chic. You might find that you can give old, ill-fitting pieces new life for much less than it would cost to replace them.
3. Get hair off to the right start. The new year is a perfect time to treat damaged hair. Schedule a trim to get rid of split ends. Then take some time for deep conditioning. Lush's H'Suan Wen Hua ($10.40) has olive and rosemary oils to make tresses super shiny. Wet hair, slather on generously, tuck your hair into a shower cap, and go about your business. In a few hours, rinse, shampoo and condition. Voila! Hair commercial-worthy hair!
4. Invest in basics. Crisp black pants, a soft cashmere sweater, and the just-right white button down shirt can form the foundation of your wardrobe. Pay a bit more for quality pieces that will last a long time.
5. Adopt a skincare regimen -- and stick to it. Yes, you need to wash off your makeup every night. And most of us need a rich moisturizer to hydrate winter skin and stave off wrinkles. Give new products at least 2 weeks to work.
6. Clean out your makeup bag. This is as good a time as any to get rid of unflattering colors, broken compacts and old products. The rule of thumb is to pitch anything that smells bad, has separated, or changed color.
7. Invest in a great bag. It's better to have one well-made splurge bag than a closet-full of inexpensive ones that don't hold up. Buy a classic style in black or brown, which will match everything. Consider your lifestyle; if you carry your life in your purse, opt for one that has enough room for all the essentials.
8. Find the perfect jeans. They're wardrobe staples you'll wear over and over. With dozens of cuts and colors, you're bound to find something that works for your body type. Don't be afraid to spend a few hours at the Gap or Levi's trying on pairs until you find the absolute best fit.
9. Stop abusing your hair. Do you have to assault your tresses with curling irons, blow-dryers and flatirons to get it to look the way you want it to? Stop the madness. Take back your time -- and your hair health. Make an appointment with your stylist to determine a cut and product routine that will help you make the most of what Mother Nature gave you.
10. Wear what you love. Don't feel the need to try every new trend -- especially the ones that make you feel ridiculous. If a certain look makes you feel good every time you wear it, stick with it, even if it's not in vogue. You may just develop your own signature style.
