Fashion Resolutions by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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Fashion Resolutions

Last year I made a few New Year's resolutions, even though now I am reminded that I really don't like to put that much pressure on myself. All this hype about the "new you, new year" is fine, but then most of the time I kind of like myself the way I am. However, I admit, there's always room for improvement. So at the beginning of this year, I am reflecting on 2011 to see just exactly what I did (or did not) accomplish when it comes to "style resolutions."

And no, one thing never changes: I never resolve to lose weight ... that is just setting myself up for failure. This year, I actually did gain a few pounds thanks to my new obsession with the Food Network and remodeling an old kitchen. But then, there's always Spanx, right?

—Seek out the unique. This is always one of my favorite style traits. I'm way past the "gotta have the latest thing" stage and I've got my basic "go-to" fashion staples that have remained the same for years: My tailored jeans, turtlenecks and vests are my winter staples; in the spring, I switch to cropped linen trousers and tanks layered under tunic tops. This year, I resolved to take those classics and give them a twist with more "unique" statement pieces — like an animal print trench or a great pair of jeweled flats. I did find a great silver trench and a pair of zebra print flats by Beverly Feldman that instantly updated my basics — which do tend to be on the "dark" side — black. And I did enjoy a few new pair of skinny leggings ... Lycra is a great invention. This winter, I plan to add a great faux fur hat to my cold weather wardrobe!

—Less is more. Well this is one resolution that I confess I really did not live up to. I love to shop, and with the Internet, we can indeed shop at all hours of the day. Who doesn't like browsing the newest looks from Nordstrom in your pajamas? And those websites that feature the "instant chat" with customer service reps (aka Zappos) are even better. I still have to have my mall fixes, especially during holiday times of the year, but when the snow is blowing outside and I'm ordering up some new cozy sweaters that are delivered right to my door — it's a real fashion fix.

—Invest in the best.

While I still love shopping the big discount stores, I did promise myself a big style splurge last year on one special handbag. I agree that quality does matter in the long run, and instead of spending my money on five or six handbags, I searched for "the one" that I would use for years and settled on a black (of course) Yuri leather satchel. It's the perfect size for everyday use, but it's also great for packing in the phone, Kindle, makeup etc.

—Wear more color. This was a great year to "get some color" when it comes to buying clothes and accessories. Fashion designers really got into the pink mood this year. "Hibiscus" was the color of 2011. My wardrobe has come a long way since the days my daughter compared me to her "Goth" friends who wore all black. I still have a penchant for red and turquoise, and I've found a few more "jewels" this year. I've started a collection of giant cocktail rings studded with turquoise, pearls and my favorite one: a red carnelian gemstone set in vintage silver. Next year, I resolve to buy a pair of colorful red or turquoise shoes. But I think I'll skip the Prada "hot rod" heels!

—Buy things that fit. Yeah, yeah, well I still like to vege out in my "loose and comfy" yoga pants and velour hoodies on the weekend, but I am weaning myself off of the ponchos, even though that has been hard. I think I'll just call them what designers are calling the new ponchos —caftans — this year and be done with it. I like them. They're just too easy to throw on over a tee shirt and go. And I did buy a pair of jeggings to go with my oversized tunics and tops! But I admit the pair of stretchy leggings I found with the zippers up the side was my favorite.

—Find a dress. This is one resolution I made last year that I'm still working on. Dresses are just not one of my things. I'm still too much of a "mix-and-match master." Separates are the mainstay of my closet. I still only own one little black dress, and yes, I'm still looking for that one great red dress. And maybe, just maybe, this Valentine's Day, I'll find it!

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.