Let’s face it, we are all guilty of the odd fashion faux pas. However, with the perfect amount of shame, embarrassment and self-loathing we can learn from our mistakes and turn our sartorial mis-haps into future successes.
I’ve thought long and hard, and have come up with a few style-conscious resolutions to get me through the new year. See if any of my sartorial resolutions for 2009 suit you.
Ditch the checked shirt
For a trend that should have been little more than a flash in the pan, plaid, flanny or checked shirts have taken over our streets this year. Harking back to the days when Keanu Reeves still had a personality, the checked shirt has always symbolized the reckless nonchalance of youth.
Until now, that is. Unfortunately plaid has now seeped so deeply into our fashion consciousness it’s become nearly impossible to distinguish one Alexa Chung look-a-like from the next, and the urban landscape is starting too look more picnic rug than rock’n’roll. I suggest we get together for an old fashioned bonfire, throw in all our checked and rid ourselves once and for all of this all consuming evil in favour of something more original.
Stop wearing leggings as pants
Leggings are leggings. Pants are pants. Leggings give you camel toe. Camel toe is gross. The moral of the story is simple: don’t wear leggings as pants. For some reason girls all over the world got confused this year and thought ‘leggings’ said ‘pants’, and I’m perfectly ashamed to admit that once or twice I got carried away in all the hoopla and probably gave everyone a tasty full frontal wedgie viewing at some point. It’s fine to wear leggings with an oversized top but the rule for 2009 is that unless you’re working out you must keep your ‘area’ covered by a long top at all times. (Ed's note, sass and bide's black rats are a red hot exception).
Shoes
In 2009 I will endeavor to buy more shoes, all the time.
Quality over quantity
When I go shopping in 2009 I will cease to buy cheap chain store pieces that last through no more than two wash cycles and instead I will purchase one outstanding, timeless, well-crafted item. At the time, it never seems economical to shop this way but I’ve slowly learned that if you go by the price-per-wear philosophy, spending more on less often works out best for your sweet pennies in the end.
Looking after the good bits
No matter how amazing your outfit is, the first thing people notice about you is your face and hair. The future is all about shinier hair and healthier skin and in 2009 I will resolve to eat better (better means better, NOT less), drink less (OK maybe not but I promise to have at least ONE glass of water before bed after a big night out), and continue in my quest to find the best products to put on my skin and head. If I’m not convincing you to change your habits then take our darling Nicole Kidman as an example. She didn’t follow my resolutions, got botox instead and is now stuck with the same expression forever, and it ain’t pretty.
Happy Christmas and new year love from Kat.