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The end of season sales. A time when you trawl racks and racks of ugh-inducing items. Sometimes you’re seduced by thrice-slashed prices even though the color washes you out, the fabric gives you hives, and the print makes you look like Aunt Rhoda’s armchair.

Stop throwing your hard earned coins at those racks--here’s a better plan! Invest in trendproof classics and you’ll look and feel spectacular every time you got dressed. These items aren’t on the clearance racks, but if you buy the best quality you can afford you’ll wear them forever. You’ll also be less inclined to shriek, “I don’t have anything to wear,” when you’re invited to the opera.

Here are some items to look for the next time you shop.

Trench coat - Effortlessly stylish. You’ll feel as mysterious and glamorous as Ingrid Bergman did opposite Bogie. You can also pop it on over your birthday suit to greet your sweetie at the front door.

Black cashmere sweater - The only reason to look forward to cooler weather. You’ll never feel as elegant, cozy, or warm as when you slip a cashmere sweater over your head. Makes you feel rich and sexy.

Knee length pencil or A-line skirt - An indispensable, stylish staple that can be dressed up or down. Great for travel. It’s a wonderful wardrobe extender--unlike the rust-colored mini-skirt that’s been on clearance at Macy’s for the past two years.

Wrap dress - The perfect dress for any occasion. Got a date? Wear it. Going to work? Wear it. Weddings, graduations, cocktail parties? Wear it here, there and everywhere.

Ballet flats - Cute and comfy shoes for tired feet. Makes visiting museums and standing in line at the DMV a bit easier. Polyvore.com has an amazing selection!

Style Goals 2014

Welcome to 2014--another year of sartorial splendor! I’ve set fitness, artistic, and professional goals, and style goals are no less important. I took a hard look at my closet and re-evaluated my favorite looks to reach these goals:
 

No more body hugging pants. So long, skinny jeans, hello boyfriend fit. Slim-fit dress slacks don’t work for me, either--I’ve got muscular thighs and a bit of booty. The slim-fit always ends up bunching and pulling; I always end up feeling self-conscious. So, I’m choosing a more tailored trouser, and racking up the retro with vintage high-waist pants. Body hugging wear is for the gym.

Continue to plan ahead for the work week and have outfits ready to haul my sleepy self into every morning. I spend about an hour each Sunday playing stylist to myself. I put together five fresh outfits (and yes, that does include footwear, accessories, and denims for Casual Friday). This is a major stress reliever for someone who never jumps out of bed ready to greet the day.

Wear gray and cocoa brown together more often. I put this combination together at the suggestion of one of my co-workers and it completely rocked my socks off. I lost count of how many compliments I got that day! 

Thin the sweater collection. Say bye-bye to dated fits and color repetition. How many black sweaters does a women need? Do sweaters that barely reach my waist really keep me warm? These are the two basic questions that will guide the upcoming sweater purge.

Commit to red lipstick for most occasions. It’s amazing how lipcolor lights up your face. The right, bright red can make you look like a million bucks. I rock the red most weekdays and often on Saturdays. I love the insta-glam I get from a couple of swipes of Bobbi Brown Burnt Red or the jolt that comes with an application of No. 7 Love Red. Of course, when I wear red lips I pare back on everything else, only adding mascara and powdering in the brows. I want to keep it simple, minimal, and classically gorgeous.

I’m revisiting my most favorite colors, styles, and looks to develop a silhouette that is more flattering, wearable, and exciting. I can reach these goals! 2014 is gonna rock!