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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!

An Unstylish Moment - New Years Eve 2013

We ponder extravagant party dresses during the winter holidays. So much excess, so much Cinderella. We drag out beaded ball gowns, cocktail frocks dripping with spangles and bangles, or pour ourselves into stretch lace minis. We get decked out like the halls--beribboned, sparkly, and blingy. The goal is absolute gorgeousness, the unforgettable kind that guarantees a steady stream of suitors in the New Year.

Well, I found the perfect outfit to ring in 2014--it doesn’t bling or zing, and it cost nothing. I shopped in my closet, and had my choice of animal prints, shimmering jewel colors, or vintage favorites. I finally settled on cozy and comfortable sweatpants and a fleece-lined hoodie. It’s perfect for this year’s NYE activity--staying in with my hubby, watching Monty Python, eating Indian take-out, and drinking Prosecco.

No inner debates over strapless vs sleeveless vs backless. Proper undergarments won’t matter. No shawl needed to warm bare shoulders. And if I fall asleep in my sweats, nothing gets crushed, torn, or rumpled. If I need opulence, I’ll slip on a cocktail ring.

Happy 2014 to my readers and supporters!  Each one of you is a source of inspiration.  Make this your most stylish year ever!

There Are Places I Remember...

Here's my mom and me when I was thirteen. I don’t remember the occasion, but we were visiting my great aunt Cille and I’m sure that there was a scrumptuous homemade meal involved--perhaps even a coconut custard pie, my mom’s favorite.

Mom is wearing an emerald and sapphire blue suit that she made, and I’m decked out in a cute navy blue double-knit shift with a low-slung belt designed to accent the hips. I had no hips or waist at the time, but the fabric was kind to the under-developed teen figure. There was no drape or cling to call attention to my lack of curves. It was one of my favorite dresses!

Mommy’s Little Fashionista

Me at Three

It's never too early to steer the young towards a fierce and fashionable path. This darling little fashionista is yours truly at the tender age of three. The adorable jodphur and cardigan outfit is courtesy of either my mom, my grandmother, or my great aunt. There was a heated competition among them to keep me on the best-dressed toddler list.

Here I am, sassy and stylish, ready for my closeup. Maybe I’m ready for a shopping trip. “The sale is where?? Hand me the car keys!”