Style Resolutions for 2017

Hello all! Boy have these last few weeks been a blur! In December I accepted a Long-Term Sub position for a US History class and between reminding myself of the content, learning about my new students, adjusting to a different kind of learner than I’m used to and working hard to earn their respect I somehow had to figure out what was on their Midterm and make sure they were prepared for it! Midterms end today so I’m very thankful that things will slow down a little that but that just means I have to be ready to start a new unit with them! Eeek!

Anyway, this first month of 2017 is almost over and I haven’t even gotten to share with you my Style Resolutions for 2017! Bonobos reached out to me to ask what my style resolutions were for 2017 and it really got me thinking about what my “fashion goals” are for this year. I realized that a lot of my resolutions for this year have to do with changes that took place in 2016!

Resolution 1: Get Creative with What’s Already In My Closet

Leaving my teaching job of ten years and moving to Rhode Island last year meant I went from a predictable income with seniority pay to the unpredictable income of substitute teaching with reduced pay and benefits. My fashion budget has been drastically reduced as a result. But, that’s just means I have to get creative! Today’s outfit is a great example of this!

Especially now that I’m working again, I’ve been trying to work with the items in my closet to combine them in new work-appropriate ways. I love how this combination worked out! When you fill your closet with basics like this striped bodycon dress or this navy blazer, it’s simple and fun to mix and match how you wear it! (see two other ways I wore this striped dress here and here) This year I want to mix and match more so that even if my clothing budget isn’t large I still feel like I’m wearing something new!

Resolution 2: Play Around with Pattern Mixing

I have done this a little this year, mixing polka dots or leopard with stripes. In today’s outfit I mixed stripes with the patterned silk scarf. Krista does this a lot and she has inspired me to mix in new patterns! I resolve to move beyond stripes!

Resolution 3: Save for More Investment Pieces

Some of my favorite clothing or accessory items that have stood the test of time have been the ones that I’ve had to save money to purchase. I may pay more for them up front but they last and I don’t have to replace them for years. My first pair of expensive pumps (I was horrified to pay $90 for them!! hehe) lasted through 8 years of teaching and I wore them multiple times a week! I have gone through multiple inexpensive watches until I finally saved up and bought this watch this year. In the time that my previous watch had already gotten scratched and turned colors, this one still looks pristine. That being said, whether it’s a pair of great heels or a purse that is going to last for years, I want to save up for one or two investment pieces this year that will stand the test of time.

Resolution 4: Try Something Different

Most of us have certain preferences and our closet reflects that. My closet has a whole lot of American Eagle skinny jeans and pink and orange (and striped!) tops. This year I want to try something different – new brands, different colors, more patterns, who knows! (If only women’s pants had as many color options as these Bonobos Chinos have!)

Well friends, those are my Style Resolutions for 2017! What are yours? I would love to have you share them with me in the comments below!

Get the Look:

Striped Midi Dress, Ross. Almost exact Striped Midi Bodycon Dress. More in widget below.
Navy Blazer, Ann Taylor. Similar Navy Blazer. Also, an investment option (watch for their sales!)
Silk Scarf, TJMaxx. I’ve added an assortment of Silk Scarves in the widget below.
Navy Suede Slingback Pumps, DSW. Similar Suede Slingbacks and another pair of Navy Suede Pumps
Geo Fringe Earrings, NY and Company. Most similar Gold Fringe Earrings. More in widget below.
Tory Burch 3 Strand Logo Bracelet, Tradesy.
Baublebar Crystal Mason Ring, Nordstrom. (also here and here)
Michael Kors Two-Tone Darci Watch, Areatrends.com
Two-Tone Cable Bracelets, Zulily. Similar in widget below.
MG Collection Structured Cognac Purse, Amazon. Similar Print Bag. Similar Cognac Bag.

Clickable Outfit Widget:

Linking up this week with: Elegantly Fashionable | Sincerely Jenna Marie |  More Pieces of Me | Style Sessions | The Pleated Poppy | The Fashion Canvas  | Walking in Memphis in High Heels