New Year's Style Resolutions

Every year, I try to build on my personal style and get a better understanding of what I like might look good, or what I have yet to try. Flipping through my Pinterest boards and Chictopia has given me ideas on what to wear for 2013 and made me realize that I have to focus more on subtle details, shoes, and jewelry. In the spirit of being a more eco-conscious shopper, I still want to stick with designer consignment and local boutiques as much as possible.

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2013 Style Inspiration: Cool. Polished. Glam.

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I really want to master the effortless polished casual style, as seen in Cara J's look on Chictopia. The outfit itself is classic, but the fit of the blazer, the color of the pants, and the style of the shoes make this cool.  I would add is a few different bracelets for accessories.

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Michael Kors and kate spade bangles, available at Nordstrom

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The bright messenger satchel worn by Generique, another Chictopian, has been a hot trend the latter half of 2012 that I think will carry over in the new year. Again, the understated cool pops in without trying too hard.

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Black will always dominate my wardrobe, but I need to find pieces that better balance soft with edge. This New Year's outfit by DentelleFleurs of Chictopia is still edgy, but the subtle HiLo cut of the top and the more intricate detail make it light.

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One of the ways to wear black without being dressed in it head-to-toe is finding good graphic prints. Kryz Uy achieves the soft-edged look in a graphic print and the HiLo hem.

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When Jessica Alba stepped out in this nude and white outfit, I absolutely fell in love. There are tones of white with neutral-colored accessories that are of a unique design. The long-brimmed fedora hat and pointed toe wedges add interest to the outfit. 

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But seriously, I am in desperate need of a gold rush of bracelets and rings...

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And I don't remember the last time I got my hair cut, but I want to experiment more with my new curling iron.

Want: Fall 2012

As much as I love sitting on the beach and living in a bikini, I miss dressing myself in layers-on-layers-on-layers. With fall's fashion bible coming out soon (Vogue's September Issue), it is an appropriate time to lay out what I want this fall. 

I enjoyed Burberry's ladylike and playful touches. In recent seasons, there has been a peculiar toughness, so it was great to see the Brits lighten up with a grownup graphic tee paired with the fashion house's signature tailoring. The booties are also a noteworthy touch. I am not really a bow person, but I love the leather bow belts worn on the runway. Whether I would actually wear them myself is debateable. 

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I love the lighter tones in this outfit. Black, white, and dark grey compose the majority of my fall/winter wardrobe, but I like how this jacket looks against denim. Again, the booties are awesome.

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Because my current fall palate is tonal, I want to add color. Wearing more color is a personal goal in general, year-round. I love the bright yellow and the navy and white scarf, because it has the cheeriness of summer, but still muted by fall updates. 

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These smoking slippers are everywhere. What I like about them is that they are cooler and more comfortable than ballet flats. 

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This look is impeccable and is a great example of transition from late summer to early fall. She wears the bones of a summer outfit, but wears a heavier knit cardigan and leather shorts. It never hurts to wear a Chanel handbag.

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Jessica Alba is one of my favorite style icons and this year she has never looked better (maybe thanks to stylist Brad Goreski?). She has recently been photographed wearing a ton of colored jeans, like below. I am not so crazy about the turquoise glasses, so I would probably wear tortoiseshell glasses or black cat-eyes.

It should be noted she is also wearing killer booties.

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Kryz Uy is my favorite fashion blogger. This look is perfect for fall for a variety of reasons--minimal use of color, cool booties, leather, and a comfortable sweater.

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To be honest, I am surprised at my attraction to this sneaker-wedge-bootie hybrid. I love the colors and it looks comfortable, but still looks fashion forward. Not convinced? This is one of those things that I would advise to "wear it like you mean it," because it can look like one fierce shoe if worn with the right attitude. 

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On the contrary, this bootie is darling. If you want to soften a tough outfit, I would wear these.

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What I love about the cut-out booties is that they look great paired with solid tights in colder weather. These red shoes would look cool with a crisp white shirt, khaki-colored skirt, black tights, and gold bangles... as well as anything else in your fall wardrobe.

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Juicy Couture always serves as great style inspiration, as well as the gorgeous Magdalena. I love the jewelry and accessories paired with the outfits. 

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Want: Fall 2011

I still haven't gone fall clothes shopping yet, which is good because it means I have more time to think about what look I'm after this season. For Fall 2011, I'm craving pullover sweaters, pops of color, and cut outs.

I am in love with this red Forever 21 sweater and Zara pants! I have been looking for pants like this for a year. Zippers are one of my favorite hardware accents to any garment and Chictopian Jamour wears them well.

Here, Jamour layers a Mont St. Michel short sleeve pullover sweater and a Forever21 yellow shirt. Usually I am skeptical about this look, but the balance between the softness of the sweater and the luxe edge black accessories reads edgy prep.

If you break it down, this is simply a jeans and tee outfit but the cut outs in the Pinkbullet sweatshirt top make it look so much more. Gap's revamped denim line has proven itself over the past few years and these jeans look simply flawless. I would probably forgo the hat, though.

Want: Fall 2011

Chictopia is the best website to find inspiration for your wardrobe. The fall collections are beginning to hit the shelves, so I couldn't help but do a little fashion research for this season's buys.

This look is by Chictopian msignature who wears a heather gray sweater, black leggings (both Forever 21), black Cannistraro wedges (Aldo), and a black blazer.

Basic neutrals are complementary all year round, but Marcella of New Zealand wears a burnt orange top that mimics the calming effect of the traditional color foundations. The cognac colors in the structured shoulder bag and braided belt do well to enhance the warmth of the outfit.

tienbarbie layers a summer dress with a lightweight soft cardigan and a belt, but it is her red lips and smokey eyes that transform the ensemble into a more sophisticated autumn look.