Welcome to a new year! Have you stayed true to your resolutions so far? If not (or if you haven’t yet come up with a stellar New Year’s resolution) try this one on for size: Reboot your style to be not who you were in 2008, but who you’re going to be in 2009. It may seem a bit materialistic, but do New Year resolutions always have to be punishing? Plus, how you present yourself reflects your confidence, passion, and ambition–is your style on hold just because it’s all that’s left in the wardrobe, or because that’s truly what you want to wear? Maybe it’s time to let go of that threadbare sweater vest from 1999 and replace it with a nicely tailored blouse from 2009. Of course, what you should hang on to and what you should let go of varies from person to person.

A test to try: The Reunion Scenario. Imagine you’re going to your recent college (or high school!) reunion. While these meet ups are all about reliving the good-ol’ days, they also embrace the inevitable growth of an individual after such a span of time. Does the new you wear the same t-shirt and jeans as you did in high school, or are you now a fashion editor and dress in outrageous pinks and oranges? Reunions embrace the past and the future, so don’t lean too far in any direction. And remember, reunions should not be about impressing everyone around you; they should be about impressing yourself with how much you’ve grown!

Snazzy Reunion Outfits: The New Confident You

Turquoise Beaded Top: BeBe, $89.00

Dark Curvy Bootcut Jeans: Gap, on sale for $52.00





Theory Women’s “Margaret” Patent Peeptoe Pumps: Bloomingdale’s, $275

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more beaded tops.

Discounts on bootcut jeans.

Buy peeptoe pumps.

I have been taking advantage of the January sales, as they have been quite phenomenal. Pre -Christmas I was in search of that wardrobe essential - a stylish pair of black boots. I wanted something unusual but classic at the same time. I really don’t like wearing the latest this or the latest that for the simple fact, I like individual style.

Thus my quest began. I hunted high and low for that ’special’ pair of black boots but to no avail. The regular high street range bored me to tears. The higher end designer range cost the price of a small used car, and actually had me laughing hysterically at the  suggestion that I would be prepared to pay that amount.

Sergio Rossi Boots - $4,368/small used car

So there I was sitting down, surfing the net, with my Well Connected Cousin (see The Ice Queen Cometh post) looking for pretty underwear on the Victoria Secret website. One of the last times I had shopped at Victoria Secret I was in Manhattan, with my cousin. It was raining so we ran over to Bloomingdales where I purchased a gorgeous leopard print umbrella. We then went into Victoria Secrets and I went shopping. My cousin wandered off somewhere out of the store, I suspect he wasn’t that interested in looking at ladies underwear - not on the shelf anyways. $150 later I was done and off we went back home. I then discovered that I had left my gorgeous leopard print umbrella in the umbrella bucket in Victoria Secrets. I was devastated, especially as I couldn’t go back and would be flying home to London, England. A moments silence for my lost umbrella please. Thank you.

So anyway, there I was back at Victorias Secret  - online. I made my underwear selections (we don’t have Victoria Secret here or an equivalent), I then decided to look at the footwear. Then I saw them  - my new pair of stylish black boots. It was love at first browse and I ordered them promptly. I actually called Victoria Secret to check my English shoes size, which turned out to be a US 8. The assistant was excellent (you are more thorough than us over here guys!). I placed my order and received an e-mail letting me know my order was being processed. The e-mail also let me know that it would arrive around 28th of January. However, they actually arrived on January 3rd, having been ordered on December 27th. One week exactly.

My big sister Ann Marie was there for the grand opening of my boots. Well packaged and in tact, I removed them carefully from their box. They fit perfectly and looked wonderful. My sister was astonished at the height of the heel and made me walk up and down on several surfaces to see if I would fall over or get a nose bleed. However they have a built up platform on the sole which balances out the height of the heel. I immediately found an excuse to wear them and changed my whole outfit just to do so.

The boots are quite comfortable, but they are not walking boots! The stud detail takes away any chance of them looking too ‘tarty’. I wore mine with a long black high collared coat and slick black polo neck.  I am happy!

Lace-Up Buckle Boot by Bronx at Victoria Secret: $148.99 on sale

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Bronx boots.

If you?re anything like me, you probably woke up this morning with a small problem. The holiday goodies from the past two weeks have quietly crept up on you and now, as you?re preparing to go back to work after a long holiday, your work pants are silently laughing, ?Ha ha! Try to zip me up NOW!?

Oops. The average person reportedly gains 7 lbs over the course of the holiday season. Not a big deal, especially to those who have New Year?s resolutions to get back on the fitness bandwagon. But what can you do in the meantime to ensure you don?t look as frumpy as you might feel in clothes that are just a tiny bit too tight?

It?s really simple ? just make some very conscious color choices as you dress each morning. Truth be told, black is a very slimming color. Dig through your wardrobe and pull out all of your cute black sweaters, tops, and pants. Alright, you don?t have to dress completely dark ? but stick to darker colors that complement your black pieces well. They?ll help you to maintain that slim look while you?re working off those extra pounds.

Examples?

Try the Red/Black Sexy Kimono Satin Jersey top. You can dress it up for work or pair it with a pair of jeans for a more casual experience. The black body/waist is perfect for adding that slimming effect to your wardrobe. Plus, it?s a steal at only $19.95!

The Microfiber Triple-Cotton Tunic is another favorite. It?s simple, stylish, and easy to care for. At only $34 you?ll be hard pressed to find such versatile piece!

Last, but not least, a pick for the men. The Presidential Microfiber Shirt is perfect for the office or a casual day around town. It comes in a variety of colors and it?s so soft even the women love it. A bargain at $69, you won?t regret adding this silky shirt to your wardrobe!

Going back to work after the holidays isn?t the end of the world, but certainly feels like it! Go back in style and no one has to know how many extra slices of cake you ate at the last holiday party. Besides, you?ll be ready for swimsuit season in no time flat!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more cotton tunics.

Discounts on women’s kimono tops.

Buy men’s microfiber shirts.

This jacket does not look like a typical Billabong jacket.  You actually wouldn’t even know it was Billabong at first glace.  It is not their typical sporty/surf style.  I prefer this Bogota Berry color, but it also comes in black.  It can be dressed down for a more casual look and can even be worn with over a cute party top, skinnies and knee high boots.

Billabong Moonstruck Jacket: $62.61 (Was: $89.45)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s jackets.

Discounts Billabong jackets.

Katy Perry, the new “it” girl with her poppy hit single, “I Kissed a Girl”, has been turning many heads lately. Her dark brown hair and full red-lipsticked lips draw many parallels to Betty Boop, and Katy loves to play up the similarity with her clothing choices. While we all can’t pull it off on a daily basis (and even Katy takes a few fashion spills on the red carpet) dressing up as an iconic fashion figure every once in a while can be a blast. Follow Katy’s lead and try out some Betty Boop style with a few stylish choices:

1. High-Waisted Shorts: American Apparel, my go to store for all things bright, tight, and spandex, has the perfect high-waisted short to start a Betty Boop look. And so many options in patterns and colors, too!

2. Patterned Top: Betty Boop always wanted a top with tiny prints and a lot of va-va-va-voom.  This striped grey and white V-neck from American Apparel may be a little modest for ol’ Betty’s tastes, but it’s a safety for those feeling a little self-conscious about the shorts.

3. Red Lips: The signature of any Betty Boop look-alike is pulling off the vampy red lips. Try it in a matte finish; M.A.C. is advertising it’s Viva GLAM original in a saturated red that’s positively sumptuous. M.A.C. offers several variations in hues for Viva GLAM. Make sure you try them all out and get the one that suits your inner Boop.

Katy Perry Image Source:  seekingalpha.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more high waisted shorts.

Discounts on red lipstick.

Good morning, this is Lisa Remi reporting live from the Smarter Fashion News Desk. I have just received breaking news on the latest fashion deals and amazing January discounts.

I can confirm that the fashion site - 6pm.com has astounding bargains available right now!

These stunning ‘Oh Deer- Garbo’ shoes are now available for $46.00 reduced from $79.00 an amazing 42% reduction!

An update has just come in…there are black patent clutch bags to match with spectacular discounts!

This beautiful Adele Clutch Bag from Elliott Luca has a hefty 52% reduction dropping from $162.00 to $78.20!

This ‘Rafe New York Conduit Flap’ Clutch bag is now $101.20 reduced from $199.00, a whopping discount of 49%!

This is unbelievable! Christin Micheals Apple Jeans are now $107.20 plummeting from$199.00! An enormous 46% reduction.

Extraordinary news coming in - you can purchase your summer dresses early and make substantial savings all at the same time!

This beautiful black Kat Dress from Matix Clothing Company is now $27.60 reduced from $50.00. A knockout  44% discount

Keep tuning in for more January sales and hot news.

This is Lisa Remi signing off, wishing you happy bargain hunting!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Elliot Luca handbags.

Discounts on Christin Micheals jeans.

Buy Rafe New York handbags.

If you’re from New England, you’re used to traveling into the city and participating in mandatory spirited parades–the Patriots, the Eagles, the Giants, the Sox, etc. For me, it was the Mummers on New Year’s Day. The problem always is…what do you wear to a parade? You want to dress the part of a fan, but you also want to look sharp in case you take refuge in a bar or restaurant. First things first, especially in New England, you want to be WARM. So here are some tips for the holiday outdoors:

1. Boots: You want some thick boots which will keep you above the street debris (a.k.a. beer cans and trash) and will also keep you nice and toasty.

Bloomingdale’s L.A.M.B. boots

2. Pants. Don’t even attempt to wear leggings or a dress with tights. You will not be happy.

Straight-leg Jeans from Gap

3. Bomber Hats. They’re so cute, and sooo warm!

Bomber Hat

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more L.A.M.B. boots.

Discounts on women’s straight leg jeans.

Buy bomber hats.

May you stay fabulous, fashionable and healthy in 2009!

2009 is nigh underway. This crossover time is when we all privately carry out a mental inventory of the highs and lows of the past year. For many of us 2008 presented us with more lows than expected and far less highs. The spector of the Credit Crunch, crunched it’s way into our lives, our homes, our families, our joy.

This global economic crisis has pervaded our consciousness. Even to the extent of how we see ourselves.  For those of us who possess the malady of social short sightedness - those who equate their financial status with who they are, who measure their self worth in dollars and cents, pounds and pennies, shares and bonds  - this is the worst of times.

After the Christmas binge, looking in the mirror to assess the damage, may be an even more painful exercise this year. So dear reader, it’s time to lighten up. So what if you gained a few pounds over Christmas, but didn’t you have fun gaining it? Wasn’t the turkey succulent? The frosting on the cake oh so sweet? Well then! We’ve all had to face a bit of gloom in the past year, why add to it?  Relax.

I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. I believe in making lifetime resolutions, being on a journey of continuous self improvement and achievement. A journey of learning to love myself more, like myself more and give more of myself to others. Working towards a more content, peaceful, whole, happier me. So far, so good. Hence the title. Let 2009 be a year of loving yourself more, liking yourself more. Stop trying to emulate the emaciated airbrushed illusions on the magazine covers and start emulating yourself. There is only one of you and you’re wonderful.

Invest in a ‘pet’ scarf, colorful and cozy, something that makes you feel happy and warm every time you wear it.

These soft and mushy scarves from The Spirit if The Andes are just the trick! The Ana Scarf ($27.74) pictured below is made from pure Alpaca, available in a variety of delicate, rainbow shades.

Why not celebrate yourself with a Funky Bear?  He comes with his own designer hoodie, in a range of colors, and a personalized message.  Don’t be afraid to have something like “I am cute!” printed on the front, why not?

I’m thinking of getting one and buying a hoodie to match!  Click the link to order your FunkyBear from FunkBears.com.

Keeping to the cozy theme, there is nothing I like more than wearing a pair of cozy bed socks and snuggling up in bed

These wool bed socks, $26.28 from The Wool Company are ideal.

What can be more fulfilling than making a fashion purchase and giving to charity at the same time. Give more of yourself. Gap Red offers you this perfect opportunity when you purchase any item from the site. Half the proceeds go straight to the Global Fund, to help fight against Aids and HIV in Africa. Some major fashion labels have also come aboard to help. Visit the ‘Learn’ page to find out more

Finally, take a read of Susie Orbach’s latest book, entitled Bodies. Orbach discusses the issues that contribute to women feeling inferior about their physical appearance. Available in various bookstores and online, $10.58.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s scarves.

Discounts on women’s socks.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve!  Time to say ‘good-bye’ to a bittersweet 2008.  Time to bring new essential fashion pieces into your wardrobe for 2009.  You can start with this simple black clutch.  It’s super light and can be worn with casual or dressy attire.

Babee D Simply Black Clutch Handbag: $79.99 (Was: $165)

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop fore more Babee D handbags.

Discounts on black clutch handbags.