photo credit: daily mail dot co dot uk

It’s that time again when everyone is making resolutions for the New Year. Many women make resolutions to better their personal appearance and in turn the way that they feel about themselves – go to the gym more often, eat better, quit smoking, etc. – but it seems like fashion resolutions are overlooked. While you may not end up making it to the gym or cutting down on french fries, here are a few shopping resolutions that you can easily follow through on by incorporating them into your daily lives!

1) Shop your closet first:

If your closet is anything like mine, it’s definitely in need of better organization. This year, resolve to make the most of what you have before making a purchase. How precious is your closet real estate to you? Do you have pairs of shoes with worn out soles or jeans that haven’t fit since college? Well it’s time to take all of the pieces that don’t work and actually do something with them – get them repaired, get them altered or get them out of there! On that note, one of the most common mistakes women make when it comes to their wardrobes is not investing in a good tailor and it makes a huge difference in how your clothing fits and makes you feel. (And if you need suggestions for a good tailor in the Washington, DC area, let me know!)

2) Buy less, buy better:

How many times have you bought something just because it was on sale or because it looked great on a celebrity in a magazine… only to be disappointed later because it was a passing trend that wasn’t right for your wardrobe? This year I’m personally resolving to buy less, buy better. Instead of investing in cheaper, trendier items, join me in resolving to invest in more quality wardrobe staples that you know you will wear for years to come. While it may be easy to get distracted from this resolution when you see the perfect pair of purple suede ankle boots that you simply “must have,” keep yourself on track by making a list of all of the things you think are truly missing from your wardrobe and cross purchases off that list before adding to your closet in other ways.

3) Keep it real:

Resolve to dress the way that you want to be seen. If you don’t want to be seen as someone who is sloppy, don’t leave the house in sweatpants and Uggs. If you do want to be seen as someone who is confident, put on your highest heels or reddest lipstick or whatever it is that will make you feel good about yourself. I am the biggest advocate of overdressing – because there is nothing wrong with putting on something fabulous, walking into a room and having everyone say, “Wow! You look great.”

4) Get and give back:

In an attempt to cut down on clutter in their condo, my brother-in-law recently tried to institute the rule “for every new item you buy, give one away.” This may work for you, but there are other ways to give back while shopping for yourself and your family as well. If you do any shopping online, consider shopping through nonprofitshoppingmall.com. Founded by Corine Couwenberg, this is a simple way to aid nonprofits in their fundraising initiatives by doing your everyday shopping. A percentage of each purchase you make through nonprofitshoppingmall.com goes directly to the nonprofit organization of your choice at no extra cost to you. Another way you can shop and give back is by making purchases that support artisans around the world through sites like NOVICA or locally at Pangea.

5) Take a risk:

Finally, I challenge you to resolve to change up your wardrobe a little by taking a fashion risk. Whether it be as simple as incorporating more bright colors into your clothing choices or channeling Carrie Bradshaw and investing in a ballerina inspired getup, surprise yourself (and everyone else) by experimenting with something new. After all, fashion should be fun!

Here’s to better shopping and a more fashionable 2010!

~Elle