With the start of a new year comes much reflection.  And sometimes embarrassment. What did I learn last year? What could I do better? 

Since a large part of my job revolves around fashion, this seemed like a natural place to start with my list of resolutions.  In no particular order, here are 8 fashion crimes committed in '08 that I plan to improve on:

1. Stop forcing the outfit

So what happened here you ask? 

Good question!  I found these high waisted shorts for one of my shoots and decided to pair it with a flowery shirt, big earrings and strappy sandles.  Yes, there is a lot going on here. I only became aware of my faux pas when the photographer mentioned they looked like "Mom jeans".  In my haste to embrace the trend I didn't notice I was dressing like my mother in the 80s.  I should have left this to the professionals or not purchased something that didn't go with my existing wardrobe. If you have to work really hard to make a piece flattering, it's probably not for you.


2. Change out of pajamas before noon

This is me on any given day well past 3pm. If I don't have meetings I'll get up at 8 and stay on my lap top until I realize that either it's 2 o'clock and I'm starving or when I start to feel badly about myself for not having bothered to shower and change yet.  This means I am in an unacceptable state for deliveries, impromptu meetings or just running across the street for a coffee for most of the day. 

This year I will prepare for my day like any other working person by having a shower first thing and putting on a decent outfit.  It's sort of hypocritical of me to talk about beauty and fashion if I'm still wearing fuzzy slippers and last night's makeup, no?

3. Eat lunch


It's shameful really.  I work from home and live across the street from a grocery store, yet I can't find the time to eat lunch every day.  I tend to get pretty caught up in what I'm doing and only think to eat when I'm at the point of shaking.  Not a good idea.  Thin may still be in, but bony looks bad on everyone.

4. Buy quality over quantity

One good bag is better than 5 cheap ones.

I used to think it was better to have lots of variety in a wardrobe than to have less that is well made.  When this winter came around and we were preparing for a frosty trip to Winnipeg I realized I had either thrown away or donated all of my sweaters from last season.  A sweater should last at least 3-4 winters.  It's better to have fewer pieces that are high in quality and will last than to have a lot of garbage.

5. Take more fashion risks

The stylists that came out to our last Shop Crawl here in Toronto were totally decked out in cute outfits that were both warm enough for the October weather, but stylish enough to make a statement.  I gravitate towards black, grey and unpatterned classic pieces.  This year I'd like to be a bit braver in what I wear, though I'll be doing it with the help of my fashionable friends.

6. Wear more hats

I'm convinced the world would be a better place if we all wore more hats.  Like the British. 

This is actually my Mom's floppy gardening hat but it's kind of fun!  I was truly inspired at Lilliput Hats (again from the Shop Crawl), where they had every kind of hat imaginable.  Unfortunately my head is pretty big and it's hard to find ones that actually fit, but this year, when I see a cute hat that fits my noggin, I'll buy it.

7. Plan out wardrobe the day before

Many fashion disasters have happened on a mad rush out the door.  It's only when I catch a glimpse of myself in a store window that I realize the sin that's been committed.  Giselle Rojo del Ponte, the stylist for many of our episodes lays her clothes out the night before and recommends taking pictures of outfits that work well.

I often like to fall asleep planning the next day's outfit in my mind, but trust that visualizing it in your head is not the same as actually wearing it.  This year I won't be that fool.

8. Always wear makeup in public

Why is it that whenever you venture out without makeup on you run into someone you know or someone wants to take a picture?

When I was planning out our first season of ChickChat TV, I foolishly cast myself as the person to receive the makeover for our makeup episode.  We were shooting at a more remote location and I figured it would be cheaper and easier than bringing in a model. This was a mistake.  While Joy David-Tilberg is an amazing makeup artist, I was really embarrassed to see the final product with my bare face in it.  This won't be happening again.