Fashion Resolutions: 10 Style Panel members share their wardrobe goals for 2014
January is synonymous with a few things – chilly temperatures, post-holiday fatigue, but above all, resolutions. While the ambitious among us are religiously hitting the gym, eschewing booze all together, ridding the cupboards of sugar, or other extreme goals, we like to think of the New Year as a chance for a simple style switch-up. Who better to offer up their realistic resolutions than our Style Panel? This week our panellists are joined by a new (male!) face and offer up their personal goals for the year.
Our group of Style Panel bloggers have some great goals for the year. Christopher Wolf, from wolfmusings.com, and Becky Kung, the girl behind Velvet & Vino, are both hoping to let their intuition run wild and take more risks. While Kayla Short, of Short Presents, is tackling her disaster of a closet (her words!) on the East Coast, Whitney Cosgrave of See Shop Eat Do is out soaking up the L.A. sun, and committing to wearing her favourite pieces more often. Take a peek at their resolutions and maybe you too will feel inspired to make some changes.
Question 85: What are your fashion resolutions? Whether you’re vowing off tights or trying to incorporate more colour this year, share it with us! Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: ALEX GRANT, VANCOUVER | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | JILLIAN LANSKY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CHRISTOPHER WOLF, HALIFAX | KIRA PARAN, EDMONTON | LEONIE MARKHORST, VANCOUVER | STEPHANIE KOCH, KELOWNA | WHITNEY COSGRAVE, LOS ANGELES |
Jillian Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries
As someone who doesn’t necessarily believe in resolutions, I struggled a little bit with this one. But I figured that as a blogger, stepping out of my style comfort zone is kind of in the job description. So here goes: I want to really hone in on my personal style. You know those women who look chic, in style, but never trendy and always, always look like themselves? That’s my goal. Instead of chasing the constant cycles of the “new” coveted piece, I want to realize my fantasized style hopes of being chic, edgy, effortless, 70’s and Parisian-inspired and modern all at the same time. Wish me luck!
Jillian’s wearing: Dress, Isabel Marant for H&M. Boots, Aldo. Bag, Zara. Sunglasses, Ray Ban. Jewelry, Leah Alexandra, Jeweliq, Madewell, Tiffany & Co.
Alex Grant, 25
Vancouver | To Vogue or Bust
One of my style resolutions this year is to not always opt for what’s most practical. As much as I gravitate toward femme pieces, I’m really a tomboy at heart, which means the prettier, sequin-adorned or unique pieces are only worn for special nights out. My sister had to really talk me into this embellished J.Crew sweater (I had my sights set on a basic, slouchy cashmere sweater, which I was convinced would be more practical). While this sweater’s a show-stopper, I’ve worked it into a ton of looks and get stopped on it every time I wear it out. So for 2014: more special pieces, less basics!
Alex’s wearing: Skirt, toque and clutch, Club Monaco. Sweater J.Crew. Booties, Massimo Dutti. Jacket, Forever 21. Sunglasses, Persol.
Leonie Markhorst, 26
Vancouver, BC | The Signature Bow
While 2013 was all about fine-tuning my style and detoxing my wardrobe, 2014 will be the year to build on that basis and venture out fashion-wise while staying true to my aesthetic. A monochromatic style can easily make you look like a “one trick pony”, which is why I want to focus on playing with different textures to make my outfits more exciting (think leather, velvet, boucle)
After adding a lot of black items to my collection, I also want to re-introduce some colour in my looks. Colder hues, like navy, pair well with black (or white!) and are just a little more unexpected.
Leonie is wearing: Coat, Mango. Top, COS. Jeans, Other Stories. Loafers, Mango. Bag, H&M Trend
Christopher Wolf, 23
Halifax, NS | Wolf Musings
My style resolution this year is to stop over-thinking styling choices. I often find myself debating and stressing over different options when putting together and outfit. My hope for 2014 is that I can put my own inhibitions and “rules” aside, and base my wardrobe choices on instinct. I’m a believer that personal style should be ethereal; an outward expression of who you are and how you feel inside. I feel that going with my gut, so to speak, will allow me to be less self-restricting, and evoke a more honest personal style.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary, AB | Velvet & Vino
I believe that style is about having fun and sharing with others a little bit about ourselves in how we dress. I love the quote by Rachel Zoe, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
In 2014, my fashion goal is to stretch my personal fashion limitations by trying new things while having fun, all with the end purpose to style myself in new ways to express who I am!
Becky is wearing: Sweater, Beaver Canoe by Roots & Target. Jeans, Forever 21. Boots, Zara. Earrings, Sam Moon Boutique in Texas
Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton, AB | Northern Style
I love the feeling of a fresh start; the promise of brand new beginnings. My New Years style resolution is just that… I want to try to fall in love with my wardrobe all over again, treating it as it were shiny and brand new. I’m going to try my best to take an old piece I haven’t wore in a while and take it out for a spin. Too often I forget all the great items I already have. In this look I’ve had this scarf in my closet for a year with the tags still on it! Yikes! Hopefully I can start using what I do have and stop obsessing over pieces I don’t. Happy new year!
Kira is wearing: Shirt, J.Crew. Riding Pant, J.Crew. Boots, J.Crew. Watch, Michael Kors
Kayla Short, 26
Edmonton, AB | Short Presents
Fresh out of the gates of 2013 I’m starting the year off with a bang (and exposing my midriff apparently)! I’m so excited to share another year with my fellow Style Panelists; I feel very lucky to share your very stylish company.
I have a several style resolutions for 2014, most of which have to do with organizing my disaster of a closet, and maximizing storage space yada yada (snorefest I know). But one resolution that I really want to stick this year is that I want to be more adventurous with my clothing choices, and I especially want to push myself to take more risks. A lot of times (I’ve realized) I play it pretty safe, but why?! What’s the point? Where’s the fun? You’ve got to risk it to win it, right? So with my sudden bravery, my bare midriff and I would like to wish you a very happy and adventurous New Year!
Kayla is wearing: Skirt, Sirens. Top, Garage. Necklace, Khols. Watch, Fossil. Bracelet, Alex and Ani.
Whitney Cosgrave, 25
Los Angeles, CA | See Shop Eat Do
My fashion resolution this year is to wear my favourite things more often. I have so many beautiful items collected from travels or that I’ve saved up for, but I often find myself reaching for some version of the same outfit everyday; jeans, a silky top, and a pair of flats. I’m going to try to really get use out of my pretty purses and not just save my best shoes for ‘special’ occasions. Life is a special occasion!
Barbara Ann Soloman, 26
Toronto, ON | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
My style resolution for 2014 would be to fall in love while I shop. Due to a chaotic schedule, I never really find little time to do my most favourite of things—shop (tear). And I’ve noticed that when I do find time, I over-spend for items that I really don’t love (and have zero time to return) because it was the best treasure of the day.
For 2014 I’d like to get back to searching for the perfect treasures, that are unique and timeless (and hopefully on sale). I want to slow down the shopping and take the time to fall in love again. Happy New Year everyone!
Photography by Trevor Negin
Barbara is wearing: Suit, Babaton. Sweater, Club Monaco
Stephanie Koch, 27
Kelowna, BC | Inherited Jeans
As we welcome another year, I think everyone reflects and examines elements of their life for change. Personal style is a dynamic thing, that changes with your experience, and I think that this year I would like to embrace being more casual without being sloppy, and without feeling compelled to be dressed to the nines at all times as often with work and a toddler that just isn’t realistic!
Stephanie is wearing: Hat, jacket, scarf, Joe Fresh. Sweatshirt, Aimee Song for Eluxe. Leggins, Awfully Pretty. Shoes, Converse
