The tumbleweeds of wrapping paper are tossed, everyone is back at work, and the water cooler chatter no longer revolves around travel plans or New Year’s resolutions. But the latter is still on your mind. Or it should be, at least. According to a University of Scranton study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, about 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but only about 8 percent follow through on them.
Experts say being realistic and patient are essential. Focus on small victories and they’ll add up. A bit more than a week into the new year, it’s time for a progress check. These tips can help you make good on your promise to yourself and keep you from becoming another fallen resolutionist.
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To quote Oscar de la Renta: “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” Time to ask: Does your wardrobe express your true self? Or is your closet overrun with relics of trends past and one too many Patriots jerseys?
“When you’re looking to change, go to your closet first,” says Pam Santorelli, owner of Habit, the South Boston boutique. “Do it on a day when you’re feeling inspired. You have to be in the mood to cleanse.”
She says to ask friends over for second opinions as you sort through. Then again, if your friends have their own style hang-ups, you might have to call in the experts.
“I can be honest and unbiased because I’m helping you out as professional, not a friend,” says Santorelli, who’s also a personal stylist and offers in-house closet consultations. “We’ll figure out the look you’re trying to achieve and I can push you in ways you wouldn’t do on your own and help you branch out a bit.”
With input — and, hopefully, inspiration — you’ll make space in your closet and come up with the shopping list to guide you year-round.