The Stern Opportunity

Bumble and Bumble Style-bar

Welcome back to NYC and to 2010! The 00's are over and the early 90's can now be considered vintage - that's scary! In honor of the new year I'd like to share some of my new years resolutions with you. No drastic measures here (Heidi Montag listen up!) just DIY, low cost, low commitment goals. Note: This issue, and subsequently this article, is focused mainly on women - so, sorry guys, most of this won't apply to you! But I promise that this column will have some very man-friendly content coming out in future issues. Start getting ready for some seriously handsome guest columnists.

Now on to the Resolutions...

Resolution # 1: Do Something Different with your Hair

I, personally, am in a bit of a hair rut. Other than a brief experiment with bangs last year (not a good experience) - I've essentially had the same haircut since 2005. Everytime I sit down in the salon chair, I have grand plans of asking for a new look and then inevitably get cold feet and end up with shoulder length, subtle layers. And truthfully - this is better for me - sort of the whole if it ain't broke don't fix it philosophy. Elle magazine actually lists as one of it's top recommendations for a better you in the new year to "Avoid Impulse Haircuts."

But, there is still a part of me that longs to live dangerously; which is exactly why I was so excited to hear about Bumble & Bumble's Styling Bar at Bloomingdales 59th Street. You just walk up to the counter, no appointment necessary, and for $35 you can get yourself a new 'do in about 30 minutes. Choose your style from a downtown or uptown updo, smooth and sleek, texture, curls or work with the stylist on hand to create something just for you.

For a virtual makeover, no taxi required - head on over to InStyle.com to the Hollywood Makeover section. Upload a photo, drag the little blue dots to the appropriate spots on your face and head and in literally 3 minutes you'll be trying on complete celebrity looks - hair makeup - the works. I gave the Lady Gaga Hair Bow a test-drive.

Resolution # 2: Go Au Natural

Don't be scared - I'm still talking about hairstyles. A good friend of mine recently returned from an exotic winter break spent in Australia (so jealous!) and I immediately interrogated her about how shiny and bouncy and awesome her hair looked. Was there something in the water down under? Turns out, two weeks of doing nothing - no blow-drying, heat styling or product build up leaves hair looking pretty damn good - in addition to taking far less time and effort! Though in the past, I have very rarely worn my hair in it's natural, quite curly state to school- you may be seeing more of this in 2010. Celebrities have also been embracing the trend - Kylie Minogue and Marion Cotillard to name a few. So ladies - put down your blow dryers!

Resolution # 3: Pare down your Wardrobe

In my own experience, the 80/20 rule applies not just to a company's best customers - but to what I end up wearing everyday. About 20% of my wardrobe gets 80% play. The other 80% just hangs there getting my hopes up. Like, maybe this week, I'll start to like that dress I bought a year ago and only wore once. But alas, it just ends up being a disappointment and a big waste of time getting out of the door. Imagine if everytime you opened your closet - it was filled with only clothes that you really want to wear. No trying things on and tossing them aside, no digging through stacks of stretched out pilly, sweaters to find your favorite one.

This is absolutely achievable - but it involves some serious closet clean-out. If it no longer fits, was a flash trend or has gone unworn for two years - it doesn't belong in the line of sight while getting ready. The best case scenario would be to donate these items to charity. But if, like me, you're borderline OCHD and can't bear to part with anything - you can put it in storage. Then organize what's left by color or by types of clothing (I plan to separate into casual/classroom, dressy/evening and work/recruiting). Et, Voila - no more outfit crises and a lot more closet space! I think this will also help with one of my non-style resolutions, to not be ten minutes late for class EVERYDAY.

Resolution #4: Dress for Destiny

Coco Chanel once said "I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

You never know if the woman behind you in Dean & Deluca could be the VP of your dream company, and you'll end up in an on the spot informational interview! So dress the part! And besides - life is too short to waste it wearing anything less than something that makes you feel fabulous.

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