Resolving to Break Out of the Box in 2015

Happy New Year! It’s me again, for your third holiday in a row!

Obviously, the big topic of the day is New Year’s resolutions. Strictly speaking, I am not making any resolutions to join a gym and lose weight this year. BUT I have decided to make a list of fashion- and appearance-related resolutions to start my year out right.

I’m a creature of habit … aka it can be easy to get into a rut. So I’d like to break out of the box as much as possible in 2015. Here’s what I’m resolving to do, and some tips on how you can come along with me.

1) Wear More Colors

I absolutely LIVE in neutrals – specifically, black, white and gray. This is not something I will necessarily apologize for, and I’m probably still going to go to these tones the majority of the time, but one of my goals for the new year is to wear more colors and patterns.

If you want to break out of the wardrobe box, which ever one you’re in, a good way to achieve this is to get someone to help you. When you’re shopping, your eye will naturally drift to the things you’re comfortable with, the things you normally like. One of the best things about small local boutiques is attentive sales clerks who are familiar with what is in their stores. Ask one of them for help! Tell them what you normally wear, and what you would like to try instead.

Speaking of…

2) Shop Local More Often

I am never afraid to beat this horse. After all, what is FresYes all about?! I will be the first to admit that I am a sucker for designer names, online bargains and Target. But one of the greatest joys of 2014 has been visiting locally-owned stores for FresYes, shopping awesome selections and meeting the best business owners. So this year, I resolve that when I have the choice between local and not, I will try as often as possible to support small business owners, even if it means spending a few extra dollars! You can check out some of my favorites stores in my blog archive.

3) Wear More Makeup

This one should really be titled “wear makeup at all.” For someone who cares so much for what she is wearing, I roll out of bed every single day without a lick of makeup on. I am, quite simply, too lazy, and I value my sleep too much to get up earlier to put a face on. I feel pretty confident going completely bare, but I’d like to resolve to wear makeup at least twice a week, if only so I can practice enough that I will stop begging fellow FresYesser and gracious friend Natali to do my makeup every time I have a special occasion.

But guess what? I have a challenge for you ladies who are the opposite of me. Go out in public at least once a week without makeup on! I’m not trying to write a commentary on whether or not we should wear makeup. (I am a firm believer in doing whatever you want and just owning it.) But this post is about breaking out of your habits, after all! Plus, I love the message in this Buzzfeed post about a girl who went a week without makeup.

4) Do More Physical Activity (Outside)

Notice that this does not, in fact, say “join a gym” or “work out more.” Here’s the thing: In a two-year period beginning in January 2012, I slowly and steadily lost 55 pounds. I won’t go into detail about how I did it, because weight loss plans are honestly so different for everybody. It did involve a (very) little bit of gym. But it also involved a lot of using the beautiful outdoor spaces our area has to offer, including the Clovis bike trail and walking the paths between Woodward Park and the San Joaquin River Parkway.

But for the past year, I’ve deemed myself too busy and too tired to get outside. Until I started getting so stressed that my doctor suggested getting exercise as a coping mechanism. And you know what? She was right. There’s something about simply taking a walk in fresh(ish) air, even for a few minutes, that’s good for your body and mind. So in 2015, I resolve to get outside more, and you should, too!

I’m already feeling intimidated by this list I’ve made, but I’m going to try my best! Although I will add an addendum: I resolve not to beat myself up if I should falter. It’s the effort that counts, right?

Author
Recent Posts

Follow me

Joanne Lui

Joanne Lui is a social media and fashion addict who has lived in Fresno since she was four, and sometimes accidentally says she was born and raised in Fresno. She was actually born in Hong Kong. She loves shopping and the St. Louis Cardinals, and is equally likely to be found in heels or a baseball cap - sometimes both. She blogs about designer bargain hunting and charitable fashion companies at www.shoesoffmyfeet.com

Follow me

Leave a Reply Cancel reply