HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s 2014 and I’m not really sure how it happened. A new year is here and reeving to go.  In the spirit of the new year, this new blog (already 1 1/2 months old!), and continuing to grow in style, here are my #TeamPCA resolutions for 2014.

1. Buy What I Love.
   Closet space is limited now that the spare closet is now full of my SO’s wardrobe, so I have to be mindful of what I buy. If I think I’ll only wear it a couple of times, or think that it can only go with one other piece in the closet, then it’s not worth it. When I purchase something that  truly will enhance outfits (accessories) or will be on permanent rotation, it adds a little  pep to my step.  Mainly because I know it’s something that will earn it’s cost per wear. This is also going to help be stay on budget as as a personal resolution is to live under my means.
2. Don’t Fall for Fast Fashion.
   In a world with fast fashion, it’s hard not to pick up trendy pieces for a night out or to fall into the cycle of multiple phases in a season (it’s no longer fall – it’s fall 1, 2, 3, and post-fall). I’m guilty of it anytime I walk into Old Navy or LOFT. While I know I will still grab a new shirt every once in a while, my resolution is to change the percentage of my wardrobe from fast fashion in favor of more things that I love that will last a while. Here’s to 30% FF / 70% Timeless Loveliness.
3. Take (Better) Care!
   My name is Lauren and I don’t always hang up my clothes. Doing laundry isn’t the hard part, putting it up before it’s time to do laundry again is the hard part. As I get older I’m starting to notice how items that aren’t cared for don’t look good on me. When my sweater is rumpled, I look frumpy and lumpy which is, in two words, not. cute. Resolutions 1 and 2 play into this as well. I notice how I treat my Target ballet flats over my Cole Haan driving loafers. While I heart my ballet flats because they are an everyday staple, just because they are from Target doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to go in the box at the end of the day like my other shoes. Showing a little more attention to what I have will make it last longer and curb my want to run to the store for something new.
4. In Print.
   I have a lot of solids in my wardrobe. While I love color blocking as much as the next girl, I need to add more textures and patterns to my style.  This will come in the shape of new scarves, tights, or the occasional shirt. My goal is with a more layered look, I will feel more pulled together overall.
5. Shop my closet (and your’s).
   I have a friend who hosts a seasonal clothing swap and it’s the bees knees.  A few of my favorite jackets came from the first swap I participated in a few Fall’s ago. That experience allowed me to think differently about thrifting and swaps. As the younger sister, I’ve been shopping in my sister’s closet since I was a tween and I still do (she has great taste!). I need to do better shopping in my own closet before I run out and spend money on something new. Finding value in “new to me” is something that I look forward to embracing more in 2014.

If you aren’t sure what your style resolution are for this year, Stylitics and the Telegraph’s Fashion editors have great lists to get you started. Let us know what your resolutions are – we can keep each other accountable.