A new year brings with it a fresh start and good intentions for the next 12 months that we hope will eventually become lifestyle changes in the following years. Here are 5 style resolutions to keep in 2018 and beyond.
1. Invest in quality over quantity
Less is not more. Think of fashion purchases as an investment. Quality and workmanship are very apparent in items such as clothing, handbags and shoes. Consider purchasing one well-made, high quality handbag that you know you will use for years. A perfectly tailored crisp white shirt or a stunning pair of classic black sling back heels will likely last much longer and get more wear than a fast fashion piece that may look dated in six months or start to fall apart even before you’re ready to part with it. That classic 2.55 bag will never go out of style.
2. Get organized: Make your handbag functional
There’s nothing more frustrating than reaching into your handbag and not being able to find what you’re looking for. Using a bag organizer with compartments makes finding items easy and prevents things like keys from scratching, say, your sunglasses (as each item has its own compartment). A bonus is that it also makes changing bags a breeze. My personal favorite is to use separate small pouches with fun colorful prints (this makes it even easier to find things!) divided into categories such as: Beauty – lip balm, lipstick, hand cream, roller ball perfume, and electronics – earphones, portable phone charger, extra phone cable.
3. Tailor your bags and shoes to suit your lifestyle
Think about your lifestyle, habits and what your daily routine involves. Although everyone has different needs, it’s important that your bags and shoes complement your lifestyle and make it easy for you to get through the day. Apart from aesthetics, the practical questions I ask myself when considering a bag purchase are:
- Does the bag come with a long strap or can it be carried cross body
- Will it be heavy to carry on a daily basis
- Does it have a zipper or a secure compartment
- Will my daily necessities easily fit inside
- Is it easy to open and close
4. Care for your personal items
Just like the clothes we wear, regular cleaning will help handbags and shoes last longer. Brand new items can also benefit from protective coating treatments. Clean bags and shoes promote a healthier lifestyle as they reduce our exposure to harmful bacteria that may build up on bags and shoes over time.
5. Enjoy and use the handbags and shoes that you love
I often hear from friends and peers that some of their bags are “too nice to use.” I’m a firm believer in wearing clothes that make me feel good and that complement the handbags and shoes that I own and love. Not only does this help reduce the cost per wear, but bags and shoes that are kept in the closet and seldom used are often the first to show signs of wear, due to conditions such as moisture in the air. Don’t save your bags and shoes for a special occasion. Use them every day and enjoy them!