Eight easy ways to update your look in 2009 (For Girls)

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At different stages of ourlives and weights, we can all fall into a style rut; the kind ofplace where we're sick of everything (our hair, clothes,handbag, bras, all of it) but have no vision for what to do next.Even if the situation doesn't feel so dramatic,subtle—and sometimes enormous—changes are always goodfor one's self-esteem (and I'd argue appearance).They show that you're nurturing yourself, you'retaking pride in who you are, and you're living in thepresent (not some frowzy past). Here are eight ways to modernizeyour look in this year. You can call them fashion and beautyresolutions (or, maybe don't because that'scheesy).







1. Change yourhair*
This can be an understated differenceor a full-blown transformation, but do something new. Things totry:
Cutting bangs
Attempting abob
Coloring your hair two shades darker orlighter
Getting chunky, fun highlights
Going to atrusted stylist and saying "Do whatever youthink."
*Understand that this"change" requires a little fearlessness. If youdon't love it, your hair will grow back. This iswhat's awesome about hair.

2.Buy a new bra
Even if youhave brassieres that actually fit you—though I'mguessing 75 percent of you, like me, do not—youprobably need a new one. If you haven't yet, go to a storethat will measure you and find your correct size. Buy a braaccordingly. Also? Try something new. Go for a sexy black bra ifyou have none like it, try push-up bras, padded, etc, etc. Havingboobs is one of our great privileges as women. We should dress themup.

3. Wash and moisturize yourface every night, seriously
It'ssmall, but important. You'll notice a change in your skinin like a week.

4.Make time each week for one inexpensive beautyritual
Years ago, when I was barely earningenough money to pay my rent, a male friend attempted to help mecreate a budget. "Eyebrow waxing DOES NOT go in'necessary expenses'," he balked."Yes it does," I replied. "It costs $10and it makes me feel good about myself."
Thesetiny indulgences—like cheap manicures, pedicures, andwaxing—are important. They have thepower to make us feel pampered and more confident, which, to me, iscompletely worth the price of three coffees fromStarbucks.

5. Stop wearing clothesthat don't fit you or that youhate
I harp on this one a lot, I know, butreally, just get rid of everything that causes you to feel fat, orlumpy, or out of style or in anyway does not flatter who you are.We can all get so caught up in a fear of scarcity that we forgetthat the filler pieces in our closets have been tried and testedand will never become satisfying garments we actually want towear.

6. Go out and purchase onepretty top, one pair of earrings, and an entirely new lipshade
This doesn't have to be anexpensive outing—you can get a good version of all three foraround $30 total. But this triple buy is my trick for curingfashion depression. Usually, I buy a top, a pair of earrings, and anew lipstick, take a shower, do my hair, and go out with myfriends.

7. Attempt a newaccessories style this year
There are somany fun things to try: Skinny or wide belts! Patterned tights!Boots! Wedge heels! Tiny vs. big purses! Big cuff bracelets! Longchains! Bangles! Just pick one (or two or three) thatyou've never worn before and give it awhirl...

8. Invest in one piecethat you've wanted for a longtime
I know, it's horrible for meto say this, given our economic climate, but I'm going toanyway. You deserve one fancy thing—be it a great bag, abeautiful pair of shoes, a well-made coat—that you'vealways wanted. Think about what it is (within reason) and save forit. Look for it on sale. Purchase it. Feel happy every time youhave it on.