Hey, I’m Crystal McCullers, Owner and Style Expert of CuteStylz Boutique and CuteStylz.com. I vow to bring to you the best and most up to date fashions and expert style advice that will keep you in the know and one step ahead of all the strutting stilettos, and I put that on my favorite pair of Jimmy Choo’s…so you know I’m serious. With that in mind, here we go…

2010 Fashion & Style Resolutions

Looking back at ‘09, all I can say is, “Wow – What Changes one single year CAN bring!” Looking forward in 2010, I say, “Continue to bring them on!” At the start of every year we have our list of “Resolutions” that we hold dear and close to our heart. And with every intent we mean to stick by them, but we all know how that scenario goes. Truth of the matter is, we need help and support. So, I’ve decided to shed some light and much needed support to my sisters and have compiled some Fashion & Style Resolutions for 2010 that need to be “stuck to” like your favorite girdle or that new and interesting “Body Magic” contraption that ladies are running and jumping into….

So speaking of “girdles”, that brings me to OUR 1^st Resolution…

1. PROPER UNDERGARMENTS:

If you have not heard this rule before, you are reading it now. So from this moment forward…..NO MORE EXCUSES. PROPER undergarments are the staple and foundation of every savvy ladies wardrobe, it is what everything is built off of. And it is a must, must, must for you in 2010 and forward. Why? Because having the right bra, panties, support hose (if you still wear them), or shape wear, underneath your clothing will not only allow your clothing to fit better it will also make you look more presentable, neat, and pulled together at all times. Ever wonder why Jennifer Hudson always looks so flawless and pulled together, be it on the Red Carpet or at conferences like Women’s Empowerment? Its because home girl (or at least the right person in her camp) understands the importance and necessity of getting it right with the foundation underneath the clothing first. So sisters lets make it our business to revisit our little panty and bra drawers and add pieces that not only accentuate but flatter the figures we have. And if by chance there are items that should have BEEN thrown out…Please Let Go and Let God with that!

So speaking of “letting go”, that brings me to OUR 2^nd Resolution…

2. STOP BEING A HOARDER!:Ok, so one of the few shows I make a point to record and actually watch is, Hoarders on A&E. Brief synopsis, the show focuses on the most horrific cases of Hoarding since the days of Fred G Sanford of Sanford in Son. They go in expose, in detail extremely filthy uninhabitable homes, clean up, and then often get the hoarders some type of psychiatric help. I literally sit and watch the whole show with my mouth wide open. Im not sure but I think the show gives me some type of guilt release when I go without making my bed . But I say all that to say, Im sure 90% of us are not ready for A&E to intervene but we do tend to hold on to clothing for way too long. We need to let it go! Go to your closets, dressers, trunks, under the bed, shelf overrunning in your closet, and that bag of “Ill Wear This When..”and do an honest inventory of what you actually wear. Rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn it at least ONCE within 6 months LET IT GO!!!. A savvy wardrobe is not about Quantity, it is about Quality. Having 6 little black dresses does not make your wardrobe complete it makes your closet full, cramped, and out of hangers when you really need one! Do an inventory, throw out those items that were trends and focus on classic stylish pieces that transcend from season to season….

and speaking of “Classic Stylish Pieces”, that brings me to OUR final fashion & style resolution for 2010.

3. “Fashion fades, only Style remains the same”:

Oooh the words of Coco Chanel, I couldn’t have said it better myself…buuuut Ill try. No, Im not contradicting myself as you know my focus will always be FASHION. But the truth of the matter is, Fashion synonymous with Trends will always fade. Will always come and go but Style synonymous with Class, will remain the same. And that tid bit of advice is what you need when choosing the items for your wardrobe in 2010 and forward. Pieces that can go from season to season and in colors that complement your complexion. How do I choose those pieces or know what classic pieces are, you ask? Well take a trip back down memory lane, pull some old photos or magazines out. Look at the clothing, look at the style. Look for items that you could see being worn today and still be fashionable. Those my friend are classic stylish pieces, they transcend. Those pieces may not always scream out at you in the store or get the most attention (leave that to the trends, that’s their job) these pieces are just plain and simple…Classics. These along with proper undergarments are staples in your wardrobe to build upon, then accentuate and enhance them with trends. Real talk here, I have a beautiful red cardigan that I constantly get complements on every time I wear it! I was “reminiscing” through some photos the other day and noticed that I had on the same sweater in the picture! Whats fascinating about that was that the picture was 9 years old (I knew that because I was holding my son as a baby). Now before you submit my sweater to the Hoarders show, know this…That sweater was one of the smartest buys ever. Why? Because it was a classic and stylish piece that transcended from season to season, year to year. (and it had a bit of spandex as I’m not the same size as 9 years ago). But it still works and still turns heads! (smile)

So ladies there you go. I didn’t want to overwhelm and add too much to your already demanding resolution list for 2010, but these are truly achievable, attainable, and worth sticking to resolutions. As a true sister, I’m here to support you and I got your back. Its been fun!

Until next time,

Keep Your Best Foot Forward, & Strut!

Your Girl, Crystal.