Last Outfit of 2014 — and Plans for 2015

Yesterday, I left the balmy shores of Miami and returned to Manhattan’s cold, gray bosom. Somewhere between the mid-flight turbulence and the Midtown tunnel, it hit me — 2014 is almost over. It was a little disarming, since I adore the pageantry and ritual of New Years.

My favorite part of the holiday? Taking stock of the past year’s milestones and setting strategic goals for the next. I started this blog back in early July. Since then, I’ve written 125 entries — and I have TONS planned for 2015.

In the interest of savoring my blog’s milestones, here’s the last outfit I’ll be showcasing in 2014:

Green Dress: Rachel Zoe (Consignment) | Jacket: Mossimo (Target) | Belt: Forever 21 | Tights: Lord & Taylor | Bag: Dolce & Gabbana | Shoes: SJP (Nordstrom)
Green Dress: Rachel Zoe (Consignment) | Jacket: Mossimo (Target) | Belt: Forever 21 | Tights: Lord & Taylor | Bag: Dolce & Gabbana | Shoes: SJP (Nordstrom)

I wore this particular dress for Christmas Eve service last week, but it could just as easily transition to a New Year’s Eve party. I got the Rachel Zoe number for an absurdly good price — $30 — at the Labels Buckhead consignment store in Atlanta.

I paired it with some of my affordable standbys — a Target blazer and Forever 21 belt — as well as a new-ish pair of blue metallic shoes from Sarah Jessica Parker’s Nordstrom line.

Shoes: SJP (Nordstrom)
Shoes: SJP (Nordstrom)

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the direction I’d like this blog to take in 2015. I’ll continue sharing Outfit of the Day posts, but the blog will also feature meatier pieces in the coming year, including:

  • Retail analysis: Ever wonder why Pandora bracelets are so popular? Or why Jenna Lyons was told to tone down her public persona? I’ll be sharing my theories and research on retail’s biggest backstage stories.
  • Shopping reviews: Think of this feature as a companion to Catalog Police — but instead of critiquing catalogs, I’ll be right there in the stores, from fast fashion to luxury. Nothing will be spared my scrutiny, from customer service to product selection.
  • More shopping secrets: I’ll share my hard-won strategies for getting the best prices and products, including: how to haggle at consignment stores, how to curate close relationships with retail employees and how to score better hauls at overwhelming thrift and outlet stores.
  • More profiles: I’ve already featured some incredible, fashion-forward women on the blog. In 2015, you’ll get more perspectives from women in the fashion, business and entertainment industries.
  • More DIY & Alterations: Economists may say the recession is over, but money still isn’t growing on trees. I’ll be writing more tutorials on easy fixes for your existing wardrobe, so you can avoid unnecessary, extraneous purchases.

If there are other features you’d like to see in 2015, please share your ideas! In the meantime, I’ll be sharing some sartorial New Years resolutions tomorrow, so check back for my list.

Have a joyous and safe evening — and I’ll see you in 2015!