Fabulous in ’09

by Fauzeya Rahman

Without even realizing it, another year has passed, and a new one is on its way.  While you may not have enough time before New Year’s Eve to memorize the words to “Auld Lang Syne” or to come up with resolutions that will, inevitably be impossible to keep, don’t sweat it because we here at Brown Girl have you covered!  Take a break from the end-of-the-year stress and read on to discover five essential tips that will lead to a healthier, happier, even more fabulous you!

1. Save some money…by planning a trip!

Now the crazy guy from “Mad Money” or your own parents may not agree with our advice, but read on and I’m sure you’ll be convinced.  As a student, it’s very easy to burn through cash or rack up insane credit card bills without even realizing it.  A Chipotle burrito here, a second dinner there, and you can easily wind up spending at least $60 on just eating out per week!  Add that to your rent, utilities, textbooks, etc and it can be really easy for a bank balance to go in the negatives.

While it’s impossible to go without paying your rent or eating, there are simple ways to budget that will leave you with something much more worthwhile than a chicken fajita burrito from Chipotle (even with the extra guacamole).

Girl Trip to Vegas!

By planning a simple, fun trip with some friends, you have something exciting to look forward to that will be worth budgeting for.  You’ll want to buy groceries and bring your own lunch a few days a week if that means you get to do something you normally wouldn’t think to do.

The trip can be as simple as visiting a national park somewhere close to you and taking advantage of nature’s playground.  Most national parks charge entry fees per car, so the more friends you have in your car the cheaper it’ll be per person!

If the outdoors aren’t really your thing or you aren’t able to leave your city, why not visit your own city as though you were a tourist?  Check out local newspapers and city-focused Web sites to get ideas of what main attractions or festivals are near you.  By planning ahead for a getaway, not only will your bank account be happy, you’ll be happy exploring new things!

2. Schedule time with the girls.

Whether you get dressed up for a night out or plan a get together in facemasks and pajamas, spending time with your friends is essential in maintaining relationships, reducing stress, and just catching up with one another.  It’s way too easy to get overwhelmed with stress from school, work, boyfriends, etc and it’s great to be able to turn to your friends to get away.  Since everyone is always insanely busy, plan ahead!  Try keeping standing appointments, like the second Friday night of every month, so you don’t have to waste time accommodating everyone’s schedules.  Before you know it, you’ll be seeing how a few hours with the girls can undo all the stresses of a crazy, hectic week!

Share some laughs with your girlfriends!

3. Squeeze in a little exercise into your day.

Everyone makes a resolution to go to the gym X times a week (hence the crazy long lines at the gym in January).  However, like clockwork, by the time February rolls around most people have given up on their resolution.  An easy way to avoid this is to be truthful with yourself.  If you can realistically see yourself going to the gym three times a week but just need a little motivation, then push yourself in the upcoming new year and try to stick with it.  If you are a bit uncertain of your commitment level, start off very slowly and eventually build up.

Start off by trying to walk or take the stairs whenever possible.  Once you’ve mastered this, commit yourself to exercise one or two times a week.  To make sure you stick with it, stick to something you love doing.  If you enjoy yoga, join a class or get a DVD.  If you are a runner, grab a running buddy and hit the pavement.  Whatever you decide to do, remember to ease into it and take it one step at a time.  Your body will thank you!

Add a little exercise into your life.

4. Become a Fashion Do: Buy the essentials.

Rather than spending money on trends that come and go every season, why not follow the sage advice of such fashion gurus as the honorable Tim Gunn or Clinton and Stacey?  With this handy list of must-haves for every woman, you are armed with the essentials to make your wardrobe go from drab to fab.  Keep your eyes open for upcoming sales and definitely try to buy good quality items that will last for at least a few years.

• That little black dress: Be on the lookout for a hemline, neckline and shape that are the most flattering for your body type. Avoid trends for this must-have item, timelessness is key when looking for the perfect black dress.

Every girl needs that little black dress.

• A perfect-fitting pair of jeans: Now this can be tricky and may require several visits to several different stores, but the end product will be so well-worth it! Look for a pair that is a dark rinse to maximize use in both casual and slightly dressier occasions. A little lycra goes a long way in providing that perfect, form-fitting look. And lastly, don’t pay attention to the size on the tag; rather pay more attention to the fit the pair gives you at the waist. Never be afraid to even go a size bigger if it means you’ll avoid the dreaded muffin top! And don’t worry if they are too long, you can always get the length altered very easily.
• A smart suit: Suits are definitely an investment piece and there are some ways to maximize this investment to its full potential. If possible, look for a three-piece-suit (jacket, skirt and pants) so you can mix the pieces for totally different looks. Again, fit is key and it makes all the difference in terms of looks and confidence if you know you look perfectly put-together. Remember your friend, the tailor, if anything needs some slight adjusting.
• A classic white shirt: It’s on everyone’s must-have list and whether you wear it buttoned up or layered over a tank, it’s a quick fix for a wardrobe crisis.
• Some favorite go-to accessories: Whether it is your favorite vintage handbag or pair of sunglasses, these key accessories can revitalize your look in a matter of seconds. Remember to go simple and have fun with it without letting the accessories take over. Mix it up and you’ll be able to create a new, versatile look every day of the week.

Accessorize!

5.   Spend some time on yourself.

Whether you learn a new skill, join cooking classes, or form a book club, do something you love doing just for yourself.  Make the most out of 2009 by bringing yourself into focus and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier, even more fabulous you!

Tags: beauty, hip