Beauty Beat

Top five fashion resolutions: Embrace color, look for sales, clean out yourcloset & more

Embrace color for spring: Orange is the season's hottest shade; this gown is byBibhu Mohapatra
Photo by Dario Cantator for Getty Images/Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Dresses are so much cooler in the Houston heat; this yellow shift is fromBarbara Tfank's spring collection.
Look for sales — Fashion on Sale continues through Sunday.

While everyone else is busy wallowing in their post-holiday calorie-fest guilt, I'm busy making some resolutions. I’ve got a whole list of resolutions related to my health, lifestyle and overall life goals, but the list I’m most excited to share is my top five fashion and beauty resolutions. Last week I listed my beauty goals; here are my top fashion resolutions.

Embrace Color

Brights will be huge this spring and summer so get on board and start adding pops of color to your outfits. Whether it’s a bold, brightly colored statement necklace, a cheery-colored handbag or spring’s colored denim, don’t be afraid to get noticed! To gradually add color to your wardrobe, pair brights with neutrals like black, cream, navy and camel.

Best Dress

Houston's steamy summers are the perfect time to explore feminine dresses and skirts, especially if you favor pants. Not only will you keep cool in the sweltering heat, but you’ll feel so feminine and pretty that you may just develop a preference for dresses and skirts. Just keep hemlines appropriate for the workplace and choose breathable fabrics for comfort.

Ticket Price

You know what’s better than paying $50 for a top you love? Paying $25 for it. Some things are worth the investment, but in this economy, it’s also worth your time to investigate sales and coupons to get the best deal.

From Nordstroms’ Anniversary sale to regularly occurring 40-50% off sales at popular retailers like Ann Taylor and Banana Republic, it’s worthwhile to plan your retail therapy sessions during these major sales. Sign up for your favorite retailer’s email blasts and watch out for coupons in the mail (they often have an expiration date). Make a commitment this year to grow your closet — and your savings too!

Master Cleanse

No, I’m not talking about a fad diet. 2012’s master cleanse is all about your closet. If it doesn’t fit, it’s not flattering or you haven’t worn it in a year or more (or even forgot you had it) it’s time to let go.

Donate, sell or toss items depending on their conditions. Plenty of places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army appreciate the donation of gently worn items and organizations like Dress for Success provide underserved women with new and gently used suits for job interviews.

Think of your closet as valuable real estate. You want to make sure every bit of space is used to store items you love and wear. If you’re looking to give and receive, plan a clothing swap party for your girlfriends — everyone brings items they no longer want or that don’t fit and you have a clothing exchange over wine and cheese — what could be better!?

Investment Pieces

I’ve never been one to splurge on trendy items, especially when they’ll likely be the victim of a closet purge one day. The best fashion investments are for items that are used frequently — think jewelry, watches, handbags, shoes and sunglasses. Give some thought to the items you wear and use daily and allot a larger part of your budget for those staples.

We all know accessories make the outfit and it’s worth it to have quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Commit to investing in a few classic staples this year to build your closet for the long-term.

Veronika Javor Romeis writes a style and beauty blog, VeronikasBlushing.com

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ELEGANT EVOLUTION

Houston designer Christy Lynn celebrates 5 years with River Oaks pop-up

Photo by Quy Tran

The designer opened her new space with a Spring 2025 Collection fashion show.

Houston designer Christy Lynn Lee has had a whirlwind five years and is celebrating with a pop-up store in River Oaks District and a new Resort 2025 Collection. The pop-up boutique will be open through the end of February, offering shoppers curated picks from the designer's Fall/Winter 2024, Resort 2025, and the first drop of Spring 2025 on February 1.

"I wasn't looking for a pop-up during the holiday season, but the opportunity presented itself, and I made the decision within two weeks," Lee tells CultureMap. "I have a beautiful store in Memorial, and being there for over a year has taught me a lot about that part of the city. There are a lot of people that shop in River Oaks District from out of town and even internationally, and we felt we could learn a lot about those customers just by being there for the next four months."

Houston-based designer Christy Lynn Lee and her husband Christophe Chung.Photo by Quy Tran

After founding her ready-to-wear label in 2019, Lee became known for her romantic and ephemeral dresses with hand-painted floral motifs and exquisite fabrics from Italy, France, and China. In the past year, Lee has focused on evolving her brand to include more separates, knitwear, and suiting. The Resort 2025 Collection will showcase these efforts with a capsule wardrobe that is ready for holiday travel with beautiful skirts, cashmere, and embroidered treatments on leather and suede.

"The collection is available now through January, and it is holiday-inspired," said Lee. "I wanted it to feel like a transitional capsule collection, so if you are traveling for the holidays to somewhere warm or skiing, it is easy to take it away with you."

Shoppers can peruse the ready-to-wear Resort 2025 Collection at the River Oaks District pop-up. Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

In addition to the new pop-up boutique and launch of her latest collection, Lee is celebrating five years of her eponymous brand. The designer says the first three years were the honeymoon phase, while the last two dealt with trials and tribulations. She and her business partner and husband, Christophe Chung, have been focused on sustaining the business's progress.

"The first three years we had a lot of growth. I have a store, a team here in Houston, and a team in New York, so now it is about planning for the next five years.," said Lee. "I am fortunate that I have built a really good production and design group. It is very small, but it allows me to concentrate more on the outward-facing parts of the fashion business."

Christy Lynn Lee celebrated her 5 year anniversary with a fashion show and the debut of her River Oaks District pop-up. Photo by Quy Tran

While Lee has focused on expanding nationwide and globally (she began international shipping in the last six months), she says Houston will remain her home base. The designer's atelier, warehouse, and flagship store are all in Houston, and over the past several years, Lee and her husband have built a welcoming community around them.

"We couldn't have grown so much without the support from Houston. I feel like it is my home," said Lee. "Houston embodies diversity, creativity, and opportunity. It is an international hub that offers access to a global audience while still having a fantastic local community."

Photo by Quy Tran

The designer opened her new space with a Spring 2025 Collection fashion show.

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