Changing things up in 2012...

A visual of my New Year's resolutions...

From top, clockwise: Wear my contacts more (additional resolution: get prescription sunglasses!) try new hairstyles, use brighter nail polish.  The dinosaur was there already but I left him in the photo.  I guess he's a good reminder that I'm not trying to be Jackie O here; I need style that is realistic for my lifestyle, but I should try to take more risks and have more fun with it!

So here is my first attempt at a hairdo outside my normal options (wavy, straight, or ponytail)  :)

 Messy bun -- this seems very doable as an everyday hairstyle.  It literally took me about one minute to put it up, but there are no visible rubber bands (an upgrade from my usual style!!).  I didn't use hairspray or tease the top to give it some lift, but I think it still looks okay.

For some great hair tutorials, check out Cup of Jo's roundup (here).

Next up, nails...

 Sonia Kashuk "Stop Whining" maroon nail polish

And lastly, a more put together outfit than I would usually wear to make returns and run to the grocery store on a rainy afternoon:

 Skirt: Gap, Button-down white and blue stripe shirt: Gap (old), Orange sweater: Gap (old), Navy tights, Rain boots: Capelli (similar here or here), Jacket: J. Crew (old, gifted from my sister!!), Umbrella: LE Canvas

The Starbucks guy told me, "Hey, I really like your outfit today," so that was positive reinforcement that I should put a little more effort into getting ready each day!  :)

Don't worry, I have other (more important) New Year's resolutions too; they're not all about fashion!!  What about you?  Any differences you want to make in 2012?

 And one picture of my little photographer:

(He took the picture of me above and then said, "Oops, Mommy, I did not get your face.")