Eight easy ways to update your look in 2009

At different stages of our lives and weights, we can all fall into a style rut; the kind of place where we're sick of everything (our hair, clothes, handbag, bras, all of it) but have no vision for what to do next. Even if the situation doesn't feel so dramatic, subtle—and sometimes enormous—changes are always good for one's self-esteem (and I'd argue appearance). They show that you're nurturing yourself, you're taking pride in who you are, and you're living in the present (not some frowzy past). Here are eight ways to modernize your look in this year. You can call them fashion and beauty resolutions (or, maybe don't because that's cheesy).

1. Change your hair*
This can be an understated difference or a full-blown transformation, but do something new. Things to try:
Cutting bangs
Attempting a bob
Coloring your hair two shades darker or lighter
Getting chunky, fun highlights
Going to a trusted stylist and saying "Do whatever you think."
*Understand that this "change" requires a little fearlessness. If you don't love it, your hair will grow back. This is what's awesome about hair.

2. Buy a new bra
Even if you have brassieres that actually fit you—though I'm guessing 75 percent of you, like me,  do not—you probably need a new one. If you haven't yet, go to a store that will measure you and find your correct size. Buy a bra accordingly. Also? Try something new. Go for a sexy black bra if you have none like it, try push-up bras, padded, etc, etc. Having boobs is one of our great privileges as women. We should dress them up.

3. Wash and moisturize your face every night, seriously
It's small, but important. You'll notice a change in your skin in like a week.

4. Make time each week for one inexpensive beauty ritual
Years ago, when I was barely earning enough money to pay my rent, a male friend attempted to help me create a budget. "Eyebrow waxing DOES NOT go in 'necessary expenses'," he balked. "Yes it does," I replied. "It costs $10 and it makes me feel good about myself."
These tiny indulgences—like cheap manicures, pedicures, and waxing—are important. They have the power to make us feel pampered and more confident, which, to me, is completely worth the price of three coffees from Starbucks.

5. Stop wearing clothes that don't fit you or that you hate
I harp on this one a lot, I know, but really, just get rid of everything that causes you to feel fat, or lumpy, or out of style or in anyway does not flatter who you are. We can all get so caught up in a fear of scarcity that we forget that the filler pieces in our closets have been tried and tested and will never become satisfying garments we actually want to wear.

6. Go out and purchase one pretty top, one pair of earrings, and an entirely new lip shade
This doesn't have to be an expensive outing—you can get a good version of all three for around $30 total. But this triple buy is my trick for curing fashion depression. Usually, I buy a top, a pair of earrings, and a new lipstick, take a shower, do my hair, and go out with my friends.

7. Attempt a new accessories style this year
There are so many fun things to try: Skinny or wide belts! Patterned tights! Boots! Wedge heels! Tiny vs. big purses! Big cuff bracelets! Long chains! Bangles! Just pick one (or two or three) that you've never worn before and give it a whirl...

8. Invest in one piece that you've wanted for a long time
I know, it's horrible for me to say this, given our economic climate, but I'm going to anyway. You deserve one fancy thing—be it a great bag, a beautiful pair of shoes, a well-made coat—that you've always wanted. Think about what it is (within reason) and save for it. Look for it on sale. Purchase it. Feel happy every time you have it on.