Spring is still off in the distance, but February is month of creative possibilities. The first blossoms are starting to flower and this weekend I’ll be at my work table making Valentine’s Day cards. The new issue of Bazaar Magazine talks about a fashion reset, and I’m curious to know more. I’ve got my wardrobe lookbook out and am starting to rip pages and quotes for collaging. 

This feeling of possibility is much different than the hiatus from all things fashion I took last month. For me, dry January has nothing to do with alcohol consumption or rainfall. January is a month I don’t feel like doing any clothes shopping.This isn’t something I decide in advance that requires willpower and has nothing to do with holiday expenses or having a fresh start to the new year. I just don’t feel like it. 

I might wander into a store or browse online, but nothing really catches my eye. Even if it does, I’m not in the mood. My shopping switch is flipped to off. If you allow yourself to fling yourself into the delights of  a shopping obsession as I do, it’s good to know when you feel sated. 

Feeling that you have enough is it’s own form of beauty self-care.

I’m not alone in this. My friends and clients that love to shop report that they aren’t enticed either. I can’t speak for everyone’s rhythm. Some shoppers love to wait and see what kind of bargain they can get at end-of-the-season clearance sales. They aren’t enticed by full price or the madness of Black Friday. Judging by the busy consignment stores in town, clever thrifters look for treasures year round. This might be the perfect time for you to be shopping and filling in your wardrobe. If you’re not feeling satisfied that you have enough to wear, it may be that you don’t have the right pieces to create outfits and you would benefit from some wardrobe coordination. Meeting your needs equals satisfaction.

There are other forms of beauty self care that seems better suited to the short days of winter such as updating skin care and makeup, closet freshening, and the beauty treatments available through art and nature. This month I’ll continue layering a multitude of textures in my winter clothes and enjoying the seasonal respite, indulging my imagination instead of considering what to purchase.   Collaging in my lookbook always surprises me. When we meet on April 4 for an Artful Approach to Personal Style at the College of Marin I’ll be excited about sharing images and exploring my wardrobe needs for spring and summer.

Join us! The group always brings a lot of shared enthusiasm making this a fun and productive day. Saturday April 4 10:10am-3:00pm. For more information or to register click here.