We've all been examining our lives and priorities recently - and nowhere else in the country is more attuned to change as this city is at this moment (and, IKEA. How could you not see the ads plastered all over the Metro this AM?!). Just this morning at Caribou, an effort to get at the Splenda and be on my way, I silently wedged myself next to a man who, upon noticing me there, turned to me, smiled and simply said, "good morning." Perhaps his '09 resolution was to open up a little, be just a little bit more kind, and perhaps have that rub off a bit on this increasingly stressed-out town. Or not, but it made me think.

I have been thinking recently about what sort of direction I want to take my look in 2009, and by extension of course, how I'd like to challenge myself personally. In 2009, I'm all about focusing on what I love. My first reaction to this thinking was to eliminate anything I didn't love from my closet (when shopping with my mom, she always asks, do you love it?...further proof that really, mom is always right.) Problem is, if I purged my closet of everything I didn't love, I'd be left with very little. In life and in style, we must focus on what we love, work with what we don't, and not be afraid to look and feel as fantastically unique as we are. As Janis Joplin once said, "Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got."

I want to involve more color into my life. Bold color in simple shapes, delivered in interesting and unexpected ways. I have found very few items that meet this criteria, but this gorgeous, sculptural scarf/necklace hybrid does it all and more. It is a necklace, it is a scarf, it can be worn in multiple ways, it is strangely, perfectly minimalistic, it will add gorgeous dimension to a bright top or dress in the same color....and ladies and gents, I do love it.

Here's to love, boldness, and change in 2009.

Xo
Rachel