The Year of the…

No. Not the Chinese astrology or whatever.

As in, The Year of the Belt.

Back in late 2006 I decided I would no longer be a slave to a new years resolution. Heck, I never kept them past February because let’s be honest, I wasn’t bought in to getting more sleep, working out, spending less or whatever that year’s resolution was. Since growing up some, I’ve bought into those ideas, but in a more balanced fashion, where I neither start in January or give up after a hot second.

But I am getting way off topic.

So back in late 2006, I decided to use my new year to resolve to try new things…when it comes to fashion. I also decided to throw in a color, for fashion kicks and giggles. The idea was to get me to branch out and shake things up. Thus started “The Year of the ______.” At first it was really something just for me, but then my friends and family jumped on board. (How could they not? I talked about it non-stop.)

And now…5 years later…while still really no big deal to the rest of the world, I choose a fashion accessory and color (not the first year, this came in 2008) to “try out.” Sometimes, my picks are spot on with the latest trends; sometimes-the year of 2011 especially-my pick is really just for me and the rest of the world doesn’t quite catch on. I usually consult my sister or a friend for input, but then I make the decision and announce it on Thanksgiving so people (as in the 5 friends and family members who indulge me and play along) can prepare for the next year.

The previous years have been a lot of fun. Here’s a recap, in case you’re new.

2007 The Year of Ghetto Gold (this was the year I embraced gold jewelry for the first time…but as a poor teacher it was of course fashion jewelry, hence the ghetto gold).
2008 The Year of the Hat (the year I decided to love hats…and I still do!) and purple.
2009 The Year of the Scarf (this was huge…in my circle and around the world) and yellow.
2010 The Year of the Bow (I will always, always love me a bow) and orange.
2011 The Year of the Charm (I rocked this…not so much anyone else…) and military green.

So if you’ve been wondering what all my blabber on my social media pages is about regarding The Year of the Belt…this is it. Go ahead, stock up on belts and navy and join us in 2012.