Now here I am, the day before my set end date – plenty of “new” under my belt – feeling, well, completely unprepared to let go of this little adventure I’ve just begun. But before I bring on the sap – behold, a look at my final week:

I turned off my phone for a day – and detoxed from Facebook, too. Going Facebook-free was easy, but phone-free? For lack of a better word, it was strangely lonely. (A sign to try a phone detox more often, I think.)

I gave blood. And failed. So, to clarify, I attempted to give blood. Halfway through the donation, I got lightheaded and the technician (a Josh Hartnett clone with a fondness for Twilight one-liners) told me I would need to stop. The blood I had given wasn’t enough to be deemed useful. It was a (disappointing) testament to the fact that – as valiant as our efforts are – we all have limits.

I vowed to eat clean. In other words: only simple, whole ingredients that grandma can recognize. As part of this, I tried satsuma, a kind of citrus fruit (thanks, Whole Foods), and learned how to seed a pomegranate.

I wrote my name in Elvish. Yes, a stretch, but amazing what you can learn on the Internet these days. (Try it, then go ahead: indulge in Second Breakfast.)

I did Paint Nite, which is, basically, a wine-fueled group painting class. My lack of artistic ability has never been so apparent, so I’ve taken the liberty to instead show off my friend’s skills, above.

I ate dinner at a restaurant alone. Okay, okay, I holed up at my favorite little Chinatown enclave and got my Bibimbap fix, book in hand. A far cry from going solo with white tablecloths, but… baby steps.

Now, where to from here? Not back to my pre-January rut, that’s for sure. The simple act of choosing the new (no matter how small) over the comfortable has been seriously invigorating. I’ve learned to push myself out of my comfort zone, to make every day count.

So I’ve gone ahead and made another vow: I vow to shake up my year. And I urge you to try it, too. Nay, not 365 Days of New (which I can imagine would be quite fund-depleting), but one new experience a week until the ball drops and 2014 is upon us.

Skydiving? Bring it.

By Joanna Berliner, Editor

We’d love to hear about your New Year’s Resolution. Fill us in in the comments below or tweet us @ruelala. 

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now. 

Conquer the fear of heels: This is a challenge, because I truly do fear them. This year, I am going to really try to work a few pairs into my footwear rotation. To start? I’ve ogled booties from a distance, and may finally be ready to take the plunge.

Invest in something luxe: My budget-consious self tends to opt for quantity over quality. In 2013, I’ll work on finding some nicer pieces that, while a little pricier, will serve me well for years to come. A solid cashmere sweater seems like a great place to start.

Master stacks (upon stacks) of jewelry: I love the look of piled-on accessories, but am always afraid of overdoing it. No longer – I’m decking myself out in 2013.

Venture outside the (silhouette) comfort zone: A true Californian at heart, I typically (or, you know, always) opt for clothes with flowy shapes. It’s time to change it up and add some diversity into my wardrobe, starting with a few figure-hugging pieces. It’s scary – which means it must be worth trying.

Get some wrist bling: I’ve been eyeing a statement watch for months – something that I can wear on a daily basis, but still dress up when the mood strikes. Bonus points for my first day-to-day watch that it isn’t digital!

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

What are your fashion resolutions for 2013? Share them in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Tip #1: Make Resolutions that Speak to You
Forget everyone else – what’s important to you this year? If it doesn’t mean anything to you now, it will most definitely fall by the wayside come February.

Tip #2: Be Specific
Simply saying you’ll “eat healthier” doesn’t mean much. Keep measurable goals, like you’ll only eat red meat once a week or you’ll drink three extra glasses of water a day.

Tip #3: Less is More
Improving your entire self in just 365 days is a little daunting. Focus your energy on one or two aspects instead and really master them over the course of the year. Come 2014, that daily workout or weekly volunteering gig will feel so second nature, you’ll be ready to take on a few new resolutions.

Tip #4: Track Your Progress
Some people (yours truly) are fueled by accomplishment, be it large or small. Write your resolutions on a chart like this one or use one of the many tracking apps to stay on top of your progress, then give yourself mini celebrations along the way.

Tip # 5: Keep at It
Yes. It happens. Between birthdays, holidays, and the aforementioned mini celebrations, we’re bound to slip up now and then. But in lieu of giving up, jump right back on where you left off. You might be set back a little, but you’ve got plenty of time to reclaim that momentum.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

What are your best resolutions this year? Share them in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

The New Year is here – and I, for one, plan to make good on all my resolutions. And to make sure I get off on the right foot, a weeklong stay at this award-winning health resort is on my list. With food and fitness experts, acclaimed classes, and plenty of pampering, there will be no slacking off for this girl (which may have happened last year…).

Try Something New
Cross-country skiing? Cooking classes? I’m jump-starting a year filled with learning – resulting in a better, more experienced me.

Get Fit
And I’m talking mind, body, and soul. From gentle stretching and rigorous workouts to soul journeys and spiritual dialogues, all ends of the living-well spectrum are covered.

Relax
Sitting by the fire. Putting my feet up. The holidays are over – and after a crazy season like that, I’m pretty sure I deserve it.

Our Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA: Resolve to Renew Boutique opens Thursday, January 3, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Ah, another year. A chance to start fresh, revamp a workout, kick a bad habit, or pick up a new skill. For many of us here at Rue, wardrobe renewal is at the top of our resolution list. And like all great outfits, we’re starting from the bottom up. While we all have our shoe go-tos (I’m partial to an old pair of square-toe leopard flats), resolutions are all about change. So, from striking patents to exotic fabrics, here are four ways to shake up your shoe routine.

Our Kick Off 2013: The New Year, New Shoes Sale Boutique opens Wednesday, January 2, at 3PM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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