The ConstantlyAlice Manifesto

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
- Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables 

This is one of my all time favorite quotes and I think of it every time I'm looking at a brand new year stretching out in front of me.  Isn't it wonderful to think that we have a whole new year to expand our knowledge, push our boundaries and live to our fullest potential?  (Or, you know, even just another year we get to snuggle in on the couch with a good book and a cup of Chocolate Dream tea??)

I think it tends to have even more significance for me because I'm a January 1 baby.  That means when y'all are celebrating a new year, I get to celebrate another year of my life ;)  Pretty heady stuff, right?

With that in mind, I'd like to share with you some of the things I've been cooking up for the coming year!

1.  Who doesn't love a make over?  Or a whole LOT of make overs!  I'm planning for a 30 day challenge this year for both hair and make up.  I will test out a new hair style or make up look each day for a month and share the photos with you all as a part of my Signature Style Challenge (more on this to follow). {Picture Source}

2.  I will incorporate more vision boards and pinterest posts in an attempt to determine what styles I gravitate towards the most.  Some will be all about a specific decade, some will feature a particular shop or website, but hopefully all will help me to nail down the details that will help me to build my Signature Style. {Picture Source}

3.  The Home Ec posts will continue!  Some topics for this year;  Hat making, Repurposing worn or poorly constructed items to create new looks, Style on a budget (This will involve putting together an entire outfit at a local thrift store for $15 or under), Sew and Knit Alongs, Etiquette, Planning a Party and a few more I have to iron out the details on! {Picture by Gil Elvgren}

4.  *Gulp* Modelling.  That's right, I said it.  I am working on adding some more exercise to my routine so I can tone up a bit and maybe work up the gumption to model for the shop and for the "Style It" posts here on the site.  I'd like to have the shop pictures reminiscent of the pin up gals of the 40's.  I'll be sure to keep you in on the adventure as I dive into posing, photography and styling! {Picture by Vaughan Bass}

5.  My folks gifted us with a trip to Disney for Christmas this year (Thanks Mum and Dad!)  We're heading down for April vacation and I have plans to pick out several vintage dress/play suit and maybe even a bathing suit pattern to sew up and take along with me.  I will share the patterns with you, the progress and the end results.  (And of course, the pictures of Disney!)

6.  I also plan to add a "Go Ask Alice" feature.  This will be to cover any questions you all may have for me regarding vintage (how to date vintage items, what basics are needed for a wardrobe from each decade, etc.)  Feel free to start emailing me your ideas now! {Picture Source}

I can't wait to dive in and get started on these projects!  I'm so looking forward to a wonderfully productive 2012 :)

Hugs and Smooches,
D