the lighter side

It has been said in a number of Hollywood movies that 2012 will be our swan song. If this is the case - in retaining the holiday spirit and erring on the side of the glass is half full – we have put together a list of head-to-toe pre-apocalyptic fashion tips and resolutions to make sure that if we go out, at least it will be in good style.

Lip Service: Pucker up this year and protect your pursers. Be it the sun’s damaging rays or wicked wind chill, if we're in for the next ice age your pout is sure to take a punch or two from the elements. Dry, cracked, flaky and bleeding lips are just not acceptable, especially when the alternative fits into your jacket pocket. Unlock the secret of vitamin-E with Lise Watier's Spa Fondant Moisturizing Lip Therapy, Fuel up with Kiehls Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm, or beat the winter buzz with a Burt’s Bees product. (www.lisewatier.com , www.kiehls.ca , www.burtsbees.ca)

Tried, Tested and True: For all the Tom, Dick and Harry's out there still having their daddies tie their neckties for them- make this the year you stand up and finally learn how to pull your look together by sporting that fashionable noose you tied yourself to the office. Reclaim your manliness this year. Your salvation is but a google or youtube search away.

He's Come Undone: When wearing a collared button-down shirt and refusing to conform to the oppression of tucked-in-dom (a shirt tucked into pants state) many gents barrel along buttoning up all available buttons. Much to their dismay, the fault of this common fashion full-throttle faux pas is that in fastening the last button in the sequence they not only cinch in the bottom opening of the shirt around the widest part of a man’s body, but unknowingly create a cut-off, short, boxy silhouette.  Leaving the last button undone is a quick remedy to elongate the length of the torso. It creates a line to the shirt that makes the waist appear smaller, shoulders broader and top much longer. It also gives onlookers a peek at that belt you spent way too much money on.

Ankle Biters: Contrary to popular belief, men’s socks do come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. Invest in at least one pair of “party socks” and let your ankles live a little. With hem lines on the rise take this opportunity to rock out with your sock out.(www.duchamplondon.com/Socks, www.thomaspink.com , www.paulsmith.co.uk)

That Shining Personality: If you think no one notices those horrendous salt stains or the lacklustre buff job you pulled on your new wingtips, you’re wrong. This 2012 commandment is simple, thou shalt polish. Keep a towel by the door at home and at the office during winter months to do a quick wipe down of your ped-protectors as soon as you walk in the door. This is an easy way to make sure the surface salt doesn’t settle, causing a clog catastrophe. (www.kiwicare.com)

– Jefre Nicholls is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer and stylist.