Just ‘cause I can put together a ready-to-wear outfit in 3.5 seconds does not mean that I have the same ability with makeup. For many women, fashion and beauty are naturally linked elements of their DNA . . . like identical twins. For me, fashion and beauty are cousins. Really close cousins, mind you, but the kind that didn’t grow up together.

OMG—this is the 50th issue of Agenda! Having been with the mag since its second issue, in 2004, I can’t say how wonderful it has been to have a space where I can spew out a multitude of thoughts on fashion. OK, so maybe I’ve divulged into a little more than just fashion. Remember when Britney shaved her head in 2007? I wrote about the hype. Or, do you recall when I shared my innermost thoughts about going through a painful breakup? I gave you the rundown.

I’m writing this column the morning after Christmas, but by the time you read this, it will be 2013. And although like most of you, I carry the same resolutions with me that I usually do every year—get more exercise, eat healthy, explore new fashion trends (blah, blah, blah)—this year I’d like to become more patient.

With every passing year, we usually change and grow for the better. We mature a bit more, adopt some sort of new physical activity to lose weight or relieve stress, and try to strengthen our friendships and relationships. And with each passing year, most of us reflect on our styling successes as well as the major fashion flops we really wish we could take back.

My recent 10-minute sit-down with Betsey Johnson was more than a moment—it was a slice of heaven. No, scratch that—a slice of reality that I’ve been preparing for my entire life. (I’m just still reckoning with the fact this dreamy experience really did exist.)

I rarely, if ever, think about the fact that wearing such a shoe is a balancing act. I just enjoy the tightness in my calves and booty! Wearing heels not only elongates the body, but in my opinion, it epitomizes the ultimate sense of femininity and sex appeal.

I do love seeing so many couture-inspired lines that can make a size 16+ feel sexy and fashionable. I still wonder, however, is it healthy to celebrate that plus-size fashion is now needed in our country?

I am proud to say that—minus the getting off the computer by eight in the evening—I have adopted these activities and routines wholeheartedly. In turn, my overall view and perspective of shopping for the “teeny-weeny bikini” has shifted.

Award season is pretty much over (I think), and I gotta say I ain’t mad at that. But that’s a bit sad because I used to get so amped up over seeing my favorite stars being recognized for their work in music, film, television, and humanitarian efforts. The speeches, the perfect video shots of prideful spouses in the audience, and the standing ovations for legendary appearances by the industry’s greatest. I mean, I would rearrange my schedule just to catch all of this.

At the tail-end of November, a few days after I turned thirty-one, I had an awakening. I remember looking in the mirror, sternly telling myself, “Look, Elana, this is your life. You get what you put into it. Excuses get you nowhere, so continue to focus on the future and connect the nuts and bolts that will help you get to where you want to be.”