Bold-Shouldered Dresses, Dynasty Smack-down and How to Believe in Yourself
WHAT:
Hey Girls! Throughout fashion history, there have been quite a few polarizing trends. Talk to any guy and he’ll tell you that shapeless shift dresses (loved by women far and wide for their ability to hide “food babies”) are the bane of mankind. To quote a dear friend: “How can we know what we’re getting if it’s hidden under a friggin’ trashbag?” Then there are high-waisted pants (belly bulge slings), capri pants (make the tiniest calves look huge), and don’t even get me started on leggings (NOT for everyone). Well, honeys, if you flash back a couple decades or so, you might recall a time when the idea of shoulder pads made you cringe. Time to get over your aversion, because they’re back and bigger than ever! Take a look at the dresses below, which all feature some form of bold shoulder:
Topshop $145
Whether it’s the classic pads, glam sequins, or simple rouching, shoulder details are what’s “haute” right now. Transform your snoozer little black dress into a Dynasty special (remember all those clawing, hissing divas on the ’80s TV drama?).Here is a clip of the fabulous Diahann Carroll (Dominique) slapping the mess out of Joan Collins (Alexis). BEWARE: shoulder pads may bring the claw-baring diva out of even the demurest kitten.
WHERE:
Urban O. $58
Topshop $80
Topshop $78
Topshop $80
Topshop $90
Topshop $100
HOW:
Since shoulder pads tend to make quite a splash, I would opt for solid-colored look, when possible. You can add a simple belt or play up the look with large, dangly earrings. A pair of sky-high booties or heels should complete the look. And dare to wear your hair up in a slick pony or bun so you don’t cover the focal point of your outfit.
EASY-LIVING TIP:
Recently, I have been rereading Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking. We’ve all heard it a million times-change your thoughts, change your life–and yet, I still find myself truly inspired by the basic concepts Peale outlines. Whether or not you fancy yourself an optimist already, we could all use a little memory jog now and then, so my next few easy-living tips are going to be dedicated to summarizing Peale’s major points, chapter by chapter, for your convenience. The first chapter, entitled “Believe In Yourself,” is all about having faith in your abilities and overcoming defeatist thought patterns. Here are 6 of Peale’s easy tips to help you do just that:
1. Stamp indelibly on your mind a picture of you succeeding. No matter how badly things are going at the moment, you must never think of yourself as failing. Hold your image of success tenaciously and think upon it often.
2. Whenever a negative thought enters your mind, immediately cancel it out by voicing a positive one.
3. Do not inflate obstacles in your mind because of fear. Recognize them, then minimize them, understanding that any obstacle may be overcome.
4. No one can be you as effectively as you. Do not be awestruck by other people or try to copy them. Your success lies in your own personal gifts and talents. Focus on those.
5. Make an estimate of your own abilities, then raise it 10 percent. Develop a healthy self-respect, but do not become egotistical.
6. Practice affirmations. Repeat in you mind, daily, positive statements of assured success. Say them out loud. Say them when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed. This is one of the best ways to achieve peaceful sleep and get the day started on a good note.
