Crazy Cuffs, Robocops and How to Stop Fuming and Fretting
WHAT:
Hello Girls! A male friend of mine recently wrote a Facebook post stating that “handcuffing your girl in the club is indisputably a sign of weakness.” I couldn’t agree more. He was talking about that crazy “robocop” kind of boyfriend who watches your every move like he’s the Terminator, keeps you closer to his side than his Fruit of the Looms, and won’t even let you dance with your girls or make a trip to the ladies room without hovering like Kevin Costner. Sigh. Cuffing of this sort is never in fashion. If you watched the runways this winter season, however, you know that a chunky arm accessory with a bit of flair is de rigueur.
ASOS $51
When it comes to a jewelry cuff, there are no rules. Go for color, texture, or both. Look for unusual details like feathers, beading, braiding or jewels.
WHERE:
Arden B. $24
Max & Chloe $19
Max & Chloe $112
CC Skye $120
Max & Chloe $70
Arden B. $34
HOW:
Again, I don’t believe in playing by any rules when it comes to statement jewelry. After all, cuffs are supposed to stand out–start a conversation. So…don’t worry about matching. Throw one on to play up a little black dress or pair it with jeans and an oversize tee. If you’re going really gaudy, however, I would stick to wearing it at night.
EASY-LIVING TIP:
In his inspiring book, The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale advises us on how to live happily and effectively. One of the easiest ways to increase your quality of living is to reduce your fretting. The pace of modern life must be reduced if we are not going to suffer the toxic effects of over-stimulation and emotional frenzy. How do we go about slowing down? Read on and find out.
1. Give yourself enough time in the morning to start your day calmly and comfortably. When you give yourself just enough time to race to the shower, down a coffee, and make it the train, you start the day at a frenzied pace, and more of the same is likely to follow. Even if you have to rise 15 minutes earlier, give yourself room to enjoy your morning routine. You’ll be more calm and productive if you do.
2. Work slowly and methodically to maintain the steady pace that wins. I’m sure my boss will love that suggestion you’re probably thinking. But you know the story about the tortoise and the hare. The quality of your work will not only be better, but you will also avoid burnout and enjoy your work more.
3. Practice serenity for at least 15 minutes a day. This is a recurring theme of Peale’s. He repeatedly tells us to clear our thoughts and envision a peaceful space in the midst of our chaotic days. Why? Because we operate most efficiently when we are stress-free and relaxed.
4. Don’t worry about where you have to be, enjoy where you are. Are you always anticipating your next move? Constantly checking your watch? Stop. Look around. Savor your train ride–even if you’re late. After all, fretting won’t get you there any faster, but it will destroy your mental health.
5. When you feel yourself getting angry, try lowering your voice to a whisper instead of raising it to a shout. It is difficult to add fuel to the fire of an argument when you’re speaking in a hushed voice. The sooner the debate is over, the less emotional energy you expend. And the less emotional energy you waste, the less tired you’ll be.
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Trapper Hats, Uptown Octogenarians and How to Find Your Passion
by safura on December 10, 2009
in accessories, hats
WHAT:
Hi Ladies! I don’t know about you all, but I like to think of myself as a Downtown Girl. Rarely do I venture above 34th street. I mean, what’s up there anyway besides herds of slow moving, camera-slinging tourists, swarms of baby strollers and snot-nosed kids, and stuffy, pearl encrusted old ladies? I like my fellow pedestrians hot, trendy, and, um…not on medicaid. This does not mean, however, that I am opposed to occasionally borrowing a little old-school swag from an Uptown octogenarian. Case in point: this season’s ubiquitous trapper hat.
Topshop $36
Like the newsboy cap, Fedora, and beret before it, the trapper hat has become a winter classic. While mine may not be lined with mink, I still plan on snagging one of these cozy, ear-flapped caps before the season is out. I especially like the all-faux-fur versions, which, I noticed on the subway today, really add some pizzazz to a boring overcoat.
WHERE:
Free People $38
Shopbop $98
ASOS $43
Topshop $44
ASOS $14
Topshop $32
HOW:
Well, folks…it’s a hat. You can wear it with a dressy overcoat if it’s of the fur or faux-fur breed. Otherwise, throw it on with something more casual. Oh yeah–and careful with earrings…they tend to get caught!
EASY-LIVING TIP:
Many of you know that I’ve been summarizing Norman Vincent Peale’s book, The Power of Positive Thinking over the course of the last few posts. Unfortunately, I left my book out of town, so I will have to diverge today and continue next time. Instead, I would like to refer you to one of my absolute favorite blogs, Zenhabits. The post I’m linking to is called “The Short but Powerful Guide to Finding Your Passion.” If you’re stuck in a job you hate and are just grinding your gears, this will help you stop making excuses and start making a living…from something you love. Enjoy!
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