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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Knit Hats, 80’s Cartoons and Reducing Stress
by safura on October 9, 2009
in accessories, hats
WHAT:
Hey Chicas! If you’ve been outside lately, you know that the temperature is dropping like a big girl during a Juvenile song. We’ve already covered scarves and leather jackets, so…it’s time to complete the look and break out the cozy knit hats! While there are tons of choices to pick from out there, two styles in particular will give you that cutting-edge look you’re aiming for: the coquettish knit beret, and the ultra cool, hobo-esque slouchy beanie.
Urban Outfitters $28
I remember thinking last fall, when the slouchy beanie popped up on the heads of cigarette sucking models far and wide, that they really looked like the hats the characters used to wear in my favorite 80’s cartoon, The Gummi Bears. God, how my sis and I loved those crazy caniforms! But I digress. A knit hat is a fall/winter essential AND…a saving grace after a 5 a.m. party night (the precursor to a bad hair day). Stock up on different colors or just grab your essential black and gray. A foxy cap will snazz up any outfit faster than you can say “screw the flatiron–where’s the aspirin?”
WHERE:
Topshop $28
Alloy $15
Topshop $32
Free People $34
Topshop $24
Urban Outiftters $18
HOW:
A great hat is perfect for indoor or out. Pair it with your leather jacket and scarf, or throw it on with a fall tweed or a pea-coat. I like to wear both the berets and the beanies pushed back on my head (away from the brow) rather than over the forehead. If your hair is straight, you might want to keep a dryer sheet handy (i.e. Bounce) to swipe your coif with, because these hats can cause major static cling when you take them off.
EASY-LIVING TIP:
Whether you live in a big, bustling city, or a tiny, quaint town, you’ve undoubtedly had your battles with stress–the silent killer. It keeps us up at night, deteriorates our relationships, both personal and professional, distracts us from productivity, and causes a laundry list of ailments from heartburn to heart disease. And the sad thing is, we’re bringing most of this agony upon ourselves. The good news: we can make simple changes and greatly diminish the anxiety in our lives. Use these six easy steps to help reduce stress;
1. Identify stressors. Take a half hour to write down all the major sources of your stress, including people, obligations, hobbies, and personal projects. Now, edit, edit, edit! The world will not end if you give some of these things up.
2. Stop being late. Set your watch, alarm clock, Blackberry, whatever–just make sure that you give yourself more than enough time to get to where you need to go. In fact, add 15-20 minutes onto whatever time you thought you needed. Better to be early and bored than stressed out and late.
3. Stop trying to control everything. Learn to delegate tasks instead of trying to oversee every moving part. Don’t waste time telling people how to do things–let them get things done in their own ways. Accept that the only thing you can truly control is yourself.
4. Get organized. All of that clutter in your room, all of those old documents, the chaos in your closet–it’s slowing you down and stressing you out. Eliminate the unnecessary; organize the remains.
5. Stop procrastinating. Yes, many of us work better under pressure. But let’s face it–if you do even a half hour of work on that project each day, you’ll be far better off–and less crazed–as the deadline approaches. So suck it up and start today!
6. Stop multitasking. If you’re a woman, it’s just what you do–what you’ve always done. But in the long run, focusing on one task at a time gets more done in less time.
7. Avoid crazy-makers. You know–that friend who always has a crisis and needs your help right NOW. Your buddy who loves to debate everything from the weather to the stock market. If you can’t eliminate these people from your life altogether, at least reduce communication with them. It’s not personal–it’s for your health!
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