Snoods, Snaggle Teeth and How to Have a Mind Full of Peace
by safura on November 23, 2009
in accessories, scarves
WHAT:
Hey Mamacitas! If you’ve ever been to London, then you know that what those Brits lack in dental care, they more than make up for in style. Fashion seems to stream from Paris and Milan through London and then on to NY before it slowly trickles to the rest of the country. Well, those crazy Anglos are at it again! Introducing the “snood”–this year’s most trendilicious winter accessory:
Urban O. $34
Now, call me crazy, but haven’t the English just taken a cue from the world of Islam with this one? (Think: burka, or head covering). Um, yeah. Well you don’t have to live under a religious regime or have snaggle teeth to steal this style. A snood is basically a circular scarf that functions as a neck covering and a hat all at once. Trés chic!
WHERE:
Missoni $155
Topshop $28
A.E. $24.50
Topshop $44
Burberry $195
Topshop $32
HOW:
Hmmm…how to where this? Believe it or not, there are quite a few ways. Visuals will definitely be more effective so please refer to this link at Steve Madden to see just how versatile a circular scarf can be.
EASY-LIVING TIP:
As promised, I am continuing to summarize Norman Vincent Peale’s revolutionary book, The Power of Positive Thinking, for your convenience. Chapter two focuses on how to have a peaceful mind. In modern times, where everything is fast-paced and high-stress, we are conditioned to think of any form of a break as “slacking” We live to work instead or working to live. It’s easy to make excuses and insist you don’t have the time to meditate or clear your head on a daily basis. But what if, after taking time out, your productivity–and your mood–were guaranteed to improve? Here are a few suggestions to help you clear your head and find peace in the daily cyclone of your life:
1. Empty your mind at least twice a day. Imagine physically taking all of your fears, hates, insecurities and guilt feelings and throwing them over the stern of a ship. Just the simple fact of consciously making the effort to clear negative thoughts will give you relief.
2. Once you have cleared your mind, don’t leave it empty or negative thoughts will inevitably creep back in. Fill it with creative and healthy thoughts instead.
3. At regular intervals throughout the day, focus on a series of peaceful thoughts. Let mental images of the most peaceful scenes you’ve ever witnessed pass over your mind and try to mentally transport yourself there.
3. Practice suggestive articulation and repeat some peaceful words out loud. “Serenity” or “tranquility” are some good examples. If you’ve ever uttered panicky words and felt your stomach sink, you know the effect that the things we say have on our physical wellbeing.
4. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented attitudes and monitor your conversations throughout the day. Avoid discussing negative topics in the news if at all possible.
5. Practice daily silence for at least 15 minutes a day. Just sit or lie down and clear your head of every thought. This will be extremely difficult at first, but with time, you will learn to still your mind and be aware of your breathing, heartbeat, and the natural rhythm of your body.
If you liked this post, please Digg it, Stumble it, or post it to Delicious via the share buttons below!
Stylized Scarves, the Demise of the Harlem Rag and “Closure” Done Right
by safura on September 21, 2009
in accessories, scarves
WHAT:
Stylized Scarves. So much “oomph!” packed into one little piece. I tell you, nothing makes me happier than an accessory that serves a function while dramatizing my whole outfit. Now, over the last couple of years, we have seen everyone and their mama’s wearing the “Harlem rag”. You know–that white-and-some-other-color gingham looking scarf. Well, I’m going to stick my neck out onto the chopping block and declare these “so OVER!” I’m sorry folks–they had a nice run, but they’re done. For us ladies in particular, it’s time to spice it up with gorgeous, feminine, new designs.
Anthropologie $28
The examples I chose are either totally out-there (which I love), or very classic. They come in various different lightweight materials, perfect for the fall months: guaze, silk, chiffon, etc. Half of how fabulous they look is in how you wear them, however, so do something bold and make the style your own!
WHERE:
Anthropologie $48
Urban Outfitters $20
Anthropologie $98
Urban Outfitter $20
Urban Outiftters $20
Urban Outiftters $28
HOW:
The great thing about designed scarves like these is that they can be worn as outerwear, or as an accessory indoors. Jazz up any plain shirt and jeans combo with one of these overstated pieces, but keep the rest of your jewelry to a minimum. As outerwear, they look the best over a sleek leather jacket or a tailored coat. You can wrap them round and round for the turtleneck look, tie them around your waist as a belt, or use them as a shawl. I once saw a tie hers around her like a baby hammock and it looked cute. Be creative! Anything goes!
EASY-LIVING TIP:
Closure. What does the word really mean? Often times, when we say that we need “closure” in a situation, be it a failed romance, a friendship on the fritz, or a professional partnership gone sour, we really mean that we want to give the other person a piece of our minds or…get that infamous last word. Why? Because when we’ve been hurt, our ego is the first to react. That little voice in our head that we think is us (but is really our worst enemy) will do anything to protect our pride by making the other person wrong and making us right.
However, closure-done-right can bring solace to both parties. I often hear from my male friends that the women they take on dates, and sometimes even their ex girlfriends, never gave them a reason why things were over. This leads them to agonize over what they did wrong. And how can they improve if they don’t know? Ladies, though it may be as bother at times, I encourage you to take a moment to give everyone you deal with–even that guy who had the 9 shots of patron on your first dinner date–a sense of closure. Meaning, you tell him, kindly but firmly, that you two incompatible. Try not to use judgmental language like “you drink to much,” etc. If he wants to know details, be honest, but not harsh.
True closure is about achieving a feeling of finality or resolution, especially after a traumatic experience. So when dealing with the end of serious relationships, it is a time where both parties should get the opportunity to say what it is that hurt them, without interruption. Resist the urge to defend yourself. After all, this conversation presumes that things are over, whether feelings are “justified” or not. Even if the facts have been jumbled, the end result is the same: the two of you feel the way you feel. This is a time for acknowledging the other person’s feelings and for saying “I’m sorry.” Full stop. No justifications, no defenses, just two words, said in a heartfelt manner, that symbolize acknowledgment.
So go on, say your piece. But be prepared to listen, as well. Enter the conversation, not with the goal of changing someone’s mind, but with the goal of understanding the other person better. In the end, the only way you’ll experience a sense of relief is if you receive and offer acceptance and understanding.
If you liked this post, please Digg it, Stumble it, or post it to Delicious via the share buttons below!
