Sequined Bottoms, Pop Lockin’ and How to Have Constant Energy
WHAT:
Hey Girlies! They holiday season is fully underway and the runways are becoming quite festive. The styles of the disco era are in full effect! We’re talking tie-die, psychedelic bridget dresses, jumpsuits, braided head ties, faux fur, and…sequins!
Forever 21 $29.80
I’m of the mind that if you’re going to do sequins, you should go for the gusto! That means: fully sequined leggings, skirts, and pants. What I wouldn’t have given to have been on the set of “Soul Train” in the 70’s, pop lockin’, doing the hustle, my oil-sheened afro large and in charge, my sequined pants glistening under studio lights. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Check out these bad mama jammas, boogying down to Earth Wind & Fire’s “Mighty Mighty” and get inspired!
WHERE:
Topshop $80
ASOS $43
Topshop $100
Topshop $110
DKNY $105
VS $89
HOW:
As always, with something this flashy, it is generally best to keep things more muted on top. That means sticking to solid colors, like a metallic cami or a black fitted shirt. Wear silver jewelry rather than gold to play up the reflectiveness of your bottoms, and don’t shy away from strappy sandals with a fit like this. The holidays are the exception to the “no open toes in the winter” rule, so take advantage!
EASY-LIVING TIP:
In chapter three of his phenomenal book, The Power of Positive Thinking, Normal Vincent Peale gives us the secret to having constant energy. Ever feel drained before you even set foot out of the house for work? Use these all-natural energy booster to get you out of your slump and back on the grind:
1. Begin the morning by affirming vocally that you are energetic and ready to tackle the day. Resist the urge to hit the snooze button and sleep some more. State aloud the day is great and put a smile on your face. The things we say–especially first thing in the morning–have a direct effect on our vitality.
2. Take cat naps of no more than 30 minutes when you are tired. Your body is designed to tell you exactly what you need, when you need it, in order to operate at your optimal level. Don’t ignore it and stubbornly forge ahead. Submit to your body’s cues and your productivity will soar.
3. Exercise. Yes, exercise is one of those counterintuitive things that actually gives you energy rather than zapping it. With just 30 minutes of exercise, you release endorphins into your system and get the blood flowing, giving yourself a much needed jolt.
4. Make sure you’re on fire for whatever it is that you do. Studies show that individuals who believe in what they do–who feel like they are contributing to the wellbeing of others and/or improving humanity–tend to have boundless energy. So if you can’t do a job you love, at least commit yourself to something you believe in as a hobby. This will jump start you when you’re lagging.
5. Let go of fear, guilt, anger, and other negative feelings. Nothing will zap your energy faster than a haunting grudge, resentment, or envy, Our emotional health probably has the most direct effect on our physical health. Whatever it is you’re hanging on to, let it go and gain a vital energy boost.
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Super Skinny Indigos, Bootyliciousness and 5 Habits of Ineffective People
WHAT:
Hey Divas! Since we’ve been talking “fall//winter” essentials as of late, there is no better time than the present to bring up super skinny indigo jeans. (For those of you who don’t know, indigo is the darkest, inkiest rinse you can get). I remember when skinny jeans first became mainstream and you had to be Newport-sucking-thin to rock the look. But then–thank heavens!–the first bootylicious girls dipped timid pinky toes into the tepid waters of painted-on denim and…in my opinion–blew those skinny minnie’s away like a strong breeze! So ladies, never fear if you’re carrying some extra junk in the trunk–the deep, rich indigo wash is ultra slimming and will compliment every last bit of what your mama gave ya!
Rich & Skinny $140
Whether you like designer or cute-cheapies, I’ve got you covered. Below, I’ve featured the darkest, sexiest pairs I could find–sans embellishments. If you’re over the age of 18, I beg you to lose the jean flare or risk looking like a member of Destiny’s Child (I’m sorry Mrs. Doing Too Much Knowles, but patent, rhinestones, fur AND denim?–oh so tacky!)
WHERE:
Urban O. $54
Kill City $88
Free People $73
J. Brand $160
AG $158
Levi's $30
HOW:
They’re jeans, ladies! You already know you can where them day, night, with a dressy top or a chunky sweater, a collared shirt or a tunic. The possibilities are endless. Shoes-wise, I would recommend a mean pair of ankle booties, an above-thigh pair of suede flats, or a sky-high pair of platform stilettos. Just suck it in, shimmy them on, and you’re halfway home!
EASY-LIVING TIP:
Everyone’s always telling you how to be effective. Well, I thought I’d spin that around and give you a list of habits that the world’s most ineffective people consistently exhibit. Avoid these five toxic productivity-zappers and watch your motivation soar:
INEFFECTIVE PEOPLE…
1. Are closed to outside ideas and influences. Do you find that you clutch-tight to your ideas, opinions, and work-habits? Sure you do. We all do. It’s that ego, rearing it’s ugly head again. But sometimes admitting that your way may not be the best way can be the most productive thing you do.
2. Don’t show up. Yes. It’s simple. In the words of Woody Allen, “80% of success is showing up.” Whether it means avoiding Pilates class because it’s drizzling outside, or just not sitting still in front of your computer, not showing up is the quickest route to failure.
3. Think too much. You want to plan. You want to outline. You want to research. At the end of the day though, too much thinking is just another means of procrastination. Don’t get it perfect, just get it done. Then, get it perfect.
4. Suffer from information overload. Ineffective people check the weather, the world news, the score of last night’s game, the outlook on the stock market…you catch my drift. Only consume the information you absolutely need in order to get done what you need to do. Being a well-rounded conversationalist is not going to get you closer to that goal. Doing work will.
5. Whine. Okay, we all feel better when we share our sob-stories about our hellish bosses and nincompoop co-workers and sadist mother-in-laws…or at least we think we feel better. In actuality, we’re reinforcing a negative outlook, weakening our own motivation, and…wasting time, yet again. Sure it sucks, but suck it up. It’s in the past and present is calling.
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