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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Marciano $98

Pencil skirts cover just a bit more skin while hugging your curves in all the right places. Plus, if you buy one in solid black, you can recycle that sucka with a rotation of different tops and no one will be the wiser. Talk about cost effectiveness. There are tons of new shapes and materials this season, from the tulip skirt to high waisted, and patent to tweed.

WHERE:

Dillards $34

Kenneth Cole $99

American Apparel $36

American Apparel $40

Topshop $50

Topshop $70

HOW:
Where to begin? Pair a pencil skirt with a cardigan and camisole or simply a short-sleeved sweater. Wear it with a crisp button-up for work, or even a blazer. If you’re wearing one in a crazy fabric, color or pattern, keep your top solid-colored. As far as shoes, you can wear booties, knee-highs, or pumps, but I’d opt for heels over flats since knee grazing skirts can shorten your legs visually. Finally, to keep those legs warm: a pair of opaque tights should complete the look.

EASY-LIVING TIP:
For today’s easy-living tip, I would like to link to one of my favorite blogs–Henrik Edberg’s The Positivity Blog. In his post, Heraclitus’ Top 3 Tips for Living a Richer and Happier Life, Edberg encourages us to purge ourselves of envy, be childlike again and…you’ll have to go to the link to learn the last tip. Trust me, it’s worth it! Enjoy!

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