Faux Fur Vests, Sidestepping Grizzle, and Lightening Up
WHAT:
Hola Amores! This past weekend, I made the journey down to ATL for the infamous Morehouse/Spellman homecoming. Me-oh-my! It was a sight to behold, to say the least. Thousands of beautiful black folk, the girls with their roots freshly permed, sidestepping BBQ grizzle with their freakum boots at the tailgate; the men with the fresh fades and stunna shades, grabbing wrists, trying to fill up their bench for the winter months! Guess there’s no such thing as “doing too much” when it comes to ATL’s annual stunt-fest. Which brings me to a very bold trend that I saw a lot of this weekend: the faux fur vest.
Zara
Ladies, ladies, ladies. This is the type of trend that polarizes: you either love it or you think it’s the tackiest thing you’ve seen since Amber Rose wore that camel-toe baring snakeskin body suit to the MTV awards! If you loath it, you better at least get used to it because this winter, fur vests are all the rage. Don’t hate! Participate!
WHERE:
NY & Co. $50
Forever 21 $23
Topshop $180
Members Only $98
Coogi $125
Espirit $98
HOW:
A fur vest can be worn inside or outside. For outside, layer it over a long-sleeved, solid-colored top or sweater. For inside, you can pair with a tank, or a short sleeved shirt. Skinny jeans or black pants are best on the bottom, and don’t forget a mean pair of boots! Also, you might want to add a sash around the waist to pull in some of the bulkier styles.
EASY-LIVING TIP:
Often, on the road to self-development, we can begin to take ourselves too seriously. Everything begins to seem life-or-death, and this sobriety can lead to negative thoughts and anxiety over the future. Conversely, having a light spirit and good sense of humor allows us to be more productive because we can let things roll off of our backs and focus in the present moment. Next time you find yourself criticizing your progress or brooding about what someone said or did to you, use these four tips to lighten up:
1. Realize that you are not your ego. When you learn to recognize that inner voice screaming “I am important! How dare they make jokes about me!” as your ego, you can begin to take control of your emotions and moods. Yes, you’re phenomenal. You have unique gifts and talents. Many people love you. But you’re also just one tiny person in world of similarly fantastic specimens, so get over yourself. Laugh with your critics and develop a humble attitude. You’ll be much happier when you do.
2. Realize the only thing you can control is you reaction. It is easy to get caught up in negative emotions. To replay an agitating incident over and over in your head. But at the end of the day, you really do have complete and utter control over your own mind and emotions, so don’t let those emotions control you! Sure, it takes practice, but next time something awful happens, don’t go off the deep end. Breath. Stand back. Before that impulse to bemoan your situation kicks in, simply fix your focus on the most sensible solution.
3. Assume familiarity. One of the best ways to lighten up is to treat new acquaintances as if they were your best friends. This will put you in a relaxed, easy-going space. It will help you to laugh, joke, and not get offended when others tease you. People are attracted to outgoing spirits and especially to people who can laugh at themselves.
4. Always take the long-term perspective. When you think about the things that worried you last year at this time, you’ll probably have a good laugh. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of today’s situation, think about something difficult you’ve been through and realize that you are still standing today. You made it through and you will make it through again. Soon your current grievances will be a distant memory, so don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Lighten up!
If you liked this post, please Digg it, Stumble it, or post it to Delicious via the share buttons below!
Leather Jackets, Vandalizing Ferraris and Doing What You Love
WHAT:
Hello Loves! Do you remember the first time you ever saw someone rocking that of hallmark cool: the bad-ass leather jacket? For me, it was Madonna in the “Borderline” video. There was something about that jacket that brought the gangsta out of her–made her think of her asshole boyfriend with the mullet and spray paint that poor photographer’s Ferrari during her photo shoot. Alas, things ended happily when she reunited with her rugged beau in a seedy pool hall. Such were our role models in the ’80s.
Victoria's Secret $198
Anyway, as you know, I have vowed never to post anything over $200 on this blog, and a promise is a promise. However, I must note that good leather don’t come cheap. And it shouldn’t. A high-quality, timeless leather jacket can literally last you (and your daughters!) a lifetime. So, I would recommend investing in at least one top-quality, well-tailored leather, sans frills, and then buying the trends in a leatherette. Sure, a fully studded 80s-inspired blazer may look hot now, but you’ll prob gag at it next year, so don’t feel bad about reaching for the faux stuff.
[WHERE:
Bebe $129
Arden B. $58
Urban Outfitters $148
Arden B. $58
Windsor $55
Urban Outfitters $128
HOW:
So many ways to wear this. Push up the sleeves for the ultra-cool look or pair it with a crazy scarf or cool hat (I especially like the knit berets with this look). Mix hard-and-soft by throwing it over a party dress. The classic jeans and leather. It even compliments work-wear. The key to wearing leather is to wear it with no bounds. Your jacket doesn’t have to match your shoes! It is supposed to make a statement!
EASY-LIVING TIP:
For today’s easy-living tip, I want to link to a very basic article on something I believe strongly in: doing what you’re passionate about. This article, posted to Zen Habits by contributor Jonathan Mead, makes a convincing but simple case for identifying and pursuing your passion. Please enjoy “The World Needs You to Do What You Love.”
If you liked this post, please Digg it, Stumble it, or post it to Delicious via the share buttons below!
