ASOS $51

When it comes to a jewelry cuff, there are no rules. Go for color, texture, or both. Look for unusual details like feathers, beading, braiding or jewels.

WHERE:

Arden B. $24

Max & Chloe $19

Max & Chloe $112

CC Skye $120

Max & Chloe $70

Arden B. $34

HOW:
Again, I don’t believe in playing by any rules when it comes to statement jewelry. After all, cuffs are supposed to stand out–start a conversation. So…don’t worry about matching. Throw one on to play up a little black dress or pair it with jeans and an oversize tee. If you’re going really gaudy, however, I would stick to wearing it at night.

EASY-LIVING TIP:
In his inspiring book, The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale advises us on how to live happily and effectively. One of the easiest ways to increase your quality of living is to reduce your fretting. The pace of modern life must be reduced if we are not going to suffer the toxic effects of over-stimulation and emotional frenzy. How do we go about slowing down? Read on and find out.

1. Give yourself enough time in the morning to start your day calmly and comfortably. When you give yourself just enough time to race to the shower, down a coffee, and make it the train, you start the day at a frenzied pace, and more of the same is likely to follow. Even if you have to rise 15 minutes earlier, give yourself room to enjoy your morning routine. You’ll be more calm and productive if you do.

2. Work slowly and methodically to maintain the steady pace that wins. I’m sure my boss will love that suggestion you’re probably thinking. But you know the story about the tortoise and the hare. The quality of your work will not only be better, but you will also avoid burnout and enjoy your work more.

3. Practice serenity for at least 15 minutes a day. This is a recurring theme of Peale’s. He repeatedly tells us to clear our thoughts and envision a peaceful space in the midst of our chaotic days. Why? Because we operate most efficiently when we are stress-free and relaxed.

4. Don’t worry about where you have to be, enjoy where you are. Are you always anticipating your next move? Constantly checking your watch? Stop. Look around. Savor your train ride–even if you’re late. After all, fretting won’t get you there any faster, but it will destroy your mental health.

5. When you feel yourself getting angry, try lowering your voice to a whisper instead of raising it to a shout. It is difficult to add fuel to the fire of an argument when you’re speaking in a hushed voice. The sooner the debate is over, the less emotional energy you expend. And the less emotional energy you waste, the less tired you’ll be.

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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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Bakers $90

So much sleeker. So much sexier. Still comfy, and far more versatile. And if you’re too much of a prude to rock the Julia Roberts thigh-high hooker boots, this is your perfect, demure alternative. Don’t fight it, girls! Keep those UGS in the house and get on board! I’ll–I mean you’ll be glad you did!

WHERE:

Zigi $175

Chinese Laundry $110

Zigi $78

Sam Edelman $199

Miss Me $55

Fergie $133

HOW:
I absolutely love this look with a pair of leggings or supper skinny jeans. The closer the fit to your skin, the better. Because they are flats, these boots are great for day or night. Throw them on with anything from vintage tee to a work button-up to a sexy sweater dress at night. They’re so comfy and versatile, you won’t want to take them off.

EASY-LIVING TIP:
Interested in finding out how to create your own happiness? In chapter five of The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale, Peale emphasizes that anyone who desires it, wills it, learns and applies the right formula can posses unwavering happiness. So what’s this secret formula? Read on and find out.

1. Make a mental list of happy thoughts and pass them through your mind several times a day. Begin your day with a happy statement. If a negative thought creeps in, immediately eject it from your mind and replace it with a happy one. We are what we think we are.

2. Be kind to others. It is true that happiness is contagious, so take a moment each day to share a compliment or make a simple, kind gesture. When the benefactor smiles his or her thanks, you will, too.

3. Surround yourself with positive, happy people. We all have that friend who is constantly in crisis. Constantly unhappy. Well you know the old adage that misery loves company. If you can’t avoid people like this altogether, at least make a conscious decision not to absorb or reflect their unhappiness.

4. Smile. The simple action of forcing a big smile when you’re feeling down will change your mood. Your mind often follows your actions so give this a try.

5. Make a list of the things you are grateful for in your life and refer to it often. We get caught up in a whirlwind of stress and responsibilities and forget how fortunate we are to have even the simplest things, like family or our health.

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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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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.

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