Over the Knee Flats, UG(lie)S and How to Create Your Own Happiness
WHAT:
Bonjour Dames! What I’m about to say may shock you: I HATE UGS. Yes, I know they’re “so comfy.” Yes, I know all the celebs where them. Yes, I know they have a cult following. But c’mon, girls! They’re DAMN ugly. Their name defines the reaction they elicit when I see their lumpy potato-like form in the streets: “Ugh!” That being said, I am on a mission to eliminate them from the face of the earth by pushing another comfy, stylish alternative to womankind: the over the knee flat boot.
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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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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