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!

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:

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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Trendy Tights, Chastity Belts and Keeping Organized

WHAT:
Hi Girls! Before getting into today’s post, I would like to thank everyone for all of the positive feedback and support of Trendplicity! Please be sure to enter your e-mail in the lower right hand sidebar to receive each post, hot off the press! Now, down to business! When I was about eight or nine, it would take the grace of God (otherwise known as my mom putting the smack down) to get me to do two things: one, sit still and shut up while someone tried to tear a comb through my curly mop, and two, wear tights! Do you remember those white tights you’d wear as a little girl with the hearts and stars? Do you remember leggings (the knit kind)? For a tomboy like me, those things might as well have been the equivalent of a chastity belt to a hooker! Itchy, hot, and–ugh!–girly. Well ladies, I’ve since blossomed into a woman and taken to tights like a fish to water.

There are SO many kinds to choose from now! We’re talking bright, bold opaques, faux leather leggings, cozy knit thigh-highs, satiny disco pants, lacy, floral, fishnet, knee-highs …you get the picture. Obviously, I couldn’t begin to show you the zillions of options out there for tights, but I’ve tried to point out several sites that have tons of choices for you to peruse. Let’s dive into the rabbit hole, shall we?

WHERE:

HOW:
As many of you may have noticed, fall fashion tends to produce a lot of black, gray, and otherwise gloomy colors. Fortunately, tights are here to save the day! Take that little black dress, throw on some electric purple opaques and voila!–from snoozer to stylista! The knit thigh highs are beautiful when paired with knee-high leather boots. When it comes to fishnets, lace, or the other more provocative styles, I would definitely pair with a more conservative outfit, like a sweater dress or a pretty, full skirt (street-walker style is only sexy on Halloween!). My only hard, fast rule for tights: always go for opaque! Except for in the office, sheer is done!

EASY-LIVING TIP:
Today’s easy-living tip is one that may seem simple, but when put into practice, it can give you great peace of mind and serenity–which is always a good thing. I can’t remember who said it now, but some years back, a friend of mine proclaimed: “When my room’s in order, my life’s in order.” You may not realize it, but a lack of organization in your bedroom could be adding to your stress.

Think about it: digging for things you need, wasting time looking for lost items, shuffling through old irrelevant documents–these are time and energy zappers that you could avoid. And here are a few simple rules to help you do just that:

1. When you take off your clothes at night, don’t wait to put them away or throw them in the hamper. Just do it now! It won’t take any less time later, but it will prevent wrinkling and clutter and save you time in the end.

2. Go through your old documents and shred, shred, shred! Do you really need that cable bill from 1999?

3. Go through your beauty products and toiletries and ditch or condense. There’s a reason you haven’t used that hair gel in almost a year!

4. Try to keep surfaces generally clutter-free. This is more of a Zen habit. Visually, clean surfaces create better feng shui and increase productivity by decreasing distractions.

5. Give your room a thorough cleaning at least once a week and you’ll avoid the build-up that makes tidying a drag.

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