Happy New Years

From Fashionable Shenanigans!

Photo courtesy of: http://www.wolfandwillowblog.com

If you have a new years resolution...What Is IT? Tell us....

Stressful times call for a 5 step process to a happier/more empowered you!

We all know that when you are happy...you glow. When it is genuine and when it comes from a satisfied and happy place from within your beauty can shine like never before! Who wants to see some grumpy woman walking around completely unhappy with herself and not having fun in her $5,000 Dolce and Gabbana dress?!?! She can be slim, trim and lookin' good, but unless she looks like she is somewhat enjoying herself, it takes away from the glamor. Please enter... perfect example... Anna Wintour! The woman walks around in immaculate clothing from just about every design house you can think of, and she somehow always manages to look terribly lonely and unhappy!

picture from: guestofaguest.com

When Anna smiles, she looks somehow lighter, it looks like someone took about 30 lbs. off each shoulder.

picture from: dailymail.co.uk

Even the little smirk she displays in this Chanel Haute Couture gown that many deemed as a flop of a fashion moment, I still think she looks amazing because of her demeanor! She lights up with beauty!

And so...away from Ms. Wintour and back to my point...
We all have stressful times, stressful moments, particular things or people that trigger something deep within. And, these are stressful times for America. We all know this!
And so, to put my Masters degree to good use (as I am a counseling intern with a fashion addiction) here are 5 steps that might be helpful for you or someone that you care about that has been dressed without their smile lately....

Step 1: Identify troubling conditions or situations.
Think about the conditions or situations that you find troubling and that seem to deflate your self-esteem/confidence/general sense of well being.
Step 2: Become aware of beliefs and thoughts.
Once you've identified troubling conditions or situations, pay attention to your thoughts related to them. Especially the automatic thoughts that have become second nature or habit. (Shed some light where there has been darkness)
Step 3: Pinpoint negative or inaccurate thinking.
Notice when your thoughts turn toward the negative. Your beliefs and thoughts about a situation affect your reaction to it. Negative thoughts and beliefs about something or someone can trigger physical, emotional and behavioral responses. We all physically react to stress in different ways and the more this is perpetuated, the stronger those responses will become.
Step 4: Challenge negative or inaccuree thinking.
Test the accuracy of your thoughts. Ask yourself whether your view is consistent with facts and logic or whether there might be other explanations for the situation. (A good spot to maybe make lists and write things down if it provides more clarity).
Step 5: Change your thoughts and beliefs.
Once you've identified negative or inaccurate thinking you can replace it with accurate thoughts and beliefs. Keep what you want to keep, and whatever is left that is not serving you well...Throw it out! This can enable you to find constructive ways to cope, and give your self-esteem a boost, or the ability to cope through those situations or conditions.

Now...to normalize....I know that all of this is much easier said than done!!! The most important thing is to allow yourself the feelings that you are having. Allow them to come and dont deny and stuff them, as they will only surface later with stregnth behind them. Be true to you every moment of every day!!! Just like Anna in her Chanel gown. She went to that ball lookin great, even if others thought it was a flop of a fashion moment...she was smiling inside (and a little on the outside too)! Happy Friday readers. I hope you get to make time in your busy day for a smile or two, or three, or seven...or thirty two..okay I sut up now : )

Dream Closets

A closet should be your lovely safe haven, where your most expensive items can be lovingly tucked away in style when they are not being worn.
Brooke's closet tips:

• Make sure all your hangers match. It makes everything look fluid and clean, even if they are plastic target hangers (that's what I have, easy to replace)- as long as they all match!
• Add a fresh coat of paint, make sure it is clean looking, and you can even play with color here.  Have fun with it.
• Lighting, Lighting, Lighting! Color does not exist without light! So make sure it is a well lit area. Plus this can be helpful to make the closet space seem larger. Don't be afraid to play with chandeliers if you have the space.
• Keep the floor items organized and clean looking.
• Make sure everything matches, for example storage boxes should all be the same and should coordinate/contrast appropriately with paint color, etc.
• Most of all, keep it a creative, organized, uncluttered and inspirational so it can be a place for you to dream in. Very important for your Fashion Sanity!

Here are a few closets to die for!!!

Picture from: yasmine-15.blogspot.com

Could you even Imagine walking into Rachel Zoe's closet?!?! I bet it is the size of a studio apartment!

Picture from: yasmine-15.blogspot.com

Perfect example of someone who is not afraid to make her basic closet color pallet POP! Get it...POP! lmhfgfreegnlllk: ) Cause its a Pop singer....okay... well I Love it!
Also If you are looking for a GLAM look Leopard print is always a great foundation to start with, as it goes with almost everything, allowing you to incorporate items you already have.

Picture from: lipstickalley.com
 

Chanel Closet...I have died and gone to Fashion HEAVEN!

My 2011 Inspirational Tid-bits

With 2011 comes opportunity! Everyday is an opportunity really, every moment if you so choose. But many of us use the New Years celebration as a jumping off point for change.
I like to keep in mind a few little quotes, I write them down in a place that I view regularly in order to incorporate them into my daily routine without any effort. It helps me to keep my motivation throughout the year!
These are a few of my favorite quotes that keep me inspired:

"When the power of LOVE overcomes the love of power, the world will know PEACE." -Sri Chinmoy Ghose

"You cant go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands; You need to be able to throw some things back." -Maya Angelou

"If you think you can or if you think you cant; You are probably right." -William James

"Say what you mean and act how you feel, because those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter." - Dr. Seuss

"The key to Happiness is to CHOOSE Happiness." -Unknown

"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln

"Don't do whatever you like; like whatever you do!" -Unknown