Stressed out -

There are a few things that stress me out -

1. Watching movies in the theater - I watch a lot of them but at home, at my pace and also while parallel tasking. I watch movies like one would watch a TV show, 25-30 minutes a day. Watching them in theater means I have to watch the whole movie in one go, that stresses me out. If I don’t like the first 20 minutes of the film I leave the movie hall.


2. Going to Salon - I do almost all beauty related things at home - there is no commute time involved, no small talk with the beautician and I can do something in parallel like catch up on TV shows, while I have a face mask on, or I can clean the closet!


3. People - Being around people who I don’t get a good vibe from stresses me out. I try to avoid them because at that time I can be around someone or something that I like. Also if I get an inkling that someone doesn’t like me or is trying to avoid me then I do not impose myself on them, instead, I will be around someone who likes me or is trying to reach out or keep in touch with me. I do not feel obligated to hang out with people because I am related to them or because I have known them forever. People grow up and most likely grow apart, and it’s okay to let it go than to hold on to something that is not adding any value but just drama and stress to our lives.


4. Shopping - Yes! shopping stresses me out. I can go without shopping for years, the max I have stayed without shopping is 3 years straight. I am elated that I am able to use my creativity to create a new outfit every day from my existing wardrobe, without having to go through the torture of browsing through stuff, trying stuff, not-fitting into stuff and so on.

3 combos with white top - 

Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch, Top: Tommy Hilfiger, Jacket: J crew, Shoes: Kelly and Katie

Jeans: American Eagle, Top: Tommy Hilfiger, Shoes: Tommy Hilfiger

Not knowing where I am going...

“I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you're going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.”

- C. JoyBell C.

Dress: Tjmaxx

Sandals: Impo

Perception ...

Perception - not from our point of view, but from what other's view of you and/or your life is. Whenever you hear people talk about you, your work or your personality, you can distinctly differentiate between what is the truth and what is their perception. Good or bad is irrelevant here.

I do not try to change anyone's perception. If it is true, then I say, "Good, I am keeping it real!" and if it is bad then think, "I am not responsible for how their brain interprets!" ;-)

From where we stand, it is none of our business either way. Perception means nothing... it is pure entertainment if anything.

Skirt: Gap

Shirt: American Eagle

Shoes: Kensie

Hypocrites or a**holes ....

If I like you, life is easy. I take interest in your life and work and am concerned about your well being and supportive towards your goals and I make every effort to keep in touch with you. If I am neutral towards you, life is still easy. I am polite and civil towards you when our paths cross.

If I don't like you or get an inkling that you don't like me/ are trying to avoid me/ are giving me an insulting treatment then - life is again easy because I don't give a second thought about you, I won't bitch and whine about you to people around me but at the same time I ensure that our paths never cross. I do not call you socially, I do not make plans to meet you, you might not even be on my friend or phone list. I do nothing. I don't allow you to occupy my brain space.

You know what I don't get...when people clearly do not like someone or do not agree with their fundamental view on life -professionally/morally/socially - and still continue to be social with them. A lot of people are perfectly fine with everyone around them ONLY they bitch about people on how they can't stand someone or how someone did them wrong (but it can not be told from their interaction with anyone).

If you ask me I am wary of people who are nice to everyone and talk nicely with everyone because you never know who they are really fond of or who are they bitching about... I have realized that straight forward people are considered a**holes (I am one such) but I prefer to be friends with a**holes any day, because if they are friends with me then I know that they are in it with a genuine interest.

2 combos:

Pant: American Eagle

Shirt: J crew factory

Shoes: Steve Madden

Jeans: J crew

Top: Tjmaxx

Shoes: Steve Madden

When you go shopping -

• Quality. Look for the quality of the fabrics, good fabrics feel good on the skin and also last a long time.


• Fitting. Nothing looks good if it does not fit your body. We try to fit into clothes from decades back and then get frustrated about our closets and bodies and then completely give up on our style. Accept your body and dress accordingly. This simple change in mindset will make you realize that a little fluctuation in your body weight has absolutely nothing to do with your style and looking good. (I would recommend to not give up efforts to lose weight or stay in shape).


• Color. When it comes to color I have unintentionally made the same mistake over and over again - I have 4 black tops (with varying sleeve lengths), 3 black skirts and such repetitive colors. I wish instead  I had bought tops in all colors - red, pink, brown, yellow, green and whatnot. When you go shopping decide on the colors that you want to buy, something that will go with at least a few items in your closet and avoid colors that you already have.


• Design. There are too many complicated designs out there lately, like frills, belts that you need to tie and stuff, there are other styles like off-shoulder, spaghetti tops, low necklines, no doubt that they make a statement but that is not my style, it doesn’t make me feel comfortable. So yes I do look for a match for the design too. Then the last thing I make sure is it is easy on and off, i.e. doesn't involve wrapping, multiple buttons and complicated stitching/folds, belts. Keep it simple is my style mantra.


• Trends. Be careful on the path of following trends or someone else’s style which you can not relate to. Not all trends/styles are for all body types, and some of them are not even worth trying. Some styles look great only in pictures but in reality, they are the most uncomfortable things.


• Footwear. Never purchase a shoe without trying. If you buy them online make sure that return shipping is offered and is free. Walk around in the pair for at least two minutes and if they are not comfortable then that means they are not about to get comfortable later. I don't buy high heels anymore, I do not feel comfortable in them - does not matter even if the rest of the world is using ladders to walk I am going to buy just flats henceforth. You will always find exciting options within your comfort zone.

I hope you find these tips helpful.

2 combos:

Vegan leather jacket: Blank NYC, Stripes Tee: J crew factory, Jegging: American Eagle, Shoes: Vaneli

My eating-mantras

• A good diet is the one that you can follow for the rest of your life


• A good meal is which leaves you satisfied and at the same time makes you feel light


• Fast Food = Fast & Permanent calories!


• Eating or shopping can not be a hobby!
  
  2 combos:
  
  
  

Skirt: Ann Taylor factory

Tights: Target

Shoes: Ellen Tracy

Top: Charter's club

Sweater: Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Blondo

Shirt: Banana Republic

Sweater: Modcloth

Jeans: American Eagle

Dressed with comfort

Being dressed with comfort is not synonymous with looking unfashionable. Comfort and style should go hand in hand. For me style means being comfortable with what I am wearing when I do not have to fidget with my clothes when I am dressed weather-appropriately, nothing itches or slips or comes in the way of life, the same comfort goes for shoes, hair, makeup, and accessories. You could look effortless but be uncomfortable, you will always find great options within your comfort zone. I also like style that is not too much - not too dressy, well dressed but not all ‘dressed up’ so to say.

Here is a white top with two skirts - 

Skirt: Gap

Top: Tommy Hilfiger

Shoes: Etienne Aigner

Skirt: Banana republic

Top: Tommy Hilfiger

Shoes: Kelly and katie

Worthy of love....

Once you truly believe you’re worthy of love, you will never settle for anyone’s second best treatment.

Charles J. Orlando

Jeans: American Eagle

Top: Anthropologie

Shoes: Lifestride

Happy New Year

May your coming year be filled with magic, dreams, health and madness. I hope you read some good books and hang out with people who think you are wonderful, shed those last few pounds, work on being healthy - physically and mentally, don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or cook or create something or learn an instrument or a new language or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. Happy New Year.

2 combos:

Photo 1: Top: Ann Taylor, Jeans: American Eagle, Scarf: Target, Shoes: Nine West

Photo 2: Skirt: Ann Taylor Factory

Shoes: Ellen Tracy

Tights: Target

Top: Ann Taylor