Past Present Future

Once in a while I mull over my actions and or beliefs from a few years back and I reach the same conclusion every time - "I can not believe, how naïve (aka dumb) I was!" 

Looking back I never think I was all that intelligent. I could have done things differently. Done them better. I could have been more confident, studied more, played more, created more, snapped out of inferiority complex or had the ability to judge people better. I am not telling you my regrets. It is a mere analysis and aftermath of what goes on in my head.

The 'present me' gives the 'past me' that aggrieved feeling, the kind one gets when they cannot believe that someone can be that disillusioned (aka stupid).

Do you ever feel unhappy with the 'past you'? 

Well, never mind, here's to the better 'present us' which we will be looking back as past in the future!

 Photo 1: Dress - Nordstrom Rack, Sweater: J crew factory, Shoes: Don't remember, Tights: Target

Photo2: Dress - Calvin Klein, Sweater - Calvin Klein, Shoes: UGG, Tights: Target

Animal print + White

Animal prints look great with whites. The denim that I have is off-white in color, I do want to buy white jeans this year, something like this.

Here are the three ways I wore animal print top + off-white denim jeans -

Denim - American Eagle

Top - Ann Taylor

Shoes 1 & 3- Ellen Tracy, Shoes 2: Steve Madden

Olive Jacket - Gap

Black Sweater - J crew

Analyze your closet

Most of us hold on to things for years thinking we will need it or fit in it later. The truth is most of those kept away items will never be used.  All we need to do is try it on and ask ourselves: Do I remember the last time I wore it? Did I feel good and comfortable when I wore it last time? and Does this flatter my body? If the answer to any of the above questions is no then why waste any closet or brain space on it? Just donate and someone will happily use it.

Top: Ann Taylor

Cardigan: Forever 21

Shoes: Ellen Tracy

Denim: American Eagle

what not to Do

*Opinions expressed in this post are for both genders (wherever applicable)

What NOT to do (when it comes to styling)

1. Never sport a muffin top.


2.  Showing bra straps or panty lines do NOT look classy. When you wear low rise jeans be aware of your top length. Wear a camisole/skirt slip under see through clothes (unless of course see through is intentional!). I think it is a good idea to invest in a strapless/halter neck bra and no show (seamless) undergarments.

Skirt: J crew factory, Tights: DSW, Shoes: Naturalizer, Shirt: J Crew, Sweater: J crew factory

Using Timer

A lot of personal style bloggers get help from their friends/family to take pictures for their blog. Any professionally taken/edited pictures make the outfits look better than they actually are. I never use any outside help for taking my pics, I use a timer.

When I started taking pictures for this blog it took me some time to figure out the lighting/camera angle/ setting etc. - lack of sunlight in Seattle makes it a little challenging. Once I figured out the basic things now it takes me 5 minutes top to take pictures. The only thing I need to make sure is when the timer goes off I am standing still, otherwise, the picture is all blur and at times it does catch me when I am adjusting my hair or something (as in pic 2).

In case you are interested Here is a good 101 that I liked on using a timer for style blogs.

Silk Blouse: J crew

Sweater: J crew factory

Denim: Banana Republic

Shoes: Nine West

In search of another Guru

My new post 'In search of another Guru' is available HERE

Sweater Dress: Calvin Klein

Sweater: Calvin Klen

Tights: Target

Shoes: Bare Traps

Time

In this age can we give ourselves the most precious gift of time? Is that even possible? Can we pull ourselves out of the chores, errands, commitments to others, just for a few moments each day? 

It should be permissible to give ourselves something luxurious that we may want, like time to read, daydream, meditate, take a nap, do yoga, whatever it is we want but ruled out for more pressing matters? 

Time. Wouldn't you like some slowly moving, luxurious time set aside just for yourself?

Dress: Banana republic

Sweater: Forever21

Tights: Target

Shoes: Circa Joan & David

Winter at the doorstep

I am not smoking in picture 2, it is condensation. 

Over the years I have learned to let go and enjoy change of season. Much needed warmth is provided by loads of layers. In the next few months let's have fun with sweaters, jackets, boots, scarves and stalkings.

Pic Then: See Here

Pic Now:

Dress: Mark and Spencer

Sweater: Forever 21

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Circa Joan and David 

Physics of the impossible

My new post 'Physics of the impossible' is available HERE

Pant: American Eagle

Top: Loft

Crop Sweater: Forever 21

Shoes: Kelly and Katie

Energy

Do we always have great fear of getting tired? Any energy spent is not lost forever. We plan our fatigue the same way we plan everything else. We 'save energy' to work out at the gym, there too we time ourselves, count repetitions, track the heart rate.

These days people wear those wrist bands which shows how much they slept! If you wake up and feel fresh then you slept well... Similarly if you feel like working out in the morning and then again in the evening then go for it! Some days you might have a lot more energy than your already set goal of X steps (which can be set on the wristband) and on some days you might have to drag yourself to take even one step ;-), Why let a machine decide for us how much we should do? Why not just go with the instinct?

We definitely need to stop robotic routines and move around, run, walk, do Pilates; Yoga, go biking, climb hills, jump, dance... There is no rule how many times or how much to do. Just do it as much as you can... because really you can!

Top: J crew Factory

Jegging: American Eagle

Sweater: Calvin Klein

Sandals: Kenneth Cole Reaction