A Helping Hand for 2012 Resolutions

As January prepares to say goodbye, we must hold on to the resolutions we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year.  And even if we have waned a bit in adhering to the proper path to achieve them, now is the perfect time to reassess and dig deep for a bit more resolve.

You may be asking, but how will this be different from when I began in January? Well, let myself and the Jenesequa team provide a bit of inspiration, as well as the reminder that we must take care of ourselves, treat ourselves and give ourselves a helping hand every once in awhile.  And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not give yourself an early Valentine’s Day present and purchase items that will help assist you in achieving your resolutions? Perhaps some stylish workout wear to help you look your best and boost your confidence while you shed that last stubborn pounds?  Or a handful of books to educate you on that dream you had of traveling to a Trans-Atlantic destination? Whatever your resolutions are, splurge a bit on yourself and reward yourself for not giving up and continuing to reach your intended target.

View Founder and Editor in Chief of Jenesequa Melissa Middleton’s resolutions and my own below.  And click here to read more resolutions from other talented contributors from around the globe.

 

All images via Jenesequa

Learn to Leap

"Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do."

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

If you’ve ever watched the 90’s sitcom Frasier, you may remember the episode that focuses on how one should go about making the most of that extra day we are afforded in February every four years – February 29th. Of course, with the show’s purpose to leave us laughing, each character’s attempt to take a leap in their life, that they perhaps wouldn’t have normally, ends in absolutely disaster – an atrocious hair cut, a near airplane disaster, and a failed musical performance.

With outcomes like these, it is no wonder many of us are fearful to take risks and leap to try to grab hold of something we want but know has the potential to end in disaster. But what we fail to keep in mind is that the only reason these grand leaps of faith are frightening is because we don’t know how it will turn out.  We know we don’t have absolute control over the outcome, so therefore, we tremble a bit more significantly, we doubt a bit more quickly and we focus more on the negative possibilities than the positive ones.

Read more »

The Weekend . . .

Ciao baby! Yes, the weekend beckons, and I am fired up about getting out of town, heading up to Seattle for a little business and oodles of pleasure – the food, the view, the company and, oh yes, the shopping. I already have a consignment clothing store staked out (Alexandra’s on Olive Way, has anyone been there? Reviews?). Needless to say, with the busy, busy week I’ve had, similar to yours I’m sure, I’m thrilled to have made it to Friday.

This past week in Paris, the spring couture collections have been quite feminine and for the most part, very stunning.  Christian Dior most certainly was my pick for best in show and it seemed to be many of yours as well as it was the most popular post of the week.  Here is a look back on the past week here on The Simply Luxurious Life:

*Style Inspiration – Cuffs & Statement Necklaces – less really is more

*A Luxurious, Functional Office – a peek at my new monthly gig

*Why Not . . . Fly in Style & Comfort?

*Christian Dior – Spring Couture 2012

*4 Ways to Guarantee a Great Monday

*Atelier Versace - Spring Couture 2012

*Take a stroll through Paris with Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2012

And take a look at the updated look of this week’s newsletter – issue #85 – click here to read.

Have a wonderful weekend. Be sure to indulge in a few simple pleasures here and there, and until Monday, bonjour.

Iimages: (1) idealhouse (2) onlycoolstuff

Style Inspiration

From cuffs to extravagant necklaces that add that special extra something, to worn leather jackets, stripes and over-sized sunnies, style can reveal itself in any form if you exude the confidence while wearing what you have chosen. Here are a few ideas to get your fashion wheels turning.

 

Images: (1) Source: bubblehair (2) youneedfreestyle (3) ohlordylord (4) Source: harpersbazaar.com.au (5) Source: fortheloveofpretty.net (6) Source: mirnah (7) Source: ocean-dew (8) c-aptivate (9) sarahakbar (10) chicalicious (11) elle: (12) 4inspireddesign.com (13) delight (14) Source: fime (15) richesforrags: (16) fashionflorence (17) street-style-ista (18) oh—coco (19) Source: 5th-avenue-fashion (20) sittinginparis (21) Source: chanel-cigarette (22) h-0ney: (23) Source: fortheloveofpretty.net (24) Source: skinnysticks (25) Source: australian-models (26( Source: vogueetiquette

Why Not . . . Fly in Style and Comfort?

Sufficed to say, I love to travel, and when I do, I like to do it well, but with the goal of eliminating all the unnecessary extras. So with a handful of exciting and dream-coming-true trips planned this year, my mind has been on traveling and how to do so in style – specifically how to fly in style guarantee a pleasured filled experience from take-off to landing.

Pre-Flight Planning

The day before your trip, double check the time of departure, calculate how long it will take to get to the airport and how you will get there. Be sure to have the necessary documents (ID’s, Passport, tickets, etc) and necessary cash or traveler’s checks ready to go.

 

Stylish, Yet Comfortable Attire

Always travel in style, as you will be treated in the manner you present yourself. If you’re feeling like Charlize Theron, put ballet flats in your carry-on tote and wear stilettos through the terminal, slipping on your flats when you’re on board. Dress in layers – a tank, camisole or short-sleeve fine fabric blouse, followed by a cardigan, blazer or leather jacket.  Throw in a large scarf that can serve as a blanket or warmth around your neck if it’s chilly outside. And jersey wrap dresses or comfortable, yet well-tailored jeans are always a good fashion decision. Click here for a detailed list of the perfect travel wardrobe.

 

Functionable Carry-On Packed with Essentials

Recently I began traveling with a hard shell suitcase with 360 degree wheels. It makes it effortless to travel between gates and protects what you’ve packed from being smashed. As far as what I pack inside my carry on and tote: reading material (magazines, books, iPad), medications, necessary toiletries (toothpaste, feminine items, contacts & solution, etc), laptop, smart phone, one outfit, jewelry and basic make-up.

 

How to Look Fresh on Arrival

While flying, be sure to hydrate by drinking water when asked what beverage you’d prefer. Just before touching down, take a trip to the restroom, spritz your face with water, massage a luxurious facial moisturizer onto your face (preferably tinted to save time), touch up your make-up simply with concealer, blush, no smudge mascara and a neutral lip. With your over-sized sunglasses in hand, swiftly put on your blazer, cardigan or jacket and you will look fabulous.

Other related travel posts seen on The Simply Luxurious Life:

*Why Not . . . Travel Luxuriously?

*Travel Tote Packing List

*What to Pack for a Luxurious Hotel Stay

*Expand Your Mind, Travel the World

Images: (1) Source (2) Source (3) Source (4) Source (5) Source

A Luxurious, Functional Office – Houzz IdeaBook

At the beginning of the year, I shared ideas on how to create a productive office which correlated with a previous post where I shared the foundational pieces all offices should have regardless of your decor style. Needless to say, the space where I work must be aesthetically pleasing.  There must be a certain “feel” to the room in order for me to call it my office.  Yes, this sounds picky, but at the same time, it has everything to do with staying in tune with who you are and knowing how to help create a most productive work environment so that by the end of the day, you can wrap up your work and feel good about what you’ve accomplished.

With that said, I’ve done a bit of shopping for you, as I have designed what I define as a simply luxurious office space. What inspired this was that about a month ago, Houzz.com (Houzz is a leading destination site for home design enthusiasts) contacted me and asked if I might create a monthly decor ideabook that adhered to the premise that you, my readers, have come to recognize everyday. With my love for luxurious aesthetics, but a need for simplicity, I was thrilled to be able to share more of my decor ideas and have even more of a reason to peruse the internet shopping for fabulous finds.

What that means is each month I will be creating a new ideabook focused on a central theme.  For example, this month was creating a luxurious, functional office space, but next month may be focusing on different styles of chandeliers or French Country decor. 

What I would love from my readers is for you to share (leave a comment or email me) what you are most interested in seeing as I will keep your ideas in mind as I want to share ideas that you would most be interested in.

To view this month’s IdeaBook focusing on items for a Luxurious, yet Functional Office, click here.

Christian Dior Spring 2012 Couture

Wearable couture? Who knew? Now if only I could afford it. But a girl can dream, and these dresses are what dance through my fashion dreams.

Bill Gaytten went back to the foundations of Dior – nipping the waists, flouncing the skirts – which is a 180 reverse from John Galliano’s extravagant Alice-in-Wonderland-esque designs, thus making them must more applicable for the woman who wants to not only purchase a piece, but be able to wear it down the street.  Have a look.

All images via Fashionologie.  See the entire collection here.