Choose Yourself

 “It wasn’t about . . . choosing

a man or choosing a bag or

choosing a life. 

It was about,

choose yourself.”

-Michael Patrick King

Whether or not you are a fan of Sex and the City, an interesting article was written by Meredith Bryan in May’s Elle magazine about the creator and writer Michael Patrick King.

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Short and Sweet

The latte above is calling my name this morning.  All I want to do is ease into my weekend, catch up on reading my favorite blogs and eventually get a great workout in, so that I can imagine looking like Miranda Kerr above.

How has your week been?  Was it full of busy moments of bustle or a steady balance that seemed to keep the week in order?  I’d love to hear.  In hindsight, this week was full of progress, more growth than I realized at work, and for that I am thankful. However, I’m already looking ahead and planning more goals to pursue.  Isn’t that always the way?  Don’t worry though, this weekend is going to be one to savor and be grateful for.  After all, I’m resting up like most of us, for Memorial Day  next weekend.  I absolutely can’t wait.  In case your week has been a little too rushed, here’s what’s been going on at The Simply Luxurious Life this past week:

Fashion Preview: Sex and the City 2 movie 

Mondays Thoughts: Refocus on Your Goal

Before It Hits the Newsstand: 

         Cate Blanchett–W Magazine June 2010

Tuesday’s Rooms for Inspiration:  Beckoning Sofas

Guest Post: How to Convey Confidence with Fashion

63rd Cannes Film Festival:  Week 1 Fashion Favorites

Wednesday’s Why Not?: Tips for Traveling with Ease

Garden Delights: A Lush and Tranquil Retreat

Thursday Treasures: Simple and Lovely

Simply Luxurious Style:  The First Lady Dazzles

Foodie Friday: Quick and Delicious Dinner in Fifteen

Friday’s Cravings:  A Dose of Love

Have a wonderful Saturday, and be sure to stop by tomorrow for my weekly Cups of Tea! A few new fabulous blogs will be featured, plus my dependable go-tos.

 

Images: (1) Miranda Kerr – Pics and Models – Elle US June 2010  Ph: Mariano Vivanco (2) All The Pretty Things

Pedicure Passion

My toes came out of hiding last week and were treated to a much needed pedicure.  For me this was a big splurge and afterwards I felt a little emboldened.  I am now determined to find reasons to wear peep toe heels, scouring through my closets to find an outfit that would absolutely require displaying my lovely piggies.

It always amazes me, but at the same time reassures me, that even just the little indulgences we allow ourselves make a tremendous impact on our self-image.  Whether it be allowing ourselves to buy the beautiful pair of earrings we came across in the store and know the perfect outfit they would complement, or making a standing seasonal appointment for a facial. No matter how large or small, we shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to treat ourselves.  After all, we know exactly what we want, am I right?

As I know we have all heard many times before, women are constantly being reminded to put ourselves first due to the empty well syndrome (if we don’t take care of ourselves, how will we have enough energy to take care of those we love?).  As many times as I have heard this, I continually find women on a daily basis that feel guilty for even thinking they deserve to be at the top of their own list. 

I am of the belief that simply because we put ourselves at the top doesn’t mean we are not giving whole-heartedly to those we love. I would argue that by allowing our true self to shine we attract more love from those who genuinely appreciate the person we are.  Putting ourselves on top doesn’t mean we’re not lending a helping hand, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, helping out at our child’s school or doing a favor for our neighbor.  It simply means we’re making a choice to say, “I matter.”  By making this decision on a daily basis, we are setting the example for our daughters, our nieces, or any young woman we may encounter that being a content woman requires a balance, a little give and take between selfless (which I know all of us are involved in regularly) and selfish.  After all, as the saying goes, we show people how to treat us, by how we treat, comment about and view ourselves.  Today, demonstrate that you should be treated with kindness, love and respect by treating yourself in just the same way.

Now, I don’t know about you, but splurging on a to die for pair of Christian Louboutin heels or Alexander Wang’s wedges could possibly be leaning a little too far on the selfish side, but looking at them is oh so very safe.  Enjoy, and if you want to purchase, just click on either image and it will take you to the store. I won’t tell anyone. 

Courtesy of Bluefly -  Christian Louboutin peep toe heels. (If I could make the vicious cat meowing sound right now, I would.)

Alexander Wang’s wedges found at Polyvore

My freshly polished toes would feel very comfortable in these adorable creatures.  Ahh, to dream, to dream! Casey Fremont demonstrates in Elle’s March issue how fabulous they can look. Click here to read her Fashion Workbook story in Elle.