The Weekend . . .

The first week of my summer is just wrapping up, so my mind has been blissfully free to make plans and then change them, as well as begin doing something and become distracted without the confinement of a structured schedule. It is quite lovely, and I feel wonderfully spoiled.

What I find when I have such tweakable structure is that my mind is far more creative. For example, there were moments this past week when I would get busy doing something, only to realize that when I looked up at the clock – four hours had passed. To me, that is what life should be about – discovering your passions, becoming so engrossed in them that you don’t mind the work because you genuinely love doing it.

Needless to say, I couldn’t help ask the question today . . . what dream are you turning into your reality? What ship will you be chasing down and choosing to sail in a direction that is uniquely your own?

It is my dearest hope that you find the gumption within you to step out and seek out what is calling your name, catches your attention every time you have a stray thought and take a chance on yourself. Life is far too short, and much too precious to spend it in negativity and mediocrity.

So why not this weekend, give yourself some time to dream, then to plan, then begin putting it into action, and if you’re already busy building your dream, keep working. You’re getting closer than you think.

Some exciting news happened Wednesday. The blog made it to television! Stephanie Kralevich, a reporter from a local Portland news station – Fox 12 – chose to spotlight The Simply Luxurious Life for her weekly segment “Surfin’ with Steph”.  If you live in the Portland area and missed it, it will be mentioned again on Monday’s Good Day Oregon (Fox 49) at 9 am. A huge thank you to Stephanie for her kindness and consideration.

Here is a look back on a wonderful week that introduced a new feature to the blog that so many of you are already taking advantage of, and I can’t believe I didn’t think of it sooner, and a return of a favorite piece – Rules of Style.

~Style Inspiration: Boyfriend Jeans & Shorts
~Why Not . . . Create Your Own Style Commandments? . . . the readers’ favorite this week
~A sneak peek – Emma Stone’s cover of Vogue US July 2012
~Ask Shannon
~What Will Your Purpose Be?
~My new style inspiration – Rules of Style: Hedvig Opshaug
~This & That: No. 11 – a book to read, sales to shop and tips for your next yard sale

And a look at this week’s newsletter – issue #105 – click here to read.

Until Monday, bonjour!

P.S. - In last week's This & That: No. 10, I mentioned I had ordered a nautical top from Chance clothing. Click here to see read my review of their product.

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Roots of Style Book Review

“Style is your most sincere form of expression.” – Isabel Toledo

As a way to share her views on life, love and fashion design, the woman labeled as the “designer’s designer”, Isabel Toledo shares in her recently released memoir Roots of Style (March 6, 2012) her artistic inspirations, the personal experiences that have shaped her work, her personal philosophies on design and life and how she has skillfully managed to blend art and commerce.

Read more »

Rules of Style – Cindy Crawford

For me, Cindy Crawford was the first supermodel that I remember laying eyes upon and, in that sense she was my first introduction to a lady in the media whose style I looked up to. Yes, I have her first workout VHS tape with Seal’s music included in the soundtrack, but her simple beauty and classic wardrobe are something I try to learn from.  I’ve never seen her in something outrageous (okay, the red Versace dress at the Oscars in 1991, but she looked amazing, truly) and upon further investigation, it’s clear she knows how to dress for her body and let her own beauty shine. And by George, she can cook too, as she shared her recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb pie  on Oprah.

Here’s a look at a few of her tricks we can all incorporate into our lives to look radiant, healthy and happy.

Take Care Of Your Skin

One of the most tried and true daily habit to help improve your style is to take care of your skin. Making sure to apply SPF moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day if you are outside, as well as daily cleansing followed by night and eye cream in the evening can allow your true beauty to shine and cause you to look younger as you gain wisdom with your years. While I’ve never tried any of Cindy Crawford’s beauty line Meaningful Beauty (I have religiously used Oil of Olay since I was a teenager), the biggest message is to be consistent and protect what you were born with.

Add A Belt & A Handsome Accessory

I find Cindy Crawford continually demonstrating how a simple dress whether it be for evening or day can be given that extra pop by simply adding a belt. The funny thing about belts is that when you see them shopping, you really need to be able to visualize them with an outfit you have in mind because the power they instantly add is amazing and tends to always grab compliments. Now the handsome accessory, well anyone on with a stylish confident woman would be a lucky man, don’t you think?

A Black Jacket

A black leather jacket tends to be Cindy Crawford’s wardrobe essential item and has said just as much in many interviews. Paired with jeans and a simple top underneath – everything looks California casual.

Jeans, A Tan, Sunnies & A Camisole

When you have legs like these, why not make jeans your go-to choice? Cindy makes white, gray, black and the basic blue jean look amazing, and with the variety of styles and fits available now, so can we.

Layers

A wonderful essential uniform idea for running errands, dropping your children off for school or perusing around town on the weekends is to add a jacket or cardigan over a beautiful camisole.  Paired with jeans, a stylish tote and comfortable flats, you are ready to run into anyone unexpectedly.

A Simple, Stylish, Comfortable Travel Wardrobe

Layers, jeans and boots – comfort, style and ease. Perfect for traveling and being confident that you will look departing and landing.

Black Dress, A Beautiful Blow-Out, Understated Jewelry & Flattering Make-Up

Looking beautiful has quite a bit to do with confidence and knowing what looks best on your body type. Granted Cindy Crawford was blessed beyond blessed, but she doesn’t detract from what her natural beauty is.  Her hair is styled in such a way that flatters her face, her make-up accentuates her strong features (eyes and cheekbones) and then she allows herself to shine while the clothes are merely in the background providing a classic and stylish foundation.

As you can see, it all comes down to understanding who you are and knowing your strengths and then capitalizing on them.

For more Rules of Style for women who are tall:

*Cameron Diaz

*Gisele Bundchen

*Molly Sims

*Inès de la Fressange

And for those a bit shorter in stature, but not lacking in beauty:

*Tory Burch

*Kelly Ripa

*Sarah Jessica Parker

{For all of you seeking even more style in your wardrobe choices, I have the pleasure of introducing you to an up and coming stylist from New York City. I am excited to announce that during the first week of February Tiffani Rogers of Living Chic will be visiting The Simply Luxurious Life blog and answering any and all questions you may have about fashion, style, what to wear when, what clothes flatter your figure and ideas on how to incorporate the latest spring fashions into your wardrobe.

How it will work: email me (info@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com) or leave a comment with a question you have here on the blog prior to the 1st of February. Tiffani will be answering each of your questions in depth, and we will reveal them here on Thursday, February 3rd. I look forward to hearing what you’re curious about and have confidence that you will find Tiffani to be a wonderful and valuable resource.}

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Rules Of Style – Audrey Hepburn

A list of style icons wouldn’t be complete without the graceful and elegant Audrey Hepburn. With her classic, timeless style, she reminds us all that less is more, good etiquette will never go out of style and a good heart is irreplaceable. Here is a look at a few of the lessons we can take away from such a stunning and unforgettable woman.

Less Is More 

Be Compassionate

 

Ankle Pants & Flats

 

Good Posture

 

Scarves & Sunglasses 

A Classic Trench

 

Go Nautical

 

Boatneck

 

Can’t Go Wrong With Black

 

Rock A Pixie Cut 

When you’re beautiful and strong on the inside, it doesn’t take much to share your beauty with the outer world. The key is to believe that you do indeed possess such qualities. Thinking of others, speaking a kind word, subtly playing up your body’s strengths, we all could be reminded of such elegant simplicity from a very classy lady. Thank you Audrey.

 

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Rules Of Style – Kelly Ripa

Her laugh, her fit physique, her love of Victoria Beckham’s designs, Regis, her husband.  Okay, I’ll admit it, I am very envious of Kelly Ripa’s life, but the fact remains, she is 5’4” and I am 5’9”, and the least I can do is learn from her signature style.

As I began to share yesterday in my new series Why Not . . . Create Your Own Signature Style, there really are no set rules that each of us must follow in order to create a signature style. In fact, in order to create our signature style, we must throw away the rule book so to speak.

However, with this Rules of Style series, each woman I have spotlighted is someone who has indeed created her own rules, and I try to share what we can learn from the rules they appear to live by when it comes to expressing their unique signature style.

Kelly Ripa is a force of nature it seems. Her energy, boisterous and sincere laughter, comedic timing and zest for living a full life, all combine to reveal a woman who owns who she is, is more than comfortable her reality and refuses to be defined by looks alone. While I have to say she does have style rules that clearly work for her, her approach to life is even more inspiring. Let’s take a look.

Elongate Your Leg

A quick and surefire way to elongate your leg and appear Rockette-leggy is to wear boot-cut jeans paired with stilettos making sure that the hem falls well past the heel. And even if you are already tall, like myself, don’t shy away from this look, due to the pairing of heels and the cut of the jeans, you are instantly slimmer.

Dress Neutrally

Kelly Ripa is someone who regularly wears colors proudly and very well, but as you can see, wearing a neutral dress is just as flattering if it is accessorized well – statement making heels, eye-catching, but not too gaudy, jewelry and a beautifully coiffed ‘do.

Cowlneck Neckline

Less amply endowed women have more than a few ways of deceiving the eye, and one way is to wear a cowlneck.  Whether it be a sweater, an full skirted dress, a sheath dress or a winter coat, the cowlneck draws the attention to a woman’s clavicle which is quite sexy indeed in its own way.

Flattering Shorts

The trend of shorts being incorporated into the boardroom is something that takes confidence and a great pair of legs, but as you can see from above, they really have versatile capabilities – wear them for fun or wear them for work.

Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously

The grandest and most helpful lesson I take away from observing Kelly Ripa is her ability to not take herself too seriously. The key is to know where to draw the line, how to keep the balance. Being humble and hilarious is one thing, but refusing to accept much deserved compliments is quite another.  Ripa is a beautiful woman, but she is well aware that depth of character and a good sense of humor are much more important to sustain a strong character in any business.

Comfy, Yet Stylish

“I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little.  If only out of politeness.  And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”

– Coco Chanel

Even if you are running to the store to pick up a few last minute items, make sure you look stylish.  While casual, you can still include a pair of neutral heels and slap a quick layer of lip gloss on, before you walk out the door. Not only will you look pulled together, but you will feel more confident. Because who knows you might run into. (Click here for learning how to create a casually stylish uniform that works best for you.)

Regular Exercise

No matter how chaotic your life may be, regular exercise is a foundational component to help maintain your sanity, health and adequate energy to make it through each day successfully. Whether you choose running, like Ripa, pilates, walking, or swimming, just make sure it is an activity (or activities) that you enjoy enough to continue doing on a regular schedule.

Enjoyable Company

Between her husband Mark and her co-host Regis, Kelly’s company is a laugh and a half. Nothing can help you to foster your true self more than people who allow you to be yourself and bring out the best in you on a regular basis.

A Bit Of Mystery

Myself being a person who covets her privacy, as much as Kelly Ripa is in the public eye, it’s very clear she has a healthy balance of work/celebrity and family. And while her fans may think they know why her life runs as smoothly as it appears, she keeps her personal business secret. She obviously knows how to be herself and is comfortable with who she is, and in knowing this she knows she doesn’t have to expose everything to be successful.

 

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