Guest Post: 30 Things I Learned About Finances

I am so happy to introduce you to a fellow blogger who inspires me every day when it comes to style, living a life of your dreams and being financially independent. Tiffani is a personal stylish living in New York City and is the entrepreneur behind Living Chic personal stylish services as well as the author of the blog Accidental Chic. The list of financial advice she has generously shared with The Simply Luxurious Life readers is something I myself will be printing and posting on my inspiration board. Have a look.

I am excited to be able to contribute to The Simply Luxurious Life’s 'Financial Food For Thought'. A passionate lover of fashion and design living in NYC I knew I had to educate myself on personal finances once I graduated from Grad School back in 2007. I was determined to be smart with my money and start off on the right foot. I find personal finance fascinating because you can tell a lot about a person by their relationship with money.

Last month I celebrated my 30th birthday in Paris, France. This has been a goal of mine since I was 27 years old. Yes, I'm a planner. However, I can't express how liberating it felt to have this amazing life experience and not worry about putting it on a credit card since I had been saving for years. Therefore, I would like to share the wisdom I have learned since taking hold of my finances in my twenties. 

30 Things I Learned About Financial Chic Before I Turned 30

1. Passion is everything; the money will follow.
2. Savings = FREEDOM
3. It's never too early to start saving for retirement.
4. Pay off your credit card balance each month.
5. Cash is KING!
6. Aim for a 720-800 credit score.
7. Never defer you student loans, especially private loans.
8. Sleep on big ticket purchases.
9. NEVER co-sign a loan for anyone. We're all responsible for our own finances.
10. Make a financial date once a week with your finances. Wine, tea - anyone?
11. Buying expensive designer clothes, bags, jewelry on credit is NOT chic. 
12. Time is money.
13. Aim for an 8 months emergency fund, the future is not predictable or promised.
14. There's nothing more attractive than a woman/man with their finances in order.
15. Whenever shopping, make a list!
16. Check your credit score & credit report once a year.
17. Set up a savings account with a high interest online bank, you'll be less tempted to take out the money since it is not accessible to an ATM.
18. KNOW YOUR WORTH!!!
19. Surround yourself with like-minded money people.
20. Start a money group.
21. Suze Orman and Carmen Wong Ulrich are great financial gurus.
22. Never, ever marry for money. You'll get exactly what you deserve...
23. Be open to talking about personal finances and educate those around.
24. Don't be afraid to say 'no thanks' to social obligations that will put you in debt.
25. Did I mention cash is king?
26. Continue to educate yourself on personal finance. Unfortunately, we have a lot to learn since we were never taught this in school.
27. Life is meant to be enjoyed, don't let poor financial decisions put a damper. It's never too late to turn it all around.
28. Buying a home does not mean financial freedom or the American dream for everyone. Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses, everyone's situation is different.
29. There's no way to balance work and play, your work should be play!
30. True wealth is not the consumption of material possessions but the ability to fully experience life.

{Tiffani is a NYC-based Fashion Stylist, Creative Director of LIVING Chic Style, Inc. and also inspiring you to live a fashionably beautiful life through her blog ACCIDENTAL Chic.}

5 Favorite Things & 3 Lessons I’ve Learned

Stop by the glamorous blog All Glam Things today to view my guest post in her Glam Girls series where I share the three lessons I’ve learned so far in this 31 years of life as well as a list of my five favorite things (click here to view).  It was a challenging, yet fun task to take on as it forced me to succinctly put into words what I know for sure.  A huge thank you to Yelena for inviting me to participate.

Ways to Incorporate Simply Luxury into Your Wardrobe

{Not long into my venture of blogging I was fortunate to be introduced to personal stylist Tiffani Rogers of Accidental Chic and Living Chic.  Ever since I have enjoyed becoming more aware of a woman’s financial prowess, and how it cannot be separated from a stylish life. I also enjoy following her via Twitter as she takes in New York Fashion Weeks each season.  She is a woman who is passionate about fabulous style and shares her advice in a manner that is welcoming and enlightening to everyone whether you are a fashionista or simply want to look presentable. It is my pleasure to welcome her to The Simply Luxurious Life.}

As a personal stylist I take great pleasure in adding simple luxuries into my clients’ wardrobes as well as my own. Shannon has showed us on this fabulous blog that simple luxuries don’t have to cost a fortune; it really is the small things in life that can make a huge difference.

I would like to share with you several simple ways you can make your wardrobe feel more luxurious.

Proper Undergarments

Take the time to access your bra and underwear drawer. Do they make you feel glamorous? Support and complement your figure? If not, toss it! You should be buying the type of undergarments that make you feel good. Mix & match fun prints or lace. Don’t feel the need to scrimp or buy dull colors just because they are hiding under your clothes. You’ll start every day off on the right foot by adding this simple luxury.

A Great Pair of Shoes

Every gal should own a fun pair of heels (or flats, if heels are just not your thing). Personally, wearing a great pair of heels adds simple luxury to my day. They can be thrown on to take my outfit up a notch. Whatever the color or style, adding a great pair of shoes to your wardrobe will make a dull day at the office a little more exciting.

Signature Scent

Whether it’s a lotion, body splash or perfume, find your signature scent and wear it daily. I loathe when people tell me they are saving their perfumes for a “special occasion”. EVERY DAY is a special occasion! There is nothing like catching a hint of your signature scent in the middle of the day to put a smile on your face.

Cozy, yet Chic Sleepwear

There is nothing we look forward to more than throwing on our pajamas and getting under the covers after a long day. I bet 85% of you are wearing sweatpants and oversized T-shirts to bed. Why not treat yourself to a pair or two of comfortable flannel pajamas in a cute print? Or how about a chic pajama dress for the warmer months? When you look put together, you feel put together. I believe we should feel good about ourselves all the time, even if we are just going to bed.

After reading this post I guarantee you will become more mindful of the pieces you keep or bring into your wardrobe. For more fashion and style advice visit www.accidentalchic.com.

xoxo, Tiffani

Images: (1) We Heart It (2) We Heart It (3) We Heart It (4) We Heart It

A Brand New Year With No Mistakes

Want a bit of inspiration as you begin 2011? Stop by Lilac & Grey to view my guest post for a few thoughts to ponder. 

Eye On Style – Trust Your Style

Mary Jo of Trust Your Style recently invited me to participate in her series Eye On Style, and I was flattered to be asked.  Click here to find out what style means to me and a list of my favorite designers. I have to say, thank you for the lovely comments that were left on my guest post.  It brought a gigantic smile to my face and a tip of the hat upon reading what my readers had to say.  Thank you so much.

Images: Simply Luxurious

The Perfect Handbag For Every Occasion

In the course of a week, a woman potentially could reach for a dozen different handbags.  To help try and simplify, and at the same time help each of us remain ever so stylish, I’ve compiled a list of five handbags every woman should have on hand to take her from the workplace to an evening out.  When Handbag Heaven invited me to write a guest post including some of their new bags, I accepted the invitation.  Click here to read more about which bags to keep in your closet so that you’re always prepared for any occasion.

 

Image: (1) Hawtvintage

Style Icon – Jenna Lyons – Guest Post

A modern style icon that always grabs my attention is Jenna Lyons.  So when the opportunity to guest post on Sugar & Spice came up, I jumped at the chance to share even more images of her style.  Hop on over to this lovely blog and read my post which is part of her Style Icon series which has me hooked.

Cozy Comforts Of Fall via The Alternative Wife

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Dawn of The Alternative Wife.  She is one of the warmest and easy-and-enjoyable-to-work-with bloggers, and I am so happy she is sharing her beautiful images and lovely ideas and thoughts with all of you today here on The Simply Luxurious Life.  Make sure to stop by her blog as you will not be disappointed with her endless amounts of sensual beauty found in all walks of life.  Thank you again Dawn.

Hello all! I'm Dawn from The Alternative Wife, and I'm so thrilled to be here today guest posting for the lovely Shannon today while she is away. Shannon has such an incredible eye for discovering beautiful things and offers the most inspirational posts I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Every day that I stop by The Simply Luxurious Life I leave feeling instantly uplifted and inspired. So to say it's an honor for me to be here today is a gross understatement.

Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things about the fall season. After a long and hot summer season and a few weeks of back and forth weather it finally seems as if fall is here to stay in New York. Which has me briskly packing away the sundresses and flip flops and in turn yearning for the cozy comforts of the season.

Fall is such an introspective time of year for me. It's the time of year that I am inspired the most whether it be cooking, photography, or art. Maybe it's getting back in touch with nature and having the time to explore new things. I'm not quite sure but there's just something about this season that brings out the creative in me. Here are some the things that I most look forward to all year long.

Discovering Quaint Little Towns On Fall Foliage Drives

Even though I live in a big city, luckily there are lots of cute little towns, and many still undiscovered by me, a short drive away.

Apple Picking

An annual family affair. We make a whole day of it and visit some wineries while we're at it.

Long Strolls In The Woods Followed By A Delicious Hot Treat

I just love pulling on different layers of clothing and heading outdoors for a long brisk stroll. And what better thing to return to than a hot drink to warm the body & soul.

Indoor Retreat

After a summer filled with long days outdoors & weekend excursions, fall is finally the time when I retreat to my home. I really have made my home my haven with a comfy, plush couch, throw blankets and pillows, dark woods, candles and an overall warm inviting ambiance. Nothing is better than spending an entire weekend indoors curled up on the couch watching a movie, reading, or napping. I'd love to know, what are your favorite things about the fall season?  And thank you so much Shannon for having me here on your lovely blog. It’s been a real pleasure and a thrill! xoxo

Images: 1, 19 & 21 - Mario Sierra via Haute Design, 2 via Hopscotch & Grace, 3-8, 10-12, 17, 18 Anne Williams, 9 - Andrey Korotich via FGR, 13 & 14 via Haute Design, 15 &16 via Cherry Blossom Girl, 20 via Space For Inspiration, 22, 23 via Signe Pling

Display Your Collectibles via Haute Design

For this week’s Tuesday’s Rooms of Inspiration, Sarah of the gorgeous blog Haute Design graciously stepped in, and I must say she has some ideas that I will be taking to heart as well for my own home.  An exquisite eye for design in both decor and fashion, Haute Design is a must-see for continual inspiration.  Thank you so much Sarah for sharing today on The Simply Luxurious Life.

Hello, this is Sarah from Haute Design. I am honored to be filling in today for the lovely Shannon, sharing one of my recent favorite decorating ideas…

An idea: use your treasured collectibles together to create a chic look on top of your mantle. There are a variety of different possibilities: tea cups, vintage, clear glass vases, milk glass, clocks, lanterns, candleholders, glass beverage containers, really, the possibilities are endless.

A Tip: variety in size, shape, depth, and texture is key to creating this look.

I first came across this beautiful mantle (image 03) that was done by Carolyn Quartermaine, which inspired many ideas—in fact, we did an entire vintage black glass mantle, using vases, cups, bowls, pots, and even candleholders, for variety. This bold look can easily transition from Summer to Fall and through winter quite nicely, simply by making a statement with what you add. Soft pink and white roses might be lovely and for Spring and Summer, but perhaps replaced by moss for a fresh, clean look for Fall. You might add small pumpkins in mid–Fall with leaves, and perhaps fresh green and other trinkets for Christmas.

These pieces can become a basis for more whimsical accessories, and allow for different feels, simply by adding or subtracting little details. Having fun and being a little adventurous is the key!

Image 01: Desire to Inspire Image 02: This Is Glamorous Image 03: Jamaica Byles Image 04: Country Living

Not Your Mother’s Pearls via Daily Diva Dish

Piper of ever intriguing Daily Diva Dish blog has taken the time to share with The Simply Luxurious Life readers the varieties in the world of pearls. Maybe you’ve noticed, but you really can find a pearl to suit your mood.  She has taken the time to scour to find some very unique and beautiful designs that display the many ways in which pearls can be worn.  Thank you Piper for taking time to share with us. I truly appreciate it.

Has anyone else noticed? Recently pearls have developed a real attitude. No longer content to be a dainty afterthought, pearls have turned edgy.

Years ago, with Jackie Kennedy as their inspiration, women wore simple white pearls (real or glass) knotted on silk cord. And for decades, very little changed.

Until now. Today’s pearls are new and edgier. Available in unique shapes and colors, mixed with chains and spikes, worn on leather or even salvaged…these aren’t your mother’s pearls! Following are examples of some of the many choices available.

Keshi and Freshwater Pearls

Salvaged Pearls

Mixed with Chain

With Spikes

 

On Leather

Or available in Rich Colors

Do you like the new attitude in pearls? Or do you prefer traditional?

Images: (1) The Cheap Girl (2) Vivre (3) Twisted Silver (4) Stella & Dot (5) Bergdorf Goodman (6) ASOS (7) Alexander McQueen (8) Vivre (9) Lulus (10) Honora

Boudoir Chic via House of Design and Style

The first of a handful of very kind and lovely bloggers to step in and share some beautiful guest posts while I’m off to Portland for the marathon is Andrea of  House of Design & Style. Andrea genuinely has a passion for style and exquisite design which you will find on a regular basis on her blog.  Be sure to stop by as her classic, yet clean blog design is easy on the eyes and a treat to see. Thank you Andrea for your time and this luxurious French post.

Hello! This is Andrea from House of Design & Style, and I am delighted to be filling in for Shannon today! Shannon and I share a mutual love for all things French, especially French decor.

I prefer French decor in the bedroom. A "Boudoir Chic" design is my favorite type of style for the bedroom. It is glamorous and feminine and looks beautiful when done in soft nude, beige and cream palettes.

My idea of a perfect "Boudoir Chic" bedroom would look something like this…

A corner with a cozy settee to curl up and read a book and enjoy a glass of wine.

An ornate headboard with crisp white linens and mirrored end tables for a touch of glamour...

A vanity table and mirror next to the window to enjoy a summer breeze and view of the city (in Paris of course!)...

A dressing room with tons of mirrors and lights to get dolled up in beautiful satin gowns laced with pearls...

A crystal beaded chandelier with a soft glow for a romantic ambiance in the evenings...

And a perfectly organized closet with beautiful wood paneling and a matching wooden chair.

Thank you Shannon for asking me to guest post today. I had a lot of fun sharing my perfect "Boudoir Chic" bedroom with you all!

The Charm of Change

While Laura of Under the Sheets . . . shhh is finishing up her move to Los Angeles, she asked me to share my thoughts on change.  As the image hints, it truly can be a beautiful and blissful occurrence. Click here to read my guest post.

Image: Martha

An Ideal Weekend

Come stop by Under the Sheets . . .shhh to see what an ideal weekend might look like to me.  As you can see above, food and cooking is a definite requisite.

source

The Beauty of Mistakes

Be sure to stop by House of Design & Style to read how to turn your mistakes into beautiful works of art.  It really can happen.  It’s all about your state of mind. Click here to read.

Image: Fashion Served

Guest Post – The Perfect Summer Day

Andrea of House of Design & Style has kindly asked me to be a guest blogger while she enjoys a dream of a vacation in Europe. Stop on by, by clicking here to see my idea of the perfect summer day.

Images: Vogue

Guest Post – Love Is In the Air

Once again, Laura of Under the Sheets . . . shhh has invited me to share a guest post, and I must extend a tremendous thank you.  If you’re looking for a bit of love in your life, or if you’re wearing your own pair of rose colored glasses right now, I think you’ll enjoy today’s post.  Click here to have a look.

Image courtesy of Alley 9

An Ideal Love Story – Guest Post

When Laura of Under the Sheets . . . shhh asked me to write a guest post focusing on the idea of glamorous love stories while she is whisked away for her very own love story (wedding and honeymoon), I jumped at the chance.  Click here to view my guest post: A Glamorous Love Story.

Guest Post on Fashion, Art and Expression

Today, be sure to stop by Precilla Sedney’s blog Fashion, Art and Expression to view my guest post on allowing one’s wardrobe to do all of the talking.  There are so many ways we can convey the exact message we want with the clothes we choose.  Click here to view “Speak Volumes Without Saying a Word”.

Also on The Simply Luxurious Life today,  Rooms for Inspiration.  Today’s focus – comforting sofas.

Well, I’m off to take on this lovely rainy day.  No need to water my plants.  Hooray!

 

Pics and Models Vogue US, May 2010 Ph: David Sims