2018 is officially the past and 2019 has arrived!  Many will ambitiously set new year resolutions and attacking them with gusto; some will set the classic resolutions of  improving  finances, health, clutter or even relationships. So many will start off strong but unfortunately will lose momentum somewhere along the way and revert back to those habits that we vowed we would change on January 1 and falling into the trap of procrastination and uttering the phrase “next year I will_________________( you fill in the blank).

I’m not sure when I stopped making New Year resolutions because  I started to feel that I was setting myself up for failure. To announce a resolution on a date that the world has deemed a day to “reset” yourself  and establish life changing goals. I’m learning to set goals throughout the year and celebrate the little wins along the way. As I continue to set and achieve my personal goals, I will share with you what I find helpful in achieving them.

Look at the whole picture.

No matter the goal you have set, first look at the whole picture: the  who, what, when and why of the goal you have set; then attack the how, make a plan that is ambitious but realistic and celebrate the mini victories along the way.

If financial stability is your goal, first look at where every dollar is coming from and going. Create a spreadsheet of your finances or try apps such as Mint or Everydollar to help your financial focus.

You’ve set a goal to work on you health. Get a physical so you know where you stand with your numbers in regards to blood pressure, cholesterol, hormone levels, weight etc.  A journey starts with the first step of knowing what direction your headed.

Your goal is to strengthen your relationships with friends, family or spouses, start with self reflection, write in a reflective or inspirational journal map out your feelings and what you want to achieve in your relations.

Whatever goal you have set, you first need to be honest with yourself, yes it is cliché but you know I’m speaking the truth. I have also found that having  God involved in all aspects of my life will give you peace while you are achieving your goals. Accomplishing goals just doesn’t magically happen it takes planning, faith, accountability  and endurance. Below tid-bits of advice that I find to be very helpful

Education and tools.

Your goal(s) are set but you need a strong foundation and education is key. There is so much information out there from books to websites and videos strikes of the keyboard

away. Last year I started the goal to work on my finance. I found  Dave Ramsey’s book “Total money make over” an essential tool. It basically has  a blueprint on how to start saving money and getting out of debt.  Now as a former educator, I know books are not enough, so people need visuals, charts graphs etc. I personally found apps that show me progress are extremely motivating and get me excited about reaching the next level of my goal.

There are some many “blueprint” books out there that can help you be successful. You want to change you eating habits, try “Whole30”, the program is designed to

make you look at your foods and how  body responds. What ever your goal is  there is literature out there to get you started and educate you on a path way of success.

“The Happiness Project” is great book that I personally enjoy because  it has challenged me to look at different aspects of my life and relationships  from different perspectives. There are journal exercises that poses questions that make you think out side of the box.

Emotional Support & Advice

Some days are going to be harder than other and you’ll need a cheerleader to help you get you through those thoughts of doubt and confusion. For this you’ll need the influence of people who are where you want be. You want financial stability, talk to people who have their finances in order,  they’ll have some insights that may help you achieve your goals. Health and fitness, surround yourself around individuals who are crushing it, they eat healthy, they are active. Exercise and clean eating are two of the greatest medications out there. Avoid people who are  quick to give advice but don’t live by their own principles; this will on infuriate and discourage you. Our families can be our biggest supporters but they also can be our biggest enablers. I have my greatest support from friends and others who are distant from the situation and hence have a more neutral perspective and can give more sound advice.

Write it Down

We live in a digital world and it is great for so many things like reminders for meetings and doctors appointments. But there is something to be said about pen and paper, for me seeing it written out on a calendar or journal, almost as a contract between yourself and your goal. It is such a satisfying feeling to see goals being check off. Writing things down  gives you an idea where you are emotionally and how much you have achieved in relation to your goals. I personally feel that now that it is written down, it is no longer a thought swimming around; it is now the first step in your many steps to greatness.

Whatever your personal goal is remember this:

  Education and a strong foundation are key in achieving your goals.

  Write and plan your goals down.

  Celebrate the mini wins along your journey; it is great motivation for perseverance.

  Surround yourself with like minded individuals

Have faith in yourself and with God all things  is possible.

Happy New Year!

Christmas has come and gone, most of us have watched “Love Actually” and “Chevy Chase Christmas vacation” by now (my two favourtie Christmas movies) donned Holiday attire and have attended our  holiday soirees, with the biggest one hours away… ringing in 2019. As we bring 2018 to a close I want to reflect on 3 of my favourite trends this year.

All things Sparkle

Sparkles, both literal and figurative, I like to have that sparkle in my life. I’ve worn the sequin skirts and tees but this year opted for the glitter sneakers from Old Navy. They are comfortable and are definitely a statement pieces and the best part was I had some sparkle in every step. I like this look with jeans and a blazer or dresses.

I know many of you are shocked because I usually don’t wear sneakers and you’re right, I don’t but I have made exceptions for Converse, vintage Nikes or Addidas and now glitter sneakers. However my rule is, you must elevate the sneakers! The fastest way to elevate them is to throw on a Blazer and viola you’re rockin’ the sparkles while looking professional.

Eye Lash cardigans

OK, so I was very skeptical of this one because it screams “90s fashion” (which I am not a a fan of) but it is incredibly soft and elegant when  styled “just the right way” Many designers from Banana Republic to Anthropology debuted a version of a  white eye lash cardigans, however I decided to incorporate the cardigan from the “Ana and Viv” collection in Target. It is a slightly cropped V-neck cardigan embellished with gold large buttons (how could I pass up gold buttons). Paired with white jeans and tee, it was a cozy winter look.

The Jump Suit

Who can resist a beautifully structured jumpsuit? As with a fashion, there is great inspiration behind it; the jump suit is no exception. Here is a little history behind the jumpsuit. It was first worn by astronauts, pilots, and skydivers, then women started wearing them when they had to work in factories during the World War II. Like all trends, the jumpsuit eventually made its way to popular culture with singers like David Bowie and Elvis Presly perfoming in them. Asit mad it’s way to the mainstream fashion, the jumps suit was a must have of the 70s and 80s fashion. As we know, all fashion is cyclical and it faded away from mainstream fashion for about a decade or two; but it has come back full force. The jump suit, in my opinion” has now become a must have any wardrobe. With so many cuts and fabrics, the jumps suit can be worn at the office or out on the town.

Some trends eventually become classics and a staple in your wardrobe, just look at denim. Then there are pieces that are just trends and will make an appearance  every decade or so. Just remember, don’t splurge on a trend because come next season, it will not be on trendy. Do pair a trendy piece with a classic like a blazer or pencil skirt and most importantly add your signature to your trend and make you look unique.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year. I do have one favour to ask of you… Appreciate the people in your life by telling them often how much you love them and how amazing and important they are.

It has become apparent to me and any one with eyes that there is an abuse of the laws of leggings. There are many arguments that are pro leggings such as they’re comfortable, they are convenient, fun etc. However, somewhere along the lines the use of leggings have become a chosen substitute for pants. Outside of work-outs at the gym, a deep cleaning of the house or a lazy stint on the sofa, leggings should not be used as a form of daily attire.

With American fashion, comfort tends to be more valued (by some) than appearance and some women have a blasé attitude about leggings and how they look in them. Now, I have expressed my opinion on the matter of leggings and know that many will continue to wear them… so in order for us to arrive to at a consensus on the topic here are a few suggestions:

Shear test:

In order to perform this test, you will need a trusted fashion advisor and good lighting. If there is any evidence of your natural back side showing through your leggings, you my friend are wearing tights and this “legging” is not an acceptable choice and should be worn with a dress or garment that goes to the mid thigh.

Au natural

We have all seen that woman, where we have to do a double take, “did she forget to put on pants?” I must stress any legging that resembles flesh colour, is a no-no and is trying to impersonate a pair tights which and should be reserved for ballet dancers or worn with a dress or skirt. Please do not attempt to wear these “natural” leggings solo, if you choose to do so, it is at your own risk. However, if you insist on wearing leggings outside of the above mentioned exceptions, please opt for leggings that are black, dark coloured, or bold patterns that are proportionate to your body type again you need to consult your trusted fashion advisor for what is an appropriate pattern. Speaking of appropriate patterns anything that represents food or a holiday should be avoided by anyone over the age of 12.

Fit session

Like all garments, leggings are sized. Though leggings are intended to be fitted, they can be to tight. For example, if detailed parts of your anatomy can be seen then, my dear, your leggings are too tight and you should size up. Many brands manufacture leggings but like so many other things they are not all created equal and you need to have fit sessions. I personally opt for yoga pants for their structure, support and variety of materials which are generally designed for sweat sessions. I also love that that the colors and patterns are bold and colourful without being immature.

Fellow fashionistas, I have expressed my views on the use of leggings and yoga pants. I’m not anti leggings or yoga pants but I’m an advocate of proper legging and yoga wear at the appropriate time.

September is upon us. Fall is right around the corner! The stores are already in the realm for the season with sweaters and fall inspired looks. School is back in session and back on the Pumpkin Spice wagon. (yes, I am a fan.) Problem is, it’s 95 degrees outside!. How to blend your summer heat with the new fall fashion treats?

As we transition into Fall, so must our wardrobes. Transition pieces are key: Blazers, denim jackest and cardigans are great key pieces that help with the chill inside to beat the heat but are easy pieces to remove.

Blazers are one of my favourite pieces .They come in a variety of fabrics and colours. You can even take your suit blazer and use it as a transition piece. It is great to wear with your favourite summer dress and give you a comfortable yet professional look. As we go from summer to fall; look for cotton and cotton linen blends for your blazers. (keep your wool for winter).

Cardigans another great option and one of Michelle’s, my sister, go-tos. Cardigans are cool because there is a variety of them which allows for a little expression of personality. Those who have shopped with me, personality is important with style. Cardigans like blazer have different fabrics so suggest you begin with the cotton and slowly proceed to heavier fabric(if you so choose)

A tried and true transition piece for all seasons is the denim jacket

. Depending on your profession, the denim jacket may not be an option but if it is. Play with the different washes. Because denim can be worn year round, it is a perfect piece for summer dress, tees and skirt, trousers and sweater. My denim jack is a critical piece of my wardrobe.

Please keep cool in the 95 degree heat, keep warm in the icebox buidings and mentally prepare for fall with everything pumpkin and transition pieces.

 

 

80% of women are wearing the wrong bra! With so many options of lingerie and apparel how is this possible? There are many explanations for why women are not getting the support that gives proper posture and ill fitting apparel.

All bra brand sizes are not equal

Ladies, just like sizing can differ in jeans and LBD (little black dress) across various designers, the same is true for bras. You can’t buy the same size bra at Nordstrom and Victoria Secret and expect a similar fit. Bra sizes are not prescriptions, you can’t get measured at a lingerie boutique and take those numbers over to Target or Lane Bryant to find your exact fit. I’ve attempted this and I have spent hundreds of dollars on ill fitting bras. Invest the time and money into a proper bra fitting session and bra.

Vanity Sizing:

I’m not sure when it happened but women are obsessed with that number written on that tiny white tag inside of bras and clothing, that NO ONE sees. I hear women spout out their sizes as if it is an accomplishment. Truth is no one cares!!! There are some brands that won’t go above DD or DDD because of vanity but there are some of you who may need to advance further down the alphabet in order to get the proper fit and support. If changing those letters mean you look amazing in your clothes and you have great support; it doesn’t matter if your number and letters are 36C or a 44G. So purchase your proper size and go on about your day.

Price

You get your money’s worth! We know this to be true with cars, furniture, apparel, shoes, hand bags and so many other products. It is also true for bras, if you buy a $9.99 bra you are going to get $9.99 worth of support and then you are back to square one of having no support. Now with an adequate investment of fitting and money, your bras will last you six months or longer if you rotate them. This investment will improve your posture, give you more support and make you look fabulous in your fashions.

A la mode…the experience

One of my favourite boutiques to purchase my bras in A la mode in Annapolis, MD. The ladies there have measured me, saved my profile and always have the latest style colour from England and Paris waiting for me. Recently, my good friend Jessica hosted a 2 hour bra fitting party at the boutique where we were greeted with cheeses, fruit, wine with each room ready for our individual fittings and very knowledgeable women. The ladies of A la mode are patient and meticulous when fitting you for a bra. The ladies brought various styles until we each found a bra that was our perfect individual fits, even for the 2 nursing mothers in a party. In addition to bras, they were able to find nursing pads. After a successful (stress free) event, we all walked out of A la mode feeling more supported. The Bra fitting party and all experiences with A la mode were amazing. The ladies of the boutique genuinely care fitting every woman who walks through their door.

News has broken that J.Crew will now offer a collection that is sized up to 5x. All I can say is….its about time! As a J.crew aficionada, I have watched J.Crew exclude their sizes 14 and 16 to online only,  announced  “size 14 now in stores;”  and with the new leadership of CEO, Jim Brett, we are now seeing J.crew and Madewell extending their sizing to include XXL tops and a waist size up to 37 in jeans.  Now, J.Crew announces a collaboration with Universal Standard to offer clothing from  sizes 0 to 32. J.Crew has a history of collaborating with many designers from New Balance to Liberty, with some pieces being limited editions and being sold out online before being available in stores. Launching a collaboration with Universal Standard, makes the look of J.crew available to a variety of women.

The average size of an American woman is 14/16 and many designers ignored this fact for many years, leaving few clothing options for the curvy girls. With many other designers paying attention to this fact, plus sized clothing is now dominating the clothing market from the mini boutiques in Target to New York and Company and many other designers offering fashion in sizes beyond a size 14 , J.Crew is now joining the list of designers that now offer plus-size fashions.

Universal Standard collaboration  makes it debut with  a classic colour pallet in trend setting silhouettes with pricing ranging from $50 to $135, according to an interview with Lisa Greenwald by www.refinery29.com, the collaboration along with future plus sized J.crew collections will be integrated and not a separate section within the stores.

While J.crew has made it’s mark on the fashion map with it’s classic pieces in bold colours and patterns,  I’m excited to see the company is   headed in the direction to include sizing for a variety of women and joining a growing list of designers who are promoting diversity and healthy body images.