Shannon Ables's Blog, page 266

Sole Meunière

A beautiful, simple, French dinner that while looking rather complicated, is anything but. Sole meunière.

I will admit freely, I was first introduced to it upon watching Julie & Julia with Meryl Streep in one of the first scenes of the movie (see below). The sizzle, the sauce and the delicateness piqued my curiosity immediately.

I now regularly cook this dish, especially during the middle of the week. The subtle citrus and tender flavor satiate my palette each time. Have a look at the recipe below and be sure to pair with a crisp wine.

Sole Meunière

Time: 10-20 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 fresh sole fillets (3-4 ounces each)
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 teaspoons of grated lemon zest
2 small lemons or 1 large lemon (3-4 tablespoons of juice)

Directions:

Combine flour with salt and pepper on a large shallow plate.
Pat the sole dry with a paper towel and then sprinkle with salt on one side.
Heat up 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a sauce pan over medium heat until it begins to brown.
Dredge both fillets in the flour mixture.
Place the fillets in the saucepan with the hot butter.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until lightly brown.
Flip onto the second side and sprinkle fillets with zest and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the pan and place on serving dish. Pour the sauce from the pan over the fish for additional flavor.
Serve immediately or cover with tin foil until remaining dishes for your menu are complete.
Garnish with chopped Italian parsley and/or slices of lemon.

~Wine as seen in the photos from Liner & Elsen, Chateau d’Aix-en-Provence Rose, 2013

~recipe for Roasted Vegetables (as seen in the picture)

~scene starring Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci in Julie & Julia~

Examining the Benefits of Self-Awareness

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #143
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

“People need to know that they have all the tools within themselves. Self-awareness, which means awareness of their body, awareness of their mental space, awareness of their relationships – not only with each other, but with life and the ecosystem.” —Deepak Chopra

Feeling happy is one thing. Knowing why you feel happy is another. In fact, understanding precisely why and what caused you to reach a state of happiness is the sign of a person who is self-aware. And when we become self-aware, we become better able to cultivate more of what enlivens us and eliminate or effectively navigate what does not.

Let me share an example of both. During the Snowmagedeon of 2017 here in Bend, Oregon, tending to removal of the snow on your roof whether a homeowner or a tenant became a regular activity for a couple of weeks. It was not rare to see more than a few people on their roofs at the same time as you drove through your neighborhood. However, I was only able to eliminate the edges of my home from snow which kept me in a more than regular state of uncertainty. It not only effected my sleep, but my days as well, as I was regularly gazing at my ceiling, something I hadn’t done in earnest to note changes until now. I felt anxiety because I didn’t know. I didn’t know the house (I am a renter), and felt I didn’t have control. On the flip side, I recently spent the holidays at the Oregon coast, and it was the not owning and not having to tend to the cabin I had rented that provided much relaxation, peace and comfort. The lack of have-tos, should-dos and must-dos allowed my mind to relax and my body to find calm.

Knowing why you are feeling the way you are in any given situation requires each of us to pay attention. While we are most certainly aware and probably by default pay attention to all the external events in our lives, sometimes we neglect to observe ourselves. And not only observe, but then inquire as to why we see what we see, why we feel what we feel.

To be more precise, having self-awareness is:

Being able to observe ourselves, accept and recognize what we discover and be honest about how we feel, why we act certain ways in particular situations, and the change that we may need to take. It is being able to pay attention and be honest about our strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivations, and emotions. When we choose this approach, we choose to welcome a life of quality, a life of fulfillment, a life of contentment.

Earlier this year, Emotional Intelligence was discussed in depth on the blog and podcast. And one of the four components of cultivating EQ was  having self-awareness. But what exactly is self-awareness? Sounds simple, but upon closer examinations it is a skill that will take our undivided attention, time and then patience as we put what we learn into practice.

But first, let’s look at what it isn’t:

Being passive aggressive
Being controlling
Being defensive
Unconscious behavior changes

In other words, not being self-aware involves not noticing how our behavior adversely effects those around us and how our unhelpful behavior sabotages the relationships we are trying to build.

The benefits of being self-aware are plentiful, and overlapping of many of the tools we discuss here on TSLL and podcast (see a sampling here, here and here).

Benefits of having self-awareness

“Self-awareness is not self-centeredness, and spirituality is not narcissism. ‘Know thyself’ is not a narcissistic pursuit.” —Marianne Williamson

1. Become more at peace with yourself

When you take the time to listen to how you are feeling and investigate why you are feeling what you are, you become more in tune with your most authentic self. You begin the journey of searching out what piques your curiosity and thus gravitate toward moments that will cultivate more peace and harmony in your life.

2. Become better able to communicate with clarity

By understanding yourself, especially the “why”, you can clearly communicate with others your joy, your sadness, your frustration, your hopes. And when you speak clearly, others who truly are listening will come to know who you truly are.

3. Decision making is simplified

Knowing what you want is the most significant part to making the best decision. And when we finally discover what we want, we can say no quickly to the rest.

4. Clear purpose and direction

While we can always appreciate different paths that others take, when we know the direction we need to take and why we are on it, it is easier to stay focused and not stray.

5. An enriched life experience

The crucial crux to reaching self-awareness is understanding the why. Magnificent power is given to each of us when we answer with clarity the “why”. Upon knowing what enlivens us, what makes us shrink in fear or what tickles our curiosity, we can then seek out what will enrich us, what will heighten our experience and thus what will enrich our lives.

6. Find true fulfillment and contentment

Living an enriched life is discovering what fulfillment and contentment are. Being fully present in the moment, in the lives we have created for ourselves and wanting to be there, and then having the chance to experience this similar moment everyday in varying degrees is to attain fulfillment. And we can only do that if we are honest with ourselves about what we feel and why in any given situation.

7. Optimism rises

Optimism will rise as we begin to see evidence that applying what we learn about ourselves to life truly does lead us down a path that enlivens our lives. And when we see a fulfilling life is possible, we begin to believe again that life can be a truly amazing gift.

8. Reduction of guilt and regrets

Due to the ability to make better decisions, the guilt and the regrets are diminished. When we confidently make decisions, being aware of how we feel and how our decision will effect others, we know the outcome, by and large, before we leap. And once we leap we accept that not everyone will applaud, but we won’t regret it and we will be able to let go of judgment from others as we own our decision.

9. Improve relationships

Self-awareness is a key component of having emotional intelligence, and as was discussed here, developing our EQ improves our relationships because we are cognizant of our actions and how they effect those around us, and we know how to handle ourselves effectively as we can observe accurately what we feel and why.

How to develop self-awareness:

“Every human has four endowments – self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom… The power to choose, to respond, to change.” —Stephen Covey

Accept the responsibility of changing responses and behaviors to external stimuli: people, situations, life
Reflect on the outcome in each situation and contemplate your role
Self-care (brain, body, brand)
Develop high emotional intelligence
Master your mind

The development of soft skills, personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people, are entirely in each of our control. We can choose to recognize their power and find the patience to cultivate them as they will take time, or we can ignore an opportunity to enhance the quality of our lives and the lives of those around us.

If we seek the development we are choosing to be more present in ourselves, we are choosing to be active participants and come to a better understanding of our role in the world and how we can best be a part of it.

At times the process to become more self-aware may be uncomfortable, but the unease and discomfort is only temporary as it is alerting you to something that needs to be tended to before you can move forward. Tend to it and discover an increased quality of life.

 

~Petit Plaisir

~L’art de la Simplicité: How to Live More with Less by Dominique Loreau

 

Image: source

Download the Episode

This & That: February 17, 2017

Book
—Drop the Ball: Achieving More By Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu

Written by someone who has been through the trenches of great success only to realize that letting go was the best approach for both her rise and productivity in her professional field as well as in her personal world, Tiffany Dufu offers sage advice for all women who assume they must do it all to have it all. No more. Offering a new perspective and actionable advice, discover how you can live the life of your dreams in both spheres: family and business.

—The Happiness Effect: How Social Media is Driving a Generation to Appear Perfect at Any Cost by Donna Freitas and Christian Smith

As the younger generation continues to navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape, they do so having never known anything else. Unlike Generation X and beyond, projecting an image of happiness has for the most part always been the intent. Donna Freitas decides to interview college students on thirteen different campuses to discover the toll it has taken and to hopefully while revealing what is lacking (understanding that is okay not to feel happy all of the time), offer ease and peace of mind to let go of the hold social media can take in our lives.

—Love, Again: The Wisdom of Unexpected Romance by Eve Pell

Last weekend on NPR’s Weekend Edition, Eve Pell was interviewed about her new romance which blossomed between herself (in her 70s) and her partner, an octogenarian. If you don’t know Eve Pell, you will want to. She was introduced nationally to New York Times‘ readers when she wrote a column for the Modern Love series about finding love later in life. Readers responded resoundingly which resulted in her book Love, Again which is part memoir and part inspirational note to remind us all that love is always waiting to be seen, explored, shared and enjoyed no matter what our age.

—Style Your Mind by Cara Alwill Leyba

Using guided questions, Cara Alwill Leyba’s book is “A Workbook and Lifestyle Guide For Women Who Want to Design Their Thoughts, Empower Themselves, and Build a Beautiful Life”. In other words a life-coaching book to step into your best life. 

Shopping
—Banana Republic Scallop Italian Leather Mini Crossbody

When you don’t want to throw your tote over your shoulder, having a mini cross body is a great alternative. Available in nude, BR’s scallop leather option is practical and versatile.

—Marysia Antibes Scalloped Bandeau Bikini (navy)

Swimsuit season, the spring holiday, is just around the corner. And even if nothing else, it is always a good idea to have a go-to classic swimsuit for soaking when the opportunity arises at a friend’s pool or hot tub, or maybe even a hot springs. Marysia’s navy bikini, while available in a neutral hue, offers the additional scalloped edges that add just the right touch of something extra.

—Tod’s Suede Wedge Sandal

With winter easing into fall, suede is still a shoe of choice, and with the structure of a wedge, wear for work, wear for play and wear for simple style.

Television
—The Good Fight

If you’ve been missing The Good Wife after it departed on CBS last year, the creators have written and director a new spin-off with two of the leading ladies returning. Christine Baranski and Cush Jumbo take the helm of The Good Fight which will be given more freedom to explore topics and story-lines that were left unfinished only a year ago. Tune in to CBS All Access for the 10 episode premiere season and be reminded why we loved the ladies in law so much.

~recipe for Honey Cake with Mascarpone, Figs and Pistachios~

A long weekend arrive and with it, a smile. A smile due to completion of projections, unexpected memorable moments and a weekend with much room to wiggle and play. I hope you too are smiling from ear to ear, excited for what is ahead as much as what you enjoyed this past week.

Below are a few articles you might enjoy, and more than a few will speak to the Francophiles. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and visit. Wishing you a lovely weekend and until Monday, bonne journée

~Do These 5 Things to be Taken More Seriously

~20 Things Not to Do with Your Life

~THe New Essentials of French Cooking . . . thank you to TSLL reader Maureen for sharing this link with me. I think my fellow cooks will enjoy!

~Yes, I do think we’re on to something . . . Why The French Lifestyle Isn’t Overrated

~A restaurant to visit the next time you are in Paris . . . La Rotunde

Image: source

An Intimate Upstate New York B & B: Bedford Post Inn

Early in my travel adventures, my mom introduced me to her love of Bed & Breakfasts, and I have been a fan and preferred to stay in such accommodations ever since over any hotel that may be available.

The history of the buildings is often the draw, but also the interior decor, the breakfast waiting for your when you awake and the large, often en suite bedrooms make you feel as though you are truly living in luxury in your home away from home.

If you are planning a trip to upstate New York, may I suggest an intimate bed & breakfast you might want to look into. Bedford Post Inn, located approximately an hour outside of New York City and owned by Richard Gere, his former wife Carrie Lowell and their business partner Russell Hernandez since 2007, offers eight rooms each remodeled and some with a clawfoot bathtub. Available for weddings, the inn has a yoga studio and a cafe that the locals frequent as well.

The building, originally built in 1762, now includes, along with the rooms, two restaurants, beautiful grounds to wander in and a swimming pool. Be sure to check out their Instagram to have a peek at the cuisine, the events, the staff, and the seasonal decor.

This Dress . . .

~Oscar de la Renta gold-tone, crystal and bead earrings~

~Soyer Olivia wrap-effect cashmere dress~

~Bernardo Mosie Luggage Antique Calf sandal~

~Elleme Raisin Bag (other colors available)~

~Ray-Ban 59mm Semi Rimless Aviator sunglasses~

~Style Your Mind: A Workbook and Lifestyle Guide For Women Who Want to Design Their Thoughts, Empower Themselves, and Build a Beautiful Life by Cara Alwill Leyba

SHOP THE OUTFIT:

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~View more OUTFITS OF THE WEEK here.

16 Tools That Ensure You Are Ready for Real Love

“The key to profound and lasting love is the inner development of the lover.” —Jeanne Safer, psychotherapist and author

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or hate it, the power of welcoming love into our lives actually resides in our hands. And whether it is Valentine’s Day or not, we can cultivate the love we seek.  It’s not somewhere outside of us, but rather resting within us waiting to be tapped to do what it is capable of doing. Love.

Being ready for real love, which I will define as desiring to be loving, is a choice and then practice and conscious effort being expended with an understanding of why and how to use the tools you are welcoming int your life. What might being ready of real love look like? Desiring to give love and thus you opening yourself up to being loved and knowing, recognizing what a healthy, supportive, reciprocal and loving relationship looks like. Because when you are ready for love, you will be able to recognize it in others, as well as recognize who is not ready to love.

Today I’ve compiled a list of skills and capabilities that reveal, once we’ve mastered them, that we are indeed ready for the real love we seek. So, in a way, finding love is about timing because it all depends on when we are ready to be the student and learn what is necessary to be a partner that will attract the partner we may now only hope we can be with.

1. Being Ready For instead of simply Wanting Love
2. Letting go of the list
3. Truly love your life
4. Recognize it is not what you can gain, but what you can give

“Love is as much an art painting of living; it requires practice, finesse, determination, humility, energy and delicacy . . . [often one’s problem in finding love is ] not being love, when really it [is] the inability to give love.” —The Improbability of Love

5. Okay being vulnerable, but not comfortable because it’s scary (unknowns)
6. Able to love even if it’s not convenient
7. Know how to apologize
8. Have let go of past hurts

“Of all forms of caution, caution in love is perhaps most fatal to true happiness.” —Bertrand Russell

9. Have let go of fear of heartbreak
10. Practices self-care: taking care of yourself brain, brand, body
11. Able and know your boundaries, and able to speak up
12. Expresses gratitude
13. You are selective
14. Know how to have uncomfortable conversations
15. Able to communicate effectively 
16. Learn and practice effective listening skills

Again, I am reminded and relieved that the quality of life resides in my hands. It may not be easy to cultivate it, it may take time, but it will indeed be worth it.

 

~View more posts in about love here.

Image: source

Thoughts on Valentine’s Day & Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2017 Collection

Similar to Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia’s debut as the creative talent behind Oscar de la Renta last night in New York City, Valentine’s Day has high expectations that aren’t always met.

The talented duo offered the Fall 2017 collection immediately following their Monse fall collection, which was a first for the fashion industry; however, while critics were disappointed, hopes remain high based on what Kim and Garcia have created leading up to this understandably unique pressure-laden moment. Case in point, the dress above. Iconic Oscar de la Renta femininity and graceful grandeur are on exhibited in spades.

Valentine’s Day as well arrives at an opportune time. January is behind us and as spring has not yet arrived, we seek comfort, hope and something to celebrate. However, as was shared last Wednesday, embodying love, expressing love and being love should not be contained to merely one day, but rather enjoyed year round. With that said, Valentine’s Day cannot go untended.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day well requires the similar approach to living a fulfilling life. We should hope, not expect. We should give love freely and express gratitude for the love that surrounds us in whatever manner it is comfortable giving of itself. In other words, we are the curators of a life to love living and Valentine’s Day will be one of the many days we savor for its everyday abundance of a life well lived.

Whether you are single or celebrating your 50th Valentine’s Day with your beloved, reach out and express what you love about those who are in your life. A simple note, a thoughtful gesture, a giving of your time, or respecting of what your loved ones desire and wish for. That way, when you make your way throughout the day, you will know you have filled the world with more love, and the need for love is endless.

Joyeuse saint Valentin to you from TSLL, and thank you for expressing your love with your time in stopping by the blog.

~TSLL’s Instagram~

 

Oscar de la Renta’s 2017 collection as shown on Vogue Runway

Enchanted Ivory

Sophisticated, yet simple. Statement making, yet subtle.

Ivory, as seen in the outfits in today’s post, is often unexpected, yet the perfect choice to exude confidence and offer a go-to choice. Pair with denim? Check. Pair with a beautiful print blouse with hints of ivory? Check. In many ways ivory is the confident woman’s black. It matches everything, yet requires that the woman wearing it not shy away from who she is.

 

~View more Style Inspiration posts here.

9 Reasons Owning Your Style Will Change Your Life

~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #142
~Subscribe to The Simple Sophisticate: iTunes | Stitcher | iHeartRadio

 

“Individuals can take hold of [style] and make it their own. Style is about an individual and fashion is about an industry and [fashion] runs on insecurity.” —Stacy London 

New York Fashion Week motors on as I tape this week’s podcast, and for me, it is holiday and a celebration of sorts. While many trends will be on display, there will also be items that will speak to me as I continually hone my signature style.

The priceless gift that style offers is being available to anyone. Each of us has a signature style should we choose to understand what it is. For each of us, this signature style will evolve as we too evolve as individuals. Therefore, the good news that Stacy London shared in a recent interview on Refinery29’s Unstyled podcast is true, “Style is possible for everyone.”

Fashion, on the other hand, asks of us, and sometimes it feels as though it is demanding, to buy, to spend and spend again each season, attempting to keep up with the industry. But by simply understanding the difference between style and fashion, we can better appreciate and carefully select beautiful additions to our wardrobes that will enhance our style and not hinder unnecessarily our budget.

“In place of style we have honored Merchandise. Clothes. Style, on the other hand, doesn’t demand a credit card. It prospers on courage and creativity.” —Hara Estroff Marano

Courage and creativity. While it may be easier to pull on a ratty tee shirt and slip on loose, battered denim, choosing to craft your signature style offers a variety of benefits. And no, it doesn’t require a gloriously flush bank account, but yes, it will require time, patience, thoughtful contemplation about who you are and what truths about your identity you want to reveal to the world.

Owning your style is not for the faint of heart. No doubt it would be easier to revert to our youth when we were children, so young we couldn’t dress ourselves and allow our mother’s to make the decision, but then it wouldn’t be our voice we were expressing. Often that is what fashion does, it tells us what to be; it tells us how we should look and by mindlessly following trends, we lose our identity. While clothing is reflective of the current culture, simply look back on your middle school and high school photographs. What did the clothes you were wearing reveal about you? Each of us will see someone different. Some of us will want the courage and confidence we exuded in high school while others will see a clone of the peers that surround them.

As I have been pouring over each collection as it is revealed in New York these past few days, I am reminded of my vast ignorance in interpreting what I saw years ago and acknowledge how much more I need to learn; however, as I rest somewhere closer to the latter than the former, I enjoy each new collection like a short film. What is the designer’s message, what was their inspiration, what am I drawn to, why am I drawn to it?

Victoria Beckham’s fall 2017 collection walked the runway on Sunday (today, just hours ago as I type), and it spoke to me. The hues, the lengths, the proportions. Nearly everything echoed the style that is me at this moment in my life: comfortable, yet elegant, feminine while ambiguous, modern inspired by classic and simple while being utterly luxurious. Can I afford Victoria Beckham when the line becomes available? No. Maybe, if the items go on drastic reduction next winter, but even then, most likely no. However, I wasn’t considering buying her clothing, I was drawing inspiration. What do I have in my closet now (I do have a few) that fit her template? What items do I need to complete the look?

The key understanding to differentiate between style and fashion is that style speaks your language to the world, fashion is in a tongue that is someone else’s asking you to learn and be the follower. Style never follows, but is rather inspired by what excites them, speaks to them and then interprets it for themselves. Let’s take a look at nine ways understanding how this difference and embracing and acknowledging your own style will change your life in magnificent ways.

1. Make a statement, reveal your identity

“Our wardrobe is our visual vocabulary. Style is our distinctive pattern of speech, our individual poetry.” – Hara Estroff Marano

As Marano reminds, style is our own unique language, a dialect of fashion that we make our own so to speak. When we first learn how to speak it, we may feel intimidated to show it to the world, especially if it is vastly different, but the more we communicate confidently, the easier it becomes to step out in our own style each and every day.

2. Exudes security in one’s self

An individual who is not afraid to take the time to pull a thoughtful wardrobe together understand the power of clothing. An individual who dresses in such a way that allows the person, themselves to shine, exhibits self-awareness and self-knowledge; two traits that take time to cultivate. And when an individual exudes these qualities it becomes clear that they are more secure than not in themselves. Sure, we all have insecurities, but part of embodying self-awareness and self-knowledge requires valuing yourself and in order to value yourself you must have at least a modicum of comfort in who you are without the external world telling you. That is security, not insecurity, that is being strengthened, and that is attractive.

3. Reveals discipline

Having style requires discipline. Discipline to say no to the trends no matter how much fun they may first appear all the while knowing our individual body, lifestyle, etc. wouldn’t allow the woman to shine her brightest. Discipline is also revealed as to how we shop, being patient but determined. Knowing what we need in our wardrobe and taking the time to find it, perhaps tailor it in some instances and care for it properly. Discipline in how we invest, knowing the power of quality over quantity as well as cost per wear.

4. Presumed to be a person of interest

When we dress well, we suggest, however subtly, that we matter. And while the clothes we wear and the clothes others wear do not determine our placement or worth, human beings are visual people. We make quick, subconscious judgments about people, and yes, first impressions matter. Dress well and cultivate assumptions that work in your favor.

5. Separates you from the crowd

Dressing to stand out should never be the goal as it may push you to deviate from your true self, but if you dress well in a manner that aligns with who you are and you do so consistently, it will separate your from the crowd. Dressing well, no matter how casually or formally, involves not necessarily the label that is donned, but knowing how to pull together an outfit that looks good on your body, with your skin tone, hair color, expectations of tasks, etc. And as mentioned in #2 reveals your quiet confidence which brings ease to those around you.

6. Memorable

Wearing a uniform, a signature uniform, provides a simple decision when stepping into your closet. Maybe it is the color palette you choose from, maybe it is the skirt lengths and styles or maybe it is combinations you always gravitate toward. Once you find a style that works for you, stick to it until it no longer does. (I share a few of these examples for myself on the podcast).

In doing so, people will remember you. Maybe it is something as small as an individual accessory that you always wear with your clothing, but own it. And when you do, with regularly wearing of this uniform, accessory, etc. you become memorable. Think Carrie Bradshaw and her flower broach or The Good Wife‘s Alicia Florick in Oscar de la Renta suits. Memorable. The shows are long gone, but the signature styles are remembered. They were worn well, they were worn with confidence and we saw them regularly.

7. Each of us can create a unique identity

“[style is] something recognizable and yet at an unexpected angle, with a surprising twist that both reflects someone’s personality and expresses that personality to the outside world.” -Joan DeJean, a professor of French language and culture at the University of Pennsylvania

The signature item discussed in #6 begins to establish our identity in others’ minds. And while we are not directly dressing for others, we are creating an identity that is memorable. Interestingly enough, our identity will evolve as we evolve. That is the beauty of style. When we grow, our style grows, when our lives change due to decisions we make, different life stages we go through, our style must come with us and reflect who we are now becoming.

8. Alters your behavior

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology revealed that by simply wearing a white lab coat to complete a particular challenging task, similar to that of a doctor, compared to participants who did not wear a white lab coat, those wearing the lab coat performed better.

Now it may sound overly simplified, but adjusting and norming all other variables, they discovered that what we wear does effect our psychology, our minds and how we go through life.

“Your interest in fashion is not supposed to minimize your intellect. The same way your disinterest in fashion doesn’t mean you’re not invited to participate in fashion.” -Leandra Medine, Man Repeller

I share Leandra Medine’s quote to address the irony of clothing. The irony is caring about what we wear can reveal our intellect, as those who truly understand the power of clothing embrace it and utilize its powers. Yes, if all we focus on is what we’re wearing and nothing else, that defeats the purpose. But in truth, someone who understands and respects the power of clothing would not toss its powers aside so blithely.

9. Visually reveals change is possible

“The reason [style] is such a great tool is a great anecdote. Because you do see it. It is visible. But when you see a very fast change and visceral change in yourself. Once you see that that’s possible you begin to wonder what else is possible.” -Stacy London

We want change in our lives: a better job, improved relationships, fewer pounds, etc. And deciding we want change is easy; the process that must be adhered to for it to materialize takes time. However, updating one’s style: pulling on the right sized pants, paired with a flattering top, can take minutes to reveal that change is indeed possible when done thoughtfully.

“By changing what you see is the first step in changing what you believe.” – Stacy London

And as Stacy London reminds, as we are visual beings: When we see it, we begin to believe it. If we are seeking change, no matter in what arena in our lives, how we present ourselves to the world can serve as a very powerful step in the right direction as we begin to make the change we seek possible.

Wearing the right outfit will not magically and immediately lead to winning an Oscar or improving your bank account or [insert your dream here]. But it is the vehicle in which you begin your journey in the right direction.

What you wear reveals who you are. And people want to know the who they are dealing with. They want to know if they can trust you (strong sense of self and confidence – see #2). They want to know you are worth investing in (see #3). They want to know that you are authentic (see #5). Let the world see the magnificent person that you are. Find her, dress her and let her shine without apology.

“Fashion is about clothes and their relationship to the moment. Style is about you and your relationship to yourself. Fashion is in the clothes. Style is in the wearer. The distinction could not be more revealing.” –Hara Estroff Marano

 

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Utilize Fashion as a Medium of Communication?

~Why Not . . . Discover the Power of Style?

~Why Not . . . Master the Art of Dressing?

~View all Signature Style posts in the archives here.

 

Petit Plaisir:
~La Seduction: How the French Play the Game of Life by Elaine Sciolino

*author of the New York Times best-seller The Only Street in Paris

 

~Sponsor of today’s episode is Plum Deluxe teas.

Based in Portland, Oregon, and offering handcrafted, fresh, organic fair trade teas. Join the monthly tea club and receive an exclusive seasonal tea, free shipping and more for only $10/month. Learn more here.

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NWFW – Fall 2017 – Victoria Beckham

“Pulled together, yet relaxed“. Victoria Beckham’s Fall 2017 collection resonated with an approach to living that embodies living well without being beholden to dictates. An approach that offers comfort, with both a touch of femininity as well as strength and clarity. Hues of navy, ivory and grey, completed with the slightest touch of yellow and burgundy keep the collection neutral and classic as Beckham’s collections tend to be. But what was different was the combination of oversized sweaters and slouchy knee-high boots. Two of my favorite items. Designed with modern lines, biases and slits to remind of the woman wearing the clothing, take a look at a few of my favorite pieces, and view the entire collection here.

 

All images from Vogue Runway app.