Shannon Ables's Blog, page 325
June 19, 2015
This & That: No. 163
App
~TuneIn
Whether you are on your computer or your phone, your favorite music and/or radio station will always be at your fingertips thanks to TuneIn. Download for free or visit on your desktop for easy listening at home or work, the options of radio stations are endless. I have officially found my radio for my classroom and for long drives when not one radio station is available in my car.
Book
~Under the Bus: How Working Women Are Being Run Over by Caroline Fredrickson
Caroline Fredrickson, a DC insider who understands what is working, and what is available, yet not being fought for when it comes to equality for all working women in all fields (blue and white collar), offers her insight and perhaps a wake up call to not only women but society to be vocal in order to gain protections to ensure a better future for all working women. Released last month, click here to read a review of her book.
Shopping
~Cuyana Turkish Cotton Robe
As someone who loves stripes and loves white when it comes to basic necessities around the house, when I happened upon Cuyana’s Turkish cotton robe, I immediately began saving up my pennies. For less than $100, this beautiful robe can be used for home or play on the beach. Made with Turkish cotton and premium bamboo, the dry time is minimal and the beauty is readily apparent. Available in pink and purple stripes as well, if you’re in the market for a quality robe, I think I’ve found one for you.
~Thomas Maier Palm Tree Embossed Leather Sandals
A classic brown leather sandals with the label’s simple signature palm-tree logo embedded ever-so-minimally on the top, these stylish, yet timeless sandals are ideal for summer outings or luxuriating around the house in style.
Television
~Poldark, Season 2
It has been nearly forty years since the original series debuted on PBS, and with the return last season to an overwhelming support, the second season begins on Masterpiece this Sunday (June 21st) with eight new episodes. Starring Aidan Turner (The Hobbit) as Ross Poldark, the series is based on Winston Graham’s novels which were published beginning in 1945. Set in Cornwall, England, Poldark returns after the American Revolutionary war to see his former life in ruins, and thus the story begins. Have a look at the trailer below:
Travel
~Ventev Dashport Universal Car Charger ($19)
If the upcoming summer months are calling for more than a few hours in your car or perhaps you will be traveling with many different devices or people (and we all know we need to keep them charged, I have the device for you. Mentioned in The Wall Street Journal last week, the Ventev universal car charger is compatible with just about any tech device’s USB charge cord. For less than $20, charge your every phone 75% faster and with certainty.
~recipe for Rhubarb Tart with Oatmeal Crust~
Earlier this week a beloved series that has been on hiatus here on the blog returned. Decor Inspiration restarted with a beautiful cozy beach house you will certainly want to tour (and perhaps purchase as it is for sale). But to whet your whistle even more, click here to tour the rest of the home that coordinates with the bathroom above. Don’t you just want to soak in that bathtub forever eternity with a glass of wine or a partner as accompaniment? Count me in, please.
In other TSLL news, sign-ups for the annual TSLL online styling sessions are about to begin. Set your alarm clocks for Saturday morning (June 20th) at 1am Pacific Daylight Time because the first 12 readers who email to secure their spot on the styling list will be able to hire me as their online stylist. I will be shopping and styling a fall (or spring for my Aussie/New Zealand readers) capsule wardrobe which will consist of 10-15 items, styled into 10 different outfits. Styling sessions will be scheduled for the month of August and September, and each of the first 12 people will have one week to place a 50% deposit down to secure their spot. For more details click here. (email: style@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com)
Last, but not least, next Saturday, June 27th, if you will be in the Connecticut or New York City area, be sure to stop by Elm Street Books in New Canaan, CT, as I will be signing copies of my first book Choosing The Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman’s Guide between noon and 2:30. Click here to find out the exact location.
And with the business out of the way, let the weekend begin! Below are a few articles you might enjoy reading in your free time. And no matter how you choose to spend your weekend, I do hope you have an amazing time. Until Monday, bon weekend!
~Summer is a great time to focus on good health. And this article from The New York Times points out a simple fat often forgotten, To Lose Weight, Eating Less is Far More Important Than Exercising More
~Helen Mirren has a few choice words to say about Ageism in Hollywood.
~If your weekend plans involve the Farmers’ Market, read this: Farmers’ Market Etiquette: 8 Ways to Be a Good Customer
~Some inspiration and motivation . . . Strengthen Your Willpower: How to Build Perseverance and Avoid Distractions
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June 18, 2015
Decor Inspiration: Washington Beach Getaway
I don’t know about you, but a getaway to the beach sounds quite lovely. And in even better news, this tiny beach house is currently available if you are looking to invest in a vacation property in Washington state. Located at Tyee Beach on Camano Island just one hour away from Seattle, the masterful use of the 355 square feet is baffling. With a large outdoor living space, beach front views and classic beach decor in light, airy colors and natural textures, if I could, I would invest today. Enjoy the tour! (Click here to buy.)
~DECOR INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
~Contemporary Chic in the City
Source: House Beautiful
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June 17, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Contemporary, yet Classic Navy
~J.W. Anderson Striped Wrap Dress~
~Gianvito Rossi leather mules or Sigerson Morrison color-block leather sandals~
~Sophie Hulme envelope small color-block leather shoulder bag (30% off)~
~Kenneth Jay Lane gold plated earrings~
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
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Word of the Week: No. 7
Click for pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/chuffed.m4a
WORDS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Image: (1)
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June 16, 2015
Style Inspiration: Stripes & Denim
When summer arrives, there are a handful of classics I gravitate towards: Stripes & denim. Granted, both can be worn anytime of the year, but nothing equals the casual aesthetic, yet elevated chic like anything else chosen so nonchalantly. Enjoy this week’s style inspiration, and be sure to check out this week’s “New Weekly Finds” in the right-hand column. There is a lovely linen stripe dress ideal for summer.
STYLE INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
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June 15, 2015
Why Not . . . Create a Lingerie Capsule Wardrobe?
“Lingerie is my next love after clothing; I think it is what is worn underneath that really inspires a woman to feel beautiful in her clothes – that inner, secret glamour.” –Alice Temperley
The Simple Sophisticate, episode #42
Much like the director of a film, conductor of an orchestra or foundation of a house, in order for the pieces to harmonize, shine to their fullest or stand the test of time, the items that are often not seen or given recognition, are the most essential components that without would cause the entire production to flop. Such is the power and thus necessity of a quality, thoughtful compilation of one’s lingerie capsule wardrobe.
Inspired by a reader’s recent email, I came up with the lingerie essentials to always have on hand. Erika writes:
“Since listening to your podcasts and reading your blog . . . could you do a blog or podcast on how to wear the luxurious lingerie. I grew up and still live in a small rural community . . . I pretty much just know about bras and panties. When do you wear a slip? With every dress? Do you always wear hose?”
The key, as is with the overall approach to living simply luxuriously, is quality over quantity. And while it may take time to purchase the more luxurious items (which I will delineate below) when you are able, choose to invest. Your skin and peace of mind will thank you.
Prior to going through the list, task yourself with the following assignment:
1. Consider your typical two weeks of outfits. What type of lingerie is needed to make each ensemble shine.
2. Go through your capsule wardrobe. What does each piece require as a foundation piece (bra, underwear, etc)?
Once you have created a list of the items that are needed, keep these four parts under consideration to ensure you will love, feel comfortable and wear your purchases:
1. Style – Will it work underneath the clothing I wear?
2. Cut – Is it the right size for my figure?
3. Material – Is it comfortable against my skin?
4. Color – Is it appropriate for my chosen outfits and does it align with my signature style and taste?
Now to the essentials to build your own lingerie capsule wardrobe:
Essential Basics (Necessary items to function for everyday to special occasion use)
2-3 nude bra & brief sets (include 1 T-shirt bra)
1-2 black bra & brief sets (include 1 T-shirt bra)
10-15 pair of daily wear underwear (enough to make it through a laundry cycle plus a few extra)
2 sports bras (minimum, you may want more based on your activity level), Sweaty Betty, Lucy, Title Nine
1 nude multi-functional/strapless bra
1 black multi-functional/strapless bra
2 Spanx shorts and/or thongs/seamless briefs
1 chemise
1 robe
hose (sheer nude and black opaque), try Donna Karan’s “The Nudes”
Essential Luxuries (Discretionary items you can live without, but when you’re able to invest, are worth having on hand for occasions)
hose (fishnet, thigh-high stockings in black and nude), with a garter belt
slips (full or half)
bodysuit by Spanx
camisole (can double as a bra if built-in)
1-2 colored bra & brief set
Once you begin building your lingerie wardrobe, organize it to showcase and streamline. Rather than simply throwing everything into one lingerie drawer, purchase dividers for your underwear from Storables (here and here), carefully lay out and layer your bras and use skirt hangers for half slips, as well as the proper hangers for chemises and camisoles. And just as importantly, care of the investments you have carefully chosen. Click here to read about how to wash your lingerie.
As I shared in this post a few years ago, as well as in chapter four of TSLL book, lingerie should be worn for you, a secret you possess everyday that nobody knows about unless you choose to share. And I will speak from personal experience, when you feel Italian lace against your skin, the understanding of who lingerie is truly worn for will become crystal clear.
Where to shop online for lingerie? Here’s a list of recommendations:
~ Huit ~
~ Simone Perele ~
~ Nancy Meyer ~
~ La Petite Coquette ~
~ Aubade ~
~ La Perla ~
~ Faire Frou Frou ~
~ Jane’s Vanity ~ located in Portland, Oregon, and shopping online as well
~ Far West ~ “Luxury Lingerie for Life”, specializes in slips, camisoles and loungewear
~ Bra Smyth ~ – located in New York City, Bra Smyth was one of the first lingerie stores to offer mastectomy bras and swimsuits.
~ Princesse Tam Tam ~
SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
~Why Not . . . Buy Yourself Luxurious Lingerie?
~Why Not . . . Create a Special Occasions Capsule Wardrobe?
~Why Not . . . Build a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget?
Petit Plaisir:
~The New York Times, Sunday Edition (home delivery no matter where you live)
~The Wall Street Journal, home delivery on the day it is printed no matter where you call home
Image: (1)
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June 12, 2015
This & That: No. 162
Beauty
~Laura Mercier’s Secret Finish
Laura Mercier’s illuminator brightens the skin giving your face the appearance of a natural, fresh glow. Apply after you’ve put on your make-up or at the end of the day to perk up your visage, and achieve the radiance that you may feel has drained out up until that point. Many beauty experts recommend mixing moisturizer with an illuminator to create the dewey look many models were sporting on the recent runways, and while I haven’t tried it yet, this item is certainly on my wish list.
Book
~100 Places in France Every Woman Should Go
Marcia DeSanctis, the award-winning writer, speaks from her years of experience having traveled and lived in France as she shares where to go, what to enjoy and how to spend your time on your next trip to France. Having just been released this past November, this is the ideal gift or resource for the Francophile in your life (perhaps a gift to yourself is in order, no?).
Film
~Barbecue
Last weekend I was looking for a light-hearted film, yet something to catch my eye’s attention as well as pique my curiosity. Released in 2014, Barbecue is a French film situated the majority of the time in the countryside of south France, but also in the city of Lyon. Amongst a group of long-time friends, one suffers a heart attack only to have it prompt him to question his entire life’s approach to living well. Enjoy the laughter, the camaraderie, the tears, the frustration and the ultimate happy ending. Available on Netflix, be sure to put it on your watch list.
Music
~Leon Bridges, Coming Home
As a lover of jazz since I was a teenager, I have already fallen in love with the classic talents, but I’m always looking for new talent that is able to grab that timeless touch that is recognizably jazz and make it their own. Leon Bridges, hands down, has done that, is doing that, and I implore you to listen. I mentioned Bridges a few weeks ago on my Instagram feed, but you have probably already heard his title song as it is music you hear in an Apple ad, a scene in TVLand’s Younger, and much more. The album isn’t released until June 23rd, but five of his songs are available for download. I recommend “Coming Home” and “River” so far, but I know there will be more. And if you are someone who enjoys concerts, check out his tour dates; he is everywhere: domestically and abroad, and even in Oregon (Happy Valley), this summer. Have a listen below.
Shopping
~Emerson Fry Core Dress (more colors available)
Emerson Fry knows how to market clothing. Well, at least they know how to market to me because while their silk Core dress looks pretty basic and plain, it is the back that left me speechless. Ideal for summer days and leisurely warm evenings, wear alone or cinch with a belt, the options are endless, but be aware, when you walk away, you will catch people’s eye (in a very good way).
Television
~Odd Mom Out
I know, I know. Another Bravo series, but Andy Cohen has figured something out. Scripted television with women in the starring roles choosing to embrace a life that is not the milieu is a winning combination. Writer and now leading actress Jill Kargman stars in Odd Mom Out which airs each Monday night on Bravo (premiere aired June 8th). Situated on the Upper East Side in New York City, Jill embraces her unconventional, quirky self as she raises her three kids and makes a life with her husband Andy whose family brings its own UES baggage. Have a look at the trailer below.
~recipe for Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake~
Dress me up, and let me relax. Oh, and let me eat a slice of that cheesecake above, no? The summer vacations may be just around the corner, but the weeks are still busy as everything has yet to settle. And while the weekend will be taking me away to my future home in Bend, I look forward to eating well, dressing up and relaxing. Not a bad trio, if I do say so.
Yesterday’s Thoughts from the Editor sparked some great conversation, feel free to have a look. And don’t forget that the sign-ups for the fall capsule wardrobe styling sessions are coming up on Saturday June 20th, so be sure to mark your calendars. Many people are already emailing, but I’m not taking names until the 20th, so be sure to email me bright and early on the 20th.
On an entirely different note, perhaps you’ve heard about the most recent Vanity Fair cover? Well, if you haven’t (and especially if you have), Elinor Burkett wrote a worth reading op-ed piece this past weekend for The New York Times, “What Makes a Woman?“.
In other, more light-hearted reading for your leisurely upcoming weekend . . .
~Oprah shares 5 Promises Every Woman Should Make (To Herself)
~As you’re prepping your summer travel plans, Must-Have Travel Apps
~The New Yorker explores the question, Can Reading Make You Happier?
~Do you work for yourself? The 8 Traits Shared By the Most Successful Entrepreneurs
~Martha Stewart takes Architectural Digest through her Maine estate (below). Take the tour here.
I do hope you have plans to look forward to this weekend, and no matter how they may play out, take a little time for you. Until Monday, bon weekend!
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June 11, 2015
Thoughts from the Editor: Letting Go of Stuff
Letting go (per the focus of this week’s episode of the podcast) and paring down have been at the forefront of my mind lately as I contemplate the reality of packing up not only my house, but my classroom full of 13 years of teaching. And so I found it to be quite serendipitous when I was flipping through the June issue of Elle US and was introduced to professional life and home organizer Laura Cattano.
Author of the blog The Order Obsessed, she is currently the guest coach at Elle.com and will be offering a post a week for the month of June (click here for her first lesson on organizing one’s boudoir). The idea of purging and ridding my life of items I haven’t used in years excites me tremendously. Even after having had two yard sales in the past three years, I still have items of decor and clothing I would like to shed (and plus my mover informed me, I will be paying per the pound, so I thought that was yet another motivator to let a few items go as well).
And as this past year was focused on the launch of the book, a dream-come-true event, and more recently, cementing the opportunity to move to Bend, my schedule hasn’t been as open as I would have liked to edit of my closet as I typically do twice a year. With that said however, in the next few weeks, I am looking forward to carving out an entire day to be ruthless (for anyone who lives in the area, I promise there will be a yard sale in July). ~Click here to follow a simple guide for editing your closet.
The feeling of letting go of anything opens up space in our lives for what is a better fit or simply leaves more room to breathe and move more freely, effortlessly and unencumbered.
I would like a bit more space between each of my hangers. I would like a to look at my closet again and see an item I want to wear on each hanger. I would like to have fewer clothes.
What I have discovered since I curated my first capsule wardrobe is that with each year, it becomes more precise, more in alignment with my genuine signature style. This also means that a few more clothing items must go, to make room for items that would work much better. Yes, it may appear frustrating that we have to let items go, but the feel-good-tingling-feeling is that we’re truly narrowing in, not only what we enjoy wearing, but what works best for our lives. Such a feeling of refinement is exactly the purpose of the capsule wardrobe.
And since we are on the note of editing our closets, TSLL reader Kristin recently introduced me to Cuyana’s Lean Closet idea which in many ways aligns with the simply luxurious approach: Purchasing quality items, however, fewer items. You might want to have a look.
But before I leave you today, I thought I’d offer a bit of inspiration of what you might want to consider tossing from your closet:
~Items that are always losing out to another option in your closet
~Items that are uncomfortable to wear for whatever reason: fit, fabric, length, etc.
~Items that date you or were purchased only to keep up with the trend of the season (which is now last season)
~Items that shrink your confidence
~Items that don’t look their best anymore: Stains, fading, tears, rips, etc.
~Sparkles, sequins (just let them go, I had to do the same thing)
~Shoes that are never, at any point of the day, comfortable
~Freebie T-shirts from any group you’ve been a part of that is simply taking up space
~Cheap, knock-off handbags (stick to three quality bags: clutch, tote, handbag for day, and you will be set)
~Any lingerie (underwear, bras, hose, etc) that has lost its luster, elasticity, etc.
Okay, now . . . I am setting the date with myself. I can’t wait. Can you?
~THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:
~Why Not . . . Move Forward Successfully?
Image: (1)
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June 10, 2015
Word of the Week: No. 6
Click to hear pronunciation:
http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/milieu.m4a
WORDS OF THE WEEK FROM THE ARCHIVES:
Image via Fashion and Style by Vanja Milicevic
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June 9, 2015
Outfit of the Week: Summer Sophisticate
~Stella McCartney faux suede sandal (68% off)~
~DVF Dacey two-tone jersey-crepe wrap maxi dress~
~Lanvin Love gold-tone necklace (40% off)~
~Rebecca Minkoff Mab leather tote (white) 50% off~
~Chloe Aviator-style metal sunglasses~
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