Motivation for 2012

As I begin my next freelance job in fashion, and as we all begin this new year, I wanted to do a post about fresh starts. That is my favorite thing about new years...a clean slate. No built up bad luck and closed door after closed door. Only opportunity...and damn it...that is what I demand 2012 will be, come hell or high water. I am keeping my chin up and staying optimistic that 2012 is the year for building on my planted foundation. So here's to you 2012... You will be Fruition.

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When something hard knocks you down, just keep on swimming. If you keep your momentum going you won't even have time to notice how strong you've gotten.

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Visualize what it is you want. What is your dream? The craziest, most outlandish, impossible dream you could ever dream. Now triple it. Now go for it, full speed ahead.

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Don't follow your dreams. Chase them. Hunt them down, wrestle them into your grasp and never let them go. It may seem hard, and at times impossible, but most people don't get to see their deepest dreams realized because they are too scared to try. Just do it and never look back.

2012. Fruition.

Farewell to a Legend: Steve Jobs

For the man that managed to make geek, chic and proved to the world that electronics can have their own sex appeal, this post is dedicated to Steve Jobs. So farewell to a legend whose innovation changed us all.

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Steve Jobs has literally changed the world over the last ten years through his streamlined notebooks, groundbreaking iPods, addictive iPhones, and cool-factor iPads. He has created an iWorld that everyone wants to be a part of, and never stopped pushing that envelope. "There's an app for that" is now a common saying that can be applied anywhere. As a result of the innovation and design from Steve Jobs, he ignited the creativity of designers all over the world for Mac compatible accessories that if at all possible further the coolness of the Apple product.

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Here's to the crazy one's, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently - they're not fond of rules… you can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones that are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. ~ Steve Jobs

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In most people's vocabulary, design means veneer. It's interior decorating. It's the fabric of the curtains, of the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further to the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a human-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service. ~Steve Jobs

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Fashion Rule: Stay True to Who You Are

In fashion, I'm a pretty big advocate for the school of thought, "When you find a rule, break it." Style is too personal to have every fad that graces the glossies apply to everyone. Generally, style is painting a portrait of who you are inside, for the world to see outside...and that may not always be the same picture. Some days I play the girly Sex and the City New Yorker, some days I subscribe to my laid back, music loving, Chuck wearing, weekender psyche. Fashion not only changes person to person, but within the varied moods and needs of each individual as well. 

{merci LookBooks}

The one deviation from this principle is quite possibly the crux of why I'm so passionate about fashion. You must stay true to who you are. Fashion exists to be a personalized, wearable art. To find something that makes you feel good in your skin and shine as the unique individual you are. Whether that calls for wearing white after Labor Day, black with brown, or even socks with sandals (!!!) you. be. you. I once read, "Just be yourself, everyone else is already taken." I really feel it is as simple as that. 

Lately I've seen many of the fashion elite running around New York in silk scarves....but I just can't do it. I think I just have internalized that as a Mom Jean marker rather than the classic stigma I'm fully aware they carry. 

Here is the silk scarf in the current (and classic) fashion :

{merci Pinterest}

I can completely agree this is a beautiful scarf, but every top I wear is generally low cut, so I have a hard time wearing things with a lot of fabric around the chest and neck without feeling frumpy. I do not know why...it just feels constricting. 

Here is how I wear a silk scarf:

It is still a classic silk scarf, Dolce & Gabbana no less, just with some added funk and flair...like me!

Fashion Rule: Stay True to Who You Are.

Fashion DIY: Exercise Your Closet

That is right...I said exercise your closet, don't throw it away! If you are anything like me my dears, you have a closet and maybe dressers and storage boxes full of clothes! Do you wear them all? Yeah, me neither. That is where Fashion DIY becomes crucial!

Every season I try and weed through my addiction to pare down the fat which is a pretty daunting task...especially since I own many clothes that are too good to part with (from before I lost weight in France...and yes, I realize this is a good problem to have). Now that I find myself sans sewing machine in NYC (a fact that is killing me btdub) I can't actually fix these items, so they just sit there taking up very valuable Manhattan square footage. So what is Fashion DIY well its creating ways to upcycle your clothing, or shop in your own closet if you will!

Here's an easy fix that does not involve sewing skills or any real seamstress tools:

Color Dyeing

I recently bought a corset top from Forever 21 that I later gave me buyer's remorse (which is a sickness I almost never get). Of course when I tried to return said top...Forever 21 with their non-existent customer service policy, how very un-American, would not allow the brand new frock (that had not even left the bag) to be exchanged. So what was I to do? Dye it!!

Totally cute corset top...but in peach...which I later realize that under the my sheer summer tops, just looked like I was naked because it was the same color as my skin. Whoa! was I ever uncomfortable!

 1. Find the classic RIT dye at your pharmacy, in a color your choice (I happen to be a sucker for teal)

2. Mix (following package instructions) with water and bring to boil. 
3. Soak garment for instructed time. Note: more or less time should be altered for desired color. Looking for a pastel? Less. Deep jewel tone? More.

4. Thoroughly rinse and wash garment and allow to dry.

5. Style accordingly! 

And Voila! Fashion DIY at it's finest! Now my once bare-all corset top is a cute pop of color under my sheer summer pieces. Je l'adore! There is always a way to re-work your closet, you just have to get creative. Don't be afraid to play around with old pieces..try and wear them in unconventional ways, or dye them in the latest hot color. That Fashion DIY may just be the little CPR revival your wardrobe needed!

Go try your own Fashion DIY 

and report back!

Bonne chance mes cheris!

Pourquoi Pas? Dance with the Drama. Dare to be Fabulous.

The only thing keeping you from fabulous is fear. That's it. So rather than let fear hold you captive, why not dare to be fabulous? Push the envelope, or better jump off the cliff into all the daring creative sparkplugs of fashionspiration you have ever had. You have to dance with the drama to find any results, and I will tell you it is scary as hell, but in the end you are so fierce you will have those heads turning and mouths drooling. Guaranteed.

Here are some inspirational photos from Pinterest to get your creative juices flowing. If any pics give you an idea for your style...Write it down and then play with what you have to make it work.

Dance with the drama.

Dare to be fabulous.

embrace being unique.

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not allow the rain to refresh you mes cheris rather than be gloomy and tiresome? Its no longer cold rain, so slip on those Burberry rain boots, belt that Audrey trench and prance through the puddles on the way to work. Demand from yourself that this will be the refreshing walk towards your dreams and nothing less...and then who knows maybe that positive vibe of yours will boomerang right back!

{you rock as always weheartit}

How will your outlook change today?

God Bless America

A huge step in the Fight on Terrorism was made yesterday and God Bless America as we move onward. I had an entirely different post in mind for this lovely Monday morning, but when Osama Bin Laden is finally found dead...all else holds no priority.

{Thanks to Twitter last night}

Twitter was absolutely flooded last night with streams of comradery, support, remembrance of lives lost over the last 10 years, and live pictures of NYC as the news broke. Here is a video from Ground Zero last night. Running through New York this morning was like breathing in freedom. I never tire of hearing the amazing stories every New Yorker holds of their attachment to that fateful day when our skyline changed forever. And seeing the people gather together in Times Square and Ground Zero to celebrate this great feat was truly  moving.

{photos pinned on Pinterest}

God Bless America

Live Life in the Fastlane

Working out is a favorite past time of mine. Whether it is soccer, running, or just goofing around with friends, I love being active. Here is a great look when you hit the pavement to keep those chocolate pounds at bay and rock your body! And in case you are a gym diva, I've included some gym bag essentials too!

From Nike to Stella McCartney, you will be ready for swimsuit season!

Live Life in the Fastlane by fashiondiva304 featuring neon socks

Women's Print Bibiana Tankini Top
$59 - patagonia.com

Adidas by Stella mccartney
$75 - net-a-porter.com

Neon socks
$11 - macys.com

H m
2.99 GBP - hm.com

Nike shoes
$115 - nike.com

Reed Krakoff python handbag
$2,790 - net-a-porter.com

Aveeno Active Naturals SPF 30 Face Continuous Protection Sunblock...
$2.50 - walgreens.com

SEPHORA COLLECTION Hairband Ball Multicolor
$5 - sephora.com

Savasa 5 lb. Hand Weight Set with Workout DVD - Pink -...
$20 - sportsauthority.com

Bling Earbuds, Pink/White Crystal
$19 - pbteen.com

Workout Clothes | Athleta - Free Shipping on $50
$12 - athleta.gap.com

Outliving Keep Calm Water Bottle
$30 - generalpants.com.au

Belkin Sport Armband for iPhone and iPod touch | iTech News Net -...
itechnews.net