Worry Less Live More

February tends to be one of those months were you have to hit the ground running and fast.

 Sometimes I (perhaps we all do) need a reminder to relax, breathe easy, and live in the moment. Otherwise, we're headed towards stress-city central. Kind of reminds me of the dreaded 6 train I tend to miss by a few seconds every m o r n i n g, but I always remind myself to chill - no need to stress when another one is on the way. For a few ways on how I keep the peace during mercury retrograde (only a few more days until we're in the clear!!) read on.

Some people may swear by leaving carefully placed post-its full of mantras in their homes to help combat stress. I tried it at one point but unfortunately my cat decided they were her new play things. Since then I've been looking for new ways to include these little uplifting messages around the home or on me. So far, I've created this Pinterest board, recharged with this mug, and found this awesome e-store called Le Motto.

I'm wearing the "Worry less, Live More" tee from their shop. If you have the time to check it out, please do. Their philosophy is awesome in how they wish to promote positivity. Ten percent of their profits are allocated to anti-bullying causes, so you'd be shopping for a cause (#winwin).

Not to sidetrack today's post or anything, but I have to admit that looking my best helps me feel my best and less stressed. Well, at least on days I'm having important meetings or need to show my best face so to speak. For those days I grab my best red (currently

Audrey from the Audacious Line

) and gorgeous pearl earrings because they're always appropriate (Jackie O. said it herself). These studs are from 

thePearlSource.com

 and on sale if you're feeling so embolden. If you need a nudge, remember pearls are a great investment piece that can go with nearly anything.

Moto Jacket: Topshop  Shirt: c/o Le Motto  Skirt: Tart Collections (similar style)  Earrings: c/o thePearlSource.com  Tights: Calvin Klein  Boots: Wanted  Tote: Sorial  Pouch: c/o Quilted Koala  Lipstick: Audrey by NARS

Okay, back on track. The last way I prevent losing my mind and fighting retrograde haze is by making sure all my things are compartmentalize in my totes. I'm a huge fan of the local business Quilted Koala and their Joyful and Happy collection (even the names put me at peace). Their pouches come in different sizes which comes in handy when storing things. For me, I'll use a smaller pouch for my wallet, keys, and cash. And let me tell ya, being able to pull those things out in a flash, say when your metrocard needs refilling saves so much time compared to shuffling your things inside a tote. Ugh, how I hate to shuffle and then find things in a completely different spot.

Well this is how I attempt to stay in the clear, how do you guys beat the 'grade?

P.s. Thank you all for the birthday wishes!! They really made my day :).

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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28 Years in Leather

Yup, it's my 28th birthday or if you're following on Instagram, it's my birthday week. Honestly though, I feel as vibrant and vivacious as my 21st year and this energy is only the beginning! Great things are planned for life and the blog but for now let's focus on my all-leather look until it's time to spill the beans.

This year's celebratory outfit isn't as fancy as some would prefer but frankly, it is too cold for all that noise. Instead I rescinded into cool weather favorites (lots o' leather) to anxiously await spring in. AND red lip, always a red lip. This one from from Elizabeth Arden keeps my big lips (only stating the obvious here) supple in this dry-a** weather. Have you tried it?

Jacket: Joe Fresh (similar here Shirt: c/o Marine Layer  Pants: bebe (similar here)  BootsWanted  Messenger Bag: Chrome  Earrings: c/o Capwell+Co  Lipstick: Elizabeth Arden Moisturizing Lipstick in Red Door Red

Once we're safely in the steady 50s, I'll lose the layers underneath this outfit (Uniqlo has this lifesaving line of heat-tech layers) and ride all over Brooklyn in this. It's basically the perfect outfit if I were to ride by Bill Cunningham - stylish but appropriate. For instance the splendid tee from Marine layer is lightweight for the long haul and the pants can double for yoga pants, i.e. lots of stretch. The Chrome laptop bag is made for those who live and ride the city and sworn to live up to its name by bike messengers across the nation. Oh, you guys I'm getting really excited for spring and those bike rides just thinking about it!

But, let's take this one day at a time for now and enjoy the margarita infused evening (#birthdayweek!!).

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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The Stylist Kit for Everyday + Beyond

Remember this post and how I vowed to be more conscious on what I was bringing home? So far, so good. I haven't fallen astray to tempting sales (and they are tempting). Instead I've been purging my closet of the old and forgotten pieces. Lots of things have been donated and a few have been sold on Poshmark. For the special pieces that survived the purge, I intend on making them last with my tailor and look their best with my stylist kit

"What exactly is a stylist kit," glad you asked.

Image via J. Crew

Image via J. Crew

A stylist kit can be thought of as your fashion emergency kit. Got white fuzzies all over your black sweater, reach for that kit. Unintentional deodorant skid marks on a tee, reach for that kit. Popped a button, reach for that kit. See where I'm going with this. Why waste the outfit when your kit is there to save the day. 

For those of you in the market for a pre-made kit, I suggest going with Fashion First Aid kit curated by Lauren Messiah (co-founder of School of Style). This kit has basically everything for your next gig or fashion mishap. For those of you knee-deep in wedding season, consider this your best friend for rehearsal dinners and the big day. This kit prevented hot mess syndrome during sweaty Miami fashion, so its pretty solid to say the least.

The kit comes complete with: folding scissors, lint roller, sewing kit, tagging gun, tape measure, safety pins, double sided tape, skid out deodorant packets, drool remover sponges, bra strap holder, heel fixers, shoe grips, nipple covers, garment guards, purse shine, sole glow. See complete details here.

Image via Brit + Co

Image via Brit + Co

For those of you wanting to DIY your own kit, consider these essential basics to be stored in an all-clear bag (easier to find what you need): 

- mini deodorant + deodorant remover or a small sponge: smell good and avoid the white stains.

- Band-Aids: great for blisters and unexpected cuts. I carry a few in my beauty bag too!

- safety pins, binder clips/clothespin, double-sided tape: these are great for hemming or holding any piece on the go.

- nipple covers: turn off the low-beams when they're not invited.

- nude underwear: sometimes our clothing may be a little more sheer than expected. Avoid any embarrassing moments with nude or black undies. 

- tide to-go: because life happens and stains come along with it.

- lint roller: helps keep the fuzzies at bay.

- foot petals, heel liners + shoe pads: to prevent feet fatigue on those long days.

- static guard, small sewing kit, and scissors: necessities for any kit.

I know it sounds like a lot but you'll be happy to have them when the bad ju-ju strikes, especially that tide to-go pen. Is there anything I missed that should be added?

P.s. You don't need to be a stylist to have a stylist kit, in fact think of it as your fashion emergency kit!