LDW '13

 

I hope you all enjoy your Labor Day Weekend! Here in the Northeast its kinda like our last long summer weekend.... So, I'm headed to the shore and plan on enjoying the beach, bike rides with my love, seafood scmorgasborgs and lots of R&R before the start of the busy September hussle.

 

One more thing I love about LDW.... the sales. Good Lawd, the sales are insane! Stock up on essentials, you can never go wrong with wardrobe basics. Check out my style inspiration series for some ideas. Happy Shopping!

Take 40% off select shoes at Nordstrom. Ends 9/15.
Get 25% off on full price items at C. Wonder with code “LABORDAY”. Ends 9/2 .
Take 30% off all sales items at Madewell with code “BYESUMMER”.
25% off denim at J.Crew. Holla.
Take 25% off of the House & Home event at Anthropologie.
At Joie take an additional 20% off of sale merchandise with code “LABORDAY13″. Ends 9/2.
Mille, formerly known as Pretty Mommy, is offering 20% off all orders over $100 + free shipping with code “LABORDAY”. Ends 9/2.
Bauble Bar is having a buy 2 items get 25% off sale with code “SUMMER25″. Ends 9/2.
Lulu & Georgia is offering up 24% off your total purchase with code “LABORDAY25″. Ends 9/2.
Take an additional 20% off of sale at Les Nouvelles.

 

 

Make memories, be safe and wear sunscreen!

 

xoxo
Until Monday!

M

CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE?

 

 

This past Wednesday, I got the pleasure to watch Emil Sande perform live in Central Park at Summer Stage. I was blown away by her voice and her lyrics. Absolutely beautiful, plus it didn't hurt to be planted in the middle of Central Park at night  with few light rain showers coming down surrounded by the glow of the city lights. I have to admit, the night was all around magical.

 

I wanted to share with you a song that I have been playing on repeat, its called "Feel the Love" by Rudimental. Rudimental was the opening act for Emili Sande and they also blew me away with their voices and use of instruments. They remind me of a more vocally talented Black Eyed Peas, not as entertaining as Fergie but their voices are just as good. Listen to their song below and enjoy, I hope it brings you a good feeling inside as it does me.....

For more information on Summer Stage click here

A PERSONAL SEPTEMBER CHECK LIST

Summer days are quickly approaching their end. The transition into September for most is not always welcomed with the same excitement as summer but for me … I just love it! September marks  new beginnings  and for most with school starting it adds more to an already full plate.

I want you to try to look at September as a fresh start and go into the month with the same energy you put into May and June. The weather is cooler (most of the time here in the Northeast) and the fashion…..oh the fashion! Plus....classes start for me today and I’m ready to buckle down. I consider it a plus b/c I just love learning....

 

If school is not part of your routine, than some of you are returning from vacations and slow business days and getting thrown back into your busy 5 day week. I've compiled a checklist that can definitely be used for just about anyone to help create a more balanced, productive and fresh start to a beautiful new season. 

 

& Here you are:

Organize your closet. You can start by taking anything to the dry-cleaners that you’ll be wearing for fall (coats, tops, dresses, skirts, sweaters, etc) & pack up your summer wardrobe in wardrobe boxes. Keep your closet clean and organized. Click here for a closet organization post.

Plan a regular fitness routine that works with your daily work/school demands. Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve and most importantly treat your workouts like important meetings. Remember it is consistency that will make the difference so choose your workouts wisely and have fun so you wont burn out.

 

Plan a home pampering kit to be readily available at all times (bubble bath, truffles, wine, candles, music, etc). There will be days when your heels are ready to be taken off, your mind is fried and emotional stamina has been tested. Be prepared in advance and have what you need to relax stocked and ready to go. For me it’s night of face and hair masks, a hot bath with music and candles light. A glass of red wine and a good book cuddled up in my favorite blanket on the couch to cap off the night.

Schedule your pedicure and/or manicures in advance.

Clean your make-up brushes, hair brushes, etc. & reorganize your beauty products. I personally do this every 3 – 4 weeks and clean all of my makeup brushes, containers and organize by usage.

Visit your hair dresser for a trim and color touch-up.

Clean your home/office/bedroom/car and reorganize. It will simply make you feel better when you enter each and every time. A clean space is a happy you.

Balance your budget and know where you stand financially. Due to your schedule potentially changing, financial expectations may change as well, so know exactly where you are and how much you can spend. Click here for a financial post....

Plan and shop for healthy snacks to help keep you energized throughout the day (almonds, fruit, raisins, veggies, yogurt, cheese, peanut butter)

Plan a weekly menu for your meals at home and stock your refrigerator with the necessary supplies. Click here for my weekly food routine.

Be sure to have ample tea, coffee or whatever you enjoy to begin your day.

Reading material. Since many of us are going back to school, one might assume we have more than enough reading material that is assigned, but it is always nice to have something solely selected by ourselves waiting on our nightstand before turning in after a long day. Be sure to have a lovely book ready to dive into. Click here for my current read...

Refresh your fall wardrobe. Assess your closet. Toss what hasn’t been worn in 1-2 years, fix what needs to be fixed so you can enjoy wearing it and ascertain what your closet is missing to create your ideal wardrobe. Make a list, and diligently go shopping. Check out my style inspiration series for ideas.

Make sure you have a journal to write down thoughts, ideas, etc either at the end of the day or during.

Purchase any necessary supplies for your office/desk/tote/binder

Do you have a travel coffee mug that works?

Double check all of your subscriptions (magazines, newspapers, etc) to make sure they are up-to-date and won’t expire. One of my simple pleasures after returning home from a long, exhausting day is discovering the latest Vogue issue sitting in my mailbox or any other publication that is a pleasure to read. Reading these publications help me step away from my daily stresses if only for thirty minutes or so.

Schedule and indulge in a seasonal facial from your favorite spa. Your skin will thank you, you’ll glow even more and the hour of relaxing will certainly be beneficial. Click here for my skin routine.

Everyone most likely has their own back-to-school rituals, but the first person to tend to is you. Make sure you schedule time for things that need to happen to help you feel your best and have enough energy to get through your busy schedule. Exercise, good eating and a bit of pampering isn’t a luxury, but a necessity to maintain balance in a dynamic world that is always asking more of us. When you feel prepared, your confidence will show and you will be further gaining ground toward the goals you are already trying to achieve which makes us more enjoyable colleagues, friends, and loved ones to those around us.

 

May you have a wonderful first day back at school, at the office or at home helping your children begin the year. 

(thank you via TSLL)

 

BECOME A MORE SUCCESSFUL WOMAN

Lets go back to 1974 in the United States. The year when women legally were first allowed to partake in credit practices. Yes, that means purchasing a home, obtaining a credit card, buying a car – anything that involved a loan or any sort prior to 1974 required a woman’s father or husband to co-sign (bologna)… ..We aren’t talking a hundred years ago, this is less than 40 years ago….. seems so foreign to me.

Women were seen as second class citizens and not legally allowed to live a life financially independent. Thank god I missed those years. I'm way too independent of a woman to have ever been tied down to such ridiculous restraints. 

Onto my post…..I believe that most people all want to be successful (although each of us have our own definitions of personal success), I find though, sometimes we get in our own way…

The ability to become successful, no matter what your sex or age, is solely up to you. Being successful is determined with each decision, emotion, attitude and effort you put in day after day. On both bad days and good……

I want to share some tips that I have learned from successful people in my life and tips that have worked and are working for me….. 

Stand on your own. For me, the key to success Is knowing you can take care of yourself. Whether in a relationship, dependent on your parents or family, genuine self-confidence comes from knowing you can stand on your own two feet. Take the reins and own your life.

Have a sense of humor. You must be able to laugh at yourself. Being your own worst critic will just accumulate black clouds all around you and you will start to doubt yourself. We are human and we will fall on our faces, wipe it up laugh it off and move on.

Keep the lid on your anger. The moment you let anger overpower you, your power is gone. Don’t be a loose cannon. Take a deep breath, walk away for a few minutes and gather your thoughts. Emotion should not drive your words. You will be heard louder with a calm and steady voice.

Let it roll of your shoulders. We are human and we do have lots of emotions – sometime people can get the better of us. Don’t take everything personally, if we let words fester we start to resent that person or start to believe the naysayers. It’s a tricky tight rope to walk but you will soon learn what to take to heart and what to let roll off your shoulders. I’m not saying be spineless, pick and choose your battles and whom and what is really worth it.

Look up to someone/Find a mentor. Not every woman growing up has been fortunate enough to have someone in their family who provided the example of a strong, independent, successful woman. (I was lucky enough to have those) If you work with someone, meet someone or know of someone, don't be afraid to ask questions. Invite them to lunch and pick their brain. As I continue to discover the successful woman I want to be I continually read up on others, talk to professors and like minded women around me for advice. It has changed my work ethic and attitude in ways I could have never had imagined.

Last but not least-Work your tail off. Nothing worth having is ever easy. Success and hard work come hand in hand. For me that’s more hours in the office, more hours studying for class and more hours spent trying to balance work, relationships, play and a healthy lifestyle. Its not easy to balance all and be successful at all but I’m taking the right steps to becoming a more successful Marlena.

I hope you all become successful , whatever your definition of success is. Id love to hear some of your tips and words of wisdom….. Id love to know what you think and what you have learned…. After all, what is success if you can’t teach or inspire others?

{via The Simply Luxurious Life}



I LIKE BIG......

 

 

 

 

I like big Hair! I love big hair. C'mon.....I was born and raised in New Jersey, its in my blood.

 

This past weekend while at the salon, I was shown and told about Bb. Dry Spun Finishing Spray. I tried it. Loved it. & bought 2. Obsessed is not the word. Thickening Dryspun Finish, the newest addition to the Bb. Thickening Collection.This gem of a product is everything that a classic dry shampoo aims to be but so much more. In fact, there’s no comparison. Thickening Dryspun Finish is a translucent dry spray that spins hair into an airy silhouette, adding volume and sexiness to literally every hairstyle. 

 

Normally, my hair will hold the lift from other products for a few hours but this bad boy kept my volume until the next wash and blow dry. I woke up the next day and my hair still had volume.  Hooked!

 

What is so great about this product is that it doe not get sticky and you can't possibly use too much - it holds your shape but brushes out easily. No icky residue or powder, doesn't weigh my ultra fine hair down and smells like salon hair which I personally love. Try it.

 

Let me know how you like it and send me in your hair pics! Id love to see how this product works for you!

 

xo

M

 

TOO SWEET TO NOT SHARE

 

Crying and smiling at the same time after watching this sweet video....Enjoy!

 

xo

M

 

EVERYDAY LESSON FOR FASHION

 

 

Olivia Palermo gets it right every time!

 

There’s something so universally compelling about the style of French women that it’s only natural to assume it to be an innate national characteristic bestowed on every French female, and not a product of carefully considered personal, sartorial and social choices. And it’s evolution from Jeanne Moreau and Catherine Deneuve in the 50s to the modern style of Charlotte Gainsburg and Marion Cotillard (and Moreau and Deneuve encore) is all the proof we need.

“As a French person, it’s not always easy to see what other cultures think of us,” says Caroline Phely, a Parisian expat and co-owner of Canon Blanc, a French boutique in Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood. “But I would say that one important thing that particularly all women say to their daughters—I’ve heard it from my mother and many times from other women—is that the way you dress is very important in every aspect of your life.” This includes what you wear to work and all off-duty ventures, she explains.

We asked Phely for her insight on the reason behind the allure of the French woman—and how to capture her look right here at home.

French women style: Don your Sunday best—everyday

The concept of wearing your Sunday best is a 24/7 mantra in France. “It’s very important to always not only be dressed appropriately, but to have your hair done and your makeup on— but not too much,” says Phely. “The saying that all women tell their daughters is that ‘you always have to be dressed up because when you go out onto the streets, you never know who you are going to meet’.” And this stranger casting a watchful eye on your all-pink outfit could be a potential suitor or employer—or worse, that always-stylish friend whom you don’t want to spot you in sweatpants.


REPOST via ELLE CANADA

 

xo

M

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