Photos © 2011 Rebecca Rubin.
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'”
-Robin Williams
“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want – oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
-Mark Twain
Photo: Inspiring Fearless.
“This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing the things you love. Stop over analyzing. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate; every last bite. Life is simple. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people; we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often. Getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and wear your passion.”
-Unknown
I stumbled upon this beautiful quote today and was so moved. Hope you are too 🙂
xoxo
“Keep away from people that try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great. When you are seeking to bring big plans to fruition, it is important with whom you regularly associate. Hang out with friends who are like-minded and who are also designing purpose filled lives. Similarly, be that kind of a friend for your friends.”
-Mark Twain
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, & it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”
-Anais Nin
Sending heaps of love to all my wonderful friends! You continually bring so much love, happiness, and inspiration into my life and I feel incredibly blessed to have met each and every one of you 🙂
xoxo
Photo: The Electric
Want to add a dose of grunge to your wardrobe but fear looking more frumpy than fabulous? I’m right there with you! While I’d in no way classify myself as a hipster, I’ve begun to lust after that increasingly popular “messed up” look (which I’ve dubbed, “Disheveled Chic”). Through trial (and lots of error!) I’ve picked up a few tips in my quest toward disheveled-chicdome which I will now share with you..
1. Select a Disheveled-Chic style icon (ideally someone who’s body type resembles yours). Look at photos of them and notice what elements of their outfits appeal to you. Then slowly begin to incorporate them more in your day to day style. My personal disheveled-chic style icons include The Olsen Twins, Sienna Miller, Blake Lively, and Johnny Depp (yes, fashion inspiration can absolutely be derived from dudes!).
2. Go a little crazy when it comes to jewelry. Mix colorful bangles, leather cuff bracelets, and large cocktail rings to create your own unique blend and resist the urge to match! Over-coordination is the antithesis of the disheveled-chic chick!
3. Invest in one overpriced “It Girl” bag and wear it frequently to achieve that oh so perfectly scuffed look. (Check out E-bay for great deals!)
4. Don a pair of large dark sunglasses to add an element of old Hollywood glamor (you want to be a classy mess obviously!).
5. Think contrast when applying makeup and focus on one feature (ie. ruby red lips or smokey eyes with an otherwise bare face).
6. Combine multiple textures. The disheveled chic fashionista is known for paring a leather bag with a fur vest, suede boots, and slightly ripped jeans. Again, think contrast!
7. When it comes to hair, less is more (so lose the flat iron and wear your tresses down in natural waves or thrown up in a messy bun).
8. Borrow pieces from your boyfriend/brother/guy friends (particularly oxfords and blazers). Just be sure to pair baggier pieces with more feminine fitted items to achieve a sense of balance).
9. Develop an adventurous attitude and willingness to take risks! Personal style should be a fun and ever-evolving process!
Bon chance, you glamorous mess, you!
Photo: We Heart It
“What you resist persists, and what you stop resisting, stops persisting.”
Whether you’ve been fighting asking for help, taking a risk, admitting responsibility, falling in love, stepping up to the plate, expressing uncomfortable feelings, asking for support, admitting the breakdown of a relationship, grieving, or even eating chocolate icing, why not cut yourself a break? Life happens and things change whether we like it or not. Whether we’re ready for it or not. There is only so much we can control, and after that we have two choices: to let go or needlessly suffer. I’m setting a new goal to live with less resistance and more loving acceptance, and I invite you to join me 🙂
Photo: Unwritable.
Photo: So Lali Dances.
Photo: We Heart It.
Photo: ThreesixfiveJay.
If your typical morning consists of repeatedly hitting the snooze button, a frantic search for your car keys (did you really leave them in the freezer again?), and a mad dash out the door (half a bagel and hairbrush in hand!), then it might be time for a little AM makeover. Why not…
Rise naturally with the sun. Sip green tea. Journal. Draw. Doodle. Set intentions for the day to come. Read something inspirational. Meditate. Hit the gym (and the sauna!). Listen to a guided meditation. Run. Do yoga. Listen to Lele’s Breakfast (probs the funniest thing I’ve heard in months). Go for a walk outside. Take a long hot shower (or better yet, a bubble bath!). Pray. Stretch. Prepare yourself a delicious breakfast. Canoodle with someone you love. Read the newspaper in bed. Put on the most fabulous outfit you own (even if, or rather, especially if, it’s just a normal day). Listen to your favorite music. Take a moment or two to stare out the window…
Before you know it you’ll be sailing into work with such a slap happy grin on your face, no one will know what to do with you!
Photo: Bottle Stars
Photo: Dgapuna
Photo: Sing One For Me
Photo: Sahara Mahala
Photo: Pink Lemon Princess
Photos: We Heart It
One thing America’s favorite country sweetheart has for sure (aside from killer vocal chords and a perpetually-in-shambles love life) is a rockin sense of personal style! Her blond banana curls, infectious smile, and trendy yet tasteful ensembles give her a look that is sweet, fresh, and oh so classy!
I love you Tay Tay (Jake’s a moron)!
Photo: A Subtle Revelry
Photo: We Heart It
Things I’m lovin right now…
Messy blond hair, rainy days spent in bed, my job, deep plum nail polish, blogging like a mad woman, Claude Taylor photography, Gala Darling, We Heart It, Pinterist, Heel Condoms, learning how to make French Press coffee twice in one week and still messing it up, The Vampire Diaries, Viktor Rolf Flowerbomb Rollerball perfume, men’s leather cuff bracelets worn on women, the start of cute boys running outside without their shirts on season, TED, Psychology Today Magazine, Lacey’s Cookies, and all things leopard print…
What has captured your fancy lately? Please share…
Photos: The CW
Head cheerleader turned bloodthirsty vampire, Caroline Forbes (played by Candice Accola), is by far my favorite character on The Vampire Diaries (aka the best show on television). When we are first introduced to Caroline, she is a boy crazy, gossip hungry, perfectionist, on a constant hunt for the approval of others. This makes her easy prey for a manipulative yet attractive vampire villain, Daemon, as she believes she is worthless without a cute boyfriend. As the show progresses, however, and Caroline is accidentally turned into a Vampire, she is forced for the first time to turn inward and undergo some painful introspection and self-exploration. As she experiences hardship she’s never previously faced, her strength is put to the test. Slowly she becomes more assertive and powerful, transforming from a weak victim into a vital force in the show’s ongoing struggle against evil vampires.
I think there is a little bit of Caroline Forbes in all of us. As women, society teaches us early on that we need to be perfect and popular in order to feel good about ourselves. Most of us, however, eventually hit a point (perhaps less dramatic than becoming a vampire) where we come face to face with the fact that this confining, empty, and dis-empowering stereotype of what a woman should be doesn’t quite fit. And that’s when the (often uncomfortable) introspection begins. As trite as it might sound, the process of discovering who you are and getting in touch with your individuality and inner strength is one of the hardest, scariest, and most important things you will ever do.
I believe my inner journey began during my junior year of college when, feeling unhappy and stifled by my “sorority girl” image, I decided study in South Africa for a semester. At the time, traveling by myself half way around the world felt like a very big deal, and decidedly outside my comfort zone. But I did it anyway, feeling I owed it to myself to test just how strong, independent, and (hopefully) happy I could be. Though I had no idea at the time, going turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made, starting a ripple effect of self-discovery and growth that continues today.
So while I began this post with every intention of discussing Caroline’s many adorable hairstyles and penchant for floral accessories (which are lovely to say the least ;)), I guess it has morphed into something else altogether. Much like Caroline’s character, my own personal journey, and probably many of yours. I just want to say, whether you feel like you are in a strong confident place right now, or are just starting to come face to face with tough stuff, I urge you to stay strong and not compromise. I’ve been there and believe with all of my heart that you are worth every bit of effort you put into to finding yourself, whatever that means to you. So take chances, stay positive and as the great Winston Churchill famously stated, “never, never, never, never give up”!
Xoxo
Rebecca
PS. If you haven’t already, watch Vampire Diaries! You won’t regret it 🙂
