Life Lessons from DVF

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Diane Von Furstenberg, one of my favorite fashion icons, recently shared her "10 Rules to Live By" in Elle Magazine.  I found them listed on the Elements of Style Blog:

Diane’s 10 Rules to Live By

  • Trust yourself. “The secret to feeling attractive, and to being attractive, is the confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you believe in.”
  • Accept the passage of time.  “The older you get, the more you should learn to love life and appreciate the beauty that comes with age.”
  • Document your days. “Carry a camera and create an inspiring visual diary of your life.”
  • Your suitcase symbolizes your life. “The best way to know a woman is to open her luggage.  If she knows how to pack well, it means she understands , and cherishes, how to live a simplified life.”
  • Fashionable friends. “Choose fashions that make you happy.  I hope the clothes I design will become my clients’ best friends.  That way, when they open their closets, they will always encounter someone special.”
  • Dress your personality. “Always choose styles that also accentuate your personality.  Don’t use fashion to try and project a different persona.  Authenticity is key.”
  • Use your feminine power. “My mother taught me that being a woman is a privilege because the world revolvesaround us!  It is a precious gift, and its power should be used in a subtle and respectful way.”
  • Your handbag is your guide. “Before leaving home, check your agenda and organize your bag according to what you have to do that day.  Keeping everything in order makes life easier.”
  • Indulge yourself. “If you are like me, and don’t want to resort to Botox, book regular massages.  I’m sure it helps to keep everything firm and in it’s place!”
  • Lead a balanced life. “The best regimen is to keep moving!  Never stop working, travelling and seeking adventure.  Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol and sugar and get to your yoga class!”


Turns out shes not only savvy in fashion, but also in living a balanced, inspired life.

 

Put a bow on it

Do you ever walk into a store and just want to shout "I'll take everything!"? I had that moment last weekend when I was home in Pittsburgh.  Mom and I went shopping and wandered int othe Kate Spade store.  I could have wrapped it up, put a big bow on it and taken home the store! The style is so classic and sophisticated, yet feminine and cute.  From the stationary to the shoes I just love it. Unfortunately and realistically I did not leave with the whole store...but I did get a lovely ring as an early birthday gift from mom:

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So even though I couldn't but a bow on the store and take it home, I could at least put a bow on my finger! :-)

Another great find on the Kate Spade website in their "Favorite Things" book is that they love sticky notes too!  

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DIY: Velvet Bangles

While lusting after some of the gorgeous gifts in the Real Simple November "Gift Guide" I game a cross these cute velvet bangles:

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My budget couldn't afford the ones in the mag so I decided to get crafty and try to re-create them:

I found some plastic bangles at Claire's (major tween moment), got some velvet ribbon at Michael's, used some buttons I had on hand and some earrings I found at Goodwill, broke out the glue gun and voila:

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Left: burlap ribbon, vintage buttons

Middle: Black velvet ribbon, Goodwill earrings

Right: Brown velvet ribbon, collection of buttons I had on hand

 

Fall flowers

I had to share, these flowers are gorgeous! 

And I'm not usually a pastels fan but this shows you can go beyond the traditional brown and cranberry-ish colors for a fall wedding (or any affair, for those of us (ahem, me) who aren't anywhere near the big W or even the BF for that matter! lol) 

I'm also equally in love with the bridesmaids' dresses and jewelry. Classy yet fun.

Which Magazine are you?

Chris Brogan recently asked "Which Magazine Are You?" and it made me start thinking.  

As I stare at the stack of magazines my roommate and I acquire on a monthly basis - I immediately turn to the magazine I have probably subscribed to the longest - SELF.  

This is one magazine a read cover to cover each month and dog-ear numerous pages to go back to or tear out later. The magazine is full of tips and tricks to help you be "You at Your Best".  I love that tagline.  It doesn't say be someone else's best or be the best in the world, it just says be the best you can be, with what you have been blessed with.  This is one of my daily mantras - being the best I can be, in hopes that I can help others achieve that same goal and pay it forward.  

Side note: A great book to read - Matthew Kelley's The Rhythm of Life - emphasizes being your 'best self' (I highly recommend).

I love that it is organized into the four things I think are essential in life:
  • Beauty
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Happiness

And these four not just in their literal terms but in their spiritual and emotional connotations as well.  The models aren't skin and bones, they are healthy and fit - the way an average woman can aspire to be. Overall it is well rounded with attainable goals, doable tips and aspiring stories. If I had to become one of many covers in the vast sea known as the magazine rack, I would choose SELF to represent myself :-P.

So to pass on the question - Which magazine are you? Please share!