Embracing A Season of Hygge

Hygge is a Danish term that means a quality of life that incorporates cozy, comfy, and contentment while living in the present moment. I was introduced to this term a couple of years ago and love practicing hygge (hoo-ga) during the Autumn and Winter months. When the Fall comes, it reminds us to slow down and live life at a steady pace. Hygge is a perfect lifestyle to embrace when you desire more coziness, comfort, and enjoyment with family, friends, or yourself.

Below I am sharing a list of ways you can implement the concept of Hygge in your daily life.

1. Take a day off, stay in bed and watch your favorite shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Etc.
2. Make a nice breakfast before you go to work and sit down to eat it.
3. Buy lowlights to place in your bedroom and enjoy the ambiance.
4. Drink your favorite beverage whether in the morning or evening.
5. Pick a weekend to do a book marathon and read your favorite book all day.
6. Spend time collaging in your favorite notebook.
7. Spend some family time with the ones you love.
8. Invite your friends over and have a game night (intimate setting of no more than 2 friends).
9. Cook your favorite dish and savor every bite.
10. Buy a blanket/throw that represents your personality.
11. Take a walk in nature.
12. No social media for a week.
13. Take a Monday or Friday off from work
14. Write a list of ten things you are grateful for.
15. Write in your journal.
16. Play dress up with clothes in your closet (try to recreate different outfits).
17. Listen to complete silence in your room.
18. Buy your favorite candles and light them.
19. Have a spa day at home.
20. Take yourself out on a solo date.

The Top Five Items You Need This Fall

Recently, I decided to fill the void in my passion for fashion and got a part-time job with a clothing boutique. I enjoy boutiques because they are quaint, interpersonal, and have an intimate atmosphere. Clothing boutiques give customers a luxury experience, royal treatment, and pristine customer service. The boutique I work at target market is for the mature, sophisticated woman who loves quality clothes and accessories. 

White House Black Market was introduced to me in my 30s. I wanted to change my look, so I stumbled upon this boutique when I lived in South Carolina. Upon relocating back to South Carolina this year, I knew it was time to uplevel my wardrobe, and just like that, WHBM became a part of my life again. 

Here are a couple of Fall pieces I recommend for your everyday wardrobe at White House Black Market :

✨Item 1: Jeans

Every woman needs a quality pair of jeans that sustains the test of time in every season. I think jeans are essential in your wardrobe to dress up or down. Jeans are multifacet throughout any season.

✨Item 2: Rib Dress

Sweater dresses are usually the go to dresses for the fall/winter season however, ribbed dresses are the way to go. This particular sleeveless dress is a staple piece you can wear casually or jazz it up for a night on the town with your favorite accessories.

✨Item 3: Military Blazer

Whether it is a blazer, blue jean jacket or cardigan I believe this is a vital piece to add to your wardrobe. This particular jacket at WHBM has a miltary style design that can be paired with your favorite jeans, casual t-shirt or cami with a pair of ankle boots, flats or heels.

Item 4: Simple Black Boots

✨Whether the boots are ankle length or taller they are a signature piece to add to your fall wardrobe.

Item 5: Accessories

✨Accessories are the glue that pulls your outfit together; whether it is a headpiece/headband, glasses, watch, earrings, necklace, scarf, or purse, they impact bringing your wardrobe together.

Here are some of my favorite posts on fall fashion, body positivity & more:

Fashion Tips For Being Authentically You

Body Postivity: Honoring Your Body

Keys To A Cozy Simple Life

💕Last but not least check out my new book to help you style your inner self with love: 28 Days of Love: A Self-Love Journey

All Things Fall…

Autumn is my favorite season, and you can do so many things to set the ambiance for your Fall season. This is the season where implementing a softer lifestyle is paramount. Also, you can check out my latest post on embracing a softer lifestyle.

So below is a compilation of multiple things you can do for the Autumn season. Let’s get excited about the slowing down, whimsical moments, and falling into coziness.

Fall Movies To Watch

• Mystic Pizza
• Sweet Home Alabama
• Pretty in Pink
• Edward Scissorhands
• The Notebook
• Father of Bride
• The Sounds of Music
• Just Wright
• Pratical Magic
• When Harry Met Sally
• The Bodyguard
• Autumn in New York
• Pretty Woman

Fall Activities/Things To Do

• Collaging
• Collecting leaves and do some craft activities with leaves
• Create a celebratory tradition to usher in Autumn
• Collect your favorite mystery/thrillers/horror books
• Create a playlist…check out mine here https://tinyurl.com/msz5v2kc
• Schedule a family or solo roadtrip to see the fall foilage
• Check out local festivals, concerts and musicals
• Mindful Coloring

Fall Wardrobe (add to your wardrobe for the cozy season)

• Favorite Cozy Sweater
• Cashmere Scarf
• Faux Leather Leggings
• Favorite ankle boots or tall boots
• Wide Leg Jeans
• Sweater Dress

Favorite Fall Magazines

• Bella Grace magazine
• Real Simple
• Veranda
• Better Homes & Gardens

Here are some of my favorite Fall post:

Dwell In the Possiblities

Don’t Get Caught In The Hustle

30 Days of Stillness

7 Ways To Reconnect With Yourself

Out With The Old, In With The New

“A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.”-Unknown

This is officially the last week of summer before we usher in the autumnal equinox. As we wave goodbye to summer, we can use this week to reflect on lessons learned, things accomplished, and what we desire for the upcoming season. It is never easy saying goodbye to the warm weather, summer vacations, and family time; however, Autumn is one of my favorite seasons of the year, which gives me time to slow down, rest, and hit reset. 

When I think of Autumn, I think of days becoming shorter, nights becoming longer, and spending more time reading, getting cozy, and drinking hot cocoa and tea. As Autumn begins, it is a time of abundance, harvest, and starting something new. In the last few months, I have been transforming from the old version and diving into a softer side of myself. I no longer wanted to cultivate hardship, suffering, and struggle. It was time to embody my new version, leading me to a softer, carefree, and refined lifestyle. And so, I decided to let go of summer gracefully and welcome Autumn with open arms. 

Simply letting go of the old and ushering in the new… 

Here are a few ways you can celebrate the arrival of the Autumn season:

Make a list of your favorite Fall movies.

Make a list of books you want to read.

Research local events, festivals, and concerts in your area.

Decorate your home for the Fall season.

Declutter your closet and determine what new pieces you will add to your Fall wardrobe.

Grocery shop for your favorite tea or hot cocoa.

Create an Autumn playlist. (check out mine here: https://tinyurl.com/wz9ad4f2 )

Love Notes….

• Ready to spend time reconnecting with yourself? Check out my new book here: https://tinyurl.com/2w4n57sj
• Soft Girl Era Toolkit (For the woman who desires more ease, elegance and enjoyment in your everyday life): https://payhip.com/stylicia/collection/the-soft-girl-era-toolkit

Hygge for the Holidays…..

Slowing down……such a foreign concept to me for several years until I settled down in the south. As a single mom slowing down is a challenge everyday because there is always something to do on the checklist. However, in the last two years I have been challenged to slow down and really embrace the present moment. The present moment is crystallized by focusing on the now. The “now” moments are the moments we can never gain back. If this is true, then why do we rush through one event to the next?

Lately, I have been intrigued with going a lot slower in my everyday life. It has made a big difference in my mindset. Although, the holidays are here I am truly embracing slow motion. In my pursuit of this new lifestyle I have came across the word hygge (hoo-gah) practiced by the Danish culture. This lifestyle is a Danish concept that has been popping up everywhere I go. I can’t remember exactly where I heard it but I have been researching a little deeper about this concept. For a long time there was no formal definition for this word however, more Americans have become aware of this concept.

The holidays is great time to practice this Danish concept especially since Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner. I don’t believe in putting concepts in a box so you have the power to rearrange it the way it fits your life. For example, hygge to me is drinking hot cocoa, tea or wine during the winter months, watching a movie, reading a book and spending some quality time with my daughter.

No matter what concept, tradition or non-tradition you practice slowing down and enjoying the moment should be apart of your daily regiment.

Here is a book I am currently reading check it out in Stylicia’s Reads.

Last Day of Summer….

Today is the official last day of summer and for most of us it is just another day. However, I believe this is the best time to spend it in reflection. Reflecting is a great therapeutic tool to slow down and gather your thoughts. In this process you can reflect on the last nine months of this year. You might decide to reflect on goals that were achieved, relationships that ended, new things that have entered your life and where you want to be at by the end of 2017.

Reflection is a good way to look at the past, embrace the present and prepare for the future. As you prepare for the autumnal equinox take this day to sit back, sip your favorite beverage and revel in the beauty of Fall.

How do you plan to spend your last day of summer? (Leave your comments below)

September Theme: Transition, Transformation & Transcend!

We are back from our illustrious break and now it’s time to give you more power packed articles to keep you inspired to live a bold, loud and authentic life. This month is entitled Transition, Transformation & Transcend. In this series we will give you tips on how to transition through rough times in your life, how to allow your transition to be a time for wonderful transformations and rising above it all.

7 Things You Need To Do Before Summer Ends

As summer slowly sips in the cracks of yesteryear there are still a couple of more weeks to enjoy the hot weather before autumn makes her star studded appearance. Although, summer comes and goes quickly you still have time to get a little more sun, enjoy the beach and make some vacation plans with your loved ones. Summer is not yet over so keep your sundresses in rotation, put on your favorite sandals and protect your skin with your favorite sunscreen. Enjoy all of what summer has to give even in the last moments. Below are five things you can do before the days get shorter and nights become longer.

7 Things You Need To Do Before Summer Ends

1. Go to the beach one more time. As the temperature starts to drop down a little this is the perfect time to pack a cooler, take your favorite magazine and watch the waves.

2. Plan a road trip. Although, in the southern states kids have already started to go back to school you can still take advantage of the long weekend holidays such as Labor Day to take a road trip.

3. Wear your favorite summer dress. It is not cold yet so why are you bringing out the sweater. Put your fall clothes away and wear your cute summer dress. If you live down south summer never truly ends so keep your summer clothes in rotation.

4. Read your favorite book. You still can find some quiet moments to slip away and read your favorite book.

5. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Before the days get shorter and nights get longer enjoy the sunrise and be grateful to see the sunset.

6. Do some summer cleaning. So many people spring clean but I believe it is essential to clean out the old every season in order to make room for the new.

7. Summer shopping. As summer comes to an end on September 22^nd (the 1^st day of Fall) find time to catch all the last minute deals of the summer as you prepare your wardrobe for next year.

After you have completed these seven things you truly will be prepared to embrace your Fall season.  

Reference: Picture reference: http://thecareco.com/as-summer-comes-to-an-end/

Tis’ The Season to Be Colorful

Do not be a drab, be fab & colorful! ~Stylicia~

Fall has quickly slipped in and summer has gracefully left us. However, now that summer is gone the autumn weather will seep in with cooler temperatures forcing us to put on more layers of clothes. Summer exhibits a wide spectrum of bright colors while autumn  tends to bring in the lackluster of colors ranging from blue, black and gray. But this season you do not have to look like a drab for the autumn season because bold colors have taken form for Fall/Winter 2012. During the New York Fashion week bold bright and edgy colors ripped the runaway at the beginning of this year. So, this season its time to take out those bold colors to  implement them in your fall/winter wardrobe. Vibrant colors bring sexiness, fun and joy  into your personality. I decided that color would be my best friend in this season as I introduced it slowly into my fall/winter collection . It is fun to learn new ways to have fun with your fashion wardrobe. Recently, I realized I love loafers, this will be my signature style for the fall/winter months. I decided to use scarves as a colorful neck accessory for this season as well. If you are clueless on how to implement color gracefully and tastefully in your wardrobe this season I will provide a couple of helpful tips to get you in the game! If you are ready to start the journey of color follow the tips below to get you on the move.

Here are the following helpful fashion tips for adding color to your style.

1) Keep It Simple. I realize less is more so slowly add a splash of color in your fall/winter 2012 wardrobe by wearing a colorful scarf around your neck. Make sure the scarf is the only thing that stands out in your wardrobe. Try new colors you never tried before you never know what will work for your skin tone. 


2) Be Colorblind. Do not be scared to mix up colors in your wardrobe. Have fun color- blocking this fall/winter season.

3) Colorful Worldwide. Be bold and add color internationally in your wardrobe from your hats, shoes to clothes and even makeup. It would be good to take a shopping buddy with you that will help you figure out what colors accent your best features. When it comes to makeup make sure you treat yourself to the MAC makeup counter.

4) Color Me Bad. Have the confidence to wear any color…step out & own your colorful wardrobe palette. 

5) Create Your Mood With Colors. Every color has a meaning find out the meaning to create a certain mood with the color you want to wear. For instance, purple is the color for royalty. So if you want to feel like a queen for a day wear purple. 

The Meaning of Colors:

Color	Meaning
RED:	warmth, love, anger, danger, boldness, excitement, speed, strength, energy, determination, desire, passion, courage
ORANGE:	cheerfulness, low cost, affordability, enthusiasm, stimulation, creativity, aggression, food
YELLOW:	attention-grabbing, comfort, liveliness, cowardliness, hunger, optimism, overwhelm, Summer, comfort, liveliness, intellect, happiness, energy, conflict
GREEN:	durability, reliability, environmental, luxurious, optimism, well-being, nature, calm, relaxation, Spring, safety, honesty, optimism, harmony, freshness
BLUE:	peace, professionalism, loyalty, reliability, honor, melancholia, boredom, coldness, Winter, depth, stability, professionalism,  honor, trust
PURPLE:	power, royalty, nobility, elegance, sophistication, artificial, luxury, mystery, royalty, elegance, magic
GRAY:	conservatism, traditionalism, intelligence, serious, dull, uninteresting
BROWN:	relaxing, confident, casual, reassuring, nature, earthy, solid, reliable, genuine, Autumn, endurance
BLACK:	Elegance, sophistication, formality, power, strength, illegality, depression, morbidity, night, death
WHITE:	Cleanliness, purity, newness, virginity, peace, innocence, simplicity, sterility, snow, ice, cold

 

After all is said & done have fun with colors because this is the season to be a rainbow of joy, laughter, prosperity & fun!