Comfortable in Your Skin

The fact that this is still a huge issue going into the new year hurts my soul! Everywhere I travel too I always see the billboards, the magazines, and all the commercials explaining to people how they can get their “better body” in weeks or look 20 years younger in days.

But why?

Why can’t we, as individuals, learn to love everything that sets us apart from the body builders and the people who supposedly never age. After all, being unique is one of the most awesome things to be in this crazy adventure we call life.

We each bring something to the table that no one else can and I think that’s astonishing in itself. But just in case YOU need a little boost in your confidence, here’s some tips on feeling comfortable in your own skin:

Fashion Choices

Believe it or not the fashion industry has made strides to put all sizes on the runway so that anyone with the passion for fashion can have the looks they dream of wearing! So what’s stopping you?

For many people its the thought of looking “out of the ordinary” or “uninspiring” to other people. We have this little voice that sometimes grows to be gargantuan and ultimately we fall short of the mark on buying that dress or wearing those shoes.

Here’s the thing.

You shouldn’t buy clothes to impress people. Ever!

The only person you should be trying to impress is yourself! YOU know that dress looks great on your curves. YOU know those shoes complete your outfit. YOU know that suit is going to turn heads and whatever negative thing people say should go into one ear and out of the other because, lets face it, 10 times out of 10 whatever it is that your wearing looks absolutely stunning on you!

Gym Leader (Not Pokémon)

“With this shake, you can lose weight in as little as six months!”

“This machine makes working out easy! It doesn’t feel like I’m losing weight!”

“Don’t worry about the gym! This workout belt can help you lose those love-handles in no time!”

Sound familiar?

It’s a bit scary that these commercial ads seem to get more clever in manipulating your mind into thinking that you need their so called product in order to look good. As a person who goes to the gym a “healthy” amount, I can tell you that NONE of those products do what you want them to do. The honest truth is, if you want to work out, you have to get to a gym!

BUT, that’s only if YOU feel like you need to work-out.

I’ve been told all my life that I’m too skinny and I look sick and unhealthy. It got to a point where I began comparing myself to everyone around me who looked “healthy” and by doing so, I lost a lot of confidence. I begin eating everything I could get my hands on in order to gain weight but the only thing I gained was weeks upon weeks of being sick!

Then it hit me.

Why am I gorging myself for everyone’s else approval? I know I look just fine, and I’ve been to the doctor plenty of times to know I’m healthy.

My point is, if you feel truly feel comfortable in your own skin then you don’t have to go to the gym at all! The gym takes dedication and focus. For a lot of people, its their passion. The way I see it, the gym leaders who you see at the gym everyday don’t feel as confident as you do so they work out to get their confidence. It has nothing to do with you or how you look!

 

What I want everyone to take from this is that you can’t spend your life hungry from everyone else’s approval. YOU are your biggest critic no matter who comes along to cut yourself some slack and be fine with saying, “I look amazing” every time you look in the mirror.

If you still can’t do it confidently, then make changes. Just be sure you’re making those changes for you and only you!

 

-Syd

 

New Year, Same You!

Happy New Year!

May be a day late and a dollar short but I never got to tell you awesome fashionistas, so there you go! It may sound cliché, but I honestly love the idea of starting over for a new year. Over time I’ve learned that I should give each year all that I’ve got to give to get the most out of them. Not necessarily ‘new year, new me’ but more of a new year, new challenges to overcome.
Think of it like a video game. You spend days on one stage leveling up in order to get ready for the giant boss fight waiting on the other side of the door. I think of each new year as a giant boss fight, I’m just getting ready to overcome it!

Resolutions

Everyone has them whether you want to admit it or not. Over the years, people have come to think of resolutions as empty promises to themselves that they never achieve. The excuses for the not achieving those goals are endless but usually the main reason is you psych yourself out of it!

None of your new year goals will come true if you don’t put in the confidence to actually achieve them. That means putting in as much energy that you have at the beginning of the year for the ENTIRE year! I know it sounds easier said than done but if you’re like me and you hate tedious repetition then you’ll find the energy to stray away from the norm of every year!

Make it Achievable

While its good to have those new year resolutions its also smart to make them doable! Finding love, owning a business, and becoming the president of the united states are prime examples of how not to make a new years resolution. Instead, why not create goals that help that outcome! For example: socializing more can lead to you meeting new people and studying well and getting educated through business technology can help you become owner of a business.

Its the little things that matter more than the big outcome. You can even try to make it so that you accomplish something small towards your ultimate goal monthly!

Find Yourself

It’s never too late to truly find yourself. It comes to some people at an early age and for others its later on in life but no matter when it comes be open to the changes! I look at life like an awesome adventure full of challenges and rewards (just like video games!). Sometimes you’ll win and sometimes you’ll but each time you grow wiser and become stronger! I don’t believe in anyone being bad at living their life to the fullest. I believe that people are unique and their respected adventure that their on is unique as well.

No matter how you look at life or the new year, remember that you’re only human. Nothing is out to get you and you’re going to get where you need to be this year and in the future! So let’s make this year one to remember!

 

-Syd

Men’s Essentials: Colognes

Fashion is more than just the shoes you pair with your outfit or the accessories you use to top off everything. There are many aspects to bringing out your fashion style that you’ll touch base on as you continue to search for your unique look. One of those many aspects is the perfect fragrance!

Sea of Smells

The thought of how many colognes there are for men can give you a worse headache than if you tried to smell them all at once! Don’t be fooled by all the commercials and Macy’s Stands lined throughout the mall. In reality, you should only have one fragrance that you call your on.

Believe it or not, there are ranges in smell when it comes to colognes. Some are light and floral while others are dark and musky. And of course, there’s everything in between. Picking out a cologne is a lot like picking out that signature style, which is why they always go hand in hand.

Light Side vs Dark Side

There are a lot big names when it comes to cologne for both men and women. What makes it even more complicated is that within those brand names comes a plethora of scents and ranges.

I know what you’re thinking; how can I possibly choose just one fragrance out of all of them?

RESEARCH! Just like you did in college for those crazy papers you were required to do. When you find a few fragrances that catch your eye, go to your local mall or even discount stores like TJMAXX and try them out. Make an honest decision on which one you absolutely love and you’ll have one more essential knocked out of the park.

It sounds easier said than done but trust me, finding that perfect fragrance is always a fun adventure!

The Power of Cologne Baby

Cologne can be the thing that makes your presence worthwhile or it can be the thing that makes everyone around you cower in fear. No matter which way you go with cologne, too much of it can prove to be a bad thing when you’re in a group of people. Colognes typically stay a lot longer than generic sprays like Axe or Old Spice so you don’t have to “bathe” yourself in the smell every time you use it. A quick spray, or even just a small mist of your cologne will get you far.

People will be able to smell your cologne and not be overpowered by it. You don’t want someone being able to point out your location three blocks away.

Also, by only using small amounts of your fragrance each day or every other day, you’ll be saving money! Colognes can be expensive, especially when you’re going for those name brand fragrances. But if you use the fragrance right, it can last you a year or so before you have to replenish the stock!

 

-Syd

Beauty From The Inside Out

Look Good. Feel Good. DO Good.

Its an age old saying that still stands true today. But it in today’s adult world of careers, families, social life, and everything in between it can be quite difficult to take care of yourself both mentally and physically.

Here’s a few tips on how you can better yourself without completely exhausting yourself in the process!

Small Excercises

That’s right.

Jumping Jacks, Sit ups, push-ups, you name it! Exercising loosens you up and give you energy. It’s the second best thing to waking up besides coffee!

I’m not telling you to run out and get that gym membership you’ve been putting off for the last three New Year Resolutions, but I am telling you to start small. The hardest part about exercising is getting up and doing that first rep. Once you’ve started, the focus just comes to you and you’re on your way.

BONUS: You shouldn’t just exercise your body on a regular schedule. You should exercise your mind too! In today’s world, technology rules everything! You can literally do anything from the tip of your fingers including: freshen your math skills, learn a new language, even make a movie!

Or you could just get the top score on Candy Crush Saga.

Treat Yo’ Self

Another popular saying that has great meaning.

Fit life has plenty of exercises you can perform to tweak your body to the way you want it but if you don’t eat right, then you’ll be working out for nothing. Meal prep, dieting, and proportioning your intake can go a long way in the art of working out.

BUT you don’t have to do this everyday!

Seriously, you can “treat yo self” to the occasional pizza, ice cream, or whatever else foods that in the fitness world are deemed bad for you!

-Syd

 

 

New Posts On The Way!

The Holidays have Arrived!

Like every year, the Holidays are always the busiest of times.

But don’t worry!

I’ll be bringing you more tips and tricks for handling both life and fashion.

Until then, make sure you check out The Aquarian Boutique’s Online Store for great deals on perfect holiday gifts!

No one wants to be caught in a CVS picking up a last minute gift 😉

Talk to y’all soon!

– Syd

Thanksgiving Dos and Don’ts

The time has come ladies and gentlemen!

The turkey is cooking, the homemade stuffing is prepared, the smell of a cornucopia has filled the house.

Well maybe not that far but still, Thanksgiving is upon us!

Thanksgiving is a great holiday that brings families and friends together for a day just to give thanks to each other. And of course, stuff your faces with AMAZING food. Seriously, there’s nothing better than turkey day food (especially in the south!).

But with all the preparations revolving around the food, many people forget the steps for making themselves look amazing during the feast. Don’t get me wrong, the month of November is all about sweatpants and ugly sweaters but I’m pretty sure we can all look presentable for one day out of the month.

Here are a few tips on how to look your best during Thanksgiving!

Colors of the Wind

No, I’m not talking about Pocahontas and John Smith frolicking through the great open plains with the wind. I”m talking about the colors you should go for in your quest to find that amazing outfit for the celebration.

I mentioned before in a previous post that seasons change and so should your colors! Reds, yellows, and browns are all great colors for this particular season and even better for the setting of Thanksgiving. Simple keys to follow while mixing with these colors are:

• The Blending/Offset
• Is It Too Bright/Too Dark
•  Too Much of One Color

You should never just stick to one color. Its basic and you could possibly become camouflaged into a wall that is the same color. Always try to blend your color with another color and find a balance between the two. Also, its always great to stand out at any function but having a color that is far too bright can be a bit awkward for some people so try to go for a medium tone if you can.

Never Go Out Of Style

Be sure to understand the dress code for the dinner!

I can’t stress this enough. If you’ve received an invitation that says “Semi-Formal” or “Casual” wear, please dress as such! It doesn’t matter if its your family or your close friends, you should always come dressed presentable to the occasion.

Thanksgiving dinners are usually semi-formal which is a good thing! There’s no stress about having to wear a tie or which shoes go with the belt or having to choose between two button ups that you love. My personal semi-formal look that I’ve come to perfect is a nice pair of Khakis, a nice solid colored button up, and a grey sweater. Put it all together with a great pair of Oxfords and I’m ready to go!

Dressing up for Thanksgiving is not meant to torment you, although some people would disagree. It’s just bringing out the best of you when it comes to fashion. Unlike going to a five-star restaurant, there’s no pressure as to what you should wear. Just follow what the invitation says and go from there!

Accesories

I’ll keep this short and simple for you:

Don’t wear too many accessories! It can become disruptive at the table as your passing food around and, lets be honest, it just gets in the way of your path to the food.

A nice watch, ring, and maybe a bracelet is all you really need to top off your amazing outfit.

What To Bring

While most Thanksgiving hosts advise you “not” to bring anything to the dinner, you should always bring something.

Trust me, I know from experience.

Usually its very formal to bring a dish or, if you can’t cook, a nice bottle of wine will suffice. DO NOT bring store bought deserts.

Again, I know from experience.

Wines can be tricky, however. There’s a plethora of wines out there but only a few get a passing grade when it comes to pairing it with Thanksgiving food. Here’s a few to get you started:

Whites

• Gewurtraminer (Sweetest)
• Riesling (Sweet)
• Sauvignon Blanc (Dry)

Reds

• Zinfadel (Sweetest)
• Pinot Noir (Sweet)
• Syra (Dry)

So there you have it! Some great tips to help you stand out this Thanksgiving and be the bell of the ball at the dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

-Syd

 

Men’s Fashion Essentials: Shoes

Four Pairs Of Shoes Every Guy Should Have In His Closet

 

“When you turn 25, buy yourself a tailored suit.”

I’m sure every guy has heard this saying as they were growing up either from their parents or from someone who is extremely distinguished like Sean Connery. No matter where you heard the saying, its actually a very good tip to follow and one of the key essentials of becoming a fashion icon.

But that’s far from all the essentials you’ll need. In fact, it’s only a small detail in the plethora of essentials that make up a fashion icon. Here’s a small tip on one of the things us guys tend look over: Shoes.

Classic Dress Shoe

While I was growing up, I only wore one type of shoe; Converse. No matter if it was raining, snowing, tornado or hailstorms, I wore my Converse with every outfit. I even wore them to the Homecoming Dance.

When I look back on it, it was huge mistake on my part.

Every guy should have a nice pair of Classic Dress Shoes. Usually men tend to go Oxford or Derby when it comes to dress shoes and both are great in my opinion. I prefer, however, the Oxford shoe because they’re a bit easier to walk in than a Derby. It all depends on your comfort level with these shoes as well every other dress shoe.

Despite them being dress shoes, its quite alright for you to wear them everyday. Just don’t try to play sports in them.

The Brougue

The infamous Brogue shoe is not one of my favorite pairs of shoes but they are making waves in the fashion industry. Although they look very similar to all dress shoes, their distinct “hole” pattern around the shoe makes them unique. I rarely wear these shoes unless I’m going to a very upscale event and I’m trying to cause a stir when I walk through the door (which you should want to do everywhere you go).

They should be worn with dark dress pants and suits but I’ve seen many people wear them with a similar dark denim jean. Unlike the Classic, these shoes shouldn’t be worn for casual strolls around the park mainly because these shoes are usually very costly and are not intended to be worn down like hiking boots. Wear them to a cocktail party or maybe the Opera if you’re into that sort of thing.

The Loafer

I have a confession to make. I despise laces. I prefer shoes that I can just slip on when I need to go somewhere. That’s why “Loafers” are my all time favorite shoe to wear! Aside from them being lace-less, a good pair of Loafers go a long way. Despite their basic appearance, Loafers come in many different design styles making it the best universal shoe to wear just about anywhere.

Usually they range from a light brown color to black and you’re able to wear them with jeans, khakis, and dress pants. My favorite combo is a nice dress shirt, khakis, and my favorite pair of Loafers. It makes your appearance look effortless and fashionable in any  situation. And I can’t tell you enough how comfortable and easy they are to wear! You’ll probably never want to take them off.

The Sneaker

Believe it or not, people get confused with what type of Sneaker to buy. It’s a thin line between fashionable and looking like a 70-year-old middle school English teacher. There are many types of sneakers out there but there are also many types of “fitness shoes” that shouldn’t be treated as a sneaker.

The most favorable pair of Sneakers are the Converse All-Stars. Towering over all on comfort spectrum, Converse should be worn daily with jeans or chinos (not the Homecoming Dance). They’re unique design makes them able to adapt to just about any style you want to pull off but most people wear them as part of a “street style” ensemble.

 

There you have it. The four pair of shoes you should have in your closet. Now I’m not telling you to go out and buy all of these at once (unless you’re making that kind of money) but be mindful of these essentials next time you go on that little shopping spree you do to “treat yo-self”. Pretty soon, you’ll have an amazing arsenal of shoes that’ll make anyone jealous of your style.

-Syd

 

 

Making Business Moves

Achieving your dreams and reaching your goal of becoming an entrepreneur is so much more obtainable today than it was when our parents were younger. Most people already have the essentials right in their lap! Starting an online business can (and will be) exciting and frustrating all at the same time. The main tools I use to run my business are my desktop, my phone and an iPad.  Depending on what industry your business is in, it is possible to conduct 50 to 100 percent of it from your home. Below are some of my tips on starting an online business!

Going the Distance

People change.

It’s a well known fact that people still find surprising in most situations but its the absolute truth. Whether they grow into an amazing person that you continue to love or they grow into their true colors which can sometimes lead to bad vibes, you have to be the one to choose who you distance yourself from. This small but necessary step is one of the main keys in any industry you choose to pursue.

Becoming Who You’re Meant To Be

It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world when you finally find what you’ve been looking for inside of you. But in all its glory, close friends and family may be a little hesitant to accept it.

Don’t let this discourage you!

People are going to have ideas and thoughts about what they feel you should do until the end of time. If you know deep down in your heart what your passion is then pursue it! You can’t let everyone put their ideas into your melting pot because then you lose ownership of it. You also lose the hunger that’s needed to go for what it is you really want and then, like dominoes, everything starts falling over.

 

Old Friends Vs. New Friends

It’s become cliche to say but I’m a TOTAL people person.

Unlike most of my family, I embrace the idea of going to new places and meeting interesting people. I love to talk and have deep conversations about real-world things and if a friendship just so happens to spring from that conversation then so be it. In a profession like mine, the more friends or “connections” you have, the better.

But I’ve noticed over the years that with all the new faces entering my life, many of my old familiar faces are suddenly leaving. I can’t lie and say that I don’t miss those old faces but I’ve come to accept their departure.

If you’re spiritual then this is where you would say that “God only puts in the people that you need and weeds out the people that you don’t” or something of that nature. If you want to look at it that way, so be it. Just know that it’s not the end of the world. Maybe (hopefully) those familiar faces are taking some time to find themselves and what they want to do with their life. Maybe (hopefully) they just need a break from everyone to do so.

We never really know what the universe has in store for us. All we can do is just take it as it comes with grace.

 

Keep Your Enemies Closer

No, I’m not talking about joining a mafia or becoming a spy.

In just about any career that you choose to do you’re going to have plenty of enemies within it. Guess what? That’s a good thing!

When you have enemies within the workplace that usually means your doing something right. To add insult to injury, you’re probably doing something right and better than said enemy. Let this motivate you to continue to push harder. You wan’t to be the top dog of anything you do and if that means ruffling feathers with some people then so be it.

With that being said, you have to be ready for whatever that said enemy has to throw at you. In this profession, enemies will play the dirtiest in order to get to the top first. Just look at Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. As outlandish and wild as that feud is, I’ve seen and endured so much worse.

But no matter what has been done to me I still keep going. Because theirs nothing an enemy hates more than perseverance.

Fashion To DIE For

The Evolution of Fashion in Horror and the Women who Slay!

Happy (early) Halloween Everyone!

I am definitely that weird person who LOVES Halloween like it was my birthday. The spooky characters, candy, costumes, and atmosphere of All Hallows Eve is just as exciting as that of Thanksgiving and Christmas but in my opinion, Halloween is the BEST!

Like the many Halloween fanatics I know, I am a huge fan of Horror movies. Doesn’t matter if its suspense, thriller, or downright gory; if there’s something strange on your television screen, I’m the one you’d call to come and watch it with. But there’s more to these movies than just the crazy death scenes. Believe it or not, fashion plays a big part in horror movies and if you follow the context clues of fashion in film, you just might make it out alive from your own horror story!

Halloween

Let’s start off with the reigning king of all Halloween movies; Halloween! To this day its arguably still one of the best horror films ever made. Everything from the plot to the villain is perfection. But what’s really perfection at its finest is Jamie Lee Curtis playing the sister of the famed villain: Laurie Strode. Like her friends in the movie, Laurie had some great fashion sense. Going for the more casual look, Laurie has on:

Jamie Lee Curtis (Far Left) as Laurie Strode in John Carpenter’s Halloween, 1978

• Green Turtleneck ($40)
• Wool Blend Cardigan ($32)
• Floral Pleated Skirt ($50)
• Textured Tights ($20)
• Schoolgirl Oxford Shoes ($20)

Laurie and her friends look like professional fashionistas who are ready for anything…which is great because they’re literally in for the fight of their lives later that night!

Tony Moran in John Carpenter’s Halloween 1978

Against this guy! The mack-daddy of all horror villains, Michael Myers. Just like his killing technique, Michael likes to keep his fashion sense pretty simple:

• Mechanic Jumpsuit ($20)
• Black Boots ($50)
• Pale Mask ($10)
• Kitchen Knife ($15)

Michael Myers is “undead” proof that watering down your look can have some pretty awesome fashion turn outs!

 

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Coming in at a close second is Heather Langenkamp as Nancy Thompson in the classic horror movie that stuck to your dreams: A Nightmare on Elm Street! The movie itself has had some controversy during its run back in 1984 regarding its sequels and some of the content the movie touched base on. But one thing is for sure, the fashion sense of Nancy was definitely one to be inspired by!

She’s seen here showing off her pink aesthetic while facing a horrifying image:

Heather Langenkamp as Nancy Thompson in Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street

• Sweater Vest ($40)
• Blouse ($25)
• Khaki Cords ($60)

Nancy’s looks throughout the movie proved to work in her favor when fighting off the evil sandman Freddy Krueger. Her fashion even helped her in the sequel of the huge franchise; Dream Warriors!

 

But Nancy wasn’t the only fashion forward person in the movie. The villain, played by the infamous horror guru Robert Englund, had one of the most iconic looks during the 80s!

Freddy Krueger loved toying with the kids in their nightmares and looking good while doing it. Pictured here striking a pose with:

 

• Fedora ($20)

  

  Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger for A Nightmare on Elm Street Promotional Shoot

• Striped Sweater ($25)
• Black Pants ($40)
• Black Boots ($60)

Four simple articles of clothing (and some amazing kills) have made this dream demon an icon not only in the world of horror but in the world of fashion too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scream

Okay, I’ll admit. It’s more of a “thriller” than it is a horror movie but I think we can all agree that its still one of the better teenage Halloween movies of our time! Ghost face has pulled in his fair share of kills deeming him one of the worlds craziest serial killers. With stunning performances by an all star cast throughout its run time its hard to overlook the awesome fashion in the movie as well.

Neve Campbell took the reins as Sidney Prescott in the film and went up against Ghost Face and his schemes in style! Seen here wearing:

Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott in Wes Craven’s Scream 3

 

• Acne Studios Jersey T-Shirt ($62)
• Ralph Lauren Black Label Brown Jacket ($536)
• Michael Kors Cropped Slim Trousers ($188)
• Charlotte Rouse Black Combat Booties ($46)

 

 

 

 

BONUS: Resident Evil

Before I start with this bonus content for this Halloween Special, I would like to say that I already know that these movies didn’t follow the video game in the least bit…but I don’t care.

Milla Jovovich as Alice in the critically acclaimed series has always given me life! Not just because she’s a woman who can take down an entire zombie herd with two sawn-off shotguns and some “coins” but because her fashion in the film was absolutely spectacular:

Mila Jovovich as Alice in Resident Evil

• Little Red Dress ($30)

Short, simple and to the point. Even though she had no real purpose in the video games, Alice in the movies was spectacular! The sequels only advanced her amazing outfits and brought on some killer accessories, literally.

 

Alright guys! That’s all I got for the Halloween Fashion Special. I hope you all enjoyed reading up on some of my favorite Scream Queens and their amazing fashion through their treacherous and often times deadly encounters.

I hope you all have a very safe and terrifying Halloween experience this year!

Happy Halloween!

 

-Syd