The StyleShaker - A Guide to Whole Beauty

  • VIDEOS
  • FREE Guide
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • VIDEOS
  • FREE Guide
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT

OUTFIT IDEAS

What to wear. How to wear it. Where to get it. 100% shoppable outfit inspiration, by occasion, awaits. What are you going to wear today?

  • All
  • #8020shopping
  • #closetcliffsnotes
  • #closetconsciousness
  • #fashion feedback
  • #fashionformulas
  • #fgf
  • #founditpinnedit
  • #fromthebook
  • #lazysundays
  • #looklist
  • #lunchbreak
  • #magazineinspiration
  • #one-a-days
  • #OOTD
  • #outfitplanner
  • #productreviews
  • #quickshop
  • #shoppingmadlibs
  • #shopthelook
  • #shopthestreet
  • #SS21DAYCHALLENGE
  • #styleadvice
  • #stylesketches
  • #stylingtutorial
  • #waystowear
  • #weartowork
  • #weeklyshake
  • 2030s
  • 21 day challenge
  • 3040s
  • 40splus
  • bottomheavy
  • britt's picks
  • casualday
  • casualevening
  • closet organization book
  • cold
  • column
  • curvy
  • dresses
  • dressyday
  • dressyevening
  • events
  • fashion find
  • Fashion: Unfiltered
  • featured posts
  • highheel
  • hot
  • how to wear
  • just in
  • lowheel
  • lunchboxshoppinglist
  • magazine tear sheets
  • outfit ideas
  • outfitblueprints
  • productreview
  • q&a
  • Q&A
  • roundup
  • sale
  • sale scoop
  • shopping
  • shopping list
  • style sheets
  • stylingtutorial
  • top5
  • topheavy
  • trending
  • videos
  • workday
header_edited-1.jpg

ultimate closet consciousness, #5: A CLOSET OF CAPES & WHY YOU SHOULD START, RIGHT NOW

B October 20, 2014
sources: quote- frenchbydesignblog.com, background- frances sousa via  cubiclerefugee.tumblr.com

sources: quote- frenchbydesignblog.com, background- frances sousa via cubiclerefugee.tumblr.com

What about, um, now? Why not this moment, this minute, this second to take a small step in the direction you know you've been wanting to go in for some time now?

That's the point of this Ultimate Closet Consciousness post, to get you thinking, and in this case, thinking about all of the things on that 'list' of yours that have been on there for years. 

Ok, remembering them now? Fabulous. Remembering is so fun, going down the list in your mind, also enjoyable, but it doesn't even come close to what it feels like to cross them off one-by-one, and even THAT experience completely pales in comparison to what it feels like when you are actually living them.

You can ask any friend of mine about my obsession with The Alchemist, Paulo Coehlo's book that has circled around the globe so many times it would make your head spin. There's a reason that book resonates with people all over this planet, and there's a reason I read it every year. It's my annual tradition, my once-a-year reminder to keep my eyes open for little signs pointing me in the right direction. But this quote isn't really about signs, seeing them or opening up to them. This quote is about the steps you take after you see them, it's about the moment you decide to act. 

We dream the big dreams and forget to take the small steps. Or, we dream the big dreams and get swept up in the small steps because hey, we're really busy and have stuff to do and wait, what was the big dream again? Oh wait, I have to go get the new iPhone, brb, 'squirrel!' Our dreams go to the wayside for any number of reasons. The reason I'll be addressing here is, lack of belief that our dreams can become reality. Or more importantly, lack of belief that WE can make our dreams become our reality.

It boils down to knowing what you're capable of, and believing that you're capable of more than you ever thought imaginable. Answering that call inside of you that has been nagging you for years now. It will keep nagging you by the way, it's just a persistent little bugger.

It helps to have a support system if you want to believe in yourself. Growing up, I was always told to dream big and that the greatest achievements always began with impossible dreams. I was and continue to be very lucky, as I know not everyone was raised in such a supportive environment.

But let's be real here, no one's life, whether it looks like it or not, is perfect. All of us struggle on different levels. We all have different 'stories' and it is up to us to decide how we want those stories to play out. At some point, believing in yourself becomes a solo act. Yes, it helps to have the backup of a wonderful childhood, a supportive family, health, etc. That will give you a leg up, but it is in no way a guarantee that you will believe in yourself enough to pursue what you're here to do. That, lies within you. So how do we believe in ourselves? How does this happen?

You hear it all the time, believe in yourself, but no one shows you HOW. I believe (pun intended) that it's a work in progress. I also believe it starts with taking the Eleanor Roosevelt approach to life: 

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Start small. Take the step. Whatever it is, just try it. Then keep doing it daily. Seriously, it is THAT simple. It's not easy, nothing worth fighting for ever is, but it is simple. It takes discipline to do it. This is not a one-and-done kind of thing, so if you go strong for two days and stop, that's on you, and no, it's not the end of the world. Be kind when you lose your footing, no need to beat yourself up. You're human and stuff happens. When you lighten up on yourself you'll make it easier to get back on track. But make no mistake, you are responsible for finding the silver linings in those setbacks and for celebrating those small successes. It doesn't have to be all gloom and doom. Speaking of setbacks...

So let's say you gather up enough strength to start walking towards the things that have been on your list for all those years. Let's say you take a small step today and you move closer to living the life you want. And let's say tomorrow, something happens, and you're completely derailed again, thrown off the 'high' of yesterday, distracted from the course and feeling a little Debbie downer.

This is when your 'Stop Sign' Steps come into play. You're about to create a coping mechanism for when those 'down' times come so you don't downward spiral (it helps to have a friend or family member to go to as well, you don't always have to go it alone and asking for help is a good thing; I'm personally still learning that). 

Create 3 Stop Sign Steps that you will rely on when you hit these lows because they WILL come. But this time, you'll be prepared. I can't tell you all three steps (it may be a 10 minute break listening to music, it may be going to a shelter and donating your time helping others, it may be a walk on the beach, think 'basic' and think about what made you smile as a ten-year-old here), but I can tell you one step I personally use to get back on the horse after I've fallen off. I turn my clothing into my capes...yep, I play dress up (and you wonder why I'm in fashion...). 

Have you ever noticed how the 'right' jacket can give you a few more inches in height? How the perfect heel can change the way you walk (and not because you can't walk in them; that is not your perfect heel, it's different for everyone, but you know the feeling you get when you find that Cinderella fit). Or maybe it's the dress that fits you like a glove and leaves you feeling invincible...

What you wear can supercharge you to go for what you want in life, or should I say, what you've always wanted in your life but have never had the courage to take small steps towards. 

Sometimes we just need a boost. A red lip, a power blazer, the perfect heel, or whatever it may be. It's just clothing, but there's power in it, whether you believe it or not (I'm going to suggest you start believing it). 

I'm not saying you need MORE clothing. In fact I'm saying the opposite. You need the clothing/accessories that make you feel amazing. Drop the rest (I got into how to do this in Week 1 of the book; step-by-baby step). If you shop your closet and try a few things on, whatever leaves you feeling all 'Wonder Woman' inside, stays. Whatever leaves you feeling, 'frump-girl' get rid of. 

Your closet is filled with your very own superhero capes. Use them for good. Use them to bounce back when you start veering away from going after what you REALLY want out of life. Boost your self-confidence, boost your belief in yourself, and put that left foot in front of that right foot.  

It's not about what could go wrong, it's about what could go gloriously right. You'll have the 3 Stop Sign Steps for when you falter, be kind to yourself when you do, and then get back up. Try something that scares you, celebrate that you did it, and try again tomorrow. 

Oh and one more thing to note: This shift in your life/style, you taking those steps towards your big dreams, may have nothing to do with you. Whoa, I know. Weird right? Superhero status tends to develop this altruistic mindset (you are a full-fledged clothing-cape wearer now so it's time to think like one).

Maybe you coming into your own is going to inspire someone else to do the same? Maybe you doing 'you' will bring someone else joy in the process. Crazy right?

Saving the world, one wardrobe at a time. 

Just like all other #UCC (Ultimate Closet Consciousness) posts, I'll leave you on a mush-moment high, should you choose to accept the challenge, and it is two-fold:

Look in the mirror and find one thing you love about yourself. Ok cool, got it? 

Noooooo, go back. You didn't do it. Go ahead, look in the mirror. What do you see that you like? This is not optional, this is required. Find the one thing (or maybe you find hundreds, go you) and make a mental note. Smiling? Feeling like a crazy person? Perfect, on to the next part...

Now, when you're in line for coffee/groceries/yoga, whatever, and you see someone nearby wearing something you love/with a haircut you love, etc., and you're able to make quick eye contact without looking like a creeper (hopefully they look up from whatever is really important on their smartphones; no judging, they may be reading this post and I'm all for that) give them a compliment. This is also a great 'Stop Sign Step' I've found. Making someone else smile tends to make you feel pretty good. 

 

In#closetconsciousness Tagsinspiration, inspirational quotes, closet inspiration, closet-mind connection, closet organization, closet overhaul, closet love
  • OUTFIT IDEAS
  • Older
  • Newer

search the site

subscribe to the channel

insta inspo.

Tried it 👌 This #foundation deserves a solo pic on the feed today. See why, back on the channel!
✨
“Low-key fancy fruit loops.” 🤷🏻‍♀️Sometimes downing a matcha 🍵 latte before filming fuels pretty random quotes...enjoy!
💜
Happy #wednesday squad 😘
Guess what I tested ?!😉 #concealer
💜
New review now LIVE!!! Demo, swatches, ridiculous antics & final verdict included 🎀 #tuesday
CCC? Find out what the last ‘C’ means on today’s review of the @clecosmetics CCC cream 👌✨
〰️
Have you tried this one yet? Hope your #Monday is going as well as mine. 💜
Filmed a super random #GRWM yesterday where I went thru a list of 10 “life questions” lol. Why not right? Tbd on whether that video sees the light of day (so many personal anecdotes and tangents) but this is everything I used! A nice little #cleanbeauty combo-platter right? Happy #sunday squad. Sun is OUT in SF 🙏🏼 ☀️
Taking the new @janeiredale skincare for a test drive ❤️ Here’s my honest first impressions (mind you, I’ve had the moisturizer for awhile soooo that’s just a proven winner):
〰️
✨ Beauty Prep Moisturizer: still something I use every day. It’s lightweight, but soaks right in.
〰️
✨ Beauty Prep Cleanser: totally different. No water needed, just swipe and remove excess makeup. I tried it and saw makeup coming off even AFTER I did my normal makeup removal routine which is fantastic. 🙌
〰️
✨Beauty Prep Toner: Nice, but I’m not sure my skin really a. Needs it or b. Responds to it. I’m not sure yet 🤷🏻‍♀️
〰️
✨Hyaluronic Acid: Goes on quickly, soaks in, not as moisturizing as a cream of course, but so far so good. Need to keep testing to see whether this is a game-changer for my skin.
✨
Have a great weekend! #styleshakersquad #janeiredale #saturday
Guess what I’ll be testing this weekend...!?🙌
Happy #friday squad 💜💜💜
Like I always say, when in doubt, put on a bedazzled cat-ear headband ✨ #tgif #fridayvibes
🦄
What I’m Wearing...
💜
Eyes:
〰️@hanskincarecosmetics shadow in taupey plum
〰️@fitglow vegan good lash mascara
〰️@antonymcosmetics eyeliner
🦄
Face:
〰️@janeiredale beauty prep
〰️@crunchicollection foundation in medium 3**currently testing**
〰️@rmsbeauty un-coverup in 22
〰️@alimapure concealer in echo
〰️@hyntbeauty solare bronzer
〰️@crunchicollection finishing powder **currently testing**
〰️@100percentpure fruit pigmented blush in pink plum **currently testing**
🦄
Brows:
〰️@milkmakeup kush fiber gel
〰️@shuuemura hard pencil **not clean, but nothing else worked today.
🦄
Lip:
〰️@cloveandhallow lip creme in desert rose
〰️@bitebeauty lip crayon in glacé
〰️authentic smile 😊 just in time for #friday
Why is this one such a challenge, right? Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s just the opportunity that presented itself to me today. Whatever the case may be, I’m SO feeling this right now.
🙌 if you’re with me. 💜
✨
Surrounding myself with nontoxic beauty and nontoxic people, check and check. Happy almost Friday.
#thursday #thursdaythoughts
First impressions for the @100percentpure Long Lasting Brows in Soft Brown:
✨
The hunt is still on for the best green & clean brow products so I thought I’d give this one a try after the Ecobrow debacle. Overall:
🦄 Applies well with an angled brush.
🦄 Gives a soft line to the brow. I usually opt for more drama. Shocking...I know.
🦄 Fills in all right, but I found the addition of brow gel, namely the Kush brow fiber gel from @milkmakeup to really help.
🦄 That’s the end of this first impresh-sesh. Will I keep reaching for it? TBD. Do you love it or know of something else I need to try?
🦄 Do tell :)
If you need me, I’ll be over here testing #greenbeauty #cleanbeauty eyeliners to find the longest lasting of the bunch & googling “atmospheric river.”
🌧
I miss you ☀️. See you soon 🙏🏼 #wednesday #vibes #rain rain, go away. #vitamind
Honest review for @honest_beauty mascara! I talk all about whether I still love it, who it’s best for, who should pass, & then some in today’s 2019 update video! Oh, and wait until the end for a Blue cameo like none other...she’s really getting into filming 🐱 🤦🏻‍♀️#wednesday
Gloomy skies call for a pop of color. Today’s lip combo: @fitglowbeauty lip serum in Gospel + @crunchi luxe lipstick in Spontaneous
✨
The lipstick color is suuuuuper fun and gives off a creamy, bright, coral color so I toned it down a tad with the serum underneath anndddddd...kinda liking it. 🤷🏻‍♀️
🦄
Have you seen the latest review on the concealer today? Whatcha think?
#tuesday #lipstick
On deck for tomorrow!! The @fitglowbeauty concealer👌
💜
What do you think the final verdict will be? 👍🏼 or 👎🏼? #styleshakerapproved or no...🤷🏻‍♀️
✨
In other news: Just picked up my coconut matcha latte & feeling gooooood 🙌 🍵
Full face of—guess who! 🤷🏻‍♀️GRWM now live on the channel! Link in bio...
✨
Let’s do this #monday
The bluest blue this #Sunday
✨
I really missed this view. Hello ☀️ 👋🏼
💜💜💜
Palette 🎨 puzzle.
✨
Rain is rolling in...again...so I’ll be busy filming! What’s on your #Saturday agenda? 💜💜💜
Earlier today...couldn’t decide whether to wear the beanie or not. Wore it. Best, decision, of the day 🥶hands-down...
✨
Hey Spring...I need you, like, right NOW. How did I ever survive Chicago? Minneapolis?? Boston??? I’ll never know. #previouslives
🤦🏻‍♀️
Stay warm friends 💜💜💜 #latergram #friday
A lil #friday feelz
✨
Mistakes happen. We’re human. Two phrases I use on repeat:
🦄 So, now what? *gets me from ruminating on the negative, to taking positive action 💪
🦄 What if it’s not happening to you, but FOR you *flips the script in a snap 🙌
〰️
When we know better, we can do better. It takes slipping up here and there to grow 💐 But it’s near to impossible to get back up if we stay stuck in the cycle of being super hard on ourselves ya know?
👯‍♀️
It’s not as easy as one inspirational quote on Instagram🤣 I’m sharing this because what DOES help in my experience, is knowing you are not alone. Massive hugs to you today squad, and lots of love ❤️
✨
Happy #friday from your girl B & Queen Blue 🐱
Nostalgic vibes for this magical 🦄 luminizer @ritueldefille
✨
Review now LIVE!!! On the channel   
💜
What’s inside (as of right now // formulas always change!!) + EWG rating:
✨
• Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil: 1
• Lanolin: 1
• Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil	: 2
• Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax: 1
• Cera Alba (Beeswax): 1
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract: 1
• Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil: 1
• Tocopherol: 1
• Mica: 1
• Titanium Dioxide: 1 to 3
• CI 77491: 2
• CI 77492: 2
• CI 77499: 2
🦄
FYI- go ingredient-by-ingredient (unless it’s already in the database) on EWG.org 👌
instagram pinterest youtube facebook twitter
  • Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
  • Scorecard

© 2012-2019 The StyleShaker ™.  All rights reserved. 

The StyleShaker - A Guide to Whole Beauty

Honest product reviews on makeup, fashion, skin care, and life. The reviews are in...

, San Francisco, CA

instagram pinterest youtube facebook twitter