New Year with Magical Results and No Resolutions

Happy 2012! As many people are making their New Year resolutions, I myself will not be making one. I have found that in order to lead a successful and satisfying life, you need to be honest with yourself and keep your word. Many people will set out in the new year to lose a specific amount of weight or exercise a specific number of times a week. However, I believe one should focus on making realistic goals about living a healthy lifestyle and stick to it.  The key to being successful is to be present in your life and handle whatever you set out to accomplish.

I used to say I needed to exercise more.  But about 3 years ago, instead of just making a statement, I actually set a certain time of the day when I would exercise and made a commitment to myself to keep that appointment!  I realized the best time to exercise for me was early in the morning.  I wasn’t a morning person, but I started getting up at 6AM and walking 2.5 miles in the park.  I have continued to stick to it and it has been great for my body and soul!

I also used to say that when I lose weight, I will treat myself by buying nice clothes.  Instead, I bought nice new clothes for the weight I was at.  Then I looked at what I was eating, modified my diet, and focused on sticking to it.  Since then, I have taken nearly 30 lbs off.  I continue to modify my diet and exercise so that I feel well inside and out. I also started doing yoga about 2 years ago.  Yoga is great to keep your body fit and conditioned so that you look and feel younger.

Regarding fashion, do you have clothes that you wear on so-called “fat” days?  These clothes are usually too big and fall very loosely around your body.  You may think that these are good clothes to keep around for that type of day.  Well, I have a new way of thinking – get rid of those old clothes!  You should wear clothes that make you feel good and look great!  You don’t need that old ripped sweatshirt, or those saggy pants!  Get rid of them and keep only your best clothes.  You may find that no matter how you feel, when you put on nice clothes, you will shine!

While you are at it, get rid of those old glasses and buy something more colorful and fun!  A new accessory is a great way to re-vamp your look in 2012 and you will be amazed at how much you can change your look with fresh, new glasses!

For this New Year, I suggest that you visit the website of my dear friends Ariel and Shya Kane.  Their blog is at www.transformationalmoments.com.  I have known them for 7 years and have attended their workshops regularly.   By listening to their radio shows, reading their books and attending their workshops, my life has become much happier and richer.   Please follow their blog and see if your life transforms too!

Happy New Year to all of you!

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Can you believe the holidays are here again?

I can’t!  This year is going so fast and the weather has been unseasonably warm so this Thanksgiving is really a surprise.  As you are getting ready for the holiday, I think it is important to be thankful for all that you have in your life.   Look around you and appreciate the leaves turning colors, the food on the table, and the clothes in your closet.  Yes, this may seem crazy, but I am so totally into fashion that I feel it is good to look in your closet and do a little inventory of all that you own. In this country, we have some many things at our disposal that we often forget how much we have and how grateful we should be.

One of my fondest memories is shopping with my Mom and Sister during the holidays. It was part of our tradition and a great way for us to spend valuable time together.  Holiday shopping has changed over the past few years, hasn’t it?  Now it is possible to shop all night long which sounds like a blast!  What a fun way to spend a Thanksgiving night….it is better than sitting around and eating!

So, however you spend the holidays, I wish you a great one.  I also wish you a chance to try on some new glasses.  As you know, not only will you see better, but you will look better too!

Oh and for my fans and friends in the New York area, I will be doing two personal appearances at Bloomingdales. On December 1st, I will be at the 59th Street store from 12:00 until 2:30pm.  On December 3rd, I will be at the Bloomingdales in the Mall at Short Hills from 1 to 3pm, I hope to see some of you soon!  I would love to personally help you select fabulous new glasses for you!

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Hong Kong Shopping, Global Fashion and What Pieces are Essential to Your Wardrobe

I am sitting in my room in Hong Kong (after a day working on the development of my Fall 2012 collection!) and finally have time to fill you in on what is happening. I left for Hong Kong the day after the craziest snowstorm to hit NY in October. On the morning of my early a.m. flight, the roads were still icy, and it was so bazaar to see three multi-vehicle accidents within a few hundred feet of each other! Luckily, no one seemed hurt, but lots of vehicles were damaged, and traffic was stopped for what felt like an eternity.

Fortunately, I had left extra time so I made the flight, but my luggage did not! I will never travel again without my wardrobe essentials in my carry on bags!  When I arrived in Hong Kong after 24 hours of traveling, the last thing I wanted to do was deal with lost baggage. Since I didn’t have anything with me except my computer and tons of fashion magazines (these are essential, right?), I headed to a mall.

Hong Kong has the most beautiful malls and all very conveniently located. My first stop was Zara at the new International Finance Center (IFC) mall. It is so great having stores that are the same in NY, Europe and Hong Kong! I ran in and bought pants, two camisoles (leopard) and a wonderful new cardigan. The mustard color in Zara looks so great and works with both cool palettes and warmer colors. The other key trend is animal, and I bought both the brown leopard and the black/grey cheetah print camisoles.  Both prints “pop” and act as a fabulous accent for simple, basics.  I originally saw these at Zara in London and Paris and actually bought them in Hong Kong. How is that for shopping around the world?  But how cool is it that the same fashion is all over the world? Fashion is global!

My next stop was Marks and Spencer, a department store that is synonymous with the UK like Macy’s is to the US. I remember that Princess Diana once made a comment that she bought her knickers (underpants) at M&S! As I mentioned, I had nothing in my carry on bag, so of course I had to head to M&S to pick up the rest of my essentials. They have the most wonderful lingerie department with everything I needed for my first day without luggage. How great they have stores in Hong Kong, and lucky for me, they were open until 9:30 p.m

Fortunately my bags arrived the next day! Otherwise, I was already planning what I would need to have for my trip without spending too much time and money. Being without luggage makes you realize what is important in your wardrobe. Think about what you would need for a one-week trip?  For me, the most essential item was a basic black pant. A black skirt was next on my list with one or two black shirts. I would have needed at least two more cardigans and a simple (black?) dress. Accessories would be key for my wardrobe, added for color and to change up the outfits. Of course, I travel with four pairs of readers (Rosanne Black/Ivory just in stores now; Roxy Pale Leopard; Pamela Gold/Leopard and Sydney Golden Tortoise), and I am happy to have those back with me!  One cannot be too thin, too rich or have too many readers!

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