Work/Life Balance

WORK/LIFE BALANCE.

If you are like me, it can be tough to balance work, play and wellness. There are some weeks where I feel like my life is all business and others where fitness and experimenting with healthy recipes are the focus, and others still that I just want to “Netflix and chill”.

We all have obligations to family, friends as well as ourselves, so how do you do it all and still have balance? This is an on-going discovery for me, but the truth is it’s really not that hard and I have found a few strategies that help me stay organized and less stressed.

Pre-Plan Your Week

One of the BIGGEST strategies that has kept me organized recently is planning my week on Sunday nights. From preparing social media content and writing blog posts to packing my gym bag and meal prepping, I find that thinking about tasks/projects at the start of my week means the difference between success or stress. On the Sundays I do not plan—like last Sunday—I feel overwhelmed and often fail to follow through because I didn’t allot myself the time to organize.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Living a balanced lifestyle is not solely about time management, it is also about incorporating a range of activities that nourish the multi-faceted individual you are! Trips to the grocery store, doing laundry or driving the kids to practice are all necessary tasks but when do you make time for the things you enjoy or, more importantly, give you a mental break? It is vital to block out time to not only do but be—interests that reset your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. Take a 15-minute walk at lunch, get a mani/pedi or catch a movie. Otherwise you’ll quickly experience that thing called burnout! Burnout can lead to poor decisions, mistakes and mood changes. At the same time, you don’t want to be the person who is only motivated by pleasure. So, yes, have fun but also be sure to incorporate productive activities to keep your mind sharp, body healthy and soul fed.

Ask for Help

This one is MAJOR and something I myself struggle with. At times, we feel the need—or in some cases are forced—to pull out our cape and be everything to everyone. We bestow titles upon ourselves to get certain jobs done—mom, dad, daughter, son, employee, handyman, nurse, confidant, life coach, spiritual advisor, chef, therapist, and the list goes on. How can one be all those things at the same time? Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends and, yes, even professionals! It doesn’t make you weak or incompetent, it actually makes you smart. You realize that you need to engage the assistance of others in order to be a more productive and saner you.

Is living a balanced life hard or easy for you? What are some of the ways you have found balance in your life?

A Week in Wears | Work Edition

A Week in Wears | Work Edition

Happy Monday,

I'm thinking of starting "A Week in Wears" Series where I'll blog my outfits for the week. Like most females I dress according to my mood, which can change from day to day but in many cases I notice some underlying theme. I may do all prints  or all black or skirts. I think it's an interesting way to blog my Outfit Of The Day. I'm still going to post OOTD on my Instagram page @styl_isle but the blog will go more in depth so be sure to check back each week!

This post catalogs what I wore to work last week. Do you notice a theme or trend?

Ciao for now!

MONDAY
Shirt: Banana Republic, Skirt: DeJanero (NYC), Belt: (thrifted), Flats: H&M, Necklace: JewelMint.com

Love this cool casual look. I really responded to the softer color palette for me with the structured collared shirt. Pulled the look together wither a cobalt blue pencil skirt, and tan colored belt and flats.

TUESDAY
Dress: DeJanero (NYC), Belt: H&M, Sweater: H&M

Wanted to keep with the easy feeling from yesterday and so decided on this effortless dress that has a nautical feel. Brightened things up with a bright coral belt and lipstick. The gray sweater was a perfect neutral compliment for the fidget temps in my office.

WEDNESDAY
Skirt: DeJanero (NYC), Shirt: H&M, Pumps: Ralph Lauren

Polished things up mid-week by choosing a sleek pencil skirt and sleeveless shirt. I kept things interesting by choosing a skirt with an interesting snake-like pattern and ruffled shirt collar. I kept the rest of the accessories pretty simple. I especially like how many tortoise shell frames play off of the pattern of the skirt. Classic black pumps complete the look.

THURSDAY
Shirt: Joe Fresh, Slacks: H&M, Pumps: Anne Klein (thrifted)

Old faithful and definitely an old staple...BLACK! I paired this silk shirt with my go-to black slack from H&M (they never let me down!) I've been loving the texture and movement of this necklace this week so I definitely threw it back on for some visual interest and switched up my black pumps for these blush and rose gold beauties.

FRIDAY
I was off...off to the beach!!

Beautifully Flawed...Imperfectly Perfect

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I wanted to write a post of a different sort and just speak from the heart....

I have thoroughly been enjoying my holidays of time spent with loved ones. For my family and friends, that usually involves FOOD! This is the time of year when I like to take a little time off work, fellowship and dine. Unfortunately, there is a draw back to this period of decadent indulgence... 

I'm not ashamed to say I've gained a few holiday pounds that don't always have me feeling my best.  "I feel like crap." "I don't care today." "All black it is." "I can't fit this anymore." "I'm fat." We've all had those days of feeling fat or unattractive, prompting us to put little to no effort into our outward appearance. These are phrases I have found myself saying recently, specifically in the morning while dressing for work. It's also been the reason for my limited picture and blog postings. 

BUT I want to share a very helpful tip that counter acts these negative thoughts. I pick one thing to highlight about myself, that is not body related, in order to move the focus from areas I feel less confident about. If I don't like the way a dress is hitting my thighs or the muffin-top that is waiting to rise in those trousers (lol), I pick out a dope piece of jewelry, bust out a sexy pair of shoes, try a different makeup look or style my hair in an interesting way to take the attention off my body and help me get excited about something else. When I'm self conscious about my outfit (and ultimately my body), I don't feel my most confident nor do I operate at my best. So this little trick shifts my perspective.

Let's be honest, you may not ALWAYS love the skin you're in, but realize that you are a wonderfully, multifaceted human being. And that loving yourself does not mean highlighting the best parts of you only, but it's celebrating the parts that are a challenge...the parts that require work....the parts that aren't perfect. That's what is beautifully flawed.........imperfectly perfect about YOU!

Xoxo~Maya

It's Handled! Olivia Pope Inspired Look Book

I am such a huge fan of the tv show Scandal and insanely inspired by Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, whom I also love! Olivia Pope is such a strong, powerful and beautiful Black woman, how could I not be inspired by her style. Quintessential chic, with clean lines, neutral color palette and simple accessories, she is also sophisticated, confident and classic. She doesn't need to turn to gimmicks, tricks or illusions to look stylish. Her clothes are understated but by no means boring; she dresses so her personality can shine through. You look at Olivia Pope and say "Wow! She's good at her job."

Anywho, enough of my love affair with Olivia :-) on to the look book. I have been wanting to do an Olivia Pope inspired look book for the longest but something about this season has really been inspiring my everyday looks, for the office especially and now that it's Fall, fueling my love of coats (click here for my Coat of Arms post). An exciting find is The Scandal Collection by The Limited. Where The Limited has pieces seen in Scandal episodes available for purchase! I mean how perfect is that? Click here for a video from Kerry Washington about the inspiration behind the collection.

I put together three looks (it was hard to choose only three!), that I feel embody the spirit of Olivia and incorporate my own style. By the way I used the same H&M black slacks in each look (similar here), proof of how to extend your wardrobe with basic/classic pieces.

First thing's first! Olivia will ALWAYS have a banging coat or jacket! The color palette is restricted to camel and black, but I've created visual interest with the lines and collar of the coat and zipper detail on the sweater. Olivia enjoys a relaxed fit to her more causal pieces.

Click below to read full post...

OOTD: All Black Everything

Hi Islers...hope you are all having a fantastic day today!

Really quick Outfit Of The Day today...All black everything...Black on Black on Black! I've worn head-to-toe black for the past three days and no, I'm not in mourning. It's just been so easy to throw on without having to worry about what color goes with what, which accessories, print? Solid? Blah, blah blah! Sometimes it's nice to just, rest my "style mind", throw on all black and jet out the door. Plus today's look will easily make the switch from day to night when I go out for dinner this evening.

But black doesn't have to mean boring snooze fest. You can still look stylish, chic and in some cases...FIERCE HONTY!!

"They say black is the void of color, maybe that's where you begin to shine through." --Maya Gatewood

Ciao for now!

#1: Slacks: H&M, Shirt: Strawberry Stores (NYC), Nude Pumps: Nine West, Necklace: H&M, Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Studs: H&M
#2: Shirt: Forever21, Cardigan: DeJanero (NYC), Cords: Joe Fresh, Pumps: Ralph Lauren, Necklace and Belt: Strawberry Stores (NYC)
#3: Silk Blouse: Joe Fresh, Cords: Joe Fresh, Pumps: Ralph Lauren, Black and Gold Necklace: Strawberry Stores (NYC)

 

A-Line of Coral and Canvas

I'm back from vacation and I've missed the blog! 

Do not adjust your computer and/or phone screens, I really am like four shades darker thanks to a week of fun in the sun :0) 

Pencil me In!

Music and Soul Food

This weekend was one filled with laughs, friends, church, ice cream and chill mode. Saturday was especially cool because I got to hang out with my boyfriend (he's a bassist) at his gig. Music and soul food are probably one of my favorite things to do...especially with him!

I felt my recent purchase of this slouchy, cropped knit sweater was PERFECT for the venue (Delta's Restaurant) and event. It's super comfy and breathable so I was happy I could get away with it in the summer (although it was kinda cool in Jersey this weekend). The ONLY negative to this sweater is that the threads got caught on absolutely EVERYTHING and I found myself pulling, stretching and tugging little fibers back into place all night :-/ The style was so cute I didn't really pay attention to the material when I bought it; and although it wasn't cheaply made the nature of the material doesn't lend itself to carefree wear. Ahhh the concessions we make for fashion! This sweater would work on sooo many body types. I simply adjusted the tie in the back so it would fall off the shoulder and reveal a little midriff, but it can be worn to cover the tummy as well...the loose fitting shape is very forgiving (especially on those yummy nights out :-]) I was also glad for the tip in weather because I could wear my FAVORITE cords...even though they were a backup because for some reason I couldn't find a specific pair of jeans (don't you hate that?). One arm pushed up to showcase my favorite stack of arm-candy. Funky tribal print wedges and my miniature Aldo bag (isn't it cute?!) provide pops of color.

Sweater: DeJanero (NYC), Cords: Joe Fresh, Wedges: Strawberry (NYC), Necklace & Earrings: H&M, Cuff: Thrifted, Mini Satchel: Aldo (couldn't seem to find online, but similar here)

OOTD: Formal Aquestrian?

Happy Thursday Islers! Quick Outfit of the Day...

Besides having an AWESOME hair day, I'm loving today's aquestrian inspired look. There's ALSO something formal about it with a subtle nod to the "tuxedo inspired" pants from H&M. A peplum top is ALWAYS flattering and polished in my book, and I love this blazer version. I just tugged up the sleeves and flipped up the collar...which is how I wear 99% of my blazers. This is a little trick for all my tall women out there. Blazers/Jackets rarely fit my arms all the way to the wrists (a sleeve 1-2 inches short of the wrist gives the appearance that your blazer/jacket is too small) so I usually roll them up my forearms, which happens to look coolier and edgier anyway so SCORE! And of course it wouldn't be ME without a belt ;-)

Although not pictured here, I DID wear riding boots while commuting into work, so I literally felt like all I needed was a bag of carrots and a stead named Morning Star lol.

I kept my accessories simple with my fav black booties and a few silver/black bangles, but added a little pop of color with this goregous bracelet from H&M.

Pants: H&M, Blazer: Old, Booties: Bakers, Bracelets & Bangles: H&M

Ootd: Navy & Black

I'm back Islers!!!

I've been on vacation & will be sharing a post with pics very soon ;-) In the meantime I decided to share my new obsession...these navy and black tuxedo inspired pants I purchased from H&M yesterday. 

I regularly wear the oh-so-chic navy and black color combo, so I was immediately drawn to these gems. Happily they suck me in in all the right places and have enough room in the back (a frequent problem I have with pants/jeans)...perhaps a little too sexy for the office but I couldn't wait to wear them so here I am. I'm being brave today! :-/ 

"Don't be afraid of fashion, style will make you brave!" --Maya Gatewood