Personal Scribbles: Let it go, honey... Just let it go.

I decided I wanted to incorporate some personal chit chatting once in a while in this blog, for those times when I dearly need some writing to confide in myself with.

Writing, as so, is such a beautiful form of art- it heals my heart inside and out.

About letting go, forgiving and forgetting what your friends had done to you.

When I have too much time in my hands, I begin thinking too much into things.

I get worked up in the small details in my life that cause everything to be slightly less perfect.

Put in more simple terms, I have always been one to never, EVER want any flaw in my life.

I hated flaws- I still do.

I hated that my life couldn't be 100% perfect all the time- that something always had to be wrong.

Why is that? Why can't I have a day- a week- a month- a year without any worry or anxiety- without any disappointments, failures, heartbreaks- any of that?

Why can't my life be perfect?

A few months back when I was going through this crisis- one that I've been struggling with for all my life- I came across this book called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff," written by Richard Carlson. The book basically speaks for itself- it's meant for people exactly like me, who dwell over the small flaws in their lives so much that they can't move on. Carlson keeps reminding me to basically to let the fuck go.

This book (I'm reading the one for teens) covers a lot of stuff that teenagers- or young adults deal with on a daily basis- and Carlson taught me a whole lot of valuable lessons (for instance, one chapter tells me to "be selective when choosing your battles"- meaning, some things are just not worth battling about- they are not worth the time nor the energy.)

One particular chapter that I found was helpful to me read this: "Drop the Drama."

Ah- drama.

Any teeange girl who had gone through middle school and high school would know a lot about drama. A lot. A lot. A LOT of drama. 

The funny thing is, we know it's all unnecessary drama- but we still (or I..still..) dwell over it, get angry about it, get all caught up about it that we fail to recognize the more important things in our lives. For instance, we fail to see what a beautiful day it is outside, how we are so lucky to have caring parents, or how we should be grateful to be breathing air, drinking clean water, eating healthy food, and sleeping with roof above our heads. So many things we miss out on- because we just can't drop the drama. 

Here are a few excerpts of the chapter:

"A friend, for example, might make a mistake or say something wrong. Rather than forget about it and get on with our day, we allow ourselves to feel offended and annoyed. We think about the mistake during the rest of the day, feeling more and more justified in our irritation. Many of us might even go home and tell others about it, or call a friend and commiserate, rather than simply letting it go."

"While it can be really tempting to blow these types of things out of proportion, it's ultimately better for your sanity, your friendships, and your happiness to learn to let them go."

"The problem with sweating the small stuff is that there is, and always will be, an endless supply of things to sweat over. There always will be friends making mistakes, strangers cutting us off, things being lost, plans going astray, and all the rest."

"As you learn to let some of these things go, you'll find yourself experiencing far less stress and aggravation. You'll be left with more mental energy and creativity in order to live life to it's fullest."

Enough said. 

Just yesterday, I did it again.

An old time friend and I met up for a quick movie and some catching up. We casually came across to talk about a guy we mutually knew- a guy who, I once had been very close with, but through certain misunderstandings had drifted apart. I began getting very upset over even talking about him, and starting defending myself, saying how I wasn't the one to blame- and that it was his fault we weren't as close anymore. I then stopped and asked my friend what I should do- and she shrugged and just said, "just forget about it." It was right then and there when I realized that I was making such a big ass deal about this one thing- this one flaw in my life- which everyone else could tell was nothing to worry about-because all I needed to do was "forget about it."

I've always been this way, though.

I get in an argument with a friend, I struggle to fall asleep. I can't do my homework.

I retort back to a teacher, I replay the scene over and over and before I realize I can't concentrate on anything else.

I get upset about what a friend did or said about me- I just can't let it go.

This is one of my favorite quotes, said by Marilyn Monroe:

"I believe everything happens for a reason,

People change so that we can learn to let go,

things go wrong so that you can appreciate them

when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually

learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes

good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

Things go wrong... So that you can appreciate them when they're right...

Things go wrong... So that you can appreciate them when they're right...

Things go wrong... So that you can appreciate them when they're right...

Another random quote to ponder upon:

"I've made mistakes in my life,

I've let people take advantage of me,

and I accepted way less than I deserved

But, I learned from my bad choices and

even though there are some things I can never

get back and people who will never be sorry,

I'll know better next time and

I won't settle for any less than I deserve."

The fact of the matter is, 

These friends are never going to be with me forever.

It's just going to be me, God, and those very few people who will be with me until the end.

I can think of a couple from the top of my head:

my dad, the biggest, most annoying supporter in my life

my big brother, my bodyguard, my guardian angel

my mom, my secret keeper from heaven.

When it comes to friends, I never know.

I believe in strong friendship- I had one or two over the years.

But ultimately, they come and go.

That's what I've realized, after having graduated high school.

Friends all come and go. 

But we have to appreciate them the same, and even more because of this.

Sure, they don't last,

but they still find us, and they still bring great joy and laughter into our lives.

***

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."

-- Oprah Winfrey 

“Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head.” – Ann Landers

“Every breath is an opportunity to receive and let go. I receive love and I let go of pain.” – Brenda MacIntyre

“Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to.” – Anonymous

“There’s no need to miss someone from your past- There’s a reason they didn’t make it to your future” – Unknown

People make mistakes, all the time.

I have made mistakes- I have hurt people, have let them down- and to some I may have never gotten the chance to even properly apologize.

It's the same for the people around me- they are just like me- they are human.

They will hurt me , they will let me down, and some may not ever muster the courage (or even admit it) to say sorry. 

But that's just the way it is. There is nothing I can do about it.

And you know what? It's okay.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Look of the Day: Taylor Swift

Summer is in the air!

Where I live the weather is getting pretty hot, with lots and lots of sunshine.

When this time of the year comes around, I love, love, LOVE finding the perfect summer dress.

I came across this too-sweet-for-words summer look Taylor Swift sported out and about:

Very cute, eh?

Now this look is peeerfect for early June, because we got sunshine during the day,

but when nighttime comes it might get a little chilly. So a light, airy cardigan is a must-have to roll up inside your purse.

So then I was on a little shopping spree this past week, and found the perfect dupe for this look! I usually don't like floral prints too much, because they're either too tacky looking or too grandma-ish, but this dress I found at F21 was completely adorable to pass up.

(can't find the dress on the F21 website- shame.)

So if you haven't done so, spend some time looking for your perfect summer dress.

They are so versatile- wear it to a casual luncheon with some embellished flats, a sweet date with some wedges, or throw on a leather bomber jacket and killer heels for a night out!

Sweet meets sassy.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Star Style Coveted: Sienna Miller

There are a number of actresses, models, singers with whom I am completely obsessed with.

The ones who I believe are some of the most beautiful women in the world.

They include: 

Reese Witherspoon (completely adorable and respectable because she's got a good head on her shoulders,) model Lily Donaldson, Kim Kardashian (although she earns her money out of her scary ass booty,) Kate Beckinsale (didn't fall for Josh Hartnett OR Ben Affleck but for this girl when I watched Pearl Harbor) and Cheryl Cole- just to name a couple from the top of my head.

But then this list would never be complete, without Sienna Miller.

I know there is- and will always be- a lot of drama and gossip about this girl, because of her love life. Quite frankly, who she dates is really out of my concern- and should never be anyone else's business either, because what I love about Sienna is her chic sense of style that always looks put together, and her drop dead gorgeous facial features.

Right now, I'm talking about this beauty:

One thing- other than her sense of fashion- that I love so much about Sienna is her smile that has a tendency to warm up her entire ambiance.

It gives off such a lovely-and-sweet-girl-next-door vibe that is so rare these days- especially when people constantly yearn for girls with "fierce, fiery, sultry" eyes and big, pouty lips- who are, of course, beautiful on their own, but we need a little less sexy and a little more sweet at times.

Now let's look at Sienna's red-carpet style.

Can you saw sweeeeet?

Then yet again- she rocks sexy, edgy, chic dresses very often as well.

This glittering emerald mini is from her own clothing line, I believe. With a statement dress like this, you only need a complementing clutch and killer heels.

Very old Hollywood glam. 

One of my favorite red carpet moments of Sienna. The gold gown is simply amazing, with her platinum blonde hair curled in a classic pin-up style, complemented by the dark red lip.

And yet the LBD....It never- EVER - will go out of style.

I love how she takes a lot of risks too- wearing clothes that, to the naked public eye, could not be easily acceptable. And yet she makes it somehow work. Maybe it's the hair and skin that is always so impeccable. (yet carefree, as if done in a matter of minutes.)

The Devil Wears Prada moment? yes.

There's something really easy about her beauty style as well. Her hair- perfect, but as if she just rolled out of bed. Her skin- perfect, again, but as if she just slabbed a tinted moisturizer and called it a day. It's the kind of beauty that is very contrasting to the Kardashian sisters (whom you can tell spend hours and hours perfecting the skin, gluing on the eyelashes, etc. etc.) Although I love both styles.

As for this look, I love it to death! I couldn't quite put my finger on the color of the dress- Miranda Priestly probably could- but it is gorgeous nonetheless ("purple" would not do it justice!) Then the heavy gold hardware on the neck. Genius!

I've noticed she enjoys a good red lip as a beauty staple. Which makes sense, considering she keeps everything on her face fairly understated. And by the way, I love this look she wore while promoting her movie. Very nautical, but not in the common way you see in red and blue stripes. Love the white blouse with gold detailing- paired with semi-harem, semi-boyfriend black pants with matching gold detailing. The otherwise boring look was put up a notch with some funky shoes.

Whenever her fashion isn't the best for the night, she just flashes a smile. 

That's the way to go, ladies!

Now with her most coveted street fashion.

There is something about this look (very commonly worn by Sienna) that is so approachable because anyone could re-create it! Gray skinnies? check. Basic black flats? check. Basic black jacket? check. A colored v-neck? check. Just add a unique scarf and some vintage jewelry peeping behind the scarf to make this look so- lovely. Ready for school? I think yes.

On the other hand this look is perfect for a classy date with the special someone. Pair a neutral blush-colored blouse with matching shorts. Pair on tights if it's a chilly night, and some neutral colored heels as well. A fur jacket along the same color code is going to add so much to the outfit, but leave the accent on the leopard print clutch. Who said leopard was too intimidating for men? Then Sienna added her own style to this outfit, with some dainty gold jewelry and of course, a classic red lip.

I gasped when I first saw this look. I remembering nudging my friend beside me and saying, "I NEED A RED CAPE!" Never found the perfect one like hers, unfortunately, but this look is definitely one of my favorite Sienna moments. A leopard print dress (as it looks like) with black tights with black boots, all covered neat and sweet under a striking red cape that screams Little Red Riding Hood. 

And there it is again...her hair...her skin...her smile... Girl crush alert!

Now do you realize what I mean by, her smile?

So I can't blame all the boys wanting her. 

Another classic street style. Sienna loves skinnes, and basic t-shirts with basic cardis and jackets. But pay attention to the details in this outfit that make it so not basic. The ankle booties? Very unique and very chic. Then the brown leather belt somehow goes so well with the sunnies, and then the scarf adds something extra too. It's all in the subtle details...

Another major cape moment for Sienna... This outfit is brilliant for the airport- like where Sienna wore it- because it hides a lot. Just throw on some comfortable jeans and flat ankle booties like Sienna, with your favorite statement cape. Tres chic in minutes! I also love the white tote, the tied-back and out of the fact hair, and even the glasses... Looks as if put together in seconds, eh? Still magic.

Envision a fun night out with the girls. A sparkling LBD paired with another classic piece- the black blazer. Cuffed at the sleeves would give a casual touch to the otherwise formal look. Simple yet not so simple? How does she always do that? Maybe it is the smile :)

HAHA yo whats up, Channing ;)

I love shift minis on Sienna- they elongate her legs so well. I've seen those studded ankle booties on Sienna so many times- it's a piece she loves! I see Sienna as one of those people who splurge on good, classic, always-going-to-be-worn pieces. Something I need to learn from her desperately.

She loves her grays, blacks, greens- the dark colors that make great contrast with her light hair. 

***

Sigh.

Wishful thinking made with a picture of the perfect couple that used to be.

But for what it's worth, some things just aren't meant to be.

And a random thought- coming across this picture made me think this would make a good-looking couple as well! Far better than Channing and Jenna, IMO. But oh wells.

***

In a closing note, I think I've established it clear that I love Sienna Miller for so many reasons. I don't know enough about her to say she's the greatest person ever, but good people emanate good vibes. Or at least that's what I believe. 

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Look of the Day: Eva Longoria

OH EM GEE

I haven't been this excited for a LOTD post before-

I haven't been this excited about fashion period! (hence the lack of posts over the past weeks)

Until I saw Eva Longoria rocking this look:

OH SNAP

This just proves that fashion never has to be about over-accessorizing or 

showing as much skin possible. It's about knowing what looks good and what feels good.

Eva looks completely dazzling with her glow and her tan and her toned physique, and

can't you tell that she knows she looks good? When you feel it, people can see it...

For reference, Eva's pretty pink mini dress is by Victoria Beckham (who would've known!)

with which she matched satin nude pumps with. 

And she only needed just a little oomph with her half-up-half-down bouffant hair and

killer make-up (which I always notice about her) to make this look simply a-mazing.

It's so surprising, how she's wearing a simple mini (with no prints- just a solid color)

and a pair of heels and look this good.

I don't watch the Desperate Housewives regularly, but now I just may have to!

Picture credit goes to Instyle.com

***

Speaking of emulating confidence, an inspiring quote for the day:

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.”

-Jesse Jackson

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Look of the Day: Rachel Bilson

Spring took its time, but now she's finally here!
Mwa! How much I missed my very favorite season!

Nonetheless, it is still quite chilly for us to be sporting tank tops and bare legs.
One exciting thing about the transitioning season is, that we can take out our cute summer dresses and wear them with our favorite fall/winter jackets. 


Rachel Bilson, the young and contemporary style star, shows just exactly what I mean:

Do we spot the LND? OMG, too perfect for words!
(I told you the LND is a staple)


So we all know that when spring arrives, the new "trend" (although having been "trendy" for quite a few seasons now) is to wear vivid, bright colors. 


Rachel wears a simple nude sheath with a vivid orange-red jacket (love the shoulder padding) to add that magical pop-of-color. I am completely in love with the nude wedges too! This look is completely appropriate for the office too- fun yet tres professional.


Picture credit goes to Instyle.com


***


A new day,
a new month,
a new season,
a new beginning!

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Look of the Day: Blake Lively

I've been preparing for a Star Style Coveted post on Blake Lively for a while now,

but before that I wanted to do a quick LOTD post on her.

We all know that Blake Lively has become the new face of Chanel's line of Mademoiselle bags, and Karl Lagerfeld's new favorite "it" girl.

I told you the bitch has everything.

And that's not the end of it-

Chanel threw an entire party dedicated to the blonde beauty a few days back..

Yep

But today we're not here to talk about how self-centered and incredibly...amazing...Lively is,

we're here to look at the outfit she wore to this Chanel dinner.

Oh hello, bombshell.

Very fitting indeed. A silver Chanel Haute Couture minidress with gold and white strappy sandals (tassels are back!)

Oh, and do you see that glowing aura sparking at the end of her fingers?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

You are looking at the new Chanel Mademoiselle handbag.

Some girls were just born to make the rest of us feel really, really bad. 

*Outfit picture credits go to Celebuzz. Ad credit goes to Popcrunch*

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Collection Rave: Elie Saab Spring Haute Couture 2011

I have another Saab rave!

This year's Elie Saab Couture collection was simply breathtaking.

You can see the beautiful masterpiece for yourselves:

Ah- if heaven's angels were to covet a designer collection, this would be it.

The most stylish trends of modern fashion include

boyfriend blazers, harem pants and men-inspired shoulder pads,

but there's something about soft fabrics and feminine hemlines that so classic and timeless.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN