Dishing out advice is second nature to myself; looking out for the well-being of my loved ones is always at the forefront of my mind. This trait is both a blessing and a curse. The curse being that for myself, the advice goes in one ear and out the other.

Recently, I've been learning how to take this weakness and try to evolve myself. For the first time, I have started to actually listen to my body and provide the necessities it's yearning for. Changing my mindset has come easier than expected thanks to social media. A medium that's often bashed for being the source of negativity. Ironic, I know.

Here's my take on it, you can either spend your whole life looking at everything that's wrong with a person, place and thing or take time to understand why something or someone isn't so bad after all.

Though it's easier to pick apart the bad things in life, rather than spending time to find a positive outlook, this way of life is v destructive.

Cancel culture is really having a moment, so negativity is normality now. Normal; an extremely common English word that's supposed to be neutral yet is extremely destructive. And with that, I digress.

Anyways, back to the og topic, which was....oh yes, social media.

This medium led me to find Sarahs Day; an Instagram account that belongs to an Aussie Influencer named Sarah. Her content is mainly focused on fitness, healthy eating and living. To say her bubbly personality is contagious is an understatement. Between her Insta stories, captions and Youtube videos, she was able to re-spark my old flame with fitness. Thanks to Sarah, I have a newfound love for fitness, more specifically, running (which mind you, never in my life would I have ever thought would happen).

The endorphins that are released from working out has helped me to embody this same bubbly spirit. Though this has held true for the past couple of months, in October I did notice a difference in my attitude. I noticed that I was feeling a little more sluggish than usual but also, this seemed normal. This often happens as the seasons change. It gets darker earlier and being cold makes me want to snuggle on the couch rather than going on a run. With this decline in physical activity and motivation, I found myself becoming more irritable than normal. A feeling I hate because it translates from myself onto others. No Bueno.

I had been keeping tabs on these changes because, in my gut, I knew something was off but at the same time, I wanted to watch these changes for x amount of time to make sure it wasn't just one-off week or something like that. But after coming back from my trip to Arizona, it felt like a switch flipped immediately. I went back to harboring the same feelings again. Back to feeling off and irritable.

I was hesitant at first to even blame the weather because I thought the boost in my mood while I was in Arizona was mainly related to seeing my friends after months of being away from each other, but then again, I knew it was more than that. The signs were there and after seeing the immediate switch in my mood I knew I had it. I have Winter Blues.

What the literal frick. I've lived in this state, with these seasonal changes all my life and had never experienced this before. What's different? Well, let me tell you what's different. The difference now is that I went away for four years and experienced 365 days of endless sunshine.

Going from endless sunshine to being engulfed in a blackout by 5 pm everyday can really do ya in.

Now, when I first read about Winter Blues, I wrote it off as being nothing. Which, yes, thank god it is nothing all too serious compared to a plethora of what I could have but still, it is something. Winter Blues is a step before SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. As I embarked on research, I knew it was not the latter because I did not meet all the symptoms, but regardless, the fact that I did check the boxes for Winter Blues was unsettling. Having been fortunate to have never dealt with situations similar to this is why I believe it shook me more than I expected.

Like I've said before, I've had this gut feeling I had this but wanted to keep a mental report to back up my claim. So it wasn't so much of a surprise just freaky. Luckily, it's self-diagnosed; in order to get back on track, one just needs to purchase a light therapy lamp and workout more. So again, nothing serious. But that feeling of knowing I have to tell my parents why I am going to purchase that lamp and explaining I felt off is not fun. A conversation that has everything to do with me but makes it seem like there's room for discussion of how they could have helped. Which honestly, besides making me workout more (which is not their responsibility) or figuring out how to move the clouds so the sun can shine more, there is nothing they can or could have done to prevent this.

The thought of having other's sympathy or cracking the door open to unnecessary guilt is a heavy feeling. After a 5-minute pity party, my mind wandered to those who have had this same type of realization but for a worse diagnosis. My heart honestly aches for them because I hope to god others don't have this similar feeling. A feeling that whatever they are going through feels like it will burden others, thus making them keep it to themselves and as a result, not receive proper treatment.

Any other time, I would have just kept this to myself and figured it was not important to mention to anyone. But ya know, new year, new me blah blah blah still applies even now. I'm working on sharing my thoughts and feelings more which is why I told my parents what's up. After that, it felt like a weight was lifted, I've rearranged my weekly schedule and got my lamp which is my new bestie and I can honestly say I feel like myself again. Also, my eye stopped twitching so things are really looking up out here.

(Sidenote: based on the depth I take ordinary topics it seems shocking I can't/really dislike talking about my feelings, right? Well, if you couldn't tell, my preferred form of communication is writing).

Whether you read this long-winded answer about why I listen to my body and why it's okay to listen to your gut or not, understand this: whatever you are feeling is valid.

Whether it's mental or physical, your body always knows when something is wrong before you're willing to accept it yourself. So, trust your body and listen to it. Besides checking in with yourself on a self-care level, this can be applied to any situation. When you're working out for example. If you feel tired (actually physically exhausted and not just making up excuses), just do a quick low-energy routine, or don't even go. If you truly believe it will be a waste of time, take that L and go crush your workout tomorrow.

Shit happens but don't let it kill your vibe. There are always solutions to whatever is going on but it's up to you to listen to your body. More often than not, it's smarter than us so just sit back and let it take the lead on what it needs.


Till next time, cheers!

Clo

Why isn't everything sustainable?

It's 2019 and there are still companies who feel they don't have a responsibility to alter their habits and become more sustainable. I understand I'm not a business owner, nor am I qualified to pass judgment on business plans but on another note, I'm also not an idiot.

If one wants their business to perform or relate to a broader audience, which I'm presuming is everyone's goal, one would keep tabs on how to be more successful. Do research to watch trends, see what's catching the public eye, what changes need to be made to your business model. So on and so forth.

The biggest and most useful trend to hit society is sustainability. Due to the hole in the market for sustainable and ethical companies, this niche has been filled by smaller companies. Hence, people's interest in wanting to buy from small or local businesses. Since the spike in environmental and general ethical awareness amongst consumers, people want to purchase items from brands that are up to their new standards. So much so that according to Solitaire Townsend Forbes article 88% Of Consumers Want You To Help Them Make A Difference.

As we've heard before, all it takes is one person. One person to do the right thing, spread the word about an oppressed niche or even talk about their new diet in order to see change. During 2018, in November, a survey was conducted by Futerra, where they had 1,004 people from the USA and UK answer whether they believed personal actions such as being sustainable and donating makes a difference in the world.


Then, data from another survey, also conducted by Futerra, focused on brands and their direct impact on the environment. 88% of people said they want brands to help them be more environmentally friendly and ethical according to Townsend’s article.

This consumeristic trend is not only real but is a step in the right direction. A direction many corporations need to adjust to. Now, things take time which is understandable but that is not the point I want to make right now. My point has to do with accountability.

How is it that other companies such as Love Beauty and Planet, Athleta, Patagonia and more have decided to base their business model around creating a sustainable foundation from the start and or have altered half or all of their products to become more up to date with environmental needs, while others simply just proceed on with their old destructive ways without a second thought?


If Athleta can create high quality and performing sustainable sports gear, so can Nike and Lululemon.
If Patagonia can donate money towards environmental groups, so can North Face.

Companies have a responsibility to provide the best of the best to their customers. They have the responsibility of being transparent. They have a responsibility to be ethical too.

Why should it take them being dragged on the internet for them to change their prehistoric ways? Why do we allow them to get away with it? Why not just make that change themselves? Also, from a PR standpoint, isn't this also a smart move in order to save face too? Idk just a thought.

I would say I'm sorry about this rant but I'm not. I kinda wanna live idk till I'm past 50 which won't happen if we keep living the same way we currently are.

Try to reevaluate what you're buying and see if there are other environmentally better choices. I will say, sustainable products will be more expensive so pick and choose what you are going to switch out with your own discretion, a small change is better than nothing, but also understand the future outcome and impact is great. One person can make a difference. Just look at history.

So again, I have a question. Why is everyone not switching their business models to be sustainable? Why are we letting large corporations get away with outdated practices? Bring on the heat ladies and gents. Change doesn’t thrive in silence.


Till next time, cheers!

Clo

Today marks the end of the 30 Day Challenge. A challenge created by Alfie Deyes; a challenge that surprised me and made me reevaluate my life. Now, that sounds deeper than I intended it to but I guess that's fitting since this challenge ending up being deeper than I had originally anticipated.

In my previous post, I discussed how my challenge was to focus on what I have rather than what I don't have. Within the first week, I had an epiphany. That epiphany being that I have the power to change the narrative. It's up to me to understand what I have, appreciate that but to then, figure out which steps I need to take towards accomplishing the goals I have for myself.

Not only did this new mindset allow me to understand what I actions I need to take in my life moving forward, as well as revamp my positive thinking, this challenge also allowed me to take charge of my life again. I've been able to have a new outlook moving forward when it comes to my finances, relationships, career, etc.

Although the challenge Deyes had set-up for his followers is technically 'over,' I challenge you to think of a goal for yourself to complete within 30 days. Try this challenge out for yourself! It doesn't have to be as in-depth as mine. It can be as simple as trying to read 2 hours a day for 30 days, or working out more, or unplugging from your phone. Whatever you choose to do, be dedicated to making those changes in your life!

Sometimes you have to be challenged in order for you to actually make changes in your life. So, here's to bettering yourself!

Like many, Devil Wears Prada is a movie that is not only a classic that I've watched more times then I am willing to admit, but it is also a movie with a concept that continuously fascinates me. Each time I watch this film, I pick up a new lesson, easter egg or I find an old trend that's wormed its way back into todays fashion. Though from a young age, I have been in love with fashion, I understand this niche market is either loved or loathed. But regardless of how one feels, it will always be part of one's life.

Just as Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly had said Anne Hathaway's Andy,

"This stuff’? Oh, okay. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select out, oh, I don’t know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean. You’re also blindly unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent, wasn’t it, who showed cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic 'casual corner' where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of “stuff.”

And with that, I digress.

As I stated before, fashion is a 50/50 for people. No matter your stance on fashion, you cannot deny the fact that your clothes play a role in some shape, way and form within your life. We all have that one piece that brings back fond memories we hold dear to our heart, that makes us feel so confident we channel a different persona that day, or that is our comfort blanket.

I view fashion as being a walking form of art. Dramatic? Maybe, but hear me out. On the outside, we as humans are a blank canvas. Our body provides endless possibilities of outfits to wear and our mind provides us with endless ideas of how to wear outfits. Though I still consider myself to be introverted at times, fashion has allowed me to grow and gain confidence within myself to be extroverted.

It allowed me to present my personality and who I am to the world without having to say a single word. It allowed me to feel as though I found who I am. It has been a constant amongst the ever changing phases of my life. My clothes make me feel secure and confident with my decisions because my outfits are usually inspired by someone I look up to which whom possess characteristics I admire and want to channel myself.

Does this mean I am not staying true or putting up a fraud version of myself out into the world? No. Rather, I am allowing myself to highlight these characteristics I admire and do contain myself to be given the boost they need to shine.

I've had this thought about fashion for awhile now. To say it annoys me when people automatically assume I am snotty or stuck-up based on the pretense that I like fashion is an understatement. I never knew how to properly explain why clothes matter and play a role in your life until I read Amy Smilovic's Instagram caption for one of her pictures back in August.


Yes, I understand this all seems trivial and silly but can you deny the fact that you've had experiences similar to me? The first time you put on heels and felt like you could conquer the world, the first time you put on your new gym shoes and knew you would kill your next game, the first time you put on your scrubs knowing you were on your way to where you want to be.

No matter how you pick-out your outfit, with a lot of thought or very little, you picked those pieces for a reason. To feel some sort of comfort. That feeling of comfort lies into feeling confident with yourself and your gut. That no matter which decisions you have to make the rest of the day, whether your day was good or sucked, at least you know you did one thing right.

Though it hasn't been a full 30 days since I started the 30 Day Challenge, here's what I have noticed thus far...


In my previous post, I mentioned that I am participating in Alfie Deyes 30 Day Challenge. The challenge I set out for myself is to focus on what I do have rather than what I want and don't have. I found that the phrase "I want..." is relevant for material things, jobs, relationships so on. Last week, I was thinking about where this narrative stems from. Why is it in a future tense that ultimately doesn't have action?

Once I began to understand and reflect upon this epiphany, I realized it's my mindset. This stems from me having goals I want to accomplish but not taking the time to figure out how to do so. I'm the one who has the power and means to redirect the conversation and change the narrative.

Change the narrative from "I want..." to "I will..." By changing the narrative, it gives me a direction towards what type of action I need to take on how to accomplish the goal I want to set out and complete.

Take a moment to figure out if this is something you actually want and how you will go about accomplishing it? How will you work for it and get it?

You are the key player; you make the moves and have the power to change your narrative. By taking time out of your day to self reflect, this will not only help your future self, but also your present self. It's never too early or too late to become the best version of yourself.

1. Spin classes: I have taken about 10 classes in my life. I do enjoy these classes but I don’t do this every day. I like the leg workout it provides but I’m more keen on classes that are a full-body workout. This class is perfect for my gals and guys looking to improve their cardio! What a way to strengthen it.

2. Hiit classes: This had been my latest go-to. I started this in the Spring when I was still at university. Going into it, I was scared I was not strong enough for the circuits or it would be similar to CrossFit, which we'll get to my thoughts on that later. The reason why I believe this type of class is great for all levels of fitness because you can modify the movements and go at your own pace. Plus, it’s a group class so you can bring your friends along, hype each other up and then go to brunch. What a time.

3. Crossfit: Many love this, many hate this. Unfortunately, I am the latter of this situation. I did not enjoy CrossFit one single second. I think the reason for that was because I was left to fend for myself which was a recipe for disaster. (As this article continues, you will see why). Great for self-motivated people who already have a sense of self-awareness, self-motivation and have a strength goal. 

4. Yoga: My true love. This may be because I was a dancer growing up but this is my favorite fitness class of all time. Your arms, core, and legs are continuously challenged and growing stronger. Also, it improves or helps you maintain your flexibility as well as your posture. My mind becomes blank as I focus on my breath and what pose I am doing. If you haven’t tried hot vinyasa, get your booty to a studio now. One of my favorite parts of working out is sweating it out. I feel not only accomplished but like all of the toxins in my body have been squeezed out. TMI? Sorry, not sorry. This class is perfect for anyone at any fitness caliber- unless you are an impatient person.
5. Pilates: Yet another class that has my heart. Although it captured mine, this is a 50/50 for others. The reason? It targets the small muscles you don’t think about, you barely sweat, and it is pricier. By the end of a session, my legs and arms are shaking and the next day, I feel like a noodle. As I mentioned before, you barely sweat. I am not a scientist so I am unaware as to why this is but it’s true. Not dripping in sweat doesn’t mean you aren’t working hard, it’s just that everything moves slower. I would recommend this class as being a winter activity for special occasions when you want to treat yourself. As for fitness levels, again, another one that’s good for all levels. 

6. Boxing: The last of this mighty list. It is one of the best workouts, I believe. It is perfect for someone who wants their limbs to feel like jello and who wants to sweat a lot. This is a full-body workout, (again, not a certified fitness person so this may be dependent upon your studio). Good for upper body strength and cardio too. I would say if you are used to taking classes and have been in somewhat of a workout groove, this is well suited for you. If you are just starting, go for it! You can take breaks as needed but again, depending on the studio, it may be harder to adjust for yourself compared to a hiit class. 

This is something I have been thinking about for a while and really just need to get off my chest. I need to start documenting and publishing some sort of list that states what trends will be next because my god, I am on a roll. I have been right; I deserve some credit and recognition for this.

So far I have been correct about the following:

1. High-waisted shorts
2. Tying things around your waist
        - And with this, the person who asked why I was wearing high-waisted shorts and a plaid shirt tied around my waist sophomore year of high school, circa 2013, screw you.
3. Flatlays 
        - In 2014, I was posting these types of pics left and right. Pinterest could never.
4. Jeans skirts
5. Overalls
       - Okay, with 4 and 5, for the life of me, I could not find decent pieces anywhere so I bought this strangely long jean skirt from J.Crew because nothing else was available. As for the overalls, it was fine; not my fav but it was slim pickings out there guys.
6. Backpacks
        - Now, this trend wasn't one I predicted would take off. Since 2015, I always just preferred using my little Longchamp backpack because I could fit more and it was more practical.
        - Fallraven backpacks, again, a brand I liked and a style I liked too that I did not predict tbh but here we are. It has now become a staple for VSCO girls.
7. Off the shoulder tops
        - The lines on shirts were slowly disappearing, you could spot this trend from a mile away.
8.  Tube tops
        - Again, slowly parts disappear and suddenly, a 'new' design has appeared.
9. Trouser trend
        - My go-to pant style back during junior year of high school. Boy was I ahead of this one.
10. Fuzzy heels
        - Honestly, once I bought these fuzzy heels from Nordstorm in the Spring of 2018, I had a feeling the 2000s were creeping in. Between these, the jean skirts, and few silk dresses that had made their appearance amongst catalogs, I knew the storm was coming, Lip gloss and all.
11. Hoops
12. Flare Jeans
        - This one came to me back in October when I saw one pair for sale. Once you see one, more and more start to trickle on in.
13. Headbands
         - What would the 2000 comeback be without headbands? Blair Waldorf is quaking.
14. Blazers
         - Although I have been saying the 2000s are coming back, so are the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We have created a fashion buffet. We have blazers to fulfill our 70s desires, neons for an 80s accent, silk items as the main piece for the 90s and accessories have and always will be claimed by the 2000s.
15. One-shoulder tops
          - We have taken away any form of a sleeve, aka the tube top, so now it is time to slowly rebuild. Hence, the one-shoulder styled tops that are slowly but surely popping up around a store near you.
16. Paperbag Pants
          - Now, this is my latest success story in the works. The shorts have made its appearance and I saw a pair for sale on Free People. Once you see one, the waiting game begins.
17. Mesh Puff Sleeves
          - This one is fairly new and I needed to make sure to document this because I have a feeling about this one too. Hello 80s, thanks for reentering the game.

Do you see this track record? Do you see this? Do you understand why I wish I had the receipts!

Besides riding on the high of being right, I enjoy being able to guess the next big trend. It's just fun. All of these trends have had their moment before, this isn't their first rodeo. But this is how the fashion world works; pieces are just continuously recycled and revamped after x amount of years.  Now that the air is cleared, I can rest easy.