The APRIL 2016 | Series No. 3, Issue No. 1
joy
Issue
Find Your Purpose with Kristen Kenney ALSO
CH OOS E TO P LA N • CO M P ROMISE YOUR D ESIGN • LISTEN TO YOUR LO N G I N G S
The PERPETUAL YOU
The Perpetual You is a movement in which women are encouraged to love and share who they already are. We believe in choosing, embracing, celebrating, and unleashing the best parts of ourselves-the parts that never change-our Perpetual Selves.
The J OY I S S U E
|
3
We begin to find and become ourselves when we notice how we are already found, already truly, entirely, wildly, messy, marvelously who we were born to be. – ANNE LAMOTT
The PERPETUAL YOU
L E T T E R from our E D I T O R
N
ine months ago, if you had told me I’d be the editor of a successful online magazine that’s changing the way women feel about themselves, I would’ve scoffed. At that time, I had no idea what my life’s purpose was. Sure, I knew it would have to do with writing, but a magazine editor? I never would’ve guessed that. Prior to The Perpetual You, I had labeled my lack of purpose as a lack of diligence. If only I could stick to a schedule, stop procrastinating, and write those damn 3 pages a day, I could be the next great American novelist. I blamed fear, anxiety, low self-confidence, and even motherhood as the roadblocks keeping me from being disciplined enough to be successful. I know now that my PURPOSE—the thing I couldn’t “not” do, the calling deep in my soul, the light I’m meant to shine into the world is the magazine you {figuratively} hold in your hands. I feel blessed to have done a lot of preparation in my personal life so that I was ready for this purpose at the time it showed up. After almost two years of intense intimacy with my core desired feelings and much, much journaling, I’m ready to be useful to the outside world. I am eager to guide this brand and magazine, along with our beloved contributors and YOU—our readers—into the next phase. I believe we have built a product that is necessary for women everywhere because it is unique in its focus & forward-thinking in
its insistence that women can be truly happy just by being themselves. Because of that, we need to grow into our purpose, all the while staying true to the fun, adventurous, joyful spirit that got us where we are today. This doesn’t mean that who we are is changing, only that some of our approaches and offerings will change. For example, you might notice the titles given to myself and the members of my leadership team right away, and, if you continue to dig into this issue, you’ll notice the addition of our new Dwell products spread and the revamping of our back cover. I had an epiphany this past month; on International Women’s Day, I watched my Facebook feed fill up with positivity & love by woman after woman after woman–friends, mentors, colleagues, online connections, real-life crushes... Nine months ago, this wouldn’t have been the case. This magazine hasn’t just crystallized my life’s purpose; it’s brought me all of YOU. Because of that, I count myself among the blessed few living what Elle Luna calls “the dream in real life.” My dream for each and every one of you is to feel the same way!
lee lee
IN THIS ISSUE
Create
joy
by Choosing Purpose
realize
16
Give Back by supporting local businesses, signing up for a Charity 5K, buying products with a purpose, purchasing only what you need and getting rid of what you don’t, building a wardrobe you love, and feeling free to change your mind.
42
dwell Get Clear by decorating your home purposefully, displaying your values through accessories, and compromising on the design of your child’s room.
The PERPETUAL YOU
M O N T H LY M U S I C
Experience an epiphany and listen to our purposeful playlist.
choose Gain Insight into finding your purpose
53
live
and blending it with the rest of your life.
76
Go Forth by enjoying life right now, partnering with purpose, and shining the light within.
The J OY I S S U E
|
7
SOCIALIZE WITH US
T H E P E R P E T UA L YO U M A K E R S
The Perpetual You wouldn't be possible without the amazing women who collaborate with us. Click on the Maker's handle or website to connect with her directly.
Kay
Walker Sisters Cover Story Photographer Amy and Kay Walker traverse New England and beyond chasing sunsets, circling crowded dance floors, capturing tears and laughter, all in the pursuit of preserving stories of love, friendship, and family. You'll find a camera around Kay's neck, a paintbrush in Amy's hand, and joy on both their faces as they do what they love best. See some of their work online and connect with them at @walkerstudiosllc or walkerstudiosllc.com.
Amy The Perpetual You is a place where creatives and coaches can come together to showcase their work and be part of a movement designed to shake up the world. Interested in adding your talents to the mix? Email hello@theperpetualyou.com.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Meet our Makers and other special women by joining our Facbook group.
Kirsten
Maya
Senior Designer
Staff Photographer
@kirstenmariedesign kirstenmariedesign.com
@mojalvo mojalvo.com
Victoria
P.K.
Meg
Contributing Photographer
Proofreader
Contributing Artist
@victoriagloria victoriagloria.com
Connect on Facebook.
@MegShah3 meghanshah.com
Jazelle
Sarah
Jennifer
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Photographer
Contributing Photographer
@JazelleArtistry JazellesArtistry.com
@sarahannayphotography sarahannayphotography.com
@jenwenzelphoto JenniferWenzelPhotography.com
The J OY I S S U E
|
9
SOCIALIZE WITH US
T H E P E R P E T UA L YO U T E A M
Lee Lee
Jessie
Creative Director & Managing Editor
Art Director
The Lee Lee is the #ladyboss of The Perpetual You. A writer by trade, designer by heart, and mother by choice, she seeks intentional practices and a positive mindset. Connect with her through Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or Email. If you’re near Hamden, CT, she welcomes you to stop by her front porch.
Jessie Leiber is a multi-disciplinary designer & art director striving to make her world more pixel perfect. When she's not poring over mockups, she can be found singing (loudly) in her car or compulsively buying striped shirts. You can stalk her @jessieleiber or work with her at Little Legends.
Sarah
Brittany
Online Content Editor
Social Media Coordinator
Sarah Sandidge can often be found reading. A lover of language, cultures, and sociology, she’s a chatty introvert fascinated by people. When not reading or editing, she is spending time with her family—mostly taking care of her two beautiful children—somewhere in the heart of Missouri. Meet her at @LulainLondon.
Brittany is a social media guru and cabi stylist. She is often found on her phone curating hashtags or talking the latest runway trends, but also enjoys the perfect mix of chocolate and barre classes. You can plug in with her on Instagram @dressedtt9s or Twitter.
The PERPETUAL YOU
realize to align your daily practices with your
ever-evolving desires
Monthly Challenge Ready for #30daysofpurpose? Join our monthly challenge on Facebook or Instagram.
Choosy CHOOSE TO BE
The PERPETUAL YOU
REALIZE
It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy. – LUCILLE BALL
Laughing, enjoying life, and seeing the positive have always come easy to me. That’s not to say everything in my life has been perfect, but the influence of my always cheerful mom shaped my perspective on enjoying the moment and finding things in my life to be grateful for.
L
ast summer, when my first daughter was born, that easy, carefree, joyful attitude was challenged. My husband and I had excitedly anticipated becoming parents for months. I knew it would come with lots of challenges, but overall we were just giddy about meeting our sweet girl and growing our family. Long story short, when Arwen was born she wasn’t breathing. That led to four weeks in the NICU and a very traumatic start to the journey of parenthood. Becoming a parent forced my priorities to shift rapidly, but it was spending four weeks in the NICU that made me aware of how precious life truly is. This became the catalyst for a new perspective through which I edited my life and relationships, and committed to being more intentional in both my scheduled time and my free time. Scheduling my life with purpose. Over the last few months I’ve been removing things from my life that felt more like obligations. At one point they used to bring me joy, but as the seasons of our lives change we must intentionally reflect on our commitments. I’ve been shifting how I volunteer and give back to my community. I realized that in the past I’ve been a people-pleaser, quick to say yes all the time, quick
to take on a new position of leadership. Now I’ve discovered the freedom and joy in responding, “I’ll get back to you.” Cultivating my relationships with purpose. Because I’m emotionally stretched to the max, I’ve also begun making more conscious decisions about the people I spend time with. When I’m creating time in my schedule to grab coffee or enjoy a glass of wine, I want it to be with people who foster hope and spread cheer. I want engaging conversation about real life victories and struggles—to really get to know people and be able to support each other. My husband is one of those people, his positivity is infectious. Simplifying my plans with purpose. My husband and I are in year five of owning our own business. One of the reasons for embarking on this entrepreneurial journey was to allow freedom in our schedule for travel. I imagined us living somewhere else for a month each year, typically exotic, like an island off the coast of Italy—exploring the new area, trying new foods & restaurants, meeting locals, working from adorable,
continued on next page
The J OY I S S U E
|
13
inspiring coffee shops. For this reason or that, we haven't traveled nearly as much as we set out to. Now, with a baby and two big dogs, we have plenty of reasons to stay home! Why make things harder than they need to be—why a month? why halfway around the globe? We’ve adopted the 4-6 day getaway to places within driving distance and have enjoyed new foods, visited new breweries, and walked to new places. Quickly moments become years, and then decades—I want to make sure I can look back on a life full of joy and not a bunch of things I was waiting to do. I was chosen to be Arwen’s mom and want to be so “on purpose.” She’s inspired me to create joy in my life even when everything is upside down. She’s taught me that finding joy and purpose amidst curve balls is life.
Jennifer Whittington-Bookhout is an artist, tech-lovinggraphic-designer, and new momma to her precious miraclebaby Arwen. Bringing enthusiasm, a quick-wit and a love for problem solving to all her work, Jenny is committed to helping fellow small businesses look fantastic online (and offline too!). Jenny is known for her Hobby Lobby obsession and endless DIY projects. You can find her most afternoons on her back porch with her hubby Dan, hanging out with their two sweet pups and sneaking a whiskey sour during nap time. Connect with her at creativewhitt.com.
Start Today Here are some easy ways to be more purposeful and bring more joy into your day.
Schedule a Purposeful Weekend. Have your weekends been lackluster lately? Without the pressure of the 9-5 grind, we often feel uninspired, even bored. If a weekend of sprucing up the home isn’t what brings you joy, find a purposeful adventure elsewhere. Call a local charity, plan a day to help out in the community garden, or participate in a fun run. Need more motivation? Read more about choosing your destination on page 22.
Cultivate a Joyful Wardrobe. If you’re overwhelmed by the clothes in your closet— or even if you’re underwhelmed—set aside 30 minutes each day to organize. Standard categories for this exercise are Keep, Donate, Toss. According to tidying guru, Marie Kondo, knowing whether to keep something or not is as easy as figuring out whether it brings you joy. Hold the item close to your heart. Does it bring you enough joy to keep it around? Read more style tips on page 28.
Simplify your Beauty Routine. There’s nothing that takes time out of your day like searching for that one item you desperately need and not being able to find it. Our resident beauty expert, Leigh Schwab, encourages simplicity and selectivity when choosing and organizing beauty products and accoutrements. Grab your make-up kit right now! What’s one item you could toss today? Read more beauty tips on page 24.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Passionate about reading? Follow our Books To Read Board on Pinterest for monthly suggestions. CHOOSE A MODERN NOVEL
Passing
This Is No Ordinary Joy
by Nella Larsen, Pub 1929
by Sarah Symons, Pub 2013
In Nella Larsen’s novel, Passing, we are introduced to two women: Irene Redfield – a proud black woman who takes a stand for African-American rights, and Clare Kendry – a woman of mixed race who has totally rejected her African American roots. Set in 1920’s New York City, this story follows Clare as she ͞passes͟ for a white woman, concealing the truth of her roots even from her own husband. But when Clare decides she wants a piece of the life she left behind, she entangles her old childhood friend, Irene, in a complicated and dangerous world of pretending. This short novel is surprisingly full of depth. The deep-seated truth Clare discovers about living a purposeful and fulfilling life is that we must choose to be ourselves.
Sarah Symons was a songwriter, wife & mother, living and working in Cape Cod. She thought she was creatively fulfilled until the unexpected death of her mother, after which Sarah began to crave something more. She found the answer in a documentary about women and children exploited by human trafficking in Calcutta’s red light district. The horrors she witnessed made her act, and, today, she and her husband run Made By Survivors—a not-for-profit that helps trafficked women and children. Baring her soul, Sarah invites readers to share her journey, from uninformed bystander to participant in bringing about change. Those who accompany her are given a glimpse of the beautiful ripples created when purpose and true compassion merge.
The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna, Pub 2015 A blog post started it all. A personal revelation that spread like wildfire. The post was about a girl, her passion, and her plan to follow the right path. The girl – Elle Luna looked at her career (one she had worked tirelessly at) and her desire to be a painter, and realized she had to decide. The two were not the same thing, her calling and her career. She leapt in the direction of joy and made a decision to act on her purpose, to push for the elusive MUST that pulled at her chest. In her picturesque manifesto, she walks us through her reasoning, sharing inspiration and imagery all along the way. What could be more purposeful than taking your decisions—your intentions—into your own hands, then picking the path on which you can become you.
Radically committed to magical mornings – Micayla is a wordsmith, entrepreneur, and mindset enthusiast living out a decidedly different post-secondary path while eating wholesome plants, drinking black coffee, hyper-organizing her days, and staying up too late working on poems. Lots more online and tweeting cheer from @Micayla_Vranic.
The J OY IS S U E
|
15
C H O O S E A C U R AT E D
REALIZE
EXPERIENCE
The PERPETUAL YOU
P H O T O S B Y TA R A Z A N E T T O F T L Z P H O T O G R A P H Y
M V W I N E F E S T R U N S from M AY 1 2 T H - 1 5 T H
Attending a food & drink event is a purposeful way to spend the weekend. We invited Marnely Murray from the MV Wine Fest to takeover this month’s food spread and give you a taste of a curated dining experience.
S
ix years ago, I put my chef connections into practice and joined up with a sommelier and wine expert who had founded the MV Wine Fest. This four-day weekend event, which includes everything from private home wine dinners to a burgers and champagne picnic, is one that consumers who want the best of the best attend. Every winery, every brewery, every spirit house, and every restaurant or chef present has been curated specifically to bring the attendees the greatest quality and joy.
continued on next page
The J OY IS S U E
|
17
The benefit to spending your weekend at an event with a good reputation is you know exactly what to expect. You can relax and taste to your heart’s desires. You can feel like a VIP, even if only for the weekend. During the wine dinners, you’ll be dining alongside the wine makers themselves, while getting cooking tips straight from the chef cooking the tasting dinner. Other events allow you to taste a variety of wines, beers, and spirits. By the end of the weekend, our hope is that you’ve discovered a new love! In creating the MV Wine Fest, I get to use my talents for a greater good – paying attention to detail, pairing chefs with the perfect wine for their dinners, creating amazing gifts bags, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Seeing everyone enjoy themselves and know they made the right choice of which even to attend lets me know that all of my hard work was worth it. That, and being able to attend the Oysters & Bubbles Event–it’s what brunch dreams are made of!
Great Taste/Good Cause
In addition to being the co-founder and marketing manager of the MV Wine Festival, Marnely Murray is the pastry chef at an organic golf course. She also writes a food column for the MV Times, as well as curates her own blog, Cooking with Books. Anything having to do with food and social media is her jam!
The G ͞ rand Tasting at the MV Wine Festival includes a silent auction for guests to bid at while they taste. 100% of these proceeds go to their regional high school’s culinary department.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Move CHOOSE TO
G
rab your family or friends and sign up for a race that benefits your favorite local charity. You can walk, run, or shuffle to the finish line; if you don’t care about your time, neither will anyone else! In addition to giving back to your community, you are giving yourself the opportunity to celebrate your overall health by uplifting your mind, body, and spirit. One of life’s greatest highs is the satisfaction of crossing that finish line. The J OY I S S U E
|
19
Keep up to date with our monthly product selections by following us on Pinterest!
1
2
3
4
6
The PERPETUAL YOU
5
REALIZE
Choose to Give Back There’s nothing more satisfying than purposeful buying. Self-generosity is a favorite of ours – buying what you love is a form of respect for the woman you are. This month, we’re taking those feelings to a whole other level with our curated selection of products with a purpose. Proceeds of the six products we’re featuring go to support women, children, and artisans all over the world. Wearing any accessory you love can bring you satisfaction, but stepping out in something you know has helped another woman? Now there’s a path to feeling good.
1 | Love Heals Burnout Hoodie by Thistle Farms ($35, buy it) * Supports women survivors of addiction, prostitution, and trafficking
If you love these products as much as we do, click on the "buy it" link next to each product.
2 | Heart Pendant Necklace by Elm City Wellness ($25, buy it) * Supports artisans in Peru
3 | The Dominican Necklace by Praising Hands Traveling Shoes ($25, buy it) * Supports survivors of slavery, child marriage, and other human rights abuses.
4 | Hilina Envelope Clutch by Connected in Hope ($48, buy it) * Supports women artisans and their families in Ethiopia.
5 | Frances Bracelet by Landmine Design ($28, buy it) * Supports women artisans in the "Mine Field Village" of Thailand.
6 | Learning to Trust Ring by Made By Survivors ($48, buy it) * Supports women and children in the Dominican Republic.
Get Featured The Perpetual You loves featuring handcrafted, locally sourced products. Send us a note with recommendations to your favorite goods!
The J OY I S S U E
|
21
REALIZE
C HO O S E A N EW
Destination Purpose and adventure lend themselves to one another. Finding and cultivating our purpose helps us reach our full adventurous potential. On our pursuit of ultimate joy, we must be audacious and let go of paths no longer serving us.
W
e work to be the best versions of ourselves. We grow and change. But sometimes we need to take a step back and reevaluate, ask ourselves, “Is this still what I want?” Setting intentions and engaging in motivations requires commitment. When we no longer have the same core desires, we must be brave and bold enough to choose something new. Look back over some adventures you’ve had in the past. How did those come about? Was the energy uplifting and fulfilling? Or tiresome and humbling? What can you do this time around to rise higher and experience the desire to be more purposeful in your dreams? Staying on the same path would be easier; riding the whim out until the end. We don’t keep reading books that don’t speak to us, nor do we continue watching a movie that isn’t what we want to see. The purposeful traveler does the same. The plot of your life’s adventures isn’t set in stone; you can revise it at any time.
adventure results when you let go of expectations and past experiences. Instead of repeating the past, use your memories to inspire a new destination.
When traveling with a purpose, let go of the idea of traditional experiences: go bigger or smaller than you have before. Incorporate visions of goodness and charity into your travel plans. Do something amazing, challenging, life-changing. Joy on an
Summer is always enjoying the journey and making the most of the everyday moments. She is the wearer of many colorful hats; a yogi, mom, wife, writer and marketing & education coordinator in the Florida Keys. She is also the lover of really great red wine. You can follow her island life adventures on Facebook, and Instagram @airabess or #findingmywaylivingthisdream.
The PERPETUAL YOU
Try This at Home A purposeful travel mindset means giving to others, even while experiencing something amazing for yourself.
Go Big. Instead of the usual vacation to get away, why not get involved? Get a global perspective with an expedition trip. There are travel companies that will take you from the Galapagos to the Antarctic. You can satisfy your wanderlust and connect with nature in a new way.
Go Small. Where can you go on a tank of gas? Get in the car and go. Pack the bare essentials and see what happens, where you end up. Maybe you don't even make it out of your own town, instead you check into a local B&B. That's okay. Or, you go until you have to stop and fuel up. Don't over plan the adventure.
One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.
Go Nearby. Is there an organization or event that speaks to your beliefs or desires? Join the conversation. Become a part of the process of creating, or protecting what you value. By intentionally giving your time to the society you inhabit, you’re bringing more adventure to your life.
– EDITH WHARTON
The J OY IS S U E
|
23
REALIZE
* Bonus Tip Look for a small symbol or date that tells you when your product will expire. A number, like 6 or 12, tells how many months the product will last upon opening.
Choose to Simplify Busy women with busy lives need simplicity wherever they can find it. A purposeful make-up routine will bring much-needed ease.
M
y goal when leaving the house is to look polished but not overdone. In order to accomplish this without feeling overwhelmed, I have streamlined my cosmetics bag, choosing products I know I’ll use on a regular basis. As a Beautycounter representative, I have also taken an oath to only purchase products that are good for me and the planet. Because digging around in an overfull make-up bag or dumping out every product I own to find the one I’m looking for adds unnecessary frustration to my hectic morning routine, I pay close attention to product shelf life*. Using expired products doesn’t just take up valuable space, it can compromise my health, too!
The PERPETUAL YOU
Beauty on Purpose 1
1
Multi-task Opening your makeup bag to reveal a million products can be daunting. To create more space & more joy in your routine, replace the products you use the most with ones that do more than one job. For example, a tinted moisturizer with SPF combines 3 products in one – moisturizer, tint, and sun protection.. * Leigh recommends… Beautycounter’s Dew Skin or
Suntegrity – Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer
2
Keep it Clean Cleaning your makeup brushes twice a month will result in cleaner makeup application and longer-lasting brushes. Use warm water and a light face wash or shampoo to do the cleaning. Lay your wet brushes on their sides to keep water from getting into the handle.
2
* Leigh recommends… Bareminerals Well-Cared For Brush Conditioning Shampoo and Beautycounter’s Brush Set
3
Choose Wisely Not all beauty companies are created equal! Certified B (Benefit) corporations focus on people & the planet first; profit second. Buying from these companies supports the global mission of getting safe products into the hands of all women, thereby bringing joy to you & to the world!
* Leigh recommends… Beautycounter, Badger, and Dr. Hauschka
3
Simplifying my routine and streamlining my product selection minimizes stress and helps me feel “put together.” Being selective in a product’s ingredients, purpose, and company brings me satisfaction, and being intimate with my products in this way brings me more joy when I’m actually applying them each day.
Leigh Schwab is a mother of twins who uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our country. You can learn more about Leigh’s passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook and Instagram. The J OY IS S U E
|
25
REALIZE
This month’s Self-Care Toolkit
Hibiscus Ylang Ylang Tiger's Eye Aeracura
C HO O S E T O B E
Inspired The PERPETUAL YOU
With spring all around us, we notice the little things that give meaning to our big lives–seedlings pushing through the ground, flowers bursting with their intoxicating aromas, baby animals rejoicing in the fresh weather. Indulge in the scents of the season, and you will find inspiration to pursue your purpose.
H E RB
ESSE N TI AL O IL
CRYSTAL
GO D D ESS
Hibiscus
Ylang Ylang
Tiger’s Eye
Aeracura
B E N E F I TS
BE N E FI TS
BENEFITS
BEN E FITS
Nourishes and revives energy
Restores and strengthens vitality
Encourages confidence & dedication
Puts goals into perspective
R
uby red Hibiscus brings energy into our lives. Packed with vitamin C, this nourishing herb has a sweet and tart taste. Make a tea with Hibiscus by steeping the flower calyxes in hot water for 15 minutes. Add to other tea blends for beautiful color therapy too. These aromas of spring flowers calm us, ignite memories, and bring joy into our lives. Ylang Ylang is a favorite flower that restores and strengthens vitality and reduces blood pressure. Use 5 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil in jojoba to create a perfume. Tiger’s Eye is the stone of balance, confidence, and protection. This stone connects us to our root chakra, helping to keep us grounded and stable. During times of discovery and moving towards your purpose, keep Tiger’s Eye with you to stay dedicated and confident.
The Celtic goddess Aeracura is a multitasker, who helps us put our goals into perspective. Aeracura’s message for you is, “You are like a flower bud ripe and ready to open. Don’t try to rush this process, as it is part of your beautiful path.” Breathe in the natural aromatherapy of spring with every moment in the garden or afternoon in the park. Staying in tune with nature and being connected to your revitalized heart will bring clarity of purpose and, ultimately, joy.
Ashley Dees frolics around Saint Augustine Florida, picking herbs, finding herbal remedies, and playing with aromatherapy, tarot cards and crystals. Learn more about her, and how she teaches and gathers goddesses together at her website greenharmonyaromatherapy.com.
The J OY IS S U E
|
27
REALIZE
Fashionista Truth Say no to "fast fashion" and choose to rewear rather than buy new, Join the Fashion Revolution to ask your favorite brand #whomademyclothes!
Choose to Build a Lasting Wardrobe “Buy Less, Choose Well” – VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Spring is a time for new beginnings. A time for cleaning out our home, garage, yard, and of course, our closets. Old is out. New is in.
W
ith a new season comes new trends. We easily get swept up in the “it” item of the season—a practice that isn’t healthy for the environment or for our wallets! Worse, the search for “new” each and every season ultimately leaves us feeling unsatisfied with our closet. Of course, there is value to sorting through your spring/summer wardrobe and donating clothes that you no longer want to wear, but there is no joy in hanging it up in the back of our closets just in case we change our mind. By far, the most direct challenge of our “fast fashion” world is feeling satisfied with clothes we own that all of the sudden become last year’s trend. I once bought a black and yellow plaid-printed
The PERPETUAL YOU
Purposeful Style
1
To build a closet that you love today and will still love next year, follow these three easy tips.
1
Re-frame neutral. Your entire closet doesn’t have to be black, white, grey and beige, but having select basics in your closet allows for ease and versatility. Basics can also make up multiple effortless, but still stylish, go-to outfits for days when you need to look great but don’t feel very creative.
2
Pick a color story. What’s a closet without some color and pattern? Versatility doesn’t mean ignoring color, but it’s important to buy colors you love and that you feel confident in. Try to stick to 3 or 4 colors. I tend to wear pink, red and blue, and certain shades of green. You won’t catch me wearing orange or yellow, in style or not!
3
2
Ignore the trends. Take a look at your favourite pieces: the ones you wear most often, and the ones that make you feel positive about yourself. Is there a theme in how they fit on your body? Are there certain cuts, styles and shapes that you love? Knowing and sticking to these will help you create your own style that transcends trends of the season.
3 cropped jacket, a style that was “in” for a very brief time. I wore it once and never looked at it again. Imagine loving every single piece in your closet. Imagine if you didn’t have to throw away perfectly wearable clothes every spring. With purposeful buying practices, you can avoid trends and build a wardrobe you love. You can look and feel good in every piece in your wardrobe–not just today, but for years to come.
Elena Kazakevic blogs at The Curious Button, an ethically conscious lifestyle blog. The documentary, The True Cost, caused Elena to explore easy ways we can shift our lifestyles to be more sustainable. Before purchasing, Elena assesses how her purchase will affect people all over the world, as well as the environment. Visit her blog to find out more, or connect through Instagram and Twitter. The J OY I SS U E
|
29
P E R S P E C T I V E S from T H E P E R P E T U A L Y O U PA N E L
How do you choose to “give back?” I Iove to declutter. Even something simple like my closet, a junk drawer, clothes my kids have outgrown. I donate to our local community shelter. I give to a mom who has kids just a little younger than mine. Thinking about someone and acting on it, sending them a positive message to help them start their day.
My favorite way to give back is sharing the lessons I’ve learned as a woman, entrepreneur, minority, and a Christian. Whether it’s speaking at a public event or mentoring one-on-one, I think it’s so important to share life lessons that help move us ALL forward.
As a mother and a teacher, I am always "giving back." What has made me happiest is when I may not intentionally realize I am helping someone, but then they tell me how much they loved a novel we read, or my class, or my style as a teacher. A few have actually been inspired to pursue careers in teaching or social work as a result of being in my class!
April
Cara
Katie
Coach & Branding Expert Houston, TX
Marketing Expert Baltimore, MD
High School English Teacher Arlington, MA
The PERPETUAL YOU
A favorite way to give back is to randomly smile at people. I’ve always been a chronic smiler! It is something I do effortlessly and one of my strengths! I like to whip out a smile on the morning commute or to people that look like they’re taking things too seriously or they could do with a lift. I know it’s helped me before when I’ve had a rough day to see a warm friendly face and connect with a stranger for a few moments.
Through a food drive that I organize with my dad’s company every year, we feed families a meal for the holiday season. The first year we fed 10, the second year we fed 50 and the 3rd year we fed 75. The food we give is one less expense these families have to think about. It has become something that the community has grown to know will be there for them and the number of people it has brought into my life is truly profound.
I love to help others that are struggling whether it is working through a difficult divorce, working through grief, or even working through challenges at work. I love sharing my story and giving them encouragement that there is light at the end and you can rise above the hurt and bloom. The difficulties you face are not the end of the story; you can make beauty out of ashes. Sharing my story and giving hope is how I love to give back.
Rachel
Ashley
Victoria Anne
Play Therapist Hong Kong
Life Coach + Motivational Speaker Paso Robles, CA
Counselor St. Peters, MO
The J OY I S S U E
|
31
“A life of
contribution
is an outward-focused life. ” – ALLIE MARIE SMITH
The PERPETUAL YOU
dwell to align your physical space with your
ever-evolving self
The J OY I S S U E
|
33