The Simply Luxurious Life's Newsletter 69

Published: Fri, 10/07/11

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

-Steve Jobs

No. 69 Friday, October 7, 2011

ife has a mind of its own as we all know. Whether it be with the disheartening news of losing one of the great innovators and creative minds of our time with Steve Jobs' recent passing, or the news of something working out better than we could have ever imagined, it continually amazes and provokes moments of pause and appreciation. And sometimes the best we can do is seek out the answers, plan for the future, do the best we can and then choose to seek out what truly captures our minds and our hearts.

More than anything, what I am inspired by as I have the opportunity to work with young students in my job is how the world is malleable. It truly is possible to make it what we want. If nothing else, Steve Jobs demonstrated what following your passion can accomplish, and I dare say that within our own lives we too can create our own amazing legacies.

After all, it the ability to listen to our callings, be curious as to where they might lead and always choosing to strive forward that will make for an amazing story to tell as we look back in reflection. I always tell my students, "you don't have a right to complain unless you've made an effort to improve or change the situation that is irking you." And the beauty of this statement is that if you're busy trying to fix the problem or create a life that is full of purpose and meaning, you don't have time to complain. Besides, time complaining is time wasted that could be better used in accomplishing the feats in front of you.

I don't know about you, but I find life to be a puzzle that continually reveals itself in subtle ways as I try to navigate my way successfully along a path that is best suited for my talents, goals and definition of fulfillment. Ultimately, it comes down to our perspective. The power of our minds is an amazing thing, so why not trigger your mind to "I can" and imagine yourself doing or accomplishing what you wish to materialize? I know I'd much rather be able to say I gave it my best shot, then having had sat back and been a spectator.

Even though 56 years is all Steve Jobs had the opportunity to live, he made the most of it. He didn't waste it. So whatever path you choose, do your best, enjoy the journey and be partial when it comes to believing in your dreams - you can, you really can.

17 Benefits of Being Yourself

With Paris on my mind this past week and weekend, this week's newsletter is full of a book review of My Little Paris for anyone who wants to go, is going or would like to go again to Paris, chic French fashions from Paris Fashion Week (Christian Dior, Elie Saab) and stylish inspiration from the streets of Paris.

Along that note, I am always looking for inspiration and in this week's Reader's Favorite Post, my inspiration came from a butterfly. Have a look at What Butterflies Have Taught Me as I finally found my way back to who I always knew I was.

Last, but not least, I am so excited to announce my new role as one of the fashion editors for JENESEQUA magazine and website whose premise is chic, approachable, and always memorable whether it be in the areas of fashion, beauty, food, decor or travel. With the debut issue ready to launch by the end of next week, founder Melissa Middleton has been hard at work on the iPad App as the magazine will be viewable exclusively on this device. However, the good news for anyone who doesn't have an iPad is that you can stay up-to-date at their website where I will be contributing periodically alongside other talented women (view my introduction and list of what I'm coveting for my fall wardrobe here).

As the weekend arrives, I find myself turning on the heat in the home for the first time, reveling in the rain that greets me each morning and looking forward to time with family and friends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.

-Shannon

EXTRA FASHION & DESIGN POSTS

Christian Dior - Spring 2012 RTW

Elie Saab - Spring 2012 RTW

My Little Paris - Book Review

Collette Dinnigan - Spring 2012 RTW

Nosy Nine Interview on "Things I Like"

Style Inspiration

Articles from Around the Web You Might Enjoy

*Breakfast at Tiffany's - 50 Years On - Fashionising

*Fashion Inspired by Amelia Earhart

*Live to 100, Beautifully

*10 Ways to Put a Feminine Touch on Your Business Savoir Faire

-Mireille Guilliano

This Week's

Style Suggestion

This week's Style Suggestion is a list of items that I am dying to add to my closet for fall. As one of the new fashion editors of the online magazine and website JENESEQUA, I was asked to introduce myself and share my picks. I'd also like to invite you, if you have an iPad, to take a look at our debut issue when it is released within the next few weeks (click here to learn more about Jenesequa and why I am very excited to be a part of this talented team).