Fashion First, Happiness Second

I know what you’re thinking: this lady’s priorities seem OFF. But let me tell you, they’re exactly in the right place. Ever worn a new shirt and felt like you could conquer the world? Got a new necklace and couldn’t stop staring at it while beaming all day? Watched Mad Men just to see what your favorite fabulous ‘60s character was going to wear next? This is all part of the Fashion/Happiness Paradigm.

As various members of the Artelle family have boldly stated: “Tis better to look good than to feel good.” Why? Because when we think we look good, we can essentially trick ourselves into feeling good! It’s kind of an amazing (and such a simple) phenomenon. Thus, happiness can stem from fashion.

Fashion is able to impact our entire being. How crazy is that? It’s why I’ve always been so drawn to it. Wearing something that doesn’t feel good can put your senses totally out of wack all day. On the flip side, it can lift your spirits and carry you into a land of complete bliss.

Curious what you can learn from the “Fashion/Happiness Paradigm”? Check out some of my rules of the trade:

Wear only what makes you feel good.

If it doesn’t feel good, change it. If you don’t like how it looks in your closet or on your dresser, say “buh bye” or trade it in for something that makes you giddy. Note: this principle can apply to all areas of your life. This all stems from the rule of thumb that you shouldn’t buy anything unless you love it.

Be willing to take risks.

The unknown is scary, but you know, pairing that Tahitian Pearl earrings  with your boho-inspired ensemble could just turn out the be the perfect balance of classic and flow. It’s pretty likely that even if you seem to be wearing a strange mish-mash of items - assuming you love them all - it’ll all fit together impeccably. It’s become perfectly acceptable to mix various patterns and styles. There are no boxes in fashion as far as I’m concerned.

Don’t let your wearables get stale.

Our styles and the materials and fabrics we’re drawn to are continually changing. Why? Because we’re human! We all know what it’s like to get stuck in a fashion rut, and it’s not all that fun. So buy yourself something pretty and new once in a while if it strikes your fancy. It’s worth it. Note: it can be all too easy to go overboard here, so just make sure you’re absolutely sure you love it and will get good use out of it.

A stunning piece of jewelry can go a long way.

If all else fails and you find yourself with a basket full of laundry and a closet full of duds, throw on a cute pair of earrings or a show-stopping pendant and all will be right with the world. You can wear the plainest of clothes and class them up with a stunning gemstone or a good-looking piece of hand-crafted metal. Shiny things tend to brighten up any drab ensemble.

You can’t go wrong.

Truly. If you feel good in it, it’s the right choice. And other people will tune into your delighted energy. Let’s go back to my original point: fashion first, happiness second. More important than any old paradigm is that you be happy from the inside out. And that’s the truth.

Any questions? Let us know!

And please be good to you.