Belle Chantelle

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

2012-05-30T17:42:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone!

I'm back from my trip to Las Vegas & LA! I also spent another weekend in downtown Chicago, so I've been away from my petite apartment for a while. It feels good to be back. My parents are coming in at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning, and I'm super excited! They will be the third and fourth people who have come to visit me this week from Toronto. I am so spoiled.

I'll be back in Canada come Monday, and boy am I excited to get home. Keep your eyes peeled for my travelling photos! Both cities were so sunny that I just gave up adjusting functions, and swung my camera in the general direction of a good shot. Silly girl.

Cheers & talk to you all soon,
CC

Dresses UK at Coast London

2012-05-04T14:09:00.003-04:00

Some exciting e-mails have been popping by on my end. I just sold my Salvatore Ferragamo shoes on Copious, and I'm planning on adding a few more things once I decide what I truly wear and what I save for "what if?" days (those never come around). Thank heavens I love organizing stuff, and this won't be a chore.
Anywho, today I'm doing a website review for a UK company called Coast London. So fun! I know many times the shopping sites I direct you to are not international, or if they are the shipping and taxes are just not worth it. So for my English lovelies (who are my 3rd-4th largest readership demographic) here's a classy online store where you can find some adorable dresses for the upcoming spring and summer months. As I do with ShopBop, I'm going to present a few items that I really adore. And for those of you who are not from the UK, Coast also has free world-wide delivery! I know, freak out.

Neutrals - Dresses UK
Appropriate for Sunday brunches, Church, or to see a matinée performance of the Ballet.

Brights- Dresses UK
Vibrant and quirky enough for college & high school semi-formals, as a guest at a wedding, or whilst attending an outdoor banquet. These colors would look divine amongst bursting tulips, and freshly cut grass.

My two favourites. Perhaps it's my love for cobalt, or the fact that there's maxi and floral involved. They're both quite formal, and I would love to see the long dress on a bridesmaid. Does anyone have a gala to attend to? I'll gladly be your date. Honestly. I love wearing beautiful dresses. [Note: Check out that red clutch. Bam. Nice touch.]

Tell me what you think! Dresses by Coast can be ordered here. Aren't they just lovely for weddings, and formals, and all those classy dinners with the girlies? *Le sigh* I have a huge urge to don an overly dressed up outfit for tea at the Windsor Arms. H, put that on our summer bucket list.

Cheers,
CC

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear." - Mark Twain

2012-04-27T15:08:00.001-04:00

I can't wait 'til I get a well-paying job so I can spend my Saturday mornings online shopping on ShopBop, Net-a-Porter and La Garconne. I hopped on last night during the middle of a study break and saw this image below. All my faves rolled into one. I needed to be sedated.

Maxi skirt for ALL OCCASIONS! Can I get a "woot woot"?

I thought so.

And to fuel my love for all things neon this spring: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Botkier, Cambridge Satchel, Rebecca Minkoff.

"We're having new age fun with a vintage feel." - Raf Riley

2012-04-26T04:00:00.000-04:00

Heya everyone,

Here's a quick 3am post whilst I study the UMN pathways (soooo many tracts to memorize). It's a collection of instagram photos from my account- kinda like a petit update of what's going on in my life. Well, not really. It's an update of my external appearance, and near surroundings. [The truth is so superficial. Yaowza.] Hope you're all doing well! I'm planning on doing a beauty post when this next exam is over, since I have a couple things that I la la la looove for my face. That and I started cutting my nails really short recently to abate some of my scratching (bad nervous habit of mine). Cheers!

If you haven't heard the youtube song mocking hipsters [which was referenced in my title], check it out here.

Also, I'm on the prowl for funky bralettes to wear under sheer blouses, and tank tops with dropped arm holes, and I found some great ones if you're also interested: Amulette, Eberjey, Stola, Only Hearts, Top Secret, and Hanky Panky.

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." ~Elizabeth Stone

2012-04-20T22:29:00.002-04:00

Long overdue photos from my parent's visit to Chicago. Can't wait 'til they come back- I know they miss me a lot! Hopefully the next visit willl bring another heat wave. ^-^

Some men give up their designs when they have almost reached the goal; while others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than before. - Polybius

2012-04-16T15:37:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone!

I've just started a neuroscience course this month, and it has been draining me of free time. All I do is monotonous tumblr reblogs because they require no thinking. Oh, and I sketch on Paper53, which is a gorgeous app you should all get! Also, I got an email last week from the former head of Marketing for Facebook (peed my pants), to join them on a new social network shopping website. It means I'm selling my clothes - something I've wanted to do forever, but was too chicken to jump the bullet for. If you're interested, it's basically a community full of beauty and fashion bloggers buying and selling their treasures ---> Check out Copious. I'll be writing more about it later when I'm up to speed with the next steps the PR team wants to take.

A few of my sketches on Paper53 - You can check out my #drawingaday tag on my tumblr.

Two items I'm selling on my Copious

A few knicks & knacks

An outfit I had set out to wear one fine day, and never got around to do so. The weather reverted to chilly, and the heat wave passed the MidWest.

I have a few collabs, and some fun pieces I picked up that I hope to share with you soon.

Oh, and I am officially going to LA & Vegas this May. SO EXCITED!

-CC

When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. ~Chinese Proverb

2012-04-05T15:36:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple images that I'm goo-goo-gaga over. There's just something about the pastels and designs that make me feel so calm and happy. I really think we should get some neuro-imaging of females/males viewing beautiful fashion images.

Image sourced from tumblr - if someone can link me to the original editorial so I can see the rest I'd be forever grateful.

Zatchels (UK) - Floral Cambridge Satchel

Spring/Summer 2012 - Trend Mash-Up

2012-03-28T20:17:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!

I've been perusing ShopBop for inspiration for my post-school wardrobe (Come onnnn May 18!), and here are a few of my favourites. All I can think about [fashion-wise] is two-tone leather shoppers, maxi skirts, crop tops, colourful prints, everything! Yaooowzaaa! Bring on the heat.

Quirky crop tops: Alice & Olivia, Free People

Printed mini skirts: Wildfox, Twenty8Twelve, Brose (this little floral number is to die for)

Shear maxis: Obakki, Nicholas (Everything they make is <3 *le sigh*)

Be & D - Rebecca Minkoff

Alexander Wang [Still obsessed with this Prisma Tote] - Maison Scotch [Cahhhuute]

During [these] periods of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and can produce the sudden clarifying insights which give so much joy and delight. - Fritjof Capra

2012-03-26T19:09:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!

Today's post is a sack full of information and images that I've been collecting over the past couple weeks.
1. How to make a healthy smoothie - Buy blender. Pick favourite berries. Throw in 3-4 ice cubes. Blend away!
This is a great new way for me to make sure I eat all my fruits before they go bad. And it's a fantastic antioxidant kick since I adore berries.

2. We have had a bit of a heat spell in the mid-west, and with it came summer clothes! WOOOHOOO! [Although I've been thinking about all the spring items that are out in stores. While I was perusing them in this heat, I felt zero desire to buy anything, because it was too 'warm' for this weather. It took me forever to find sandals that were fully open and wouldn't make my feet sticky.]

3. I got sent Lash Genius from Anastasia a few weeks ago to do a review - it's a top coat for your favourite mascara, to keep it waterproof. I wasn't too sure whether or not I would use it much, but once the hot humid weather hit (& my mascara started running) I pretty much wore it every day. If you're really attached to one brand/wand/composition, then you don't need to give it up for a different mascara on weddings, sad movie days, heat spells, beach, swimming, etc. It's fantastic! [Sometimes I just wear it by itself for a more natural look, and I separate my lashes into small sections to look like a doll. It dries clear so I'm being sneaky!] Lash Genius is only available in May, so keep your eyes peeled at Sephora and online. :D

4. A cute nail combination for spring & summer: OPI's "Sweet Heart" and Spoiled's "Trust Fund Baby". I also recommend switching out the pink and trying it with grey à la OPI's "French Quarter for Your Thoughts". I get compliments on both combos a lot.

5. Sleeping with a new teddy-bunny. She usually ends up on the floor or squished against a corner, but that doesn't matter. My parents got it for me while they came to visit, and it reminds me of home. And drinking champagne at 1am on an air mattress, while giggling and stuffing our faces with grape tomatoes. Wild ones they are.

I'll be posting a few more images from my parent's visit to Chicago, because the city looked so gorgous. Hope you're all doing well! Keep on smiling, and looking for the bright spots of every day.

Cheers,
CC

Beginning Boutique's March Lookbook

2012-03-15T16:21:00.002-04:00

I just received Beginning Boutique's lookbook for Fall (Australian company), and I loved it so much for North American spring that I had to share. Damn those lucky Aussies with their beautiful weather all year round! As you know I rarely show lookbooks on my blog, so when I do it's because I really took a liking to the clothes, the colors, the pictures, the hair, everything!

Have a beautiful day, everyone. I will be spending the weekend in the city again since my parents are coming for a visit. I'm SO BLOODY EXCITED! Eeeek.

P.S. I just got a discount code for you guys! Plug in "AUTUMN" at check out. :D

"A facade of skyscrapers facing a lake and behind the facade, every type of dubiousness." E.M. Forster

2012-03-12T18:06:00.001-04:00

Our last day in Chicago consisted of visiting the Sear's/WILLIS Tower on a foggy day with zero visibility. We couldn't see squat - as the concierge warned us - but it made for some amazing pictures. B & I have tons of images just floating in that little sky pod. Afterwards, we headed over to Wicker Park, had some great pizza at Piece, and met up with a few friends for city exploring. Such a fantastic day!

"To a person uninstructed in natural history, his country or sea-side stroll is a walk through a gallery filled with wonderful works of art, nine-tenths of which have their faces turned to the wall” - Thomas Henry Huxley

2012-03-07T19:26:00.000-05:00

Our third day consisted of museum hopping and deep dish pizza at Gino's. It was a good day. Dinos, Kandinsky, and Monet; what else could I ask for?

P.S. I'm totally for the lack of photo-editing in these Chicago posts. There's just so many images that my desire/motivation to pop them into photoshop diminshes to zero.

"On State Street, that great street, I just want to say, they do things that they never do on Broadway. They have the time, the time of their life!" - Frank Sinatra

2012-03-05T19:51:00.001-05:00

Here's a few pictures from our second day in Chicago. We spent the afternoon watching The Blue Man Group, and walking around boy's town to catch a late lunch. Afterwards we went shopping and then had drinks and dinner at the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock Tower.

And below are a couple pics of what I wore today, including a pair of shoes I bought in Chicago that I adore!

"Chicago, Chicago, that toddling town. Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around. I love it." - Frank Sinatra

2012-03-03T00:59:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share some photos and memories from my weekend in Chicago, with B and S from Toronto. It was magnificent. If any of you have time and means for a visit, buy a ticket and get here pronto.

Cheerio!

"I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry" -Rita Rudner

2012-02-28T18:12:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!
I just wanted to do a quick review & update from my side of the computer screen. First of all, I'm alive and well. I hope all of you are as well. Secondly, I might just bombard the next few posts with pictures from my friends' visit to see me in Chicago. It was amazing and I can't wait to go back to the city and enjoy myself. Thirdly, I got sent a super cute, extremely simple tennis bracelet by Anjolee to review. I've been wearing it for almost 2 weeks, and I must tell you all that it is going to be like my black LubLub stacker, I never take it off (only to shower). It was custom fit to my wrist so it doesn't fall off like most of the jewelry I buy - does anyone else have 6.25" wrists? Way too small for mainstream. I cannot rave enough about it. It's exactly the type of item I keep on me for good, since it's simple and clean (& my right arm was mighty lonely). Just a small qualm, if you have light hair on your arms, this bracelet will pinch/tug a little. For those of you trying to find a gift for a girlfriend (or a boy for his GF) a diamond tennis bracelet is a great idea (minus the real diamonds part if you're on a budget, or for you fly boys & girls out there, they also have some beautiful pure diamond bracelets that I can't afford until I'm 30. Haha.) The one I'm wearing above is 10K white gold as are my grad rings, the bangles are in silver - they all match really nicely.

P.S. Guess where I took that creepy army shot in the first photo? 105th level of the Sears Tower! I'm actually sitting on the glass floor of the viewing pods that project out of the building's steel structure.
P.P.S. I stocked up on chiffon sheer blouses, summer skirts, and funky loafers while I was in Chitown. I'm ready for spring!

Cheers,
Chantelle

Follow me on tumblr - I'm there errrrday!

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.” - Buddha

2012-02-17T22:22:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

The internet has some of the most beautiful fashion pieces I would have never come across had I depended on myself (& my reclusive nature) to discover them. Here are a few that tickled my fancy as of late:

Jardin Jacket by J.Crew

Turquoise Skull bracelets

Ex-men's shirt as new dress for you from Kati Turkina on Vimeo.

This Ikea hack

All the Carte Noire videos, including the one starring Ates Salih.

'What's in your Bag' photos - they're still my favourite searches on Flickr *-*

That is all for today! Hopefully I can get a positivity post in next :D My friends are going to be visiting me in Chicago tomorrow! I'm soooooo excited. We will be traipsing around the city, taking beautiful pictures, and eating delicious food. Nom nom nommmm <3

MANGO Spring Catalogue 2012

2012-02-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

I know where I'll be shopping this March.

-------

Getting Through the Winter Blues: Spring/Summer 2012 Wish List

2012-02-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

Phew! I just finished an exam on 1.5 hours of sleep (I rarely rest before tests- I think I have a weird superstition about it). Anywho, I decided to do online window-shop instead, because my priorities are misaligned at the moment, and I'm waiting for my laundry to finish. Excuses, excuses.

Spring/Summer Wish List

1. White blouses

Joie & Parker & Equipment

2. Playful Maxi Skirts

Blue Life & BB Dakota & Halston Heritage

3. Fun Flat Sandals
(Because let's be serious; I rarely wear heels or wedges.)

Pour La Victoire & Pedro Garcia & Alexander Wang (I want these so BAD.)

4. Small Satchels & Crossbody Bags

(I carry close to nothing on me other than my wallet, iPhone & black eyeliner.)

DvF & 3.1 Phillip Lim & Alexander Wang

[these are all tiiiiny & adorable]

Cheers everyone!

Have a beautiful, wonderful, stupendous week!

Academic Toolbox #3: Distractions and Procrastination

2012-02-05T00:47:00.000-05:00

Hola everyone!

As promised, I've collected a few more scholastic tips to hopefully get you through the day. Below I tackle common distractions, and how to get motivated to complete projects for school/work.

The lovely frenchie, Miss Pandora.

1. Download Self-Control (Mac) or K9 (PC) and load up all the websites that you find yourself drawn to during study lulls. Mine currently holds a blacklist containing Facebook, Tumblr, both my blogs, and a few sites I find myself online window-shopping. Whatever your literary or visual vice, place it on the list. THEN, set up a time block. I have mine counting down until 11pm today.

2. Make a To-Do List every day. Or a weekly To-Do list divided into daily tasks. Carry it around with you and add, or strike out. Sometimes I find I finish tasks that I set our for Friday, on a Tuesday, because I happen to be in a certain area of the city or I am hit with inspiration, etc. Don't live or die by the list, but do use it as a solid guide.

3. Have a small notebook to write stuff down. Ideas, quotes, future plans; you never know when you'll need to look back on it. It's quite helpful. I used to make tons of lists on my phone, but then I'd never look at them, rendering the action useless. Do what works for you.

4. If you have to write an essay or paper, JUST DO IT. Waiting for inspiration or anxiety to hit is a waste of time. Even if you think it's terrible, and you don't know where your thoughts are dragging you, put it to paper and get it done. I always find myself surprised at the outcome, and then I spend time editing and changing sections a few days later. It's worth it. Stop waiting for inspiration. [Sometimes your brain just needs a bit of prodding & stretching before it begins sprinting.]

5. Schedule in something fun and quick after every hour or two of work. I make a hot chocolate/tea, or I paint my nails, read a good blog post, put on a face mask, write down a quote for my office wall, etc.

6. Have a sheet of paper with you while studying or at work. I start filling it with concepts I don't understand, or systems I need to research. For example, I have a gastrointestinal systems exam this coming Monday. Thus far I have written "Watch peristalsis video clip" and "Find image summary of GI transporters from mouth to colon". Don't depend on yourself to remember it later. It rarely works. Write it down.

7. Take ten minutes to meditate. Realign your chakras, and clear that head of yours. You'll be surprised at how much you get done afterwards. Oprah does this twice a day for 20 minutes, and she runs a media empire. If she has time to do it, so do you.

Now off you go lads & lasses!

[Guest Post] Self-Esteem & Cancer: Never Letting Go of Your Inner Beauty

2012-02-01T13:33:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

Today I have a wonderful guest post by Jackie. She contacted me a couple weeks ago regarding tips on how to feel beautiful while struggling through cancer (& the many side-effects of its treatments). I am extremely excited to share her piece with you, especially since I have a bit of experience in the area [I volunteered at a cancer hospital in Toronto for 2 years]. Please take a read, be grateful for your health, and share this with the women in your lives that are going through this rough time. It may feel as if part of their identity is being stripped away, and it important to remind them of their self-worth and beauty. Cheers!

Showcase Your Beauty Despite Your Cancer Diagnosis
By: Jackie Clark

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event, no matter what type of cancer you are facing. Of obvious importance is the impact of cancer on your health and your livelihood. What most don't seem to consider is how cancer and cancer treatments can affect your self-esteem and sense of worth as a woman. Even when facing the harsh effects of cancer treatments, there are still several ways you can showcase your femininity and regain your confidence.

Use Beauty Tools to Enhance Your Features

Cancers like mesothelioma often require treatments that can take their toll on your health and beauty. It's important to find ways to minimize these effects and highlight your other stunning features. Find a bold lipstick to emphasize your mouth. Even a pretty peach lip gloss and a light dusting of bronzer can create a pretty glow. For a more striking look, use a kohl liner to rim your eyes and add drama. There are also several eyebrow pencils on the market right now that can help to fill in sparse eyebrows to create an everyday style. Use beauty magazine and websites to follow the latest styles and stay on trend.

Fashion Accessories Add Flair to Your Wardrobe

Although you may feel like your beauty has changed, there are many fashion accessories available that can add a panache to your existing wardrobe and amp up your style. It's important not to stop at the usual suspects like scarves and beautiful earrings though. For example, buy a new coat in show-stopping color. Shop for beaded or embellished shoes. There are many comfortable options available, and often the most unique options are in feet-friendly flats or low heels. Hats are another option that can make you feel at ease when going out in public while still conveying your individuality and beauty.

Keep in mind, however, that no matter how many makeup products you buy, no matter how many accessories you wear, your real beauty will shine from within no matter what your circumstances. Your strength and power is the most beautiful accessory you have. Whenever you may feel self-conscious about your looks, remember the following: I am proud. I am beautiful. I am strong. I am not cancer, and cancer is not me.

image source: google & stylecrave [That link will take you to a list of gorgeous Asian models. I had such a hard time finding photos of visible minorities in high-fashion. Not cool.]

"The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for." ~ Louis L’Amour

2012-01-26T21:24:00.001-05:00

I am so excited for the summer! Dianna Argon looks beautiful here. I will be (hopefully) posting some academic tips in the near future. I hope you're all doing well my lovelies.

Here are a few links to emulate this look...

Blouses- Equipment, Diane Von Furstenburg, Joie

Flowy Maxi Skirts- WildFox, Tibi, Torn by Ronny Kobo, Rachel Pally*, BB Dakota* [* have my faves]

Clutches that actually fit stuff: Rebecca Minkoff (Mini Mac), Foley + Corinna (Quilty), Alexander Wang

And because I don't have motivational points today, I leave you with Karl Lagerfeld's brilliant video.
It encapsulates all the greatest advice by all the greatest minds in history. This will light a fire in your behind and get you moving. Uncle Karl, you are brilliant and inspirational.

"A failure is a man who has blundered, but is not able to cash in on the experience." - Elbert Hubbard

2012-01-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

Images, words, and sounds that have made me feel el primo.

Grecian-inspired dresses by Carl Kapp -
Everything he makes is so light & flowy, in wonderful rich shades.

Have a fantastic amazing brilliant happy day!

"Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein

2012-01-14T23:14:00.003-05:00

Hola hola holaaa,

I decided to talk about dreams, motivation, and hard-work today. From all the articles I've read lately, I managed to break down enough information to make sense of it all.

1. Positive thinking allows you to dream bigger, and instill in you the belief that you can achieve your goals.
2. Visualization allows you to see your future-self with more clarity.
3. This creates a deep desire to become the future-self you imagined.
4. You then work harder to have your dreams come to fruition. [Life as a Conscious Practice]
5. This speeds up life plans considerably. You are a productivity-machine, full of creative ideas!
6. Failures don't get you down and depressed for long periods of time, allowing one to have more hours/minutes/days to formulate innovate, original paths & plans to achieve success. [I'd like everyone to remember the trials and tribulations of Steve Jobs: He was fired from his position as Director of Apple, and within a few years he produced another multi-million dollar company called Pixar. Boom. He did not wallow around in self-pity, he pushed through and believed he would succeed again. If a flesh & bone human can do it, so can you. Don't be afraid of your failures, or let them define you.]
7. It's scientifically proven that happiness + positive-thinking have health benefits by decreasing stress hormones, which wreck havoc on your body. Genetics will be the limiting factor, but you're in control of the other 50%. Make it good. [Mayo Clinic. New Scientist.]
9. Positive people = happier people = network more efficiently by leaving a great impression = people remember you more = better & faster business deals.

I decided to load up on productivity links to get you on your way. Just thinking positively isn't going to magically get you where or what you want. Everyone must take action. Don't be all talk; let your results speak for themselves, and inspire others. So get crackin'! Hard work and efficiency, to the max! And start an inspiration board, or book, to push you through those intense nights before important events - although fear usually does that for me. I haven't kicked my anxiety, but I've curbed it to appear the day before tests/interviews/presentations. Hence, that gives me a lot of free time to be happy within 365 days of the year. And remember, for the days you're not freaking out over something important, write down everything that you're grateful for. It'll keep you content, and motivated.

BBC - The Happiness Formula

SelfControl App for Apple computers - Thanks H!

(I have it and love it. No matter what I do *delete app/reboot laptop/remove files* it will not let me log onto

facebook, tumblr, bloglovin, youtube etc until my designated time is up.)

:zenhabits (been a fan for years)

Double your productivity

Productivity and Business posts by Jen Dziura

(I don't agree with all her ideas, because it'd kick my anxiety into overload and put me in a coma by 25,

but her scheduling and task management tips are great!)

LifeHack --amazing bananas!

50 Productivity Blogs
How to get over being sad or upset - Luan Legacy (hi-lar-ious)

My Tip: Buy a Moleskine and a small Whiteboard. The whiteboard has my daily to-do list, and the Moleskine tracks my weekly goals, and fun stuff I enjoyed throughout the day. I don't really keep journals, so my agenda is like a baby diary of events. You should remember that stuff too! Oh, and when to do your next clay mask.

You know what you want, now go get'em tiger!

imagesource: fashionista

P.S. I just logged onto my old Polyvore account (last visit > 2 years ago) and discovered I had 478 followers! It totally made my day; I swear I had 60 people when I left. I also flipped through my posts and realized my style remains the same. I have a "Chantelle Formula" that's going to stick around forever.

My first Alexander Wang - The Millie Satchel

2012-01-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

When this baby came in the mail, it was in a cardboard box the size of my torso. I nearly knocked down 3 people walking up the stairs to my apartment. Chivalry is morte.

Just to gauge size: the iPad 2 can fit perfectly in the front compartment. The two main compartments are larger.

This one also came with a removable strap - not all include one.

It's big, heavy, and I love it. I also can't find it on ShopBop anymore; I think I took the last one. This style is being discontinued, so if you want to get your hands on it, get cracking on Google. The Millie Satchel should be on sale, so you won't need to pay the ridiculous $1000 price tag [Although I've seen several high-end department stores keep it at the SRP]. I have more photos on my flickr (all the photos link back to my account) if you want to see small details before committing to a purchase. I had such a hard time finding information and reviews on this bag- the Rocco just takes over- so I did my best to share a 360˚online.

Have a great weekend! I'll be posting about dreams, motivation, and hard-work. Can't wait!

“Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein

2012-01-12T01:02:00.000-05:00

Salut!
I've been getting into some mind exercises lately involving visualization. It's so powerful that I feel great about myself after every session. Sometimes I psych myself out so much that I'm too excited and energized to get to sleep. I should probably start doing these sessions in the morning. -_- Haha! Anywho, I wanted to share some great articles about this technique to help you improve your everyday life. Remember, you CAN DO IT! And if you ever start getting upset, or sad, or anxious, and you consciously realize it, start repeating an affirmative phrase over and over in your head. It may take a while, sometimes 20 times, sometimes 700 times plus 40 mins of meditation and visualization. Make your life a little easier and a lot more fun!

Also, if you need an extra boost, just play this in your head/car/ipod/laptop. I find Bruce Almighty to be incredibly appropriate for this theme...also, I just laughed my rear-end off. Hee hee ^-^

Some links to help you on your way:

Psychology Today- Seeing is Believing: The Power of Visualization

"Thoughts, if powerful enough, are accepted by our subconscious mind, which then changes our mindset accordingly, as well as our habits and actions, and this brings us into contact with new people, situations and circumstances."
Creative Visualization

How to Visualize Your Success - Tim Brownson
[I liked his piece, and the last 2 paragraphs were solid.]

4 Stories of Successful Visualization - Marelisa

How to Increase and Sustain Positive Emotions: The Effects of Expressing Gratitude
and Visualizing Best Possible Selves
[.pdf link to Sonya & Kennon's study in The Journal of Positive Psychology]

There are a ton more articles out there, you just have to pop in the right keywords into Google!
Have a marvellous day!

image source: googleimages