goods ALL of the

Look good, feel good.

I actually believe that in reverse. In the fashion industry there is such a stigma about superficial beauty, and we all seem to be placed into that bucket. For all humanity, beauty should begin on the inside, which then carries over into superficial aspects of life.

I know exactly what you’re thinking: she is so cliché. However, I know I feel better about myself when I buy a random stranger coffee at Starbucks, or have a great conversation with a likeminded woman in passing. Don’t get me wrong, I feel even better when I love the outfit I’m wearing when I’m buying the coffee, or having that conversation. It’s just important to recognize that the daily mundane things do have an impact.

I’ll be the first to admit when I’m in a “feel bad” mindset, if you will, I have zero interest in buying a stranger coffee, let alone taking the time to buy myself a coffee. But if I’m feeling good buying that stranger coffee, I can guarantee you that I have just made both of our days more pleasant.

These are feel-good things, causing you to be in a more pleasant mood, which in turn help you to feel better about yourself. People naturally respond to positivity versus negativity. I am more drawn to a smiling well-dressed stranger than a gorgeous grump, immaculately dressed. Why? Because smiling shows me she’s approachable, confident and happy.

Now, let’s imagine these two scenarios before you go home to get ready for a day of shopping with girlfriends.

Close your eyes and imagine you woke up sleepy and you just can’t shake it, so you head to Starbucks. On your way inside a stranger rushes past you nearly spilling coffee on your shirt. The barista taking orders is extremely short-fused with the gentleman in front of you, who then makes you feel rushed to order quickly. Taking your first sip you glance up and find yourself staring at Jennifer Aniston’s twin, who weirdly glances back and asks what you want. You respond “nothing” while looking away, quickly walking out the door, and heading home. Now, close your eyes and envision your shopping trip. What clothing choices would you make?

Now … clear your mind, and let’s start over.

Close your eyes, imagining you woke up early and decide to reward yourself with Starbucks. You jump in your car, blast your favorite Michael Jackson song, and park. You walk in with a smile on your face, buying coffee for the gentleman in front of you, not only because he forgot his wallet (this may be my husband, sorry Luke) but because you just want to. Leaving you see a Jennifer Aniston look alike, who asks you want you want. You stop to introduce yourself and acknowledge her beauty. After chatting, you come to find out you two are merely neighbors and plan to set up a play date next weekend. What clothing choice would you make now because of your mood?

My point is our mood affects us, those around us, and our overall reflection of how we chose to present ourselves to the world. How we feel on the inside impacts the outside.

We will not dive deep into my history, but I have been through some things, as we all have. And I have noticed that I wear more color now that I probably ever have. Purely unintentional, but I attribute that to where I am at in my life and my level of happiness. I know color is not for everyone, and that’s fine. I am saying this because I am confident in who I am, and confident in wearing and trying new things. And many of those things I have come to love (helloooo mom jeans — swore up and down I’d never wear them, and here I am).

I challenge you over the course of the next month to be mindful and see how your mood affects your clothing.

Mantra for the month:

Feel good, do good, look good.