I just read a wonderful little article that came in Arielle Ford’s The Soulmate Secret ezine this week. It really hit home for me. As I work with my clients, we often have to overcome some common stumbling blocks that hold them back from their true greatness — things like “I need to lose 10 more pounds” or “I wish my (fill in the blank) were different.” We spend so much time in our society trying to be the model on the magazine cover, or a carbon copy of the latest, greatest speaker … when in reality, just being ourselves and loving who we are right now is the only way to attract the success, prosperity and joy we desire.

Here is the article … let me know what YOU think.

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Recently, in a large city in France, a poster featuring a young, thin and tan woman appeared in the window of a gym. It said, “This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?” A middle-aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posted by the gym.

To Whom It May Concern:

Whales are always surrounded by friends…dolphins, sea lions, curious humans. They have an active sex life, get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins stuffing themselves with shrimp. They play and swim in the seas, seeing wonderful places like Patagonia, the Bering Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia. Whales are wonderful singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world. Mermaids don’t exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of psychoanalysts due to an identity crisis. Fish or human? They don’t have a sex life because they kill men who get close to them, not to mention how could they have sex? Just look at them … where is IT? Therefore, they don’t have kids either. Not to mention, who wants to get close to a girl who smells like a fish store? The choice is perfectly clear to me: I want to be a whale.

Arielle’s ezine is one of my favorites. You can sign up for your own subscription here.

While the element of Fire brings fame, fun and sexuality to you, it is also associated with the season of summer, when nature is in full bloom. Fire energy brings out the best in everyone and everything. It lights up your life just like fireworks light up the night sky! So if you want to have some real fun this summer you can start by bringing some FIRE energy into your wardrobe and style.

A great way to bring Fire energy into your wardrobe is to wear the brighter colors in your palette. Use animal prints to bring out your inner wild side. Let it be fun and sassy — add a little spice to your life as they say!

My clients are stepping into the spotlight in a big way — many of them are getting out there as speakers. If your intention is to gain notoriety, become an expert in your field, and get your message out so you can be of service to as many people as possible, then you’ll want to add some Fire energy to your wardrobe. By adding Fire energy you will be noticed more, you’ll show up in a bigger way and step more fully into your Unique Presence™. The key here is to know your personal essence first via a Fashion Feng Shui consultation so that you bring that Fire energy into your wardrobe in a way that feels authentic and exciting to you.

Each of the five life forming elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal) have colors, shapes and substances that are associated with them. By adding these into your wardrobe you will start to manifest your goals and desires. But be careful not to overdo it! The Universe is really good at paying attention.

The element of Fire empowers you to co-create: celebrity, connection, enthusiasm, fun, intimacy, joy, magnetism, passion and warmth. Fire energy contributes excitement to any environment into which it is introduced. For instance when I was creating my new website I knew that I wanted to add some fire energy to it, but I had to use it in a way that reflected my essence. So I chose to add the colors red and purple. Once you start living your life using your elemental essence it will be reflected in all areas of your life — your home, the car you drive, your personal environment. Start noticing where your essence shows up in your world!

Here are some ideas for adding Fire energy to your wardrobe and life:

Verbal affirmations :

• I live. I laugh. I love!
• I connect intimately with others.
• I attract fame and fun.

Adding the Element of FIRE:

• Colors — Red and Purple
• Shapes — Angular
• Substances — Life or Light based substances

Color – If red and purple are not in your palette, then wear the brighter colors in YOUR palette.

Style – Add more body conscious fabrics and shapes.

Fabrics – Hide, lycra, silk, satin, taffeta and wool. Animal prints, leather and sequins or light reflecting elements all add FIRE!

Here are some suggestions for adding your Intentional energy of Fire to your wardrobe:

Accessories:

• Sunglasses
• Handbags
• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Tote bag

Clothing – To attract the energy of Fire (The Pleasure Seeker) wear:

• The reds and purples of your palette
• Pointed or lifelike patterns
• Shiny, clingy, or noisy textures

The Elemental Archetypes wearing Fire:

	Water
	Wood
	Fire
	Earth
	Metal

Want to find out YOUR elemental essence? You can find out more about Fashion Feng Shui® on my website or contact me to schedule a virtual or in-person Fashion Feng Shui® Consultation (see my special offer here).

You also might enjoy reading Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore, creator of Fashion Feng Shui® and president of Fashion Feng Shui® International.

Listen to Sly & the Family Stone sing “Hot Fun in the Summertime.”

Sources: Fashion Feng Shui® International and Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore.

©2010 Laurie Mandato

Last week on my “Spotlight on Style” radio show, my guest Ginger Burr and I discussed what it means to be vegan and how to bring that philosophy into your wardrobe through cruelty-free garments. Vegan-friendly garments, shoes and handbags are still not mainstream — but they are becoming more readily available in local boutiques and online. If this is a topic that interests you, be sure to listen to our show here (you can listen online or download the audio).

With shoes, handbags and coats often being the most difficult items to find vegan-friendly, Ginger shared some of her favorite sites with us on the show and I thought it might be helpful to list them in one place for you here on my blog. As an extra bonus, Ginger has added a few she didn’t mention on the show too. So have a look at some of these resources. I think you’ll be surprised at how stylish vegan-friendly clothing has become! And if you have questions about veganism or building a vegan-friendly wardrobe, please reach out to Ginger via her website at www.totalimageconsultants.com or listen in to her radio show “Vegan and the Living is Easy” on Diva Toolbox Radio every other Monday at 8 pm EST.

SHOES:

www.charmone.com

www.olsenhaus.com

www.veganchic.com

HANDBAGS:

Big Buddha handbags are often vegan-friendly and can be found online at www.amazon.com and www.endless.com

www.amykathryn.com

www.crystalynkae.com

www.mattandnat.com

COATS:

www.vautecouture.com

COSMETICS:

www.sevicosmetics.com