It all started with a Little Black Dress...

Photo credit: Brandi Sutherland Photography
Little Black Dress - Marciano
Pumps - Christian Louboutin

Ah, yes...the Little Black Dress.

It's a staple in every woman's wardrobe, yet most don't even know that prior to the 1920's, women only rocked their LBD's during periods of mourning. It was actually considered distasteful, even indecent to do otherwise! 

Although Coco Chanel didn't exactly invent the little black dress, she is partially credited with making it the essential piece of clothing in every woman's closet. After her drawing of a simple calf-length straight black dress was published in Vogue in 1926, it was quickly embraced and converted into the uniform of the modern woman.

I, more than anyone, constantly preach that there really are no rules for fashion. Fashion is something that is individualistic, an incredibly unique way to express your own style. However, one thing I think we can ALL agree on is that owning a simple, elegant black dress can indeed make your life easier when you're scrambling for something to wear! 

Now, consider your LBD a blank slate! Here are a few tips for dressing it up or down:

For Work - Simple pumps, a structured jacket and simple jewelry complete the look.

Jacket & LBD - Marciano

Jacket & LBD - Marciano

Pumps - Christian Louboutin

Afterhours - Adorn with jewelry, accessories, sparkle for a little WOW.

Looking for a little more style? Get creative! Faux-fur jackets, vests, even structured leather combined with knee-length, above-the-knee or even ankle boots make this a fall must-have.

Faux Fur Reversible Vest - BCBGMAXAZRIA 

Ankle Boots - Chanel

Ankle Boots - Chanel

Faux Fur Reversible Vest - BCBGMAXAZRIA 

Faux Fur Reversible Vest - BCBGMAXAZRIA 

Jewelry - Michael Kors

Faux Fur Jacket - Guess

Bomber Jacket - Joie

Pumps - Christian Louboutin

Suede / Leather Boots - Christian Louboutin

Photography: Brandi Sutherland Photography

Here's the best part. If you're packing for a trip, it's possibly the easiest piece to take...and will get you anywhere from the board room to the bar.

Not sure whether your dress qualifies as a LBD? Here's a tip -- keep it simple. The look should be timeless. Always choose elegance and class over trend.

No more mourning over this look -- now go out there and ROCK your LBD!

#CassandrasCloset

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter
Linkedin

The Thrill of Victory & The Agony of Defeat

The Thrill of Victory & The Agony of Defeat

When I was a young girl, I had the confidence, tenacity and spirit to accomplish ANYTHING I set my mind to. And I did.

I committed -- and never ever "half-assed" any project, homework assignment or task. A deep sense of pride drove everything I attempted. The result? My adolescence was a remarkable concoction of report cards with perfect attendance and straight A's.

Winning the Geography Bee was the highlight of my life; that is, until I was crowned the Knowlton Elementary Fiesta Float-Making Parade Grand Champion in the 2nd grade. I was the classic over-achiever. Walls and shelves adorned with blue ribbons and oversized trophies.

But, alas...like most, my winning streak came to a halting end.

I'll never forget my first defeat as a lanky, awkward, freckle-faced 14 year old freshman.

I wanted to be a cheerleader in the worst way. I begged my mom to let me take tumbling classes. I practiced my cheer every day; every free period, in the bathroom during P.E., in my room in front of my full length mirror. I was a shoe-in. Why wouldn't I be? I had taken so much time with my cheer, tweaking it daily to perfection. I deserved this.

My cheer was different, creative, unique....SO unique, in fact -- that the day of tryouts, well... I forgot it.

 My mind went blank. I froze. I opened my mouth but nothing came out. I just stood there, paralyzed in fear and embarrassment. I finished with an awkward half-toe-touch, faked a smile and hastily ran out of the gym before I broke into a sloppy mess of mocos and tears.

Fast-forward a decade (ok, maybe two). The sting I once felt from those defeats are long gone, the tears replaced with fond memories and laugher.

Back then, it felt like the end of the world. My life was OVER.

But, alas...it wasn't.

I woke up the next day. I went to school. I tried out for the dance team, and not only did I make it -- I found out that I had quite the passion and talent for it. Many opportunities greeted me down the road, and even still now.

You see...every defeat teaches you a lesson, or leads you down a journey on the path less traveled. In the end, you are better for it. Have faith that in every defeat there is a victory right around the corner.

Life. Goes. On.

My point?

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Give every bit of your heart and soul to EVERYTHING you do, without the fear of failure. Prepare to be best of your ability. Expect the best. You WILL fail, eventually. Everybody does. But don't use that as an excuse to give up. Put your big boy (or girl) pants back on, and keep on truckin'.

You see, those who fear the agony of defeat....
also never feel the THRILL of VICTORY.

Yup. That's me in the throws of my perfect attendance streak.

Goodbye 2012...Hello 2013!

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” ~Helen Keller

As a new year approaches, like many others, I take a moment to look back on the last 12 months of my life. A year ago, I was in a very different place.

I always say there is an easy way that I measure my own personal success. I reflect on the past year, and ask myself... "Am I in a better place? Am I happier?"

I can honestly say the last year has been one of significant changes for me. Besides the obvious professional changes, making the jump from behind-the-scenes to in front of the camera, and moving from a TV station I'd been at almost a decade to FOX, many other things have changed. A move like that does such much more than change your career. It changes your life. I have lost some friendships but gained so many new ones, jumped head first into a new adventure and also faced some of the greatest challenges of my life. I have had several disappointments but many more moments of success and fulfillment; but, in the end...my life is significantly better. I'm happier. I'm affecting change, inspiring people....and for me, that's the true measure.

So, as we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013, so too can we use that analogy within our own lives.

Goodbye...
Let go of the past. Say goodbye to the bad experiences, the loss, the disappointments. Forgive those that have hurt you and decide that today, you're going to LET IT GO. Ask yourself, "What did I learn from this?"...there is always a lesson, and MOVE ON!

Hello...
Turn around and look at the door ahead. When you step over that threshold, don't look back. Decide that this is YOUR year, that you WILL have happiness. For no other reason, than...that you deserve it. Be FEARLESS!!

Remember this. People come into your life for a reason, a season or lifetime. Don't get hung up on loss, instead be thankful that you had those experiences, those people in your life, for as little or as long as God saw fit. You see, your life will align the way you choose it to. Your thoughts are your reality. What we think is what we are. God has a plan and the wheels are always in motion, whether it seems like it or not.

Live a life of gratitude, reflection, and faith...open your heart and mind, and continue to receive your blessings!

Happy New Year!
¡Feliz año nuevo!

Want happiness? Live A Life of GRATITUDE.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

~Oprah

It begins when you utter that simple sentence. "Thank You."

Ahhhhhh........Happiness.

People spend their entire lives searching for it with little to no success.

They buy nicer clothes, fancier cars, bigger houses. They get promoted to better, higher-paying jobs...to no avail. They get married, have kids...and yet, they still aren't happy.

Perplexed? Don't be. It's simple, actually. They don't live a life of gratitude.

It takes no money and very little effort.

Sadly, most people focus on what they don't have instead of being grateful for what they do have.

I know what you're thinking...."That's not me." Not true. When is the last time you uttered any of these sentences lately?

"I hate my job."

Be thankful you have one.

"My kids are horrible."

Be thankful you have kids. Some have lost theirs, others cannot have any.

"I'm sick."

Be thankful you're alive.

"My house is so ugly."

Be thankful you have a roof over your head.

"I'm unhappy with the way I look."

There are those born with disfigurement, been in accidents, or with physical disabilities.

It's easy to focus on what you don't have. It's harder to be thankful for the things you do.

We live in a world where material possessions take priority over family, friendships, relationships.

We are surrounded by narcissitic, ungrateful people who complain and make everything about them instead of focusing on what they can give to others. Sound familiar?

Value those around you.

When's the last time you called your parents to thank them for all the sacrifices they made for you? Called a former boss to express thanks for all the opportunities they gave and skills they taught you?

Text a friend to thank them for all the "favors"?

Called a sibling or family member to say, simply, "Thank you for being you."

Time to shift your focus...from negative to positive...from dispair to peace.

When you have gratitude for your life, you want less. You don't need more, more, more. Funny thing is -- that's the moment you begin to become blessed beyond measure with opportunities, relationships and true happiness.

Ever notice when you buy a new car?
The first day you drive it off the lot, you're happy. You're excited. It smells new; it turns heads. Over time, though...the newness wears off. You see other nicer, better cars. You envy their owners. You want a NEWER car.

Same with a significant other.

When you first start dating, they're amazing. When you walk down the street, they turn heads. Everything they say is funny, the way they chew is cute, the way they laugh...adorable.

Over time, though, the newness wears off. All of the sudden everything is annoying. You hate the way they chew their food, the way they cackle when they laugh. You see other, better looking boyfriends or girlfriends. You envy their mates. You want a NEWER one.



There's a word for that. It's called envy. Envy is the opposite of gratitude. It leads to materialism and distracts from feelings of well being and happiness. Think material items are going to make you happy? WRONG. It actually leads to lower self-esteem, more anxiety, and less self-actualization.

Highly materialistic people are also (big surprise here) less successful in personal relationships.

Having a gracious attitude improves your mood and enhances your life. It makes material items less appealing. Those who live gratefully tend to have more friendships and stronger social networks.

So....are you ready to begin your life of gratitude and accept your blessings?

When you don't know something...be thankful you have the opportunity to learn.
For the difficult times...be brave and find your inner strength.
For each new challenge...look forward to the blessings ahead.
For mistakes...find the lesson (there is always one) and become a better person.
When you're tired and weary...be thankful that tomorow will be a better day.

Spend five minutes before you go to bed every night giving thanks and visualizing the great accomplishments and blessings that are coming your way tomorrow.

What are YOU thankful for?

NOBODY ever became GREAT by saying, "I CAN'T".

NOBODY ever became GREAT by saying, "I CAN'T".

It's a phrase that's conditioned into our brains. "I can't".

Where does this come from?

Why do we say it?

We aren't born naked, pink, kicking and screaming out of the womb with this negative phrase in our vocabulary. As a matter of fact - people, by nature...are actually quite positive. As babies, we laugh, we try, we act like nothing is impossible. As young people, we are invincible -- the world is our playground. Then we grow up and all the playful dreams of our youth are squashed by the realities of our disappointing lives. 

Dramatic? Maybe...but it's a trend I've noticed again and again, even in the professional world that I live in. Perfectly capable people repeating this phrase over, and over...and over. For me, hearing this is like watching somebody file their nails on a chalkboard.

So why do we do it? Simple. It's easy.

It's easier to complain, easier to groan, moan & be negative like the rest of them. It's hard to be positive, at least...it's harder. It requires work. A proactive, solution-based approach to problems. It requires preparation, thought, foresight, troubleshooting, compromise, premature baldness and aging, stress and ultimately....time and effort.

Fear and lack of self-confidence play a role in this. The inability to believe that you, in fact, can accomplish anything. Fear of failure, fear of change, fear that perhaps you actually might not have what it takes to accomplish your dreams or get what you really want out of life. 

Even (*gasp*)...perhaps thinking that you don't deserve success or happiness in the first place.

The alternative? You don't try. You become that bitter, angry person in the back cubicle shooting down everyone's ideas, hating on their success, internalizing your own failures, complaining, raining on everyone's parade, becoming the Captain of that ship....oh, what's it called? Ah, yes...."bring-me-down".

The problem is that most of us don't embrace failure. Stay with me...I'm going somewhere with this. We are, in fact...deathly afraid to fail. But, you see....without failure, we don't learn. We don't appreciate. We don't succeed. You see, in the end, failure is actually success -- as long as we take a lesson from every defeat. You lose a few battles, but ultimately, you win the war.

Naturally, most of us want to be great at everything we try to accomplish. The thing is, eventually...you will. The reality is that aside from the Mozarts of this world, chances are when you first begin your journey towards greatness...you're gonna SUCK. And that's scary. But, the great thing about sucking? You can only get better. And after a while, you're not gonna suck anymore. You see, the people that actually make it aren't always the prettiest, the best, the most talented...they are, in fact, the people that never give up. The people that believe they CAN.

You're probably shaking your head, agreeing with this. But, will you change? Aha! That's the question. It's a hard habit to break. Once you've succumbed to the ever-increasing world of negativity, it's so hard to break the habit. But, alas, like any other "bad habit" (i.e. chain smoking, biting your nails, interrupting, not flossing) the habit of "negativity" can be broken.

That's the good news....but, how do we do it?

First, BE AWARE. Be aware how many times throughout the day you say any of the following phrases, words, or combination thereof:

"I can't"

"I won't"

"Impossible"

Next, take them OUT of  your vocabulary! Try this...every time you accidentally say it, follow it up with one of these:

"But...I will try my best!"

"However, now I can"

"At one time...but now entirely possible!"

You see, the trick is just to be aware. Once you notice how often you utilize these words, you might be pretty surprised! 

Why is this so important? Glad you asked. You see, we are what we say. We create our own world, we create our success, we create our attitude, we create our REALITY. 

Say what you want, how you're going to get it...and BELIEVE that not only will you get it...but that you DESERVE it.

Each and every one of us has a goal, a dream....and one thing is certain......it IS possible. 

Just remember...NOBODY ever became GREAT by saying, "I CAN'T".

Let me introduce myself...

Let me introduce myself...

 

Ok.....so social media has officially taken over my life. I have a Facebook fan page, a Facebook personal page for my friends & family, a twitter, instagram (FOXyCassandra29), a Pinterest, a MySpace hanging out in outer space (is that still around??), and now I've finally given in to the world of blogging.

I've got a lot on my mind, so I thought why not put it in writing in the hopes that even if one person read it and was inspired, that it was all worth it. Or...if nothing else, to document the erratic, chaotic insanity that is inside of my brain, and ultimately is my life.

Obviously I love fashion...but if you're reading this looking for fashion advice only, well...you've come to the wrong blog! "Cassandra's Closet" is both a literal translation and a figurative one. I'm opening the door to what's inside of my closet, and ultimately....inside of my head. (Scary, I know!)

This blog is about so much more. The idea of beauty and fashion emcompasses the latest trends or makeup tips. How to look ten years younger, appear ten pounds slimmer, how to achieve the perfect tan or the perfect updo. Sure, I can show you that.

I'm talking about true beauty. That isn't something that is easily achieved nor easily found for many...the problem is most are looking in the wrong place. How do I know? Well, I've seen it first hand.

The purpose of this blog is to improve our inner beauty, spirit, strength....in order to feel it and exude it in every breath we take. To educate, uplift, and ultimately inspire men, women, the minority and the majority to be better, to live better...to want better. Only then is the final result a beauty in the truest sense.

Cheesy? Maybe....but let me introduce myself. I am a female in a male-dominated industry. I've worked my butt off for nearly a decade achieving what most could only dream of. I've been behind-the-scenes as an associate producer, producer, executive producer of local programming, and in front of the camera as a fashion contributor and now a TV host in morning entertainment & lifestyle programming.

I'm an ordinary girl living an extraordinary life. I say this not to sound self-serving, but to share the intimate secrets it took me most of my career -- and good old blood, sweat, tears and experience to acquire in the hopes it will be that much easier for you.

I certainly hope I didn't lose you already. But, if you're still reading this I must have peaked your interest. So, for those of you still around.....I'd love to share my journey with you....

I encourage your critiques, comments, questions & conversation.

P.S. Put on your seatbelt...it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

~C