Like the “must-haves” in your handbag, these “must-haves” are what every successful woman should employ and embody. From friends to fashion, they are essentials that help create a well-rounded, strength-boosting lifestyle that everyone around you will crave!
A fab wardrobe. I don’t mean a closet full of Chanel or de la Renta (though that would be fabulous). It’s about having low to high-end pieces that work well together. Always remember that you don’t need to go broke in order to have a strong wardrobe. Key pieces that are classic and timeless hold a lot of staying power in your closet – shoes, jackets, jeans and a couple of LBD’s can do the trick. No Rachel Zoe? Look at stylin’ women around you, or leaf through your favorite magazine to get some ideas.
Sense of style. Maybe this sounds a little redundant, but have you ever seen someone wearing a cute outfit, that somehow doesn’t match him or her? I call it a mannequin-dresser – buying exactly what the store mannequin is wearing and putting it on. Developing your own sense of style is not just the clothes but it’s an outward display of your personality, taste, and, yes, style. I have a gal pal who styles accessories like a true fashionista. Put away those sweatpants and put together an ensemble that captures you. You are your own advertisement.
Value. I dare say that some women’s “confidence” is really just bravado in disguise. A woman who values herself carries herself with poise. Valuing yourself – your gifts, talents, and contributions – naturally spills over into your wardrobe, your style, your work habits, and into your key relationships. A woman who values herself exudes true confidence.
Girlfriends. One of the first things we experience as little girls is the slumber party. It was a time of bonding: we gorged on junk, put on outrageous makeup, talked about boys, danced, and talked some more. Women’s friendships with each other are unlike any other. In the circle of girlfriends we laugh, cry and find support. A woman with a girlfriend(s) becomes more encouraging, courageous, and selfless because we learn from each other’s experiences. Girlfriends bloom like roses – in beautiful clusters.
Alone time. Every woman should experience being a solo-girl for at least a year. A woman who experiences being “alone” gains so much confidence and esteem in herself and her abilities. Being a single girl, I have reached some pretty cool “milestones”. I have changed my share of light bulbs in high ceilings, explained the funny noise to the mechanic, hauled my own luggage on and off a spinning airport carousel, and put together IKEA furniture with my own set of tools. Not that we don’t need help from time to time, but knowing that you can solve, repair and take care of some of life’s needs without calling on a man (dad, brother, or significant other) and still remain feminine and fabulous is pretty significant in my book!
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You have hit on so many “vital for a happy self” points, as I call them. The mannequin-dresser idea is a huge concern for me. Some styles just don’t work as we get older regardless of our body shape. Oftentimes I would ask my son, “Am I too old to wear this?” I never want anyone to walk by and say, Look what that old is wearing!
As for knowing one can solve, repair etc. is true with both men and women. I taught my sons to be self sufficient – wash, iron, cook, clean and even grocery shop – things that were traditionally done by the woman back in the day. I ALWAYS told them they would not leave my house and feel as though they must live with a woman to survive! On the flip side, they watched me change electrical outlets, fix holes in walls, and troubleshoot cars problems. Practicing what I preached was the perfect example.
Great post!!
Donina – Love this post for so many reasons! All of these things are so needed, and each of them when added to our lives makes us that much more confident, clear-headed, and ready to take on life’s challenges.
I have most of these down. I’m still getting there in the style department, because ever since my son was born, all I want to do is get going as quickly as possible and I don’t even really think about what I’m wearing (let alone how my face or hair looks). But for the past few months, I’ve been putting forth an effort, at least.
Thanks for this awesome post. I have featured it in the weekly newsletter!
Thanks, Tia.
Every “point” is something I have lived, experienced, and have tried to honor in my own life. Being a women can be amazing and rewarding whether she is a mom, climbing the corporate ladder, an entrepreneur, or fabulously retired. I want to tell women everywhere that who they are will only enhance every facet of their lives if they truly understand (and believe) that first and foremost they are a woman with unique offerings.
Love being able to contribute to this blog. You’re doing amazing work!
Regards,
Donina