Palate for Style

Before I start my *cough* super awesome *cough* post, I want to thank all of you for showing so much love and care after my last post. I feel blessed to have such great people in my life. Special Monika bear hugs to each one of you 🐻 *No, that doesn’t mean I am a bear. No, that doesn’t give you permission to call me a bear. *

As you all know, I am a socially aware person and talk about extremely important topics. *yes clothes, makeup and self-love are real topics. stop rolling your eyes!* So this week I wanted to write about something that all of us give up/start ignoring the moment life becomes difficult.. You ask what? Well the answer is YOU!  *BOOM* *MIND BLOWN* *SHUT UP*! (all the reactions I am expecting after the last statement).

Okay so I want you guys to go back in time to a situation when you were extremely stressed, upset or generally sad and feeling low? Never gone through such a phase in life? My reaction right now *BOOM* *MIND BLOWN* *SHUT UP*!! Alrite alrite I’ll come to the point.. So whenever things are not the way they are supposed to be, the first aspect of my life that takes the biggest hit is, well, “me”. And I can say with almost certainty that it’s the same for you as well. Most of us have a tendency to neglect and abuse our beautiful minds and bodies during times of difficulty. Eating unhealthy, not exercising, being disrespectful and not showing care towards yourself are all signs of how we still haven’t learnt the art of self-care and love. Ever wondered why do we do this? Is it because unconsciously we are not ready to get better yet? Or is it because we are afraid that things may never get better even after putting the effort? Or is it because we have been programmed to associate our self-worth with things we achieve professionally and personally and in a way never really encouraged to love ourselves wholeheartedly and unabashedly no matter the situation? I mean if our minds and emotions are going haywire and in some ways failing us, how can we still care and show love? Maybe the reasons are all the above or maybe more. C’mon guys I don’t have all the answers no matter how insanely wise I appear. *Pro-tip to seem more wiser than you actually are? Ask a tonne of questions that sound deep and moving.. Your welcome 👼🏽*

Okay now put yourself in a situation where a friend or a member of your family is going through the same stressful situation. I am sure each one of you will give unconditional love and support to them (exactly what you guys did after reading this post). Will you think even for a minute that they are beyond help? Ofcourse not! So why not show even 50% of that love towards yourself? Why not care a little more for yourself? See see now my title makes sense. I told you I am all wise and stuff.. and do all wise stuff.. 😇

Anywho, the whole point of my rambling is to explain why I made the effort to dress up and look decent for the post. I love dressing up and putting on makeup, which ofcourse is not a big secret. I am sure different people have different definitions of “taking care of yourself”. This is mine and I am darn proud of it. So I put on my  favorite items from the wardrobe , got my swag on and did this photoshoot. Ofcourse, I had to force myself to get up, practise self-care and look decent. Ofcourse, it wasn’t easy. But “slow and steady” is the mantra I want to live by. And boy it felt good to just see a glimpse of my actual self. For everyone out there in the same situation, spend just an hour or so doing what you love.. It could be going for a walk or reading a book or meditating or just talking non-stop with your best friend. Just do it and then you can go back to your sad self. After all, it’s all about “slow and steady”. 😊

Oh btw, if you want to get your cool swag on, just get 2 items for your wardrobe this season – white sneakers and off shoulder tops/dresses. They have a been a rage and add an extra touch to every outfit. You see, sometimes I need to remind you guys that I am a legit #fashionblogger. To further prove my point, I have linked a number of  white sneaker and off shoulder options (both cheap and not so cheap) at the end of the blog. Hope you find something you love.

I have a confession to make. I cannot take pictures like a normal person and always feel the need to add some crazy expressions. I can already see my friends and family nodding their heads in agreement. Below is just a regular collage of my shenanigans that most of the times drives my photographer insane. But what’s life without a little bit of monkeyness!? 🐒

p.s. – No animals were harmed during the making of this post.

“If you are sad, add more lipstick and attack” – Coco Chanel

Also add some mascara, some blush, some concealer; you know all the good stuff! – Love, M ❤️

OUFIT DETAILS

Sneakers – Zara – $25
Off-shoulder top – Nordstrom Rack – $20
Jeans – Old Navy  (similar)- $30
Bag – Forever 21 (similar) – $25
Earrings – Old

WHITE SNEAKERS

Option 1 – Forever 21 – $13
Option 2 – Zara – $23
Option 3 – Keds – $45
Option 4 – Adidas Originals – $80
Option 5 – Puma – $89

OFF-SHOULDER TOPS

Lulus –
Option 1 – $48
Option 2 – $49
Option 3 – $59

Forever 21 –
Option 1 – $23
Option 2 – $23
Option 3 – $23
Options 4 – $23
Option 5 – $23

Asos –
Options 1 – $27
Options 2 – $57
Options 3– $47
Options 4 – $46
Option 5 – $85