The saying goes, “Live life to the fullest”. Nice. Cute. High school cheerleading quotes make me happy too. But let’s get technical. First, what is ‘fullest’? What is cool and what defines “living life”? Second, what if you really are trying to truly relish your youth and you’re just not reaching that premier level? It’s tough scoring VIP at the hottest clubs and keeping up with the underground hipster scene. Perhaps you are currently residing in an area where the nearest club is the YMCA and the people think that Lady Gaga is royalty of Kenya. Perhaps, you neither have the time nor funds for such reckless and uninhibited behavior. Well, no need to break out of your present lifestyle! There are ways to live chicly through small little changes that anyone can apply. Go to it:
1. Read literature
Listen, I know this can be painful, but rich literature can change your view on everything from politics to morality, and God forbid, it can make you smarter. Being able to recommend and discuss books is not only interesting and impressive, but it’s also sexy.
2. Sign up for Netflix
This little service is so convenient and they have a section of recommended award winning or obscure, foreign films that blow your mind. Besides, you can never go wrong in being able to reference a few underground films here and there.
3. Google Like Crazy
If there’s something that interests you, learn more about it. If you are watching TV or reading a magazine article and something catches your eye, type it into Google and see if you can educate yourself about it. You can find yourself a new hobby or just gain some fun facts for ice breakers.
4. Rearrange Your Room
Change it up, shift the scenery. Try moving the sofa by the window or throwing a couple vibrant lamps or rugs into the mix. Buy plants and add a little green into your room for liveliness. A comfortable, yet stylish living space will definitely get you in the mood to make more changes.
5. Enhance Your Taste in Gourmet
Scope out restaurants in your area through websites like Yelp or Urbanspoon, and see what’s gaining hype. Honing your taste buds will definitely give you kudos for dates and business lunches. Also find new recipes and cook it yourself. In this day and age, you can whip up almost anything at home and become your very own sous-chef!
6. Have a Theme Party
You don't realize how much fun these things can be. Gather a group of your friends (and maybe more) and decide on a theme you like. You can start with simple themes like Black and White or 60’s. However, you can eventually get more creative like Anything But Clothes or Jungle theme!
7. Stay-cations!
Be a tourist in your own town. You can often find awesome tours that explore local warehouses or historical sites that you never knew about. Some of them can be bizarre too: Ex. There’s a tour by the East Village Visitors Center called Gangsters, Murders, and Weirdos! Sweet.
8. Plan An Actual Vacation
Even if you can’t make it on one right now, think of places you’d like to go someday. Setting up that dream place will keep you motivated and goal-oriented.
Now, no one’s telling you to hop on these right away. These are just several of a multiplicity of things you can do to jumpstart your lifestyle into something that is active and productive. Think of them more as guidelines. The most important thing to remember is that knowledge is sexy as hell and excitement is generated by you. If you’re unwilling to do anything, don't expect anything to happen. However, if you’re willing to open up, grow, and take yourself more seriously in believing you deserve more, and then something is bound to transpire. No one’s stopping you and the world is your playground. So go play.
This post was by Youmi Park, Blank Label's crazy vixen of a Fashion Muse and custom men's dress shirts co-creator, for our Co-creation Blog.
