Tag Archives: Emma Woodhouse

Life Advice: How to Make Change Real for Yourself

New You - Green Pushpin on a Map Background.We’ve talked a lot on this blog about how to deal with change. Change in the workplace, change in relationships, change with family and friends. But before you can create change in your own life, you have to decide to do so. For some, the “decision to make the decision” is the hardest part of the process. The endless deliberation, the pros-and-cons lists, the worrying about making the wrong choice. For others, the process is exactly the opposite – the insight that a situation needs to change hits you like a ton of bricks. It’s the proverbial light bulb going off above your head.

No matter how you come to a point of change, though, at some point you need to figure out how to make that change real for yourself – how to transition something from just a thought in your head to actual difference in your life. A few ways to do this include verbalizing the change, allocating resources (including money, time and effort), pursuing education and creating accountability. Here are just a few examples of how these strategies can manifest themselves in different ways. Continue reading →

Step 4: Make Amends

IMG_8547 Ep_68Top: Color Block  |  Skirt: Darling  |  Heels: ModCloth  |  Bag: Irene’s Story – Similar here

It’s not enough to apology for your past mistakes, you must learn from them and prove to the people you’ve wronged that it will be different from now on. This requires you to handle delicate situations with care, balance, and courage. So with that in mind, I chose this artsy, sleeveless blouse with a gorgeous, multi-color abstract pattern somewhere between a stain glass window and calligraphy. It suggests care, precision, and high-minded ideals. Paired with a sophisticated and bold red-orange pencil skirt for bravery, and black and tan, peep toe platform pumps for simplicity so that there are no more misunderstandings. Finally, a pure white structured backpack to carry all your good intentions.

Love Advice: How to Maintain Your Identity When in a Relationship

Young romantic valentine's couple

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about couplehood. Usually before you enter a committed, monogamous love match you have a pretty good sense of who you are. Your thoughts, opinions, likes and dislikes. And when you start dating someone regularly it’s a great opportunity to discover new things, or see things through their eyes, as well as sharing your favorite pastimes in the hopes that they will appreciate them as much as you do. Like any relationship, it’s a chance to learn and grow.

But unlike friendships, couplehood carries a much greater chance of “I” becoming “We.” Seeing each other daily, living together and marriage turn you into a unit. Compromise ensues, and sooner or later you realize that you now never make a decision without taking the other person into account. While a certain amount of this is very healthy for your partnership, it can also be scary because it can make you feel like you have lost your sense of self.

Compounding that sense of loss can be the way the two of you are now automatically associated together in social or business circles. Suddenly it can feel like any statement made or opinion expressed by your partner is connected to you…even if you disagree with it! As a single, independent woman, I’ve put together a few tips on how to maintain your individuality while still growing together as a couple.

Continue reading →

Step 3: Learn From Mistakes, Find a Mentor

Ep_67 IMG_8748 Dress: ModCloth |  Clutch: Similar here  |  Necklace: ModCloth  |  Heels: BCBGeneration

Onwards and upwards.  Next up on the recovery to-do list is to learn from past mistakes and seek advice from those that know better.  I’ve already taken a step in the right direction by beginning my round of apologies and trying to learn as much as I can from the wonderful Maddy Bates, the newest addition to our team.  But there’s still a few more stops on this part of the ride, and as always I’ve tried to dress for the occasion.  This proper and innocent, yet still fashionable, red plaid dress harkens back to the schoolgirl look.  I hope it can bestow on me the fresh slate of being young and the studious dignity of someone trying to learn.  Added to that black platform heels for confidence, a small black clutch, and this simple pendant necklace with two arrow shaped charms.  Like cupid sending love out into the world the small arrow for the person I have been, and the large one for the person I’m trying to be.

Life Advice: How to Apologize

business woman holding a poster

Apologies are by nature one of the more difficult interactions to master. Feelings have been hurt. Disappointment, bitterness, and anger are just some of the challenging emotions that have to be dealt with. Delivering a meaningful, heartfelt apology is a skill that can take practice to master. But it can mean the difference between saving a relationship, or simply peace of mind. Here are a few tips on how to make an effective apology. Continue reading →

Step 2: Look for New Inspiration

Ep_66IMG_8621Dress: ModCloth  |  Necklace: ModCloth  |  Heels: ModCloth  |  Bag: Lulu’s

The road to recovery continues! I’ve finally ditched the sweats and turned back to my wardrobe for inspiration on my new path. And I think this outfit is a great symbol of who I want to be. The A line, drop waist dress is structured and conservative, just right for someone who’s serious and responsible. The simple black, white, and grey pattern is subtle and elegant, accentuated by this complimentary white structured satchel. Less flash and more substance, perfect for business and the business of fixing your mistakes. The frond pattern looks like floating white feathers, suggesting sensitivity and delicacy of feeling, but the colorful accessories give it a spark that can never be boring. Bright yellow heels with gold lock closures and a thick, layered, multi-colored statement necklace. I’m hoping that this outfit will help me be my best and make my life better. I’m also looking for inspiration from others by holding a contest in partnership with ModCloth. I want to be inspired by you and your lives (which are probably in better shape than mine) and the outfits that help you live it. Click here for the Make My Life Better Contest to see more.