Monday, February 1, 2010

Style by Numbers

Seriously???   No, really, seriously, what were they thinking?
Ok, so I have some strong feelings about "personal style", as in "How to look your best and most beautiful in a way that expresses your individuality".  It doesn't come in a box, it's not instantaneous and I can gaurantee that you're not going to find it by imitating the Personal Style of any of the 25 chic-sters profiled in this magazine, they're not you and their style is not your style. 
The eternal optimist, I buy these issues every time hoping that, maybe this time, they'll deliver something. They never really do. That "What to Wear at Every Age" issue is even worse: in your 20s? Bright, short, sexy, edgy! 30s? Start toning it down with some professional wear and day-to-dinner looks. 40s and 50s? Stick with neutral colors, no more black, figure hiding cuts, shorten your hair, lower your heels, in other words: blend in and wait it out. 60s? Add some animal prints and hang on a little longer until...70+, now you can let it all out, wear purple, big jewelry and...
OK, enough crabbing! 
Want to find your personal style? Start by asking yourself these basic questions:
-What was your favorite outfit ever (yes, that yellow dress you wore to the first day of 3rd grade counts)
What did you love about it?
-Do you collect anything? What attracts you to that item? Color? Workmanship? Rarity?
-What makes you laugh? Are you a cartoon lover? 3 stooges? Nick & Nora Charles?
-Where are you happiest and most inspired?
-is there a particular era of fashion that attracts you? (even if you don't wear vintage)
What do you like about it?
-Describe your dream living room, then your dream bedroom
-Remember the basics like:
Your favorite color?
Your favorite feature or body part?
Least favorite?
What are your three favorite things that you already own and wear?
Do you have an outfit or item that always recieves compliments?

Personal Style is a matter of learning what works for you, what speaks to you.
These questions are the first step in finding your signature style.
I'd love to hear how it works out for you! 
If you get stuck, I'm happy to help.
Have fun! 

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