Your style is a reflection of what you love, what people, places, and things inspire you. I believe that your home and your personal style should make you feel intimately understood and inspire others on your walk to the neighborhood coffee shop to do the same. Because design is meant to be a tool for expression and if you didn’t already know, I believe in going to bed with the simple thought . . . ‘I live inside my happy.’

Let’s start walking out the door feeling intimately understood!

Notice what people, places, and things you love!

For example, I love any Nancy Meyers movie protagonists’ style [neutrals on neutral on neutrals] but make it sexier, I’ve always dreamed of spending a few months to a year in Tuscany so my style has to account for that happening for me at any moment, and I love finding home decor pieces that have history so my style has to follow suit with vintage accessories. Your style tells your a story. It should tell a story of who you are, what you love and where you’d love to go!

What To Do :

Start with the prompt : “I love . . . " [places, people, & things]. You’ll be surprised how this directs the color palette, functionality, and textures of your style!

2. Who’s wardrobe do you wish you could steal from?!

Here are some fun ideas that are all over the well-dressed board :

Brigitte Bardot Photos and Premium High Res Pictures.png

“Be an individual and don’t follow the crowd. First of all, you need to learn who you are and dress accordingly. You have to learn to dress for yourself and not the trends. You have to look in the mirror and see yourself and not somebody else. I think if more people would be themselves and get out of the box, God gave everyone a personality and I think you should exploit it.” - Iris Apfel

Personal style is a collection, or mashup, if you will, of what inspires & excites you! It’s so hard to answer that question off the top of your “What inspires you?” It’s like if I asked you what your favorite movie or song is. So take your time to answer observe and get to know what excites you. Discovering your style should feel like you’re dating yourself.

What to do :

Create a Pinterest Board dedicated to what inspires you! Organize your board into sections between the outfits you gravitate towards and everything else [color, movies, art, characters, books, music, interiors, etc.]

Designer Tip : Don’t think about what celebrity fashion icon has a similar style to you, think about whose style you constantly gravitate towards or the one you wish you could pull off because *newsflash* you can! P U L L I T O F F !

3. Signature Silhouettes

You know what feels good. Proportions and types of clothing that flatter your body. While you build your “Personal Style” Pinterest board, keep the cut of the clothing you feel comfortable in in mind. I am petite so I lean towards silhouettes like high waisted trousers to lengthen my legs, cropped tops because they hit me perfectly at the waist, open necklines because I love showing off my collarbone, and 2-3 inch heels for comfort and a little extra height. Take note of what you love about the silhouettes of your favorite outfits.

What to do :

Don’t follow the “rules.” Height, size, and shape style rules are
Ask yourself “What parts of my body do I love and want to highlight?!”

Designer Tip : Remember your personal style is yours. Subtract any current trends or expectations of what your style should be and lean into what feels right.

4. Now, let’s edit your wardrobe!

What to do :

Create a capsule wardrobe of staple pieces. These are typically neutrals, but in your case they could be solid bold colors that are interchangeable & compliment each other. Once you have your solid foundation, then you’ll be ready to layer in more unique pieces inspired by your Pinterest board.

Designer Tip : Be picky about what goes into your capsule wardrobe. Think timeless.

5. Embrace your inner fashion icon

What to do :

Don’t follow the trends or body type rules! You love red?! Wear red! You love wearing all white 365 days a year?! Wear white! You want to wear new trends like knitted halters?! Wear what you love!
Notice the fabrics you love on the feel of on your body. Do you like slim fitting clothes or do you love cozy & oversized?! Embrace what you love! Experiment & have fun exploring!

Designer Tip : While you are exploring & discovering your style try thrifting. It’s a great way to try ANYTHING & EVERYTHING, get the rush of finding the coolest pieces at a steal, and enjoy the bonus of calling yourself a sustainable queen!

I’m proud of you!