I’m starting to finally find a groove with reading again. The ritual of it gives me immense pleasure. With book in hand, turning each crisp page, I feel transported to a time where things are so much slower. I’m holding on tightly to this feeling as Fall starts to show up, unfortunately not as cooler temps, but in the form of busyness.
The past week or so I’ve been in the research phase of my latest styling project, easily my favorite part. I love sourcing/pulling beautiful clothes and accessories but looking through tons of pictures while visualizing an idea brings me back to my childlike wonder. Once I start the project real life sets in with it’s compromises, disappoints and logistics…but learning to enjoy every part of the process has changed my experience of the work so much.
Another new prospect I’m looking forward to in Fall is the slight (I live in south Florida) change in seasons. I’ve been getting excited, saving outfit ideas and putting together my list of Fall accessories I hope will upgrade my closet this season. I try to focus on one or two pairs of shoes and a few clothing pieces that can transform the things I already own. AND of corse, a piece of jewelry here and there.
Also, I dying to cut my hair. I’ve been eyeing a 90’s Italian bob for years now.
OK, let’s get into it…
1. Style Study
I find myself drawn to books about women who use/used style as a means of communication. Not a clotheshorse but rather women who purposefully dress in a way that stands out because it doesn’t follow any rules. Style is so subjective but there is something about a person who seemingly dresses for themselves, there is an ease in their behavior, an inner confidence that overrides the outer appearance.
I’ve been on a quest to make a comprehensive list of books to read about these women. I have a good list started but feel pulled to discovering more. I LOVE the details, not just the brands, the jewelry collections (though this does really intrigue me) but the journeys that got them there. It’s usually life experiences that leads a person to dress a certain way. A deep motivation or view point that differs from the general public can typically be found under spectacular style and I love to read about it. If this interests you, here’s a few favorites to get you started:
Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington
D.V. by Diana Vreeland
Just Kids by Patti Smith
The Women I Wanted to Be by Diane Von Furstenberg
Slim: Memoirs of a Rich and Imperfect Life by Slim Keith
2. Pick One Focus
I was listening to a podcast this week (it’s here if you’re curious) and it reminded me of a very simple style tip. When feeling overwhelmed by your closet or “finding your personal style” focus on either the clothes or the accessories. Pick ONE.
This choice isn’t set in stone but focus on one for just a season, decide where you want to make a statement, and see how that feels. Too many people try to do both and it rarely works. Just like the idea of proportions (big on top, small on the bottom, etc.) most looks need a balance between what’s catching your eye, the accessories or the clothing. If you gravitate towards color, patterns and/or complex silhouettes than keep your accessories simple. Or maybe you are a minimalist who loves textures, tonal looks and classic shapes, then try to experiment with your accessories making the statement. Experiment! This is the real work of creating personal style.
Give this small mindset shift a try when you feel lost, it can help ground you, a sort of reset. Take a break from feeling like you have to have everything about your style figured out and focus on one part.
I hope the above has helped you see your life and/or style in a different way or at least opened your mind to a new idea. Everything is always happening so fast around us, and slowing down seems to be the only antidote. At least for for me.
Have a beautiful holiday and maybe you can slow down long enough to find a little joy in the art of just being :)
See you next week,
jodi x