This Season, Think About Things Differently

Once you embrace the changes, now is time to start thinking about things differently. This time of the year is the perfect time to implement this next step. Here in Delaware change is in the air, and very soon Spring/Summer pieces will be put to hibernate and Winter pieces will come out.

Perfect timing to access your style and remove things that no longer resonate with you. For that to happen, you need to start with two basic questions:

· What things do you like and feel passionate about?

· What things do you dislike and feel passionate about it?

Here is an example. I really dislike leggings and I am very passionate about it. I could give a long list of reasons why leggings aren’t flattering and only good for gym. You don’t need to agree with me. The point is to know what makes your heart sparkle and what doesn’t. Leggings definitely don’t make mine sparkle.

There is a Japanese technique called Kintsugi. It is the art of taking broken pottery and restoring them using gold. In the end you have a most beautiful piece of art that was transformed while showing its broken veins. You can see the history there, because of the veins and yet, it is an entirely new piece. To own our hill and start thinking about things differently, you need to own all your experiences, the changes you experienced, and the lines on your face because that’s what makes us unique. Let’s free our creativity and embark in an exciting exploration style journey. Over the hill? NEVER!

Here is a practical example of what I mean. I was told I had nice legs, but I look at my knees and I see wrinkles. The shirtdresses I own hit me just above the knee and every time I put them on makes me feel uneasy. I could remove them from my closet or find new ways on how to wear them. I always love longer cardigans and toppers. So now, I wear them as toppers, and have moved them to a new category.

This season, oversized shirts, jackets, and coats are in. When I saw this trend, the first image that came to my mind was of my oldest daughter at two when we dressed her up with my husband’s PJ. I also can belt my shirtdress over my jeans creating some volume in the upper part of the body. It will give the feeling of extra fabric and oversized shirt and still be in my inherent visual universe.

This season, Fuchsia, Lilac, Silver, Fire Engine Red, Powder Blue, Leprechaun Green are some of the big hits colors. They may not belong to your palette. If you wear there will be a disconnect between you and the colors. You really don’t need them to have a current look. Your style is more important.

In the process of changing wardrobes, keep exploring and asking questions. If you are wondering if pieces still resonate with you or not, start with some easy questions:

Look in the mirror, close your eyes, open them again:

Color: Do you see your face or your body? If the body, it is time to let it go.

Style: Are they enhancing how you look or are they calling attention to your imperfections? We all have them but for our eyes only.

Someone once said that “our closet is our kitchen.” In the same way that milk can go bad in the refrigerator, certain clothes in our closet can also go bad and need to be removed.”

Now, let’s return to the beginning of our conversation: You need to put your emotions in check when curating your wardrobe. It will be a less painful process if you have a professional helping you. It is not easy to let go…

So here are some practical style steps to start thinking differently this season:

1. With age, things shift so a good foundation is a must. The right foundation will make your clothes fit differently.

2. Don’t be afraid to turn your camera on. Get ready for it: apply some makeup, wear a top that brings attention to your face, and a statement jewelry that will reflect your style.

3. Create for yourself a Personal Style statement such as

My personal style is one of……. or I leave an impression of…….

This will be your compass to add or remove pieces from your closet. Dress with intention.

4. If you can wear any of the colors of the season, raise the bar, and invest in a better-quality piece that will last 4 to 6 years.

5. Try new combinations using pieces that you already have. Break your outfits and create new ones.

6. Meet with me for a Complimentary Style Exploration Call. I would love to embark on this journey with you.

There is more to style than the trends of the season. It may take some time to completely own your hill, but the journey is worth it.

Talk to you soon.