🤯 The True Purpose of Style
“I would like to think that my style tells people who I am before I even open my mouth”
This week I met the incredible Erica Davies, the author behind ‘Leopard is a Neutral’, (more on that later!!), and this quote from it. I think this perfectly encapsulates the idea of style. So, what do you want your style to say about you?
Sometimes, on our worst days, clothes are just something to cover us up with and feel okay again, but at its best clothing should do so much more. As humans we communicate so much visually and interpret with our eyes before our ears. I know I (as embarrassed as I am to admit it) have taken an instant disliking to someone before I had even said hello to them just based on the way they did their hair or their nails - assuming that their personality will clash with mine. Should you believe that instant judgement? Of course not! But most of the people you meet will believe it most of the time, so you want your clothes to say the right thing about you from the get-go. This is what I call ‘creating an effect’ - the vibe you want to share with the room. It goes beyond looking ‘nice’ or ‘not nice’ - it’s about saying what you want to say, and being interpreted as who you truly are.
Clothing is a language that we speak, like body language or facial expressions. It says ‘I am a cute mum who likes gardening and reading in her free time’ or ‘I am an edgy hipster who listens to metal bands and goes to gigs’. Most of us are somewhere in between, but regardless when you’re not an edgy hipster who listens to metal bands and goes to gigs something feels off when people finally do meet you if you are in the costume of someone who does. This is why we often look back on our teenage selves and see them as ‘cringe’ as we try out different styles of the people we suspect we may be. Of course, if you have never tried listening to metal and going to gigs but it sounds exciting and inviting, fashion can be the easiest way to ease yourself into a new set of experiences and that is great. It’s simply a way to communicate where we are in our lives in this moment to the people around you, and I think that is beautiful.
WEEKLY CURATION
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🚪 Book - The Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees | This book is an absolute must have for every single one of you. This is the ultimate breakdown of every thing personal style, it’s a really great summary of everything you need to know about putting a wardrobe together that you will truly love.
👜 Podcast - High Brow by Mina Le | If you love pop culture, fashion (which you do if you follow me) then you are going to love Mina. I have been watching her YouTube channel for years, and this week I asked myself why I haven’t been listening to her podcast? I decided it was time. She is just as witty, insightful and intelligent here as she is in video form. I particularly enjoyed her conversation with Aubrey Gordon about plus-sized fashion and diet culture this week.
👱♀️ Album - Speak Now Taylor’s Version | OF COURSE I have been listening to Speak Now TV. My favourite vault track is Foolish One - I think it’s such a bleak and unhopeful look at love that is so unlike the hopeless romantic Taylor outwardly presented herself as during this era, and I really love that realism. It’s a beautiful song. Red is my favourite album, BUT Speak Now has had the biggest impact on my self-confidence and my life over the years. Mean got me through an era of bullying, and for years I had ‘people throw rocks at things that shine’ from Ours on my wall. You can buy the album by clicking the image
EVENT
MEETING ERICA DAVIES
When I saw the opportunity to listen to Erica Davies discuss her new book with Paula Sutton at my local department store Jarrolds I jumped at the chance! This is the first time I have attended a fashion book launch and it was so refreshing to listen to two intelligent women discussing personal style and what it means to us. I loved Erica’s first book Leopard is a Neutral which is such a classic and must-read. You can follow Erica on Instagram HERE and Paula HERE
WHAT’S NEW
🔗 Pinterest - STYLE ROOTS COMBINATIONS in one place | As you may know, I have been creating boards for each of the 56 style roots combinations. I have decided to place all of these boards as sections under one board so that you can find all the combinations more easily. I have also added 3 emojis at the start of each board title representing the style roots to help you find the combination you are looking for more easily.
The Secrets to Being Stylish the It Girls are Hiding
Being stylish is a product of experimental, creativity, raw human spirit BUT when all of that is lacking, it can also be a bit of a science. Sometimes fashion can feel so overwhelming, but if you tackle each of these 18 elements bit by bit you will find your way to good style.
NEW UPLOADS
👚 TikTok - How Colour Works in Mean Girls
👩🦰 TikTok - Can you be a cool-toned red head?
🌈 TikTok - The Challenge of 13 Going on 30
