âI would like to think that my style tells people who I am before I even open my mouthâ
This week I met the incredible Erica Davies, the author behind âLeopard is a Neutralâ, (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 âcreating an effectâ - the vibe you want to share with the room. It goes beyond looking âniceâ or ânot niceâ - itâs 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 âI am a cute mum who likes gardening and reading in her free timeâ or âI am an edgy hipster who listens to metal bands and goes to gigsâ. Most of us are somewhere in between, but regardless when youâre 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 âcringeâ 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. Itâs 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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đȘ 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, itâs a really great summary of everything you need to know about putting a wardrobe together that you will truly love.
đ 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 havenât 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.
đ±ââïž Album - Speak Now Taylorâs Version | OF COURSE I have been listening to Speak Now TV. My favourite vault track is Foolish One - I think itâs 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. Itâs 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 âpeople throw rocks at things that shineâ 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 Ericaâs first book Leopard is a Neutral which is such a classic and must-read. You can follow Erica on Instagram HERE and Paula HERE
WHATâS NEW
đ 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
đ TikTok - How Colour Works in Mean Girls
đ©â𩰠TikTok - Can you be a cool-toned red head?
đ TikTok - The Challenge of 13 Going on 30
