Discovering your Style Statement

My friends Chelsea and Donica, two of the most inspiring, innovative, motivated, and creative ladies I know, introduced me to the concept of creating my "Style Statement" (SS). The SS website gives a great overall description of this process, although there is much greater depth than this brief description entails:

Your Style Statement defines your authentic self. It’s a two-word compass for creating a life that reflects what’s true to you. From your wisdom to your wardrobe, from your longings to your living room – your Style Statement is where your essence meets your expression.

• It begins with a unique series of questions about what you long for, what motivates you, and what you love.
• It results in two profoundly magical words that guide your personal style – from clothes and interior design to relationships and inspirations.
• It becomes a lifelong mantra that allows you to make choices that make you feel authentic, creative, and happy.

What we know to be true is that authenticity is magnetic, efficient and effective. When you are consistently being your truth—from your wardrobe to your wellness plan, you quite literally become a force of nature. True style is holistic

A few ideas/phrases from the book that helped me make sense of this idea, as well as inspire me to start the process, include the following:

1. Foundation Word, 1st word, your 80%. This word describes your essence and inner foundation. It is your innate, implicit core. It embodies the roots of your being. Being disconnected from this foundation is uncomfortable and disorienting. However, too much of this foundation creates inflexibility. Metaphorically, your foundation word works like the basics of your wardrobe - those essential pieces you can't live without.

2. Creative Edge Word, 2nd word, your 20%. This word is the impression we'd like to make on the world. It is our outer image or persona. It is how we express our being. It is how we do what we do. It symbolizes your **wings** Being disconnected from your creative edge fosters emptiness or flatness, but too much may lead to overwhelm or burnout. This is the gift you want to give to the world, as well as the gift that you long to receive. Metaphorically, your creative edge works like your accessories do - is if the finishing touch, the color or pattern of an outfit or space, the unique flourish of your jewelry.