Was it Ellen Degeneres or was it Oprah who first coined the above phrase? I’m not too sure, but what I DO know for sure is this: Style isn’t something you’re born with – it’s a combination (similar to the age-old “Nature vs Nurture” debate) of what God gave you (i.e your parents/genetics) and what you choose to adopt or disregard as an individual growing up with those parents/caregivers, in the environment you live in. You choose to be seen a certain way, and the way you choose to be seen by others directly influences your life experiences and the types of people you attract into your world. AND while it may start (on a first impressions basis) with your external packaging, it sure doesn’t end there! How you feel inside and how you choose to communicate often has more impact than how you choose to dress!
Do you have an innate style of your own? YES
Do you always know what that style is? NO
Could you have once felt confident with your signature style, but then lost it somewhere along the way? YES
Can you find your signature style again (or for the first time)? ABSOLUTELY!
Once you find it, can you change it, perhaps when you yourself change or you just get sick of it? YOU BET!
How? EASY…
Oh yeah? YEAH! Here’s how…
Ask yourself the following questions. (Better still, cut and paste them into a word document/email and send me your answers! Include a pic of yourself and let’s see if you and I are seeing the same picture!)
Everyone sees themselves in a certain way but few of us ever really get to find out how OTHERS see us! When you do, it can be a very enlightening and empowering process! You see, we all have a tape (inner voice) running in our head but that tape wasn’t turned on at birth! It’s a compilation – a combination of our thoughts based on our personal experiences and what we’ve been told by others on our life’s journey (parents, siblings, partners, friends). Mix that with our own self-image, and our own current level of confidence and our own circumstances and skills, and that damn tape can be very difficult to turn off, even when we want to!
Here’s how you can begin the process. Let’s play 20 Question! I promise it will get you thinking and help you embark on your own Styling journey: Ask yourself…
1. Who was I when I was young, single, carefree?
2. What did I look like back then?
3. What type of person was I hoping to attract back then and did I achieve that?
4. When was the happiest period of my life so far?
5. Do I still want to be like that younger/single/carefree person, or have I moved on/changed and want to reinvent myself?
6. Who’s my “Style Icon” (i.e Who do I admire?)
7. Do I have ANYTHING in common with my Style Icon? (either physically or personality/lifestyle-wise?)
8. What do I admire about that person?
9. Could I achieve a similar style/first impression/vibe myself or am I too far removed from that person’s style to be able to pull it off with confidence?
10. What is my body-silhouette? And is my version an accurate image of my reality?
11. Am I stuck in a style-rut? (i.e have I changed/updated my look in the last few years?)
12. What percentage of my wardrobe is “black/dark”?
13. When I look in the mirror, am I generally happy with the person looking back at me?
14. What kind of people do I (currently) usually attract into my life?
15. Are those the types of people I want to continue to attract?
16. Do I ever feel judged incorrectly/misunderstood?
17. The type of friend/person I find myself most attracted to looks like…
18. Describe yourself physically (i.e I need to find you in an airport but have no idea what you look like)…
19. Describe your personality…
20. What image do I want to project NOW? (and if you’re game, ask yourself “why?”)
I’m introducing a new Package called “Style by Remote”. Through email, Style Counsel’s insider’s notes/tips on a range of topics, Skype and/or phone, help with sourcing wardrobe items, product recommendations and store referrals, insider info and sale previews, clients will have access to my special brand of Personal Style Coaching at an affordable price. You can choose as much or as little “contact” as you feel you need. Who’s it for? Anyone who lives too far away/can’t get to see me in person; anyone who wants Style Counsel’s services but at a reduced rate; anyone really!
To find our more, post a response on this blog or visit my website and contact me there: www.stylecounselonline.com.au
Hope to hear from you soon!
Big Al x
This is such a great tool for you to share your expertise with new and existing clients. I think it definitely has the potential to work for the right person!
Great initiative and forward thinking Al! x
What a great idea Al. Skype could be used for initial “meetings” and then for follow up questions that require visual input. Email is always a great option too and if it was part of a service that you actually paid for then one wouldn’t feel guilty about asking Big Al her opinion on a variety of subjects.
Look forward to hearing more about it.
I have often wondered if I could justify a flight to Brisbane to attend one of your events. I would be very interested in “Style by Remote”.
Hi Carmel,
Thanks for your feedback. I am very pleased to hear you would consider this style of styling package! I will keep you posted on developments soon!
Cheers,
Big Al x