With the onset of my 40th birthday last year, I found myself on a journey of inner discovery. I wanted to get rid of everything in my life that wasn’t authentically me. I wanted only truth to prevail, and to find genuine self-expression.
I asked myself, “Who am I?” Just a version of the person my friends and family see me as? Someone overly affected by what our culture dictates? Someone striving to be an ideal from the glossy magazines and red carpets?
In asking myself these questions, I realized I needed to work through all the cultural clutter that could steer me wrong. A number of great tools miraculously presented themselves and one of my favorites is Style Statement!
It took about three months of soul searching and working diligently through the exercises, but it was so worth it! Discovering my Style Statement has changed how I interact with every aspect of my life … business, friends, my home, my wardrobe and my activities. It has been absolutely liberating.
As an example, I could never figure out why I often made purchases that seemed perfect in the store, but then never wore the items. What a waste of money! Through the exercises in Style Statement, I discovered that I was often buying things that appealed to my sense of Adventure (my 20%) rather than my need for Genuine (my 80%). I was buying staple clothes that were fun, funky, bright, and patterned. But I actually need top quality, fairly classic items, trusted brands made from beautiful, simple fabrics for my main pieces (my 80% Genuine). And then I need to stick to one or two accessories that are more Adventure pieces (my 20%).
I would also often buy items at sample sales because they were a good deal. No more! I only buy things I love and that are very well made (samples are often not.) I’ve saved a fortune this way! And I now see why I have never understood the concept of knockoffs – they are not Genuine! I also get why I need at least one fun piece in my outfit – LOVE a L.A.M.B. purse or pump in a blend of fun colors – it satisfies my need for Adventure.
This Christmas I splurged on a pair of black velvet Valentino pumps as I now understand that I will get more value out of them than the ten pairs of whatever’s I bought last summer at the Army & Navy annual shoe sale! I’ve learned that I don’t need much, but what I do buy had better be amazing.
I once heard a quote relating to food which said something like: “When we aren’t eating the food we like, we keep on eating and eating, thinking that we’ll somehow find satisfaction.” I found the same to be true with shopping. But now I know better.
Thanks Style Statement!
Lori,
I totally agree with you about quality over quantity. I’m not sure why so many of us crave quantity…after all, you can only wear one outfit at a time. It took me years to figure out that owning 20 white t-shirts was meaningless since I could only wear one at a time. Going in, I thought that finding a style statement would be fun and give me some fashion direction. I never really understood, until I began living with it, how meaningful it would be. How great that we get to have our own little mantras!
Totally Diane! It’s liberating, isn’t it? What’s your SS?
Yes, thank you for sharing – I agree with with so much of what you said. Genuine and authentic expression in all that we do makes life clutter free, simple and pure.
From our choices in food, work, relationships and the things we buy. Giving things away that never seem to get out of the closet onto your body is so cleansing. I haven’t figured out my style statement yet but hope to do that soon.
Life clutter free, simple and pure, how lovely Denise. Please let us know when you unfold your two magical words.
Yes, yes, yes!
Hi Lori,
It was helpful to read your story. I have dubbed myself Genuine Inspired. I just figured it out last night. So, we’ll see if it sticks. It’s helpful to hear your take on genuine. It seems that the “Genuine” foundation statement is important for me at this time in my life too. It might be more what I aspire to than what I have been living. Thanks for sharing!