His question resonated with me, gave me an opportunity to connect with what I value about myself and ask you;

WHAT ARE YOUR HIDDEN ASSETS?

ps. Don’t be shy, this is a invitation to think highly of your self. Here’s a tip – check in with your Style Statement.

My list,

• Creative
• Abstract thinker – sometimes my head yearns for linear thoughts but alas it’s not me
• Brave
• Discoverer of  treasures, of course, my Style Statement is Refined Treasure
• Kind
• Intuitive
• Athletic, kinetic

In a materialistic culture obsessed with image, money, and things, all too often your true self gets hidden beneath pressure and confusion. I’m here to say  you can shine, walk tall, and you aren’t missing a thing. The authentic you – the hidden asset you – represents the gift you long to receive and give. Enjoy the present.

I think birthday’s are a big deal. Noteworthy. Significant. Really, what could be bigger in your life than the day you were born?! Every birthday is a perfect opportunity to celebrate someone, get mushy, and let them know that you’ve been paying attention to what they love. And when it’s your Day of All Days, it’s a window in which to be reflective, give thanks, and celebrate.

And this week I celebrated my birthday my way – quietly, thoughtfully and with my family. A romantic dinner cooked by my hubby, afternoon off to antique shop and a long chat with my twin sister, so Refined Treasure, don’t you think? And the richest treasure was the lovely surprise of so many birthday wishes from my family, friends and Style Statement community. I am truly touched and moved by your loving words, thank you, thank you.

Today is your day of all days… Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
- Dr. Seuss

ps – sixth birthday photo of my twin sister & moi!

Are you being true to YOU?

Allow me to share my inspiration for real style, these woman could  teach us a few things about about following our hearts.

Babe Pailey, Modern

Paley worked as a fashion editor for Vogue in New York City 1940. She often mixed extravagant jewelry with cheap costume pieces, and embraced letting her hair go gray instead of camouflaging it with dye. In a stroke of modernism, she made pantsuits chic.

Diane Keaton, Natural

I adore her earthiness, her smart and silly side. Especially love her commitment to no plastic suregery! “I’m stuck in this idea that I need to be authentic … My face needs to look the way I feel.”

Lynn Yaeger, Creative

Fashion editor for  30 years at The Village Voice, I adore her play-fullness and humour, inspires me to have more fun. Her style is,  “An array of different influences: backstage at the ballet, 1920s flapper, Victorian farm girl.”

Slim Keith, Timeless

A renegade, who put woman in pants. ”God blessed me with a happy spirit and many other gifts. What I was not blessed with I went out and got.”

Enjoy this brilliant & creative commercial. Don’t we all want to contribute?

But it’s limiting to think that the only way we can express our style is through clothes and accessories. There are many other conduits for unleashing our unique spirits. Style = passion, always, whatever the passion may be.

We were thrilled to get a letter from Monica Lee, a delightful artist who has recently put her Style Statement to work on decluttering her home, strengthening her sense of identity, and conceptualizing how she wants to present her brand and portfolio.

Monica wrote about her Style Statement experience on her blog.

If you’re finding yourself too constrained in your interpretation of your Style Statement – perhaps associating it solely with aesthetic choices – check out Monica’s example. And remember, use your Style Statement to activate your true passions, your true longings.

Alfred Adler, Austrian psychologist and colleague of Sigmund Freud, coined the term lifestyle in 1929. Adler said,

“Lifestyle” is the sum total of the values, passions, knowledge, meaningful deeds and eccentricities that constitute the uniqueness of each individual.”

What struck me about Adler’s definition is the word eccentricities. I know my values, my passions, the meaningful deeds I offer daily, but my eccentricities? My unconventional, odd views or behavior have been worn away by fear of judgment, the search for approval, and not wishing to offend anyone.

I welcome the old me. She’s back! A woman who has opinions, quirky thoughts, and adores Sammy Davis, Jr. No more playing it safe, wondering if I said the right thing or if it’s okay to wear my vintage fur coat.

I gotta be me!

What’s eccentric about you? Think of three things that are quirky, odd, or delightful about you and appreciate them more in your life.

Gotta love Sammy Davis, Jr., a Jewish African-American man with a glass eye who exuded sex appeal.

Flickr photo credit: Stone house, by jsome1

Having a baby has meant a lifestyle change. I’m working at home now – no more people milling about the studio. Sometimes it’s quiet and I’m lonely, craving adult conversation and needing support. Fellow mamas, you know what I’m talking about. Hey, what I yearn for is a Style Statement buddy to share the joys and woes of business, hold me accountable to my word, and lend a loving ear.

Grace is my girl. We talk on the phone every Wednesday at 12:30 for an hour. Our calls both ground me and give me wings. We’re ruthlessly honest and we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders.

Here’s how it works:

1. Schedule a weekly phone call. Take turns being the one to make the call.
2. Update your buddy on personal or business issues – or whatever inspires you.
3. The focus is on each buddy for half and hour while they talk and direct the conversation and the other person listens without interrupting, unless asked for input.
4. Allow whines, complains, and bitches, but don’t judge.
5. Each buddy reviews their priority list – weekly and six-month.
6. Each buddy asks for guidance and advice. It’s crucial not to slam your buddy with shoulds, but to encourage and suggest.
7. Remind each other of your Style Statement: So, Timeless Connection, who do you feel you need to connect with in order to get that done?
8. Assign and commit to doing homework for the following week.

Wednesdays at 12:30 are a priority for me. I look forward to my buddy call because I know I’ll be talking to someone who understands me at my most authentic. I can be me.

Go find your Grace.