Finding your signature style

It takes years for most women to discover what their signature style is. Generally, we are influenced by magazines and blindly follow trends without even thinking about how we look and feel in them. It is important to choose a style that expresses not only your personality, but your uniqueness and individuality. This however does not give you permission to start your own crazy trend. Often times, women confuse individuality with just plain strange fashion decisions. You want to stay within the boundries of culture, but also include subtle expressions of your personal style.




If you are artistic, expressive, and prefer comfort, consider a bohemian approach to your style. This can include flowy dresses, shirts, and skirts. The way that someone with a bohemian style adds glamour is generally through lots of bracelets, over-sized necklaces, cocktail rings, and printed scarves. This maintains comfort while adding glamour. Your style icons: Kate Hudson, Rachel Zoe, and Nicole Richie

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If you are a type A, or a more structured personality consider very tailored and classic styles. The classic pencil skirt and A line dress are your perfect fashion companion. White button up shirts, which are great for all styles, are your best friend. Be sure to keep in mind that this look can be aging if it is too structured. Add a large belt to a pencil skirt and button up shirt to give it a more youthful feel. This style tends to be very classic and appropriate for the business woman. Your style icons: Audrey Hepburn, Gweneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Jackie O.
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Maybe you are more of a musician at heart. A rocker style can look very chic with a little edge. Leather pants, strappy shoes, and studded jewelery are some of a rocker chicks basics. As with every other style, don't over do it. In other words, don't wear it all at once. Add elements of the style to your look. Your style icons: Gwen Stefani, Rhianna and Pink.





If you like to explore trends and styles, you might move through all of the above options and more. You are the type that constantly changes your style while keeping a common underlying theme. This most describes my personal style and my style icons include: Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel Zoe, and Audrey Hepburn.


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Remember to consider your age when expressing your personal style. Ask other people around you if what you are wearing excentuates or compliments your age. Always add elements of your signature style to your wardrobe as opposed to completely saturating the outfit in it. Simplicity is key. Always remember that true style is all about the silhouette and shape. Create a look that has staying power, and you are good as a pair of gold bangles.

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Consistency In Style

I think there is something to appreciate about a woman who has a consistent sense of style. When you see a woman, her personality should be clear to you, based on her style. People hear what they see, and what you wear ultimately makes the first impression. I have talked about finding your signature style in the past, and once you find it, consistency in that style is essential. This is not to say that you cannot play around, but going from a chic Audrey Hepburn type style, to a bohemian Rachel Zoe type style can be confusing.

Think of your style as a huge contributor to your work and friendships. Style should be pleasing to the eye and never over the top. We have all seen those women walking through the mall who have a style all there own, and not in a good way! They look un-like any other average woman or woman in public.

Believe it or not, your style is a huge contributor in etiquette. In every etiquette course I have ever taken, they suggest being well manicured in hygiene and style. This makes other people less distracted when they communicate with you, whether you are in an interview or at a party.

I always suggest finding a public figure who resembles you in some way, whether it be height, weight, face shape ect. Keep an eye on their style choices. Watch how they are consistent and thoughtful about their choices (this is usually because they are paying someone to do so.) This, however, is a free tool for you, and very helpful in guiding you in your own style direction. Just remember to be polished and consistent.

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THIS SEASONS STYLE MUST-HAVES

1.Rose Gold Watch- Mens style watches are all the rage in the fashion world, as of late. Rose gold is feminine and delicate, so it cuts the masculinity and gives the perfect juxtaposition.
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2. Strucuture Handbag- Structured handbags are perfect for every occasion, and great if you travel alot! I love structured handbags because they are elegant and simple. Every girl MUST own one!

3. Red Skinnies- Most of us have ventured into wearing skinny jeans, but red skinnies have been making a BIG splash! You can try the high-end leather cropped skinnies by Isabel Marant, or simply find a red colored skinny jean at a local boutique for a copycat style.
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4. Over The Knee Boots- Over the knee boots were rated the sexiest on-trend item by InStyle readers. You still have plenty of time to wear OTK boots, so be sure you get your wear out of them, and whip them out next year as well. I believe this trend is here to stay.
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5. Long Waves- Short hair is out, and long waves are in! The choppy bob was huge for the last couple of years, but it seems long hair is making a comeback! Grow your hair out, or consider wavy extensions!

THE 5 MUST-HAVES

Style always begins and ends with the BASICS. The classics are the stepping stone in the beginning of a girly girl's wardrobe. Although I believe there are more than 5 classic pieces in a wardrobe, I have narrowed it down to the five basics.

My five basics include:

1. The basic jean and black trouser


2. The basic fitted T-Shirt


3. The Black Dress


4. The fitted black suit

5. The black pump

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As with clothing basics, I have selected the five basics for skincare, and my personal five must haves.

The basics of course include:

Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Moisturizer, Eye Cream (Most people skip toner and serum. Toner is very important because it brings the skin back to a normal PH level. Serum allows the moisturizer to penetrate deeper.)

You can spend loads and loads on your skin and reverse all the benefits by forgetting the last and most important step. SUNSCREEN. A little vitamin D is okay, healthy in fact. To much sun literally breaks down collagen in the skin and oxidizes all the anti-aging treatments you have on. Leave the anti-aging creams for the night and use sunscreen in the day.


My personal five basics must-haves include:

1. Clarisonic Brush


2. Derma-Doctor 15% Glycolic Wash



3. Philosophy "Save Me" Serum


4. La Praire Cellular Radiance Eye Cream


5. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream