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Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design
STYLE STATEMENT is an inspiring take on the power of style and authenticity. Deemed "style psychotherapists," Carrie and Danielle are the creators of the Style Statement: a two-word compass that helps you make more confident choices in life -- from your wardrobe to your relationships, your living room to your career plans.
Part workbook, part inspirational narrative, STYLE STATEMENT presents a series of inquiries that lead readers to the personal words that guide the spirit, look and feel of their life. The first word represents your foundation, your 80%. The second word, your 20%, is what motivates and distinguishes you.
Via Carrie and Danielle's Lifestyle Map, readers then explore how their own unique Style Statement can generate momentum in every area of their life.
Part workbook, part inspirational narrative, STYLE STATEMENT presents a series of inquiries that lead readers to the personal words that guide the spirit, look and feel of their life. The first word represents your foundation, your 80%. The second word, your 20%, is what motivates and distinguishes you.
Via Carrie and Danielle's Lifestyle Map, readers then explore how their own unique Style Statement can generate momentum in every area of their life.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2008
89 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Danielle LaPorte
39 books599 followersDanielle LaPorte is a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100 a group who, in Oprah Winfrey’s words, “is uniquely connecting the world together with a spiritual energy that matters.”
The former director of a future studies think tank in Washington, DC, where she managed a team creating global scenarios. She now speaks about the intelligence of the heart.
Her most recent book, "How To Be Loving…when your heart is breaking open and the world is waking up" is also an Audiobook + ebook, with a companion deck and journal. Danielle is also the author of The Fire Starter Sessions, The Desire Map, White Hot Truth, and producer of dozens of online programs for spiritual support.
Danielle is the creator of the Heart Centered Membership and the Heart Centered Leaders Program with 400+ leaders in 30 countries hosting conversation circles, retreats, and workshops in all kinds of communities and businesses.
Her podcast, WITH LOVE, DANIELLE, often ranks in iTunes’ top 10 for wellness. Most of her offerings—from the Heart Centered Membership to her online classes—are on a pay what you choose basis. Named one of the Top 100 Websites for Women by Forbes, millions of people a month visit DanielleLaPorte.com.
Marianne Williamson refers to Danielle “as a bright light.” V (formerly known as Eve Ensler) calls her “a force field of energy, wonder, humour, and love.”
Her charities of choice are Ally Global Foundation, helping survivors of human trafficking to rebuild their lives (@allyglobal), Trees Sisters’ reforestation projects (@treesisters_official), and VDay, a movement to end violence against women and girls (vdayorg).
She lives in Vancouver, BC. You can find her on most places on social media @daniellelaporte.
#daniellelaporte #howtobeloving #heartcentered
The former director of a future studies think tank in Washington, DC, where she managed a team creating global scenarios. She now speaks about the intelligence of the heart.
Her most recent book, "How To Be Loving…when your heart is breaking open and the world is waking up" is also an Audiobook + ebook, with a companion deck and journal. Danielle is also the author of The Fire Starter Sessions, The Desire Map, White Hot Truth, and producer of dozens of online programs for spiritual support.
Danielle is the creator of the Heart Centered Membership and the Heart Centered Leaders Program with 400+ leaders in 30 countries hosting conversation circles, retreats, and workshops in all kinds of communities and businesses.
Her podcast, WITH LOVE, DANIELLE, often ranks in iTunes’ top 10 for wellness. Most of her offerings—from the Heart Centered Membership to her online classes—are on a pay what you choose basis. Named one of the Top 100 Websites for Women by Forbes, millions of people a month visit DanielleLaPorte.com.
Marianne Williamson refers to Danielle “as a bright light.” V (formerly known as Eve Ensler) calls her “a force field of energy, wonder, humour, and love.”
Her charities of choice are Ally Global Foundation, helping survivors of human trafficking to rebuild their lives (@allyglobal), Trees Sisters’ reforestation projects (@treesisters_official), and VDay, a movement to end violence against women and girls (vdayorg).
She lives in Vancouver, BC. You can find her on most places on social media @daniellelaporte.
#daniellelaporte #howtobeloving #heartcentered
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 19, 2017
It basically tells you to choose two words that describe your whole. And the rest of the book is examples and some questions that will not guide you to those words but would give you an idea of who you are, in case you don't know already.
Sooo... I don't know.. I'll see how much my style statement will help me.
But I liked that the book reminded me of old and vintage and grandma-ish things!
Sooo... I don't know.. I'll see how much my style statement will help me.
But I liked that the book reminded me of old and vintage and grandma-ish things!
September 14, 2008
This is so much fun!! So 5 stars for fun -- not to be compared with the 5 stars of literary fiction. The title of this book is deceiving. It makes it sound like it's all about design and style, but it's actually a workbook to help you discover what is authentic for you in all aspects of your life. After completing all sections of the book, you arrive at a 80/20 style statement... the 80% is the foundation and the 20% is the creative edge or flair.
My Style Statement is Natural Refined
NATURAL is genuine, free from artificiality, affectation, and inhibitions. Natural is known for being spontaneous and easygoing. Natural hates to be fenced in and riles against conformity and unreasonable rules, though they are rooted in moral certainty and a strong sense of justice. Very much at ease with their essential selves, Natural is ofen very instinctive, sensuous or highly sexual. They aren't strangers to hedonism or pleasure seeking. They love to get down to basics and can be graceful and direct communicators. Down to ear, literally and figuratively, Natural has a deep reverence and respect for nature and ecological systems, which delights and replenishes them, and an appreciation for supernatural forces. Look and feel: All things generated by nature: wood, minerals, gems. Natural coloring, textiles, and produce. Rustic, primitive, flowing, native or common to its surroundings. Associated words: Being oneself, candid, childlike, direct, easy, elemental, folksy, forthright, framk, genuine, green, handcrafted, homey, impulsive, innocent, instinctive, laid-back, leather, minerals, native, open, organic, plain, primitive, provincial, pure, raw, real, rustic, simple, simple-hearted, sincere, spontaneous, straightforward, trusting, unassuming, uncontrived, unpolished, unpretentious, up-front, untamed, wilderness, woodsy, wild, water, warmth, light...
REFINED: aesthetic, civilized, clarified, clean, courteous, courtly, cultivated, delicate, discriminating, elegant, enlightened, exact, fastidious, finespun, genteel, gentlemanly, gracious, highbrow, high-minded, polished, polite, precise, proper, purified rarefied, restrained, sensitive, snazzy sophisticated, suave, sublime, subtle, tasteful, urbane, well-manured, glamour
My Style Statement is Natural Refined
NATURAL is genuine, free from artificiality, affectation, and inhibitions. Natural is known for being spontaneous and easygoing. Natural hates to be fenced in and riles against conformity and unreasonable rules, though they are rooted in moral certainty and a strong sense of justice. Very much at ease with their essential selves, Natural is ofen very instinctive, sensuous or highly sexual. They aren't strangers to hedonism or pleasure seeking. They love to get down to basics and can be graceful and direct communicators. Down to ear, literally and figuratively, Natural has a deep reverence and respect for nature and ecological systems, which delights and replenishes them, and an appreciation for supernatural forces. Look and feel: All things generated by nature: wood, minerals, gems. Natural coloring, textiles, and produce. Rustic, primitive, flowing, native or common to its surroundings. Associated words: Being oneself, candid, childlike, direct, easy, elemental, folksy, forthright, framk, genuine, green, handcrafted, homey, impulsive, innocent, instinctive, laid-back, leather, minerals, native, open, organic, plain, primitive, provincial, pure, raw, real, rustic, simple, simple-hearted, sincere, spontaneous, straightforward, trusting, unassuming, uncontrived, unpolished, unpretentious, up-front, untamed, wilderness, woodsy, wild, water, warmth, light...
REFINED: aesthetic, civilized, clarified, clean, courteous, courtly, cultivated, delicate, discriminating, elegant, enlightened, exact, fastidious, finespun, genteel, gentlemanly, gracious, highbrow, high-minded, polished, polite, precise, proper, purified rarefied, restrained, sensitive, snazzy sophisticated, suave, sublime, subtle, tasteful, urbane, well-manured, glamour
March 20, 2019
Любопытная книжка в целом, хоть и не без некоторого mumbo jumbo (I say it affectionately). Мои ровесницы, возможно, помнят школьные "анкеты": какое ты животное? любимый музыкальный исполнитель? какой твой любимый камень? и как было интересно их заполнять. Ну вот тут что-то похожее, только вопросов много и они как бы взрослее. Учитывая, что взрослых, работающих, семейных, детных нас практически никто уже о нас самих не спрашивает, вдруг сесть и поговорить о себе — это очень терапевтическое упражнение и действительно помогает — ну если не определиться со своим style statement (чорт его знает, как это красиво и точно перевести), то по крайней мере вспомнить, что нравится мне самой — не мужу, маме, друзьям и начальникам, а мне, здесь и сейчас. Животное — жираф. Исполнитель — Джаггер. Камень — гранит. Как-то так.
May 13, 2013
A style statement is a two word phrase that is meant to be a guide to help bring your life together. It is meant to be freeing not limiting. A style statement should apply to all areas of your life. It helps you answer questions from "What was I thinking when I bought this shirt?" to "Why do I get upset when my partner behaves in a particular way?" to "How should I shape my career path?".
The first word of the style statement is the foundation word. This describes your inner essence. Your foundation may not be very externally prominent, but it represents your roots. When you wander too far from your foundation word, you feel uncomfortable and disoriented, but too much can make you inflexible. Your foundation word can apply to your deeply held principles as well as your essential clothing pieces or choice of couch.
The second word of you style statement is your creative edge. Your edge word often controls the impression you give (or would like to give) to others. If your foundation word is your roots, your edge word is your wings. Too little creative edge leaves you feeling empty and flat, but too much can be overwhelming and lead to burn out. Your creative edge may guide your hobbies as well as your choice of clothing accessories.
The bulk of the book consists of a series of exercises to help you explore your preferences intermixed with sample style profiles. The exercises are broken into sections based on 8 focus areas: home + stuff, fashion + sensuality, spirit + learning, service + wealth, relationships + communication, creativity + celebration, body + wellness, and nature + rest & relaxation.
If you are willing to take the time to do the exercises and really think about your answers, it is a revealing experience. Answering individual questions is sometimes revealing and sometimes a statement of the obvious (e.g., I know what my dream house would be like, but I have never thought about what parts of my culture I feel most connected to).
The real insights come when you do the filter and interpret exercises to find themes across each section and then start to see the themes that span the different focus areas. For example, I started to see themes of simplicity, precision, inquiry, energy, and optimism, among others.
Once you have gone through all the inquiries, the book leads you through some exercises to discover the overarching themes. After that comes the most exciting and difficult part: boiling all of these themes, some of which may seem contradictory, into a two word statement that captures your essence. The authors provide some guidance for choosing those words, but for the most part, the process consists of reading lots of definitions, finding candidate words (they provide a starting list, but it is just a start), and trying different combinations until you find the one that feels right.
And what is my style statement? Refined Elemental. I knew "elemental" would be one of my words as soon as I read the definition in the style vocabulary. Finding "refined" was difficult. I initially passed over the word because it seemed snooty and standoffish. When I read the definition after completing my inquiry, I realized that "refined" actually captures a lot of the qualities that had come up as persistent themes. I am particularly fond of the combination Refined Elemental because both words have connections to rocks and minerals, something I have always loved but was not really thinking about during my inquiry.
The first word of the style statement is the foundation word. This describes your inner essence. Your foundation may not be very externally prominent, but it represents your roots. When you wander too far from your foundation word, you feel uncomfortable and disoriented, but too much can make you inflexible. Your foundation word can apply to your deeply held principles as well as your essential clothing pieces or choice of couch.
The second word of you style statement is your creative edge. Your edge word often controls the impression you give (or would like to give) to others. If your foundation word is your roots, your edge word is your wings. Too little creative edge leaves you feeling empty and flat, but too much can be overwhelming and lead to burn out. Your creative edge may guide your hobbies as well as your choice of clothing accessories.
The bulk of the book consists of a series of exercises to help you explore your preferences intermixed with sample style profiles. The exercises are broken into sections based on 8 focus areas: home + stuff, fashion + sensuality, spirit + learning, service + wealth, relationships + communication, creativity + celebration, body + wellness, and nature + rest & relaxation.
If you are willing to take the time to do the exercises and really think about your answers, it is a revealing experience. Answering individual questions is sometimes revealing and sometimes a statement of the obvious (e.g., I know what my dream house would be like, but I have never thought about what parts of my culture I feel most connected to).
The real insights come when you do the filter and interpret exercises to find themes across each section and then start to see the themes that span the different focus areas. For example, I started to see themes of simplicity, precision, inquiry, energy, and optimism, among others.
Once you have gone through all the inquiries, the book leads you through some exercises to discover the overarching themes. After that comes the most exciting and difficult part: boiling all of these themes, some of which may seem contradictory, into a two word statement that captures your essence. The authors provide some guidance for choosing those words, but for the most part, the process consists of reading lots of definitions, finding candidate words (they provide a starting list, but it is just a start), and trying different combinations until you find the one that feels right.
And what is my style statement? Refined Elemental. I knew "elemental" would be one of my words as soon as I read the definition in the style vocabulary. Finding "refined" was difficult. I initially passed over the word because it seemed snooty and standoffish. When I read the definition after completing my inquiry, I realized that "refined" actually captures a lot of the qualities that had come up as persistent themes. I am particularly fond of the combination Refined Elemental because both words have connections to rocks and minerals, something I have always loved but was not really thinking about during my inquiry.
July 16, 2012
I liked this book but didn't love it. I think it rambled a lot and gave a lot more examples than necessary, but there were also a lot of good questions that got to the heart of what this book was about: defining your own style statement. I ended up skipping over large portions of this book... I would say I probably only read about 50% of it in the end... but I was still able to come up with a style statement that I think really defines who I am and captures everything the book intended. So, mission accomplished and it was definitely helpful to me! But I can't give this book 5 stars.
October 25, 2020
I purchased this book because it wasn't available at my local library. I learned about it when Brooke Castillo mentioned it on one of her podcasts. She says she's "Elegant Edgy" if I remember correctly. Knowing someone's "style statement" can tell you a lot about them.
The book is more of a workbook than one to read. There is a lot to see and some to read. The examples of individual people and how they define themselves and what matters to them is really interesting. It does require that you answer a lot of questions with sincere introspection. This book would be difficult for someone who doesn't really know their preferences. I wasn't certain at first that I'd figure out two words that could represent my style sufficiently. People are complicated. I think the more effort a person puts into answering the questions and considering what they like and dislike the more helpful this book can be.
Ultimately, I found my "Style Statement." My "foundation" word is in the book and is described in detail by the authors in a way that makes sense to me. I'll put that below my personal descriptions. I had to generate my own "creative edge" word because I didn't fit with any of the ones suggested.
My result and thoughts for my own reminder and benefit:
Comfortable: (the 80%) Comfortable clothing, furnishings, and atmosphere; peace of mind and peace of conscience; comfortable people and actions; not rushed; calm; routine; consistency; slow progress; flowing and airy; ease; genuine; natural; low-maintenance; soft.
Enlightened: (the 20%) spice; light and truth; color; intelligence; foreign; creativity; bright; whimsy; real light; natural; peace; growing; adventure; intrigue; open; spiritual.
Knowing these words and my preferences will help me be more deliberate in my style choices.
The book says this about "Comfort/Comfortable/Comforting":
"Comfortable is the consummate pleasure seeker. Physical comforts are paramount, and sensual gratification is a fundamental part of their lives. In their best form, Comfortable is easy-going, sincerely cheerful, and free from doubt. They can be highly sensitive, and when they feel something in their bones, they will operate with steady determination. When challenged, they will do what it takes to regain their equilibrium, whether that means escaping from a situation or facing it head-on. Comfortable is like a willow tree, flexible, but deeply rooted. A peacekeeper and nurturer, Comfortable is welcoming and soothing and always makes time for socializing and celebration. They strive to put those around them at ease, so they are often fabulous hosts-- they love to please and accommodate. Sometimes getting out of their 'comfort zone' makes it difficult for them to make a change, take a leap, or trust wholeheartedly. Nest eggs, backup plans, something to fall back on-- Comfortable tend to be focused on security, whether financial or familial or emotional, and will naturally strive to preserve it. Comfortable is a generous spirit."
"Look & Feel: Comfortable is body centered, so the priority with fashion and furnishings is comfort. Casual, plush, overstuffed, loose-fitting, durable; warm tones; earthy; sensual rich textures; sentimental, romantic, nostalgic, luxurious, roomy, convenient, cozy, charming, spacious, airy."
"agreeable, ample, appropriate, cared for, cheerful, convenient, cushy, delightful, easy, happy, healthy, hearty, made well, pleasant, pleased, protected, relaxing, restful, restored, rich, roomy, satisfying, serene, soft, strengthened, useful, well-off."
I really like this book and would recommend it to purchase since writing in it is probably the easiest way to use it. It will be interesting to refer back to it in the future to see if my preferences evolve. In some ways I'd rather be "Enlightened Comfortable" than "Comfortable Enlightened." I tend to neglect the creative side of myself.
The book is more of a workbook than one to read. There is a lot to see and some to read. The examples of individual people and how they define themselves and what matters to them is really interesting. It does require that you answer a lot of questions with sincere introspection. This book would be difficult for someone who doesn't really know their preferences. I wasn't certain at first that I'd figure out two words that could represent my style sufficiently. People are complicated. I think the more effort a person puts into answering the questions and considering what they like and dislike the more helpful this book can be.
Ultimately, I found my "Style Statement." My "foundation" word is in the book and is described in detail by the authors in a way that makes sense to me. I'll put that below my personal descriptions. I had to generate my own "creative edge" word because I didn't fit with any of the ones suggested.
My result and thoughts for my own reminder and benefit:
Comfortable: (the 80%) Comfortable clothing, furnishings, and atmosphere; peace of mind and peace of conscience; comfortable people and actions; not rushed; calm; routine; consistency; slow progress; flowing and airy; ease; genuine; natural; low-maintenance; soft.
Enlightened: (the 20%) spice; light and truth; color; intelligence; foreign; creativity; bright; whimsy; real light; natural; peace; growing; adventure; intrigue; open; spiritual.
Knowing these words and my preferences will help me be more deliberate in my style choices.
The book says this about "Comfort/Comfortable/Comforting":
"Comfortable is the consummate pleasure seeker. Physical comforts are paramount, and sensual gratification is a fundamental part of their lives. In their best form, Comfortable is easy-going, sincerely cheerful, and free from doubt. They can be highly sensitive, and when they feel something in their bones, they will operate with steady determination. When challenged, they will do what it takes to regain their equilibrium, whether that means escaping from a situation or facing it head-on. Comfortable is like a willow tree, flexible, but deeply rooted. A peacekeeper and nurturer, Comfortable is welcoming and soothing and always makes time for socializing and celebration. They strive to put those around them at ease, so they are often fabulous hosts-- they love to please and accommodate. Sometimes getting out of their 'comfort zone' makes it difficult for them to make a change, take a leap, or trust wholeheartedly. Nest eggs, backup plans, something to fall back on-- Comfortable tend to be focused on security, whether financial or familial or emotional, and will naturally strive to preserve it. Comfortable is a generous spirit."
"Look & Feel: Comfortable is body centered, so the priority with fashion and furnishings is comfort. Casual, plush, overstuffed, loose-fitting, durable; warm tones; earthy; sensual rich textures; sentimental, romantic, nostalgic, luxurious, roomy, convenient, cozy, charming, spacious, airy."
"agreeable, ample, appropriate, cared for, cheerful, convenient, cushy, delightful, easy, happy, healthy, hearty, made well, pleasant, pleased, protected, relaxing, restful, restored, rich, roomy, satisfying, serene, soft, strengthened, useful, well-off."
I really like this book and would recommend it to purchase since writing in it is probably the easiest way to use it. It will be interesting to refer back to it in the future to see if my preferences evolve. In some ways I'd rather be "Enlightened Comfortable" than "Comfortable Enlightened." I tend to neglect the creative side of myself.
April 27, 2010
I found this book confirming, thorough, thought-provoking, and fun. It provides open-ended exercises I would enjoy exploring with friends or in a workshop environment. As a word person, I couldn't imagine distilling all my exploration down to a two-word style statement, and wrestled through the narrowing down process quite a bit. But once I did, the end result felt strong enough to stand up to their charge, "Live by Your Own Design". I took a number of weeks to pick up the book and work through the exercises at will. Bottom-line, I believe our Creator makes us each with a unique essence and the exercise of uncovering and guarding who we are is extremely valuable. Thanks to the authors' guiding process in this book and the Spirit's confirmation, I can carry a new clarity about who I am into different life situations.
July 31, 2009
A nice introspective that inspries the creation of a "style statement" that is a two-word phrase that defines Me. I was skeptical, but had read glowing reviews of the original process that takes place via phone interview. Not wanting to pay $400 for the personal telephone version, I settled for the book.
I found my style statement and have found that it has helped me make decisions about clothing and decor -- but the amazing part is that the style statement has also encouraged my personal life on a non-material level.
I highly recommend this book for those who wish to bring clarity to their personal preferences.
I found my style statement and have found that it has helped me make decisions about clothing and decor -- but the amazing part is that the style statement has also encouraged my personal life on a non-material level.
I highly recommend this book for those who wish to bring clarity to their personal preferences.
December 12, 2009
After sorting out several items from my closet that just seem like they aren't "me" I was attracted to this book in the hope that it could help me say what is "me" and avoid unfortunate purchases in the future. The book's objective is to create your own two-word "style statement" that describes your approach including not only the things we think of as expressing our style (clothing, household) but also things of greater depth. It's non-amazing, but it does offer some food for thought about the congruence between self and image.
February 25, 2009
Feel free to find me corny, but I'm way into this book that makes me think about who I am and how I would describe it. Also, there are all these cool profiles of people - beautiful portraits, with pictures of their favorite stuff and questionnaires. It's a calming, beautiful book, and it's not just about things. I'd actually really like to own this book and do some of the exercises on my own time.
August 17, 2010
How I love a workbook! Enlightening guide to elucidating and articulating your personal style in two key words, from the way you present yourself to others to the way you interact in your world. Interesting questions I've never asked myself before. Fascinating revelations about who I am. A reminder to choose to surround myself with only what resonates with me, to live with intention.
I'm Sophisticated Kooky.
I'm Sophisticated Kooky.
March 10, 2015
A great workbook to distill the essence of who you are at the core and how to best build an authentic life. So much more than "fashion", Style Statement is about a holistic approach to all aspects of you, your surroundings, your relationships, your home, and so much more. The only warning is that to get the most out of it you will need to spend a lot of time going through and answering and thinking about the exercises. It took me a few weeks but I'm so happy I did!
August 29, 2009
This book is very inspiring. It makes you feel good about being true to yourself and being who you really want to be. It's a fun journey in self-discovery. However, I didn't actually find my style statement, and I think it's because I am just so indecisive and I still don't really know what I like and what I don't like. I will return to this book, hopefully with a clearer picture of who I am.
June 11, 2008
If you're familiar with the style statement work of Carrie and Danielle, you'll love this book.
I took 30 minutes each day to do the exercises. It was well worth the effort to discover (re-discover) what really makes me tick. I was introduced to Elemental Sacred.
I took 30 minutes each day to do the exercises. It was well worth the effort to discover (re-discover) what really makes me tick. I was introduced to Elemental Sacred.
July 27, 2008
Constructive Nostalgic. It sounds hokey, but finding my style statement has been really helpful so far. It makes editing your life just a little bit easier, and decisions come a little more naturally. Worth the time.
September 8, 2008
I like the idea of having a style statement, and felt the questions McCarthy and LaPorte pose are a good way to help you along on the journey of discovering what yours might be. I'm still mulling over a group of words that might become my style statement, but I think I'll get there soon.
July 10, 2009
I ended up putting this on my wish list at amazon because I want to use it as a workbook. It helps you figure out what you're all about so you can convey that to the world in your style - clothes, home, etc. loved it!
March 29, 2010
Love, love, love this book! Makes you really explore yourself - what you love and don't love. It's not just about the clothes you wear or how you decorate your home, but identifying your true self. I am still working on my Style Statement - the two words that define you.
August 13, 2010
Great Book about developing your own style and giving it a unique name that fits not just your image but also your personality. It does feature many truly insightful questions that become increasingly tedious to answer.
May 17, 2008
i am LOVING this book and what i am learning about myself. i'd love to hear from anyone who has read it. what's your style statement?
August 4, 2008
Little style, less content.
November 21, 2010
I'm using this book as a creative exercise. It's been fun so far.
December 26, 2008
Fun. Deep. Aesthetic as map of the soul.
September 17, 2010
My review is on my blog:
kadyellebee blog: Structured Fanciful.
kadyellebee blog: Structured Fanciful.
August 29, 2011
Gorgeous book, and finding my statement was fun. I wrote about the experience here: http://satsumabug.com/2011/08/18/find...
September 14, 2022
To be fair, I didn't complete all the writing exercises that were provided--even though I do see the value in them. I did create a document of them so I can go back to them later, but it's a lot to go through and I was also doing some other writing exercises that took priority. Despite that, I do think I found my style statement by just reading about what one is and sort of going through the process. I landed on "comfortable sensual." Part of me wonders if this is currently what I am or something more aspirational. Either way, I think it's okay.
The book is packed with inquisitive questions about your Style Statement and getting connected to it in an intimate way. I'm sure if I was able to focus a month on just this--30 minutes to an hour a day on the exercises--it would be powerful. I think it's worth it to spend the time on this when you have the space in your life for it. Probably good to work with a coach who specializes in this too!
“Perhaps your inner self has been throwing you clues for years, and you’ve been too busy to get the hint. Maybe, just maybe, who you really are and how you perceive and present yourself are miles apart, in which case, your Style Statement could come as quite a surprise—and a relief.” pg. 37
“When you are adrift from your core, the space between your surface and your depth fills up with anxiety. too much time away from your inner home leads to homesickness.
Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard considered anxiety a valuable tool for shaping our ideal lives. He believed that the remedy for anxiety is choosing to be the self that we truly are. We couldn’t agree more. But choosing isn’t always easy.” pg. 45
“Society sets us up to be right or wrong and rewards us accordingly. This is the very nature of culture and tribe. . . . We desire to belong and to be seen for who we are. This is the most divine paradox of human nature. The sweetest possibilities for fulfillment live within the creative tensions of me and us and them.” pg. 45
Book: borrowed from SSF Main Library.
The book is packed with inquisitive questions about your Style Statement and getting connected to it in an intimate way. I'm sure if I was able to focus a month on just this--30 minutes to an hour a day on the exercises--it would be powerful. I think it's worth it to spend the time on this when you have the space in your life for it. Probably good to work with a coach who specializes in this too!
“Perhaps your inner self has been throwing you clues for years, and you’ve been too busy to get the hint. Maybe, just maybe, who you really are and how you perceive and present yourself are miles apart, in which case, your Style Statement could come as quite a surprise—and a relief.” pg. 37
“When you are adrift from your core, the space between your surface and your depth fills up with anxiety. too much time away from your inner home leads to homesickness.
Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard considered anxiety a valuable tool for shaping our ideal lives. He believed that the remedy for anxiety is choosing to be the self that we truly are. We couldn’t agree more. But choosing isn’t always easy.” pg. 45
“Society sets us up to be right or wrong and rewards us accordingly. This is the very nature of culture and tribe. . . . We desire to belong and to be seen for who we are. This is the most divine paradox of human nature. The sweetest possibilities for fulfillment live within the creative tensions of me and us and them.” pg. 45
Book: borrowed from SSF Main Library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
Not just a book but a workbook of exercises to help you define and live by your own personal "style statement" of two words, a book that you never really finish reading, because you return to its advice and exercises often as you plan your life--not just fashion, but your home, work, learning, wellness, relationships, in accordance with your own personal style.
In exercises to find your "style statement," the 1st word functions as your foundation, your essence, and the 2nd as your "creative edge," your uniqueness, your own personal charm. The book's suggestions for the 1st word read like Zodiac profiles, not just for way the word is used to describe fashion, but an overall lifestyle. The suggestions for the 2nd word are limited to the word's many synonyms.
After doing the exercises, which include advice to research words by use of a dictionary and thesaurus, I settled on "comfortable" for my 1st word. My first inclination was to go w/ "creative" for my 2nd word, except I thought I should dig a little deeper than "creative" for my "creative edge."
I next considered "comfortable casual," except I found "casual" was too similar to "comfortable." From the exercises, including seeking words not suggested in the book, I found myself attracted to "solitude," which which led me to "solitary" which led me to "singular." So I've settled on my style statement being, "comfortable singular." I'll be referring back to the book as I integrate my style into my life, and blogging about it soon.
In exercises to find your "style statement," the 1st word functions as your foundation, your essence, and the 2nd as your "creative edge," your uniqueness, your own personal charm. The book's suggestions for the 1st word read like Zodiac profiles, not just for way the word is used to describe fashion, but an overall lifestyle. The suggestions for the 2nd word are limited to the word's many synonyms.
After doing the exercises, which include advice to research words by use of a dictionary and thesaurus, I settled on "comfortable" for my 1st word. My first inclination was to go w/ "creative" for my 2nd word, except I thought I should dig a little deeper than "creative" for my "creative edge."
I next considered "comfortable casual," except I found "casual" was too similar to "comfortable." From the exercises, including seeking words not suggested in the book, I found myself attracted to "solitude," which which led me to "solitary" which led me to "singular." So I've settled on my style statement being, "comfortable singular." I'll be referring back to the book as I integrate my style into my life, and blogging about it soon.
March 31, 2021
So it all starts a bit new age and hippy but after that first third, when the asking you to think about what you like and don't and why kicks in, it is really interesting.
I did this several years ago and feeling more "in tune with myself" has helped, doing it again has cemented my central vision of myself and reminded me of some fun things I would want to try when things reopen safely.
Re-read as I had recommended it to a friend and wanted to check it was ok. It is, although I could happily skip all the personal experiences with what a stranger's style statement means to them - and I felt that on the first read.
I did this several years ago and feeling more "in tune with myself" has helped, doing it again has cemented my central vision of myself and reminded me of some fun things I would want to try when things reopen safely.
Re-read as I had recommended it to a friend and wanted to check it was ok. It is, although I could happily skip all the personal experiences with what a stranger's style statement means to them - and I felt that on the first read.
April 10, 2023
Not your typical style book. The format within which it’s written is….different. What I enjoy about this book is that it references style as almost a ‘state of being’ which is beyond the clothes we wear….It’s how we talk, walk, decorate, etc. Of course there is an emphasis on fashion, and the book takes the reader on a journey of discovering two words which define the individual ‘style statement. I’m rereading this currently as part of a book club, and I’ll be interested to see if my thoughts and review shifts afterwards. Worth a read if it’s the genre your looking for.
February 4, 2019
Interesting ideas, but not enough guidance on the process of picking your own style statement. While I was able to distill down my worksheet answers into keywords (lots and lots of keywords) I wasn't able to find a two word "brand." It was way too nebulous. And the almost none of the examples resonated with me; I think most were way too NYC elite to be of much use to everyday people.
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