What’s Your Style?

Hello there!

I invite you to take a moment to consider your personal style. Please close your eyes and think of two or three words that describe it.

As you reflect, were you thinking about your home style or your wardrobe style? In my experience, when we tap into our authentic style, it often influences many areas of our lives—from what we wear to how we live and even what we eat.

There are thousands, if not millions, of style icons.  While everyone’s personal style is unique, I find it helpful to categorize different aesthetics, much like reading a horoscope. Not every detail may apply, but many characteristics often resonate. This exercise of describing style in words is the first step in identifying a unique style. I also enjoy exploring how to incorporate those words into my wardrobe and home to create harmony. This process can help guide shopping decisions, as well as closet and home edits, potentially even inspiring the next phase of a style evolution.

I have created five style boards to illustrate this concept. First, I selected descriptive words; then, I considered clothing possibilities; and finally, I made some furnishing choices. I also embraced “autumn” mode because I am very excited about this cool weather and may be going shopping soon. As I was building these boards, I had specific people in mind. Please know that this is just the beginning of this conversation, and I hope that you will consider making one of these mood boards for yourself!

She is chic and often impeccably dressed. She is usually drawn to neutrals with pops of color. She has perfected the details and is drawn to high-quality yet unfussy antiques. Her small yet impactful accessories, whether diamond studs, pearls, or a set of silver candlesticks, seamlessly flow together to complete the look.  Quality and history are what motivate her acquisitions. Her style icons may be Coco Chanel or Audrey Hepburn.

She is daring and always trying something that she saw while traveling or exploring a neighborhood market. She is often colorful in both her wardrobe and her home and loves to buy the art of her friends. Her house has surprises all over, big and small.  She is driven by passion and curiosity. Her style icons may be Janis Joplin or Frida Kahlo.

She is sophisticated and considers every detail. She tends to lean monochromatic, with a focus on natural materials—such as wool, cotton, linen, gold, silver, and shearling. She is constantly simplifying and editing her home and her wardrobe. Everything flows, inviting you to relax and get comfortable. Comfort, sustainability, and texture inspire her. “Quiet Luxury” is a popular term to describe this California textured style. Her style icons may include Gwyneth Paltrow and design icon Kelly Hoppen.

Her style is rich, clean-lined, and straightforward—deep, moody colors with an understated yet elegant point of view.  She is cool, calm, and very intentional in her attention to detail. Don’t mess with her-she knows what she is doing! Her style icons may be Jodi Foster and Diane Keaton.

This woman notices how things feel to the touch, whether she wears them or sits on them.  She loves cashmere, silk, wool, velvet, natural marble, and feminine colors like blush, rose, and violet.  She makes a statement when she enters a room, and her home is a soft, cozy hug.  Her style icons may include Dolly Parton and Rihana.

How about you?  What are your words to describe your style?  Me?  The words that I used for this exercise are French Vintage.  I am constantly searching on Pinterest for French-inspired outfits, because let’s face it, it-they look so good!  I also like many mid-century modern furnishings because they fit beautifully in my small home.   If I am lucky, I will see if I can get the BD team to do this exercise over the next few weeks, because it’s a lot of fun and we may even get to know each other better! I am also curious about your words, so please share at stephanie@balancedesignatlanta.com.  In the meantime, enjoy the sweater weather!

Best wishes,

Stephanie