Style Statement

 

So, I have not been posting as feverishly as usual. I have been busy illustrating a new book series (hooray for me!) and I have been pushing myself into a bit of self discovery as an artist and maybe even as a person. I can't tell you what a wonderful journey I have been on the last month and how eager I am to put it all into my art! I thought I might share a bit of the process with you, maybe not in the exact order that it all has happened. I will say that it does feel a bit divine and I am still processing it in my head (and heart).  A year or two ago I bought this awesome book called The Style Statement, it leads you through a process of figuring out your own personal and  authentic style. Now over the years I have read alot of books of personal style and they often narrow it down you you being a bohemian, a  classic traditionalist, and maybe a minimalist. But what if you don't fit in those categories? What if you still find yourself buying clothes and decor that you don't end up liking or using? What if you are branding your business?

This book helps you figure out 80% of your core personality and 20% of your essence. At least that is my take on it. But a couple of years ago I read through the book and decided either I had a multiple personality or it was not my time to figure it all out yet. I have always reasoned that, as an Army Brat, who moved her entire childhood, I could be many things for many people. Somehow, I think a girl who was born in Italy, went to grade school in Hawaii and is now living in New England is just one thing, adaptable! I am not even mentioning living in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Maryland, California, oh, and in NYC. That boggles my mind to even type that out! Oops, forgot Arizona! Excuse me, I think my CORE is that of a little lizard called a chameleon. Not exactly what I was hoping for...so I set the book down and walked away from that exercise!

Anyhoo, fast forward, I found myself putting together a creative package for a client and I began to ask myself some hard questions. What do I really want to bring to the table? What do I already bring that needs to be tweaked? At the same time, I completely cleaned out my closet and got rid of almost all my sweaters and a few coats. (My niece from AZ needed warm clothes to go to school in NY) All I wanted to keep was my cashmere sweaters (soft) , my Uggs (warm), and my most  jeans (comfy). Ok, I did keep a bit more than that but it was  a mini revelation for me. Then I just happened to open Carrie and Danielle's book again and I figured out my style statement in seconds. "I am a comfort person, I like to inspire, bring cheer people. I like to put them at ease and entertain." In the book it even used this description... Comfortableis like a willow tree, flexible but deeply rooted. Big light bulb moment for me. Someone had said those exact words to me over 20 years ago! I have adapted to A LOT of different places and people but my roots have always been the same. The inspired part of my personal style statement is the part of me that simply does not want to be like everybody else. The little bit of flair in me that insists on an unusual twist to my wardrobe or my home and hopefully my art! It also encompasses how I like to encourage other people to step out of their shells and do the same. This book is a really fun read, it helps you define your authentic self and who doesn't want to do that? Carrie McCarthy talks about how knowing your style statement helps you make empowered decisions-from your wardrobe and home to your relationships and work. You can find her  website and charming blog here.  See, this is a  long post, I have had so much swirling around in my brain...and I have been working. Oh! And all this has led my to completely clean out my studio...two bags of trash from one art cabinet alone. Gotta love the new year!

Comments

[www.janetmontecalvo.com]

Nice inspiration Monica. Janet

[Jessica]

I always love to "meet" people who've moved as much as me--I know just what you mean about being adaptable. As a kid, I loved it--figuring out how to fit in with a new school and catching up with what everyone was learning (or trying not to be bored if it was what I'd learned the year before...) As a designer, though, it sometimes feels like a bit of a disadvantage to be so adaptable, though. You've inspired me to crack open my copy of Style Statement again and give it another try--perhaps now that it's simmered a bit, I'll find my two words (last time, I 'wanted' at least five ;-).)

Thank you for sharing your progression through the process!

[monicalee]

Yeah! Thanks so much! Pooh! On being adaptable, here's to being the real "you!"