Guest blog post by Emilie James
Personal style is an important element when choosing what to wear each day and conveys much more than the shirt du jour. It is also a channel for self-expression. It is a reflection of places been (both figuratively and literally), where in life one seeks to go, as well as a person’s feelings in that moment.
As humans, we are breathing, walking and talking canvases, and how we choose to adorn that canvas ultimately portrays how we wish the world to view us and how we perceive the world.
Style is also about presenting the best possible you to the world and being an example to those who look up to you. I find that through accessorizing, it is the easiest and perhaps the most fun way to accomplish this.
Jewelry is an easy way to bring several elements of your personality into an outfit. It offers opportunity to add visual interest to any number of outfits. Pieces can be religious or offer calming Zen reminders. It can recall memories from world travels and express exotic cultural interest.
Jewelry can also bring shine and glamour to t-shirts and jeans or romantic bohemian elements to office attire. For example, today I’m wearing a beaded cross pendant & necklace purchased in a Stuttgart museum, a dainty solitaire ring, and citrine birthstone bangle bracelets I received as a gift.
In addition to mirroring one’s experience and self, jewelry can add unexpected texture and excitement to your outfit and provide an average outfit with essence and depth. Statement pieces with beads and jewels or made of metal can give an outfit a really contemporary or artistic voice.
Colorful stones and natural materials like leather and wood can bring earthy elements into an otherwise ordinary outfit. It also offers opportunity to create juxtaposition of style; imagine a classic black sheath dress at the office or an evening out paired with chunky turquoise stone bracelets or some long beaded necklaces.
Or perhaps pairing a flowy floral dress with a metal cuff or collar necklace to mix hard structural elements with soft feminine features. Really anything goes, because accessorizing is about projecting a strong sense of self to the people you encounter every day in the world –including your kids.
Playing up your own personality characteristics with seasonal accessories couples panache with daily wear. Colder temperatures are on their way perhaps a pair of (faux) fur earmuffs, chic driving-style leather gloves, cable knit leg warmers, or even a colorful vintage hat can marry style with function. This methodology is not cold-weather specific and can be applied to all seasons with a pair of bright red rain boots, leopard print umbrella, day or diaper bag with clean modern lines, or perhaps sunglasses with a sculptural element, for example.
Investing in staple accessory pieces versatile enough to be worn with any outfit and for various occasions is another tried and true method. The trick with these essential items is to keep them classic, classic with a twist, or so incredibly unique that because they go with nothing they thus go with everything. What’s really great about these essential items is that they can make a person look well put-together even on the busiest of mornings and because they are fundamental go-to items that’ll endure through trends and wear.
When you only have a few minutes to get dressed, be it due to over sleeping an alarm or getting the family ready, style is the furthest thing from mind. You can easily pair whatever clean pants and shirt are available with a chunky bracelet or watch, a printed scarf about neck, studded flats shoes, and a chic day bag. You’ll be dressed looking like you put a lot more thought into the outfit than the 10 minutes a busy schedule would otherwise allow.
A distinct sense of style tells the world – and your little ones – that you’re comfortable with who you are and that as mom, as a woman and as a person you are worth celebrating. It presents people with insight into your personality, your experiences, and the life you live as well as give an outfit unexpected polish and versatility.
Accessorizing and style may seem trivial to some. Indeed there are more important things in life. However, accessories can add a little shine to hectic days and help you maintain a sense of self while caring for and putting others first.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
– Coco Chanel
Emilie James is a recently-turned 30-something style devotee. Living in the city, working, being social, and with friends in various life cycles she sees the value of style in the everyday world and garners influences from the runway and fashions past.
Emilie truly believes having style is a fundamental key to owning your voice and conveying one’s own perception of self-worth and personality to people we encounter each day. Her favorite food is empanadas.
