1.31.2010

Style Secrets: Symbol of Style

“Create your own visual style…let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”
Orson Welles

Darlings, I’m not one for beating around the bush so lets guilelessly get down to business here. Admit it, there is nothing more simple than spotting a style that mesmerizes you and immediately copying it. Perhaps you adore Blair Waldorf’s wide array of sensational oversized headbands; or maybe you can’t get enough of Bettie Page’s bangs, or Olivia Palermo’s constant incorporation of statement necklaces into her daily look. As we all know, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” but it can also work against us in making us lose all semblance of personal style.

Don’t get me wrong my loves; there is absolutely no harm in drawing inspiration from our style icons in terms of the way we dress, but establishing our own distinct form of personal style seems far more fabulous. After all, you are not the only one imitating Serena van der Woodsen’s tousled tresses or Dree Hemingway’s slightly rebellious tomboy chic; there are millions of you out there, making it quite easy to find yourself lost in the crowd. Allowing your personal style to wind up on a missing person’s poster hanging haphazardly upon the sliding glass doors of a supermarket is an absolute no-no; therefore, the time has come to personalize your look.

Incorporating a symbol that is all yours into your wardrobe is the easiest way to stand out from the followers; to shout to the world that you are a true individual, without so much as opening your Peek-A-Boo glossed pout; to create an emblem that instantly makes people think of you, and only you. Who knows; by this time next week someone could, very likely, be mimicking your newly-developed trademark style!

Skin Deep There is no question that creating a signature style can be quite the intimidating task – especially in the beginning stages. One very rarely knows where to start, and needs time to evaluate what they want their look to say about them. While you’re hemming and hawing over this particular predicament, weighing the options of effusing sophistication or playfulness, ruggedness or romantics in your daily look du jour, turning to beauty is oftentimes the most accessible way to begin your foray into finding your symbol of style.

Beauty is synonymous with the presence of a lifelong best friend. It is always there to boost your confidence or cheer you up after a bad day with the simple application of a bit of Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint adorning the apples of your cheeks or a mere swipe of Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara about your lashes to make your eyes truly pop. When it comes to perusing a beauty ritual as your trademark, however, it is essential that you keep the mantra “Go big or go home” in mind.

“An image is not simply a trademark, a design, a slogan or an easily remembered picture. It is a studiously crafted personality profile of an individual, institution, corporation, product or service.”
Daniel J. Boorstin

A trademark built around beauty must be over the top, ostentatious, and, if you’re truly bold, slightly outlandish. Sticking to neutral tones or subtle shades is easily forgettable; your dazzling logo must be anything but! You want something that people will remember; an image which will stay emblazoned in the minds of everyone – from old acquaintances to new friends and foes alike. Hence the reason why dramatics are in order!

Use beauty looks from eras past as your muse. Think pixie hairstyles like Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby or Edie Sedgwick in Poor Little Rich Girl; embrace dramatic eye makeup like spider-lashes and heavy kohl liner of the sixties; mix and match bright colors to create depth and smoldering seduction; or have a little fun with hair color to reinvent yourself. One thing to remember is not to get caught up in wanting to shock people with your beauty regimen. The key to being satisfied with your signature is being comfortable. If your personality is lost beneath layers of bright shadows, and pounds of hairspray that scream someone else you’ll be disappointed in the results. Adhere to your personal likes and dislikes to put your best beauty tricks forward and truly tantalize with your trademark!

Taste the Rainbow Dolls, even if you are amongst the class of people who feel a desire to dabble in a variety of styles, changing your look on a daily basis in a fashion akin to a chameleon switching his shade to blend in with his surroundings, do not fret…you are still able to create a trademark that represents who you are; you merely have to build it around something other than a fervor for frilly skirts or cravings for cute crop tops. It is times like these when we must willingly regress back to childhood, and ask ourselves the age old question… “What’s your favorite color?”

“It’s beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”
Roy R. Gilson

It’s completely true; one of the simplest forms of satisfying your desire for a signature style is by tasting the rainbow and selecting one shade that embodies everything about who you are. In grade school we bickered with one another over what color was the absolute best, the crème de la crème of Crayola offerings that worked wonders in any piece of art we put down on paper (I was partial to Sea Foam Green myself); now, in young adulthood, we must do precisely the same thing, only instead of being used to decorate a doodle drawn in the margins of our Lisa Frank notebook during history class, we are adorning our bodies in such a hue!

When selecting a color as your trademark you must be able to distinguish between what you love, and what you look good in. Refrain from choosing green, even if you adore it, if it makes your pallor look pasty; at the same time, do not pick yellow simply because it looks good on you. Look for a color that flatters your figure, and makes you happy all at once. Bottom line…you cannot have one without the other; therefore, search until you find perfection. And once you have chosen your signature shade? Oh please, that’s easy darlings; never walk out the door without at least a smidgen of that color accoutering your body – it is your trademark, after all!

The Power of the Accessory If you have resisted the lure of the accessory for this long I truly commend you; ‘tis not an easy task. Accessories are to fashion what miniature marshmallows and whipped cream are to hot chocolate…a complete and utter necessity. They have the ability to instantly add personality, volume, and dimension to your style; essentially breathing life into your look du jour. For this reason alone, they are one of the most powerful staples for creating a trademark all your own.

“Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.”
John Fairchild

It was Coco Chanel who said “It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” Truer words have never been spoken. Choosing an accessory as the piece de resistance of your personal style is a fabulous, fashion-forward way to celebrate individuality, as they are widely available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures; and, the true icing on the cake, are oftentimes quite inexpensive so you can indulge in a few pieces to keep your look fresh and fun, never boring or mundane!

Seek out an accessory that is completely comfortable, and can be worn year-round; but don’t lose sight of the fact that, as a trademark, it must be clearly visible to people. Wearing barely there stud earrings on a daily basis easily create a hint of sparkle, but completely lack the ability to make a big enough impression on someone where they would instantly attribute earrings to you as an individual. Be more audacious and cheeky in your selection. If you want rings to be your signature, forgo thin bands and instead embrace cocktail rings that are large and in charge like House of Harlow 1960’s Peacock Cocktail Ring or Noir Jewelry’s Disco Deco Cocktail Ring. If scarves are more your style, choose ones with memorable aesthetics like Eugenia Kim’s Angela Chunky Braided Scarf, or pretty designs like Deepa Gurnani’s Rainbow Scarf. Remember darlings, it is your responsibility to choose an accessory that will keep people talking long after you’ve vacated the room!

“A great trademark is appropriate, dynamic, distinctive, memorable and unique.”
Primo Angeli

Fancy Feet Never underestimate the power of the shoe. Many believe that, given the fact that they are strapped upon your feet, the lowest possible region of your body, fabulous shoes go unnoticed. Darlings, this estimation could not be further from the truth. Take it from someone who surveys a person’s ensemble from the bottom up; shoes are of the utmost importance, and, as sad as it may sound, are oftentimes more memorable than one’s face. Hence the reason why they are a wondrous form of fashion to curl up with when creating your claim to style fame!

An important thing to remember when electing to make a form of shoe your signature style is the itty bitty fact that you must choose something that retains the versatility to operate in any given situation you encounter – be it a first date, job interview, or cocktail party; whilst being available in a multitude of designs and aesthetics so that you can stay true to your desired logo at all times without tiring of it.

“Fashions fade, style is eternal.”
Yves Saint Laurent

Boots, as much as I adore them, may work with leggings, jeans, dresses, and skirts, but they honestly don’t make the cut in terms of establishing themselves as a trademark, for cocktail parties and evening affairs are remiss about welcoming them with open arms (though, truth be told, I have attempted to wiggle my way around this unwritten rule countless times – all to disastrous results, mind you). No, when seeking signature style of the shoe, it is best to look towards ballerinas like Antik Batik’s Kiwi Cotton Ballet Flats with Beads or Pour La Victoire’s Juliet Stud Flats, and pumps such as Luxury Rebel’s Jenny Haircalf Booties or Pelle Moda’s Wren Peep Toe Pumps on Double Platform. These two styles proffer the ability to don a different color, texture, or aesthetic 365 days a year; and are the ideal item to build entire ensembles around!

Adored Accoutrements Kittens, who on earth led you to believe that you had to select a hue or particular add-on to represent you as your very own trademark? A signature is what you make it; thus it is your decision what form it takes on and how you translate it to the world. And one of the very best ways of communicating your personal style, if you hadn’t already guessed, is by embracing a type of clothing that you would be incapable of living without!

Like shoes, selecting a style of dress that screams “your name here,” is one of the most multifaceted ways to clinch your autobiographical attire. Infatuated with dresses? Make flirty frocks such as Tibi’s Long Sleeve Dress your moniker. Incapable of resisting tights? Allocate pretty legwear like SPANX’s Swiss Dot Tights as your style namesake. Constantly tempted by tunics? Don’t be frightened to wear one like Kite and Butterfly’s Ruffle Caftan everyday! A trademark is specific to you and you only; therefore, selecting a well-loved piece to represent your charming character is a foolproof way of establishing pure bliss.

“Style is a magic wand, and turns everything to gold that it touches.”
Logan Pearsall Smith

Tricks of the Trade Now, I am most certainly not one for being a downer or ruining anyone’s fun – especially when it comes to fashion; but I feel that it is my duty as the style-loving femme fatale that I consider myself to be to arm you with a few tips to ensure that your quest for sensational signature style comes off without a hitch!

24/7 Style It is your trademark, your signature, the thing that makes you recognizable to others; therefore you must ensure that you display your stylish symbol as often as possible!
Just Say No to Trends! Trends are fleeting; here today gone tomorrow. Avoid designating one as your trademark as, chances are, you will tire of it the moment the fashion world casts it aside.
Seasons of Change Be mindful of the fact that your moniker must be flexible; it must retain the ability to work in any and all types of weather. As such, select something that will survive and satisfy your wardrobe winter, spring, summer, or fall.
Metamorphosis Just as trends are fleeting, so are our likes and dislikes of the moment; thus, do not be afraid to modify your trademark, even once it has been established. Style is synonymous with a butterfly emerging from her cocoon, allow it to metamorphosize and flourish as you see fit.
Interlocking C’s At times the interlocking C’s are representative of Coco Chanel; currently, they represent two very important ideas when establishing signature style…confidence and comfort. If both of these prerequisites are not met, find a different look to allocate as your trademark. It is your responsibility as the temptress that you are to effuse fabulousness at all times; a task which is downright impossible if you don’t feel confident or comfortable in your style of dress!


“Style is the hallmark of a temperament stamped upon the material at hand.”
Andre Maurois



Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Polyvore, We ♥ It, World Fashion, Shopbop, ibt Blogs, Coco Lee, and Nicole’s Guide to Style for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Leader Giveaway for your chance to win a Dort Crystal Toni Ring from JBandMe.com.
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79 comments

Daydream Believer said...

Great post! I'd love to have my own signature style, but I think I lack the confidence. I think for beginners, subtlety is key!

tess said...

mine would have to be berets and odd necklaces, then again I'm reluctant to have a signature at my young age haha

Catie said...

Very inspiring post. I'm currently trying to transition into the style that I've always wanted to have. I've always been stuck in the 'good girl' look, and I really want to look a little more edgy.

shinynewgirl said...

brilliant brilliant post - i especially love all the quotes. Going to post a link to this on my twitter x

J. said...

This is a great post! I feel like most people get so caught up in trends that they lose themselves. Excellent writing.

Emily said...

great post!
I love style symbols. t

Couture Carrie said...

Exquisite post, darling!
Loving the red dress from shopbop and the statement necklaces!

xoxox,
CC

Dream Sequins said...

Jam packed with great tips and tricks :) Loved this "Accessories are to fashion what miniature marshmallows and whipped cream are to hot chocolate…a complete and utter necessity." So true!!!

Allegra said...

so true! I love this quote. and blair looks so good, she's such a beauty. also olivia. great post.

Tiffany Kadani said...

This post got me thinking. I think my style is highly dependent on my job: dancer and dance teacher. I'm kind of always in dance clothes. But within that realm there are dancers in the company who are funky, layered, prim, etc. I wear whatever helps me dance better. Or look thinner. I guess all in all I like to wear nice things. Is that a style?

Monica said...

gotta love accessories !

thesilentswagger.blogspot.com

daisychain said...

so true,
wonderful, insightful post x

Jessica said...

This is the premise my entire brand is built on! I love it.

Embellished
embrace being unique

www.embellishedbyjessica.etsy.com

Arushi Khosla said...

I used to love B but this season she's gone from stunningly preppy chic to dull, grandma stuffy.

Olivia Palermo (heart).

Mimi said...

I have always admired the style of Blair on GossipGirl. This is a magnificent post. I love all that you've mentioned here as well as all the lovely quotes. Have a great week Erika! Red clothing and statement necklaces speak volumes in terms of fashion and style.

Mila said...

When it comes to writing,you are definitely one of the most talented bloggers!I agree with eveery single thing you wrote!!
xx

FASHION SNAG said...

Great post Erika! I try not to dress like everyone else and pick things I like and put them together in new and different ways. I was surprised myself at how great the cognac jacket looked with the black boots. At first I tried on a black leather jacket, but it didn't look right so then I tried the cognac and I was like...oh yeah! haha. It is easy to dress in black and white all the time, but I don't want to be like everyone else =) xo

www.FashionSnag.com

Jen said...

Accessories definitely make a style statement. I'll never tire of buying a new necklace or blinging bracelet - you know accessories will always fit you, no matter if you're having a fat day. Surely the easiest way to assert your style?

Love your metaphors and quotes, as always! :)

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Fantastic post, Erika! One of the things I have always loved about Olivia Palermo is her statement necklaces. For one, they are always incredibly gorgeous. But they also always look fabulous on her!

Theresa said...

This is a fantastic post, along with all your others. Honestly, your blog is just so original. I love it! You definitely have to be one of my favorite bloggers, love.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic- I just think I need to choose something that I won't get tired of. My style changes a lot.

Anonymous said...

Great post! & gosh those first pictures of blair, awesome, I totally love gossip girl :D. Aww thanks a lot dear! the song is by the killers - when we were young. that song is absolutly amazing! :)

Angela said...

Great post my dear. Defining one's own style is definitely a trial and error which involove a long process of trying new things and ideas. But then, it is almost all the fun while we are trying right, even if some ideas are not so savvy. : ) I have been there.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I REALLY need to bite the bullet and buy that HOH peacock ring. I've been drooling over it!!

Oana Roxana said...

Yes!!! I know everyone's unique,so we all can do something,showing that we're special.Everything will be less boring.I like the idea of icons.The can be inspiring,but I yeah,I don't like watching 1000 girls,dressed like Blair or other show star.Love the post!

That Chelsea Girl™ said...

I suppose you could say my curly hair is my trademark, as it's very hard to do much to it so I've just learned to make it pretty and not fuzzy. Sometimes I straighten it but it's very rare that I do.
Loved this post girl, hope you had a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Great post, it's so easy to look at style icons and say 'oh I want to look like that, no wait, that one too, and her...' that finding your own style in amongst all these influences is hard. I've loved having a personal style blog as I tihnk it's a great way to look back at your clothes, see what worked and what didn't, and work out for yourself how you want to look.

Kathryn said...

Lovely post. I think for me, it's the accessories. However subtle it may be, it defenitley is something I can never be without.

XOXO AnnNicole said...

This post was utterly amazing! It had advice for everyone from someone with a signature look to someone so lost they don't know what they would call their 'style'. I would say, I'm in between! So this post was so inspiring and I plan to definetely take your words to heart! Thanks so much for a great post!

xoxoannnicole.blogspot.com

Sara said...

What a great post! I do take inspiration from movies, music and TV all the time. However I think it's the unique twist and the incorporation of my own personal style that makes it work.

Thanks for the great post!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Great post and tips! I wish I had more of a signature style... I feel sometimes it's all over the place, but I like what I like, ya know? haha.

Thanks for your nice comment today:) Enjoy your Sunday!

Bonnibella said...

I agree it's important to have one's own style but not fall victim to trends. Of the entire list I would fall into making accessories as my personal style. Nothing changes a simple black dress than a bold earring or flashy ring.

Sherin said...

This was great to read! I love taking inspiration from other peoples looks, but I also love adding my personal touch to it.

I would love to be able to pull of having really cool hair colour or wearing dramatic make up. But I do think that accessories are a great idea for picking a signiture piece!

SabinePsynopsis said...

Out with beige & brown! From now on I will be daring, colourful and generously put on the accessoires!

All Women Stalker said...

I'm 26 and still has no personal style. I'm sad. Tsk tsk.

Lady said...

I definitely don't have a trademark accessory or anything like that but I am definitely going to try and find something I would love to always wear and give a sort of memory to others, so they will know forever that it is me who wears it with style and personality. Great post!! Quite inspiring :)

Julia said...

Great post! I definitely agree that it is important to have your own individual style. I'm not sure if I really have a trademark but I feel confident in my own sense of style.

xoxo
FashionEye

Clare said...

Yes i love personal style and my trademark style is always big hair and a oversized hair bow or headband. I didn't even know Leighton Meester did it too until people started watching the show and telling me how she wore headbands too. lol I have actually never seen Gossip Girl but I am glad to know that someone else loves a good headband!!

Meg said...

Great advice. I think the closest thing I have to a trade mark is my curly hair.

Joanne Faith said...

This is a wonderful post, I agree that there is nothing more harmful to personal style than trying to emulate someone else's too hard.

L said...

This is excellent! Thank you so much; I am quite the chameleon sometimes, I hadn't thought of making color a trademark! I do have a set of accessories that I always wear because I love them and they go with everything that I own.

Sarah Whitney said...

Ahh I loved this post! So much goodness and truth crammed into it. I 100% agree with you about the "interlocking C's"!

Cindy Whitehead said...

Having your own personal style is great.Trying new trends here and there if it works into "your look" is fun too. Great post!

Jen Hsieh said...

this is definitely one of my all time favorite posts of yours! people always wonder how they can stand out among a crowd without having to copy someone's else's signature look. what hasn't been done before? how can i stand out...in a good way? you really give some great advice. :)

Jessi said...

Hmmm, I wonder what mine is... in fall/winter, I def stick to the black and grey neutrals, adding color thru accessories. I know I'm very attracted to and influenced by classics like Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. I'll have to take a poll with my friend's to see what they'd label my style as... :)

xoxo J

michelle_ said...

i loved this post very much !
agree that style identification is very important !

thanks so much for dropping by my blog and the lovely comments :D
hope you've had a great weekend..
michelle . @ GLISTERS&BLISTERS

Elizabeth Marie said...

Lovely post doll. I love the accessories part...AMEN! You can do so much!!!

xo, Alexi said...

very inspiring post! i sort of skimmed it, but i'm definitely planning on reading it thoroughly after doing some homework.
thanks so much for your comment! it's my sister's shirt, actually, but i wanted to do an outfit post with it before i left home, haha.
http://www.blogger.com/steampunkdolls

monica said...

YOU are inspiring as always

so much motivation to look good.

a cherry tree said...

FABULOUS post! and so timely for me. Just this past weekend I was reconsidering my personal style and going over my inspiration boards, weeding out what no longer draws me in :)

I think to have a truly unique fashion style would be every fashionistas goal, yes?!

<3 xxx

Elle said...

i'm having trouble finding the words to describe how wonderful this post is. it should be required reading, for everyone! i absolutely NEED that red dress and i covet all of Olivia's statement jewelry...

Cafe Pasadena said...

The multi-colored makeup actually works on those 2 girls! For some reason, it made me think of Macaron's. I think I'm gonna blog about it now.

Fashion Court said...

i LOVE blair's style! even though i don't get to watch gossip girl as much as i'd like :p

ps darling, your guest post is up! xo

Anastasia Schembri said...

Excellent post as always!!!

B a la Moda said...

I love this post!!!!! It is so well written and it is so true. Sometimes one finds their persona style randomly after realizing that she always go for the same kind of things. I once was the accessories lady. I am glad you liked the belt.

xoxo
B* a la Moda

Sam said...

There's nothing as lovely as being in the throes of a signature style!! I think I've had a few over the years and am currently in between I think! Fab post!

Frannie said...

I have 2 words darling:
Cocktail Rings!

Nuff Said.

Fabulous post, dearest!!!

Chicago Chic said...

My dear, I could not agree with you more. This post is so very well-written and brava for such wonderful advice! I agree that there is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from others, and yet it can go way too far. Becoming unique and finding your own style is so important. I always strive to hold my own and wear what I feel is true to me regardless of any trends going on at the time.

Beautifully written and I love the dress on bottom right! Hope you had a wonderful weekend, lovely!
xoxoxo *Baci*Kisses
Rachel

Grumpy old man said...

Woow, Erika, that was a mouthful, brilliant post, well done.

I have posted your leg pics you sent me, and you have been tagged, so please visit me, (I will supply the coffee and biscuits) and fetch your tag. :-)

Hope your week is going great!

Colin.

Alice said...

Amazing post! I really like it that you captured so many sides of creating a trademark look! I could identify with almost every chapter. Thanks!

yiqin; said...

Woah, the eye makeup is perfect :)

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Great post and very true. Nothing better than finding something you love--and that works for you--and working it!

little luxury list said...

Love it. It's taken me a while to find my style. I don't do that much jewelry but really love headbands and am starting to pick up more interesting earrings and such.

It's all about the final touch that completes an outfit and sometimes the accessory MAKES the outfit. Lovely quotes and tips as always Erika!

Leah said...

I love you Erika... I didn't get the chance to read this post yesterday as I was on the road most of the day.

This is what I've been thinking about when I posted my "This is Me". You made me so happy with this post.

Unknown said...

I love this blog post. Amazing :) You make me want to go shopping for beautiful things hehe

www.janetteria.com said...

What a great post, dearest Erika!

Sandy said...

awesome post Erika! I'm gonna have to go back and read it a couple more times.
I've finally found (or reacquainted myself with) my style. It was gone for a long time but it's back. And apparently pretty consistent. Of course Tim Gunn has been such an inspiration, and of course all my wonderful blogging ladies such as yourself :)

Rachel Scarlet said...

Hello Erika! It has been so long since I last talked to you. How are you! I have been so busy lately. Anyways, I love the headbands. Accessories do add life to a plain and simple outfit. Let us do this "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” :) XOXO Love you!

em.me.ma said...

those are beautifully done makeup!

www.yellowscarff.blogspot.com

FashionJazz said...

I absoloutely luved ur post!!!! Very inspirational!! xx

Aline said...

awesome post! i may grab inspiration from others, but always try to make it something of my own:)

InnyVinny said...

Wonderful post!!! Steal from the best and make it your OWN.

Rock Couture said...

Brilliant post!! Love it

Cheryl said...

What a lovely and well written post!

Although I always go for no fuss classical dressing, I'm a firm believer in accessorizing to create an interesting look. :)

SF Indie Fashion said...

Trendy yet original! Fantastic blog.

Kim Jackson said...

You changed your blog style! I've been reading in my i-google. Too cute! I love shades of pink and brown together.

This is yet another beatifully written and thoughful post and it speaks to me. My signature pieces would include scarves--which I have in tons of arrays of colors, patterns and materials and am hardly without, often even wearing thinner summer scarves; and shoes-you'll rarely catch me without at least a 3 inch heel (except in this abominable MD snow), and I just got the most outrageous, adorable pair of Steve Madden pumps yesterday. It's so fun to know what you love, what looks good on you!

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