How to find your Personal Style.

Hi there, I'm Kirstyn and I am a personal stylist, YOUR personal stylist if you'll so have me. I love to help women find who they are through fashion and shout it to the world (or quietly whisper if minimalism is more your thing.) Nothing makes me happier than seeing a client's confidence slowly build as they learn how to dress in a way that suits them, flatters their shape and reflects the awesome person they are on the inside. It gives me ALL of the full heart, chuffed feels.

Another fact, I love to write. Spent a fair chunk of time studying how to do it better. Not sure if any of it stuck but I have decided to fill this bit of spare space on the web to use my words and share what I've learnt about style and how to dress your best!

Let's start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start (or so says Frauline Maria, and she made clothes out of curtains so she must know something.) Finding your personal style is a lifelong process and it is constantly evolving! We aren't the same people we were when we were 17 (thank god) so why would we have the same style? I'm certainly not still wearing cork wedges and fabric belts, though never say never, everything does seem to come back...

Style is about:

*Feeling Great

*Looking Good

That's it! Super complicated huh? Were you expecting a a longer list? Pink and Green should never be seen, tights aren't pants yada yada...

Remember that style is PERSONAL. What makes you feel great isn't going to be the same as what looks good on that girl on Instagram.

STEP 1: TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Try and remember the last time you felt awesome. What were you wearing? Dammit girl remember! Was it a colour? Was it a particular cut of dress? Was it a higher heel than usual? Or a push up bra? Go through old photos, I know it's painful but I promise you've kept a few because you think you looked OK. You probably aren't sticking them on your folder or bedroom wall anymore but they are around. Or maybe you posted a pic on Facebook because you looked a bit of alright. What are you wearing in these photos? Take note and repeat! I feel a meme coming on...

STEP 2: IDENTIFY THE COMMON FACTOR

Ok now we know a few things you've already got lying around that make you feel great and look good. Let's look further, go through your wardrobe and identify some "repeat offenders" - things that are on regular rotation because they make you feel good (and comfort is a part of feeling good!). These pieces are the building blocks of your personal style. What do they have in common? Classic pieces? Boho inspired? Glamorous? Now we are getting somewhere. Don't be disheartened if it's all a big mish mash either! Eclectic is a style too! I am completely guilty of it and have a whole corner of my robe dedicated to sequins!

STEP 3: FIND YOUR STYLE SISTER

Ok I'm giving you permission to waste some more time on Instagram. Scroll. Who are you following? Who are you girl crushing on? What are they wearing? What is their style? Ok now really take off a load and pull out a mag and flip through the pages - who grabs your eye? Who looks fab? WHAT ARE THEY WEARING? Take notes! Tear out pics that resonate with you. Go on blogs, read Daily Mail, watch your fave shows, spiral away girlfriend! We are working on YOU and your personal style so if anyone tries to interrupt tell them SHHHHHHHHHH! it's self development.

STEP 4: ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE

My clients are always quick to tell me their negatives, their flaws, the things they want to hide but have so much more trouble finding a positive! Your personal style should focus on SHOWING THE BEST PARTS OF YOU. Yeh you might have a bit of a tummy but I bet you've got killer pins to make up for it! Or a spectacular bust! Or maybe you are strong as an ox and have great arm definition. Or a slender neck and dainty little ears? Or crystal clear blue eyes? Find the positive and work it. Make it your style focus. Oh dear I feel another meme coming...

STEP 4: PIN IT

I am a big fan of Pinterest for gathering thoughts, ideas, inspiration and saving links. I use it to work visually with clients and paint a picture of what I have usually word vomited at them for a few hours after an appointment. it is a great tool in building your personal style as whenever you stumble across something that inspires you or looks exactly how you want to look you can save it and use it as a guide in the future. You can also save links to items you'd like to buy, like a visual"wishlist". Start pinning! Next time you have an event and need outfit inspo you'll know where to look! Here's a sample of mine - as you can see I love statement coats, hats and neutral colours! My board is ever-changing but always features a hint of leopard print as that is my long-time love and a part of my style signature!

STEP 5: STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

It is SO fun to play dress-ups and use fashion to explore different parts of our personality. I do it everyday and encourage my clients to do so too but always remember who you are and what you are trying to say to the world because fashion is a pretty loud message. There is a reason celebs go wild with it when trying to tell the world they have changed, ahem, Miley Cyrus, we heard you loud and clear. If you are trying on a new fashion persona and don't feel confident to walk out the door LISTEN to the little doubts for a minute - is it the usual negative self talk or is it the real you letting you know maybe your personal style needs more of a look in?

Need a little help finding your personal style? Rather meet me in person than try and figure out what I'm trying to say through all the memes? Contact me direct for some one on one time. I'll bring the trash mags and coffee!

#personalstyle #fashion #personalstylist