Ask Erin: UPGRADE YOUR STYLE

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

Although we might not realize it, we buy and wear clothes that communicate our goals and desires. But have your goals and desires changed lately? And if so, has your style evolved along with those changes? My bet is that you might not even realize the connection between the two.

If you follow me on Facebook (erinsharplinlove) and Instagram
(@erinsharplinlove) you will notice a slight change taking place in my outfits. I have been a bit complacent with my clothing and style choices lately and finally realized it. We all get into a rut and/or routine, and time just gets away from us before we know it. If it has been a while since you made a change, this is your reminder, it is time to update your style!

Step One: Reassess your life – Where are you now? How has your life changed recently? For instance, maybe you are newly single and are waiting for a hot date before dressing up and showing off your style. Why? Maybe your last child has gone off to college and you are an empty-nester. This is the perfect time to reinvent yourself. Finally, maybe you are on the right career path and you want to project the perfect image. Now is the time to upgrade. This step is all about figuring out where you are now and where you want to be.

Step Two: Embrace fashion and beauty. They are tools of self-expression. Think about how a friend’s (or even a celebrity’s) hair, nails, and wardrobe sets them apart and accurately represents their personality. Perhaps you know someone who exudes her personality through the way she dresses, smells, and carries herself. This woman has a “strut” if you will. Every woman should strive to find their own “strut” and embrace it! To do this, you must try new things. Take makeup, for instance. It is the most inexpensive way to create a new persona instantly. Try new eyeshadow shades and maybe a brighter lipstick. Have fun!

Step Three: Discover your brand. You, Inc. is the theory. With every word you speak and don’t speak, you are emanating your brand. With every outfit you wear and don’t wear, you are emanating your brand. The good news is that you can manipulate that brand to appear however you want it to appear. The trick is to be consistent, and that is why discovering, and frequently rediscovering, your brand is important. To discover YOUR brand ask yourself two questions – 1. Who am I? (What are my beliefs, values, likes and dislikes?) 2. What do I want to say? (How do I want my peers to perceive me?) To help you answer these questions, I suggest that you create a “style file” where you pin outfits, makeup looks, and other fashion and beauty- related items. I keep my style file on my Pinterest board. I refer to it often and delete images that no longer resonate with me. The idea is to keep your style file current so that your brand stays current.

Step Four: Develop your confidence. Believe it or not, once you have completed the first three steps, it will actually take confidence to present yourself to the world. In short, the only way to exude confidence is to love and accept yourself as you are at the moment. Adorn yourself according to who you are today and prepare yourself for the person you are becoming. Don’t worry about who you were in the past. Comparison is the thief of joy. Stop comparing!!

Step Five: Make yourself a priority. You have to commit to upgrading your style on a continuous basis to find its power. After all, great style has the power to attract clients, soul mates, business partners, jobs, friends, and so much more. Why wouldn’t it be a priority?

Above all, the most attractive part of your body is your smile. Use it often.