Part 1: Finding Your Style

Having a Signature Style Saves You Money...
Few people understand that they throw thousands of dollars, out the window, by not taking the time to nail down their signature style.
 Great style has little to do with collecting the most expensive designer outfits or ankle boots. 
Anyone can put together an amazing look, even on a budget.

For instance, if "Kate" doesn't have a signature style, "Kate" buys tons of clothes that she is drawn to, but quickly finds that none of the random items she purchased even match. "Kate" then has to buy more clothes to match the others, spending even more money. No matter how many shirts, skirts, and accessories that she buys; "Kate" never really feels put-together. As a result, she opts for her fall-back outfits (Baggy sweatshirts, yoga pants, and hide-me clothes). "Kate" no longer feels confident in her ability to dress herself well.

All of us have been like "Kate," at one point in our style history. That is, until we take hold of our fashion habits, and decide to have a style that embodies our colorful personalities. Victory!

Taking Hold of Your Style!
The first step on your style journey, is figuring out what you want in a wardrobe.

•  Start by thinking of an adjective that describes how you want to look and feel or how you would want someone else to describe your style: BOHEMIAN...CLASSIC...EDGY...etc
•  Pinterest!!! Use this fun tool to find fashions that you're consistently drawn to, and ask yourself what style these outfits represent.
•  Find a style icon whom you admire. Peruse your icon's fashion habits and take note of how they pare pieces together. For instance, I love Zooey Deschanel's quirky school teacher-esque wardrobe, not to mention Mindy Kaling's pops of color and patterns in her outfits. I wouldn't dress EXACTLY like them, but their outfits can help me visualize what I'd like to have in my closet. This is what a style icon should help you do!

Once you know what style genre you drawn to, you can build a wardrobe that embodies your signature style—and edit out the pieces that don't complement your style persona.

Typical Style Genres...
It should be noted that no one should ever put you, or your style personality, in a box. That being said, below are helpful descriptions of style genres. Find one that fits loosely what you identify with, and search it out online:

• The Classicists- These women prefer basics — the T-shirt, blazer, white shirt, suit, and trousers — and look effortlessly chic in simple staple pieces.
• The Bohemians- Bell-bottoms may have given way to breezy gowns, but these freespirited style setters love earthy, ethnic-inspired looks.
• The Ladies- Grace Kelly's white-glove look may be a little old-fashioned, but her prim, polished, and pulled-together air still resonates with today's refined set.
• The Mavericks- New designers? Avant-garde cuts? Bold looks? Bring them on. This fashion-forward group is not afraid to experiment.
• The Eclectics-It's all about having fun with fashion for these playful women. Bright colors, madcap pairings, and loud patterns are part of the package.
• The Minimalists- Sleek, simple shapes in a monochrome, toned-down palette are what keep this clan looking sharp and smart.

Get excited!
You're discovering more about yourself and the colorful world around you. Have FUN!
Every time you sit down to research your new style, make it a pleasant experience. Pour yourself your favorite beverage, put on some comfy clothes, and indulge in some guilt-free alone time. 
You might be a mom, a workaholic, or just feel guilty for spending time on something so "excessive and a time-waster," but you need to know that it isn't a time-waster. Your husbands, family, and friends would agree that you ARE worth the time this journey takes. Make the time!

Also, see this recommended reading list for style help (Btw, the library is a great place to find these books, AND save you the money of buying the books!):

1. "Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body," By Clinton Kelly and Stacy London
2. My personal fave-You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You," By Jennifer Baumgartner, PhD 
3. How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better," By Charla Krupp
4. The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System that Works for Every Shape and Size," By Bradley Bayou