Your Style Statement

By Amy

When I was in college, I considered myself fairly stylish. Looking cute for school and work was easy because I could wear just about anything. My first job out of college was teaching developmentally disabled adults at an art center, and I could wear the scrubbiest, ickiest clothes to work because it was likely that I was going to get messy and dirty within 10 minutes of arrival.

I became a teacher three years ago, and developing a personal style has been difficult. Finding a look that is classroom appropriate that doesn't involve holiday sweaters, wooden apple necklaces and a variety of classroom-themed pins can be tough, as can finding work-wear that doesn't make me look like a frumpy old woman. Casual style is also a problem for me, as I tend to purchase a hodge-podge of clothes that aren't necessarily all related or easy to create outfits from.  Trying to build a wardrobe that truly reflects my own personality was difficult, and finally, I'd had enough.

Last summer, I decided that I wanted to focus in on my own personal style, and a friend recommended an amazing book called Style Statement: Live By Your Own Design.

{photo via Amazon}

The book is chock full of quizzes and articles to help you hone your personal style. At the end of the book, you should hopefully have your own Style Statement, a two-word mantra to help you hone your own fashion sense, communication style and home decor.  I was amazed at how much I learned from this book about my own style in all arenas of my life---from the way I interact with others to the outfits I put together. It inspired me to create my own inspiration book, to trim down my wardrobe and to hone in on the things that really reflect the way I look and feel, as well as the way I hope to look and feel.

Also, even better news: it's on serious sale right now at Amazon. $6.19! You really can't say no to a book that will help you find your own sense of style, for less than $10, right? Go forth, and find your style statement! I promise you won't be disappointed.