Your style, your home, your essence

Words of Self Expression

Hi!

I know, it’s been a while. And that’s okay. I’m completely content with the fact that sometimes I’m inconsistent with my creations. I used to ridicule myself over the fact that I couldn’t “keep up” with things that I start. But that’s just…mean. And not true.

Different seasons mean different rhythms and different songs. There’s a time for a song that’s on beat, expectant and predictable, and then there’s a time for music that keeps you guessing, changes on a dime and brings you home…wildly.

A mentor and lovely friend told me that there are seasons for inhale and seasons for exhale. Sometimes I need an intake of information by reading, observing, listening and letting the outside inspire the inside while I sit patiently (I say that loosely). And then there’s the exhale. The outpour of all the magic I’ve cradled in my arms that I’m ready to lay out on the table and make something. Both are necessary. Both are dancing.

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With that little note, I feel ready to begin again. Here, with a Sunday Prompt.

Something you may not know about me is I’m a professional home organizer which brings me into many closets of many people who are trying to figure out their style. Beyond the discarding, sorting and folding I’m most passionate about connecting a client with their essence.

There seems to be a disconnect between the vision and execution. This goes for the entire home, wether it be clothing or your living space. Many clients have an image in mind for what they want and don’t know how to bring that into reality. I find that the issue is connection to Self. Our Pinterest boards are helpful, but it creates a visual expectation that may not actually work. So when we try and replicate something that came from someone else, we’re disappointed because none of what someone else does is going to be YOU.

I’m not saying I don’t find inspiration on Pinterest or magazines or design handles on instagram. I do. But I am most fulfilled when I can name the essence of what I’m attracted to instead of buying the actual item. And more often than not, I already have the item or the clothes to create the feeling I’m searching for. Sometimes that just means clearing out the things that aren’t me.

*Note, this is a practice for ALL areas of the home.

Here’s how we get there. Grab your journal!

~First. Breathe. Close your eyes and connect to yourSELF.

~Find a photo of YOURS (possibly with you in it) that sums you up. Colors, lighting, texture, everything. It’s 100% you.

~If you were music, what would you sound like? Play that artist or instrument on Spotify (do this while you’re in this journal prompt if you can!)

~If you were a color, what color would you be?

~How would you describe that color? (think crayon box with all the different ways to name a blue)

~In nature, where do you feel peace? What do you see when you’re there?

~Name textures, light, shadow, gradient, textiles, fabrics

~What do you do in this part of the home you’re organizing/re-doing? What people, places, things are involved?

~Where do you see yourself wearing these outfits? Destination words to describe yourself. (Are you California beach, homestead, French, coastal (but be really specific!))

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A friend describes this like a Pinterest without words. A vision board without pictures. I find it connects me to how I want to present and express myself in the world and in my home, without the distraction of other visuals flooding the version of myself I know to be timeless and true.

Again, love a good fashion reel. But if I spiral down the endless void of fashion trends I find myself not knowing who I am in my style.

I hope you’ve found yourself a beautiful collection of words to serve you within and without.

Here’s mine:

Music: Nick Muley

Colors: blue-grey, seaweed green, ivy green, cement, brown, olive, terracotta, clay, white, black, one shade of red/coral (I know it when I see it!)

Textures: driftwood, concrete, linen, denim, wavy wood-grain, wool, speckled pottery,

Nature: sand, waves, birch trees, pine, smooth rock, grey day by the sea, jagged rocks, night sky,

Light: fall and spring, moving tree shadows, light and airy, dark and stormy

Home: cozy, open, light, airy, moody, cohesive colors, counter-space, serene,

Where I go I feel: comfortable, can sit cross legged (roomy jeans?), temperate, layered, simple, elegant, versatile, soft, confident, aligned with the weather, minimal, a thoughtful effortlessness?

Destination words: a little French mixed with moody London? Like riding my bike with a basket to the market. Then meeting a friend for coffee with a leather tote. Painting outside with my son and lounging on the couch on a rainy day. A date night down a cobblestone street. Walks through the woods under a canopy of trees.

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Let this be fun. Let it evolve. Let it uncurl. Also, it’s just a practice! Try more than once with months in between if you are in the “I don’t know” stage. Just by asking the questions you’ll start noticing what makes you, you.

~n

p.s

So now what? I have my list of words, what do I do? Here’s my advice.

~Keep the list on hand or in your phone so when shopping you have a reminder of what you’re truly looking for.

~When organizing, play the music or play music you’d listen to in that particular room. Discard things that don’t serve you, so ultimately, the list. Even “practical” things can spark joy or not. It just depends on your goals and focus.

~When you look at magazines or other visual inspiration, dig into why you're attracted to it. Is it the actual item, the whole space, and how does that translate to your list?

~If it’s overwhelming to make decisions, take a picture of the item when shopping, or set it aside into a maybe pile when organizing, and come back to it later. If it’s not a huge resounding YES, give it more time.

I’m very curious in how your list comes out and what words you come up with! If you care to, lend some list-inspiration in the comments below! You may just give a word someone else was looking for.