Part 2 – Signature Exercise

To help you get started, answer a few simple questions. Who is your favorite designer? What is your favorite cut of jeans? Think about what fashion trends or pieces you would never wear, and why. If you had to wear the same thing everyday, what would it be? Keeping these answers in mind when shopping, and when creating outfits from items already in your closet, will help define your personal style.

Thinking in this self-centric way can be helpful with visual tools like magazines and websites. Make note of what catches your eye. Is it because you love the look or hate it? Be specific. For example, if you can’t get enough of a certain top but would never wear the pants it is being paired with, your well on the way to figuring out your style. Chances are if you are repeatedly drawn to a certain item, it may fit your personality. If you haven’t experimented with that style yet . . . try it out!

Investing in signature pieces is another great way to make your wardrobe unique. Let’s say you find a dress you love that says exactly what you want your signature style to say. It’s priced a little more than you usually spend but you can afford it. A smart shopper would consider this an investment piece and plan as many looks around it as possible. Pair it with a great blazer one day, some tights another day, boots and a scarf, . . . make it your own. Just don’t forget the most important part of any signature look – CONFIDENCE. Own whichever style suits you best. And if you haven’t seen your style walking around out there, great! That just means we are waiting on you to dream it up.

Part 1 – Online Resources

Many people limit themselves by failing to use the vastness of the internet to their advantage when it comes to shopping. Now don’t get me wrong, I like mall & boutique hopping quite a bit. Cyberspace howevever, can often offer a helping hand.

Shopbob.com, for instance, gives you the option of shopping by style. You can choose from categories like Classic, Bohemian, Cassual Chic, and more.

Shopbop is also a good resource for shopping by designers. And remember that even if you don’t purchase online, browsing sites can give you an idea of what you want your personal style to include. This can help you know what to look for when you shop in person and help you avoid buying pieces you won’t actually wear.

StyleFeeder.com is another useful site. This service allows you to search for everything from jewelry to jeans that spark your interest. Once you have picked a few items, Style Feeder makes suggestions of similar pieces you may like. The more you pick, the more customized your suggestions become. You can also add your  cool personal StyleFeeder button to your website, blog, or Facebook page.

If you aren’t yet hip to Etsy, you should be. This site gives you access to an endless roster of designers of all kinds, from diamond jewelry to funky scarves and every handmade item in between. Often, indie or new designers will have the next best thing on Etsy, for last years prices.

Silk Scarf From ThongbaiTatong on Etsy

Other Online help can be found in the form a good fashion blog.  For instance real women with real bodies can find REAL good help at SavvyBroad.com

The heart of this blog is to connect with those who may feel that a busy work schedule, family responsibilities, or their current dress size takes them out of the “mainstream” fashion picture.  Savvy Broad embraces these real women with tips & info in a convenient location and relate-able tone.

Online fashion magazines, photo streams, and many other e-mediums can give you a starting point to determining your own style OR help further define it.

AND AS ALWAYS, you can rely on us here at Fab Savvy