Power In Personal Style

Who we are as human beings is more important than what we are wearing.  I don’t know anyone who would argue that.  

However, I wouldn’t call it superficial to put serious thought into your personal style, your image.  There is power in a signature style… one that matches who you are on the inside and propels you to where you want to go next.  We all know…

when you look good, you feel good.

Maybe, similar to me, you have a second career, maybe you’ve set goals for a promotion, you’re working on your personal brand, or perhaps you simply use style to elevate your mood. 

Whatever the reason, personal style starts on the inside; in your soul and your mind. 

The clothing is secondary.

I’ve talked to so many women about the “inside stuff” and I promise you…  there’s magic in the alignment of your internal self to the clothing that sits on the outside.  Stop the madness! End the cycle of a closet full of nothing to wear!

This is how I define personal style. Xo, JD

“Personal style starts on the inside; in your soul and your mind. 

The clothing is secondary.”

— Jaime Diehl, Personal Stylist

How To Wear A Pop Of Color In Your Shoes

So they say Spring is arriving soon (still a high in the 40s on April 11th ugh) and we're all going a bits nuts waiting for warm air...   so adding some excitement with color is really on my mind.  I can still be in jeans and chunky layers but add a pop of color with my shoes.    

Color can be intimidating for a lot of ladies so a classic red sandal is MUCH easier for adding color to your wardrobe than a bold red dress.  

On the left, blogger Rachel Martino, adds the slightest pop of red to black jeans and a striped tee.  I added the perfect little strappy red sandals in the catalog.  

Ever since Oliva Palermo wore cobalt shoes on her wedding day, I've been rather obsessed with that for a pop of color.

As seen below at VivaLuxury, cobalt doesn't need much else going on.  It looks so nice with a dark navy outfit, dark jeans, or an all-black outfit to make them pop.   

Cobalt, or any colorful shoe for that matter, doesn't need much of anything besides jeans and a white blouse like MimiGStyle does it here.  

And seriously, what's NOT to love about hot pink suede AND a bow all on the same shoe?  Pair these with a colorful, printed dress to go all out or go with the classic reference above, jeans and a white top.  

Rather than a pop of solid color, how about a cute printed shoe???

These Nine West pumps can be used casually with jeans and a solid top like the Banana Republic eyelet top above or you can try a little pattern pairing and use them with a striped tee! 

As always, be sure you feel comfortable and remain true to your personal style.  

I have so many more cute options in the catalog so be sure to take a look. 

Can't put all of this together on your own?  Think about hiring a Personal Stylist.    Email me today!  Jaime@jaimediehlstyle.com

Xo, Jaime

What Is Personal Style?

shop my storefront here

Hello and welcome to my very first blog post!  I am Jaime, happily married to my college sweetheart and Mom to two awesome boys who are 9 months apart.  Maybe someday I’ll explain how that works!  

I have entire notebooks filled with ideas for potential blogs posts, especially the scary first post.  I agonized for way too long about what to write this very first time, you know… the post that will live here forever as my very first entry... so I just started typing away (with my fingers trembling) and decided on...

What Is Personal Style?  Is it just fashion?  Is it about following trends?  Do you have a personal style?  

I’ll start by saying that personal style and fashion are two different things.  And unless you’re a stylist, you may not know there’s a difference between a career as a Fashion Stylist and one as a Personal Stylist but there is.  

 I don’t find myself using the word “fashion” a whole lot with my clients because to me it has vibes of being elusive, over-the-top, maybe a little impractical at times.  I mean, I do love to “talk fashion” and pour over fashion magazines but it doesn’t feel very relatable does it?  The fashion world, to regular ladies like you and me, is more like inspiration and escapism... nothing wrong with that!  Fashion week to me feels like a glorious circus full of clothing and shoes we’d never wear in our own towns or with our lifestyles, but if someone invited me to attend…  I’d run there in a heartbeat! 

But all of that doesn’t translate well into the average woman’s closet, does it?  Hey, if you’d like me to help you style a pair of pricey Christian Louboutin spiked heels or an amazingly unique and over-the-top feather skirt, I’ll be happy to do it!  As long as it’s true to you.  

But mostly “fashion” to me is fun.  It’s fantasy, it’s expressive, it can even be inspiring… like an art form.  But personal style is all of that fun and all of that inspiration translated into your closet.  It’s pulling together the inspiration, knowing what you like, and knowing which pieces make you feel confident and beautiful in your particular lifestyle.     

Personal style is simply a distinctive appearance.  That’s it!  But it should be true to you, not developed solely from a fashion blogger or a “Top 10 Wardrobe Must Haves” list from a woman who has never even interacted with you.  This distinctive appearance can be laid-back or glamorous, preppy or feminine or edgy and so on. Personal style is how you want to be seen.  But how do you find yours?   

When you are drawn to something you see on another woman, in a magazine, or on Pinterest, listen to that voice.  In order to develop your signature style, you have to pay attention to what catches your eye.  Pay attention to which of your wardrobe pieces make you feel great and which pieces drag you down.  Check and see what recurring themes turn up on your style Pinterest board.  Do you frequently admire the style of a notable person or celebrity?  Those are the hints you want to notice. You must be intentional about it.

Good personal style is for every age, every budget,

and every body type.  

It’s not only for cool LA chicks or edgy NY babes, it’s not only for fashion bloggers or people with big budgets.  Personal style is for everyone and it’s about knowing what looks good on you and feeling confident about it.  It means knowing how to create a flattering outfit that reflects you truly; your personality, your lifestyle, and your goals.  Take a look at your daily routine and what’s in your closet.  Does it reflect your desires, your taste, your aspirations? Take a look at my outfit ideas, what styles speak to you?

Like it or not, clothing sends a message about us into the world… plus we kinda have to wear it so what do you want your Personal Style to say about you?

So you might as well have a wardrobe that makes you feel great.  Once you really know your personal style, you’ll shop with a purpose and bring home only clothes you love.  Your closet will be truly you.

Don’t think you have a Personal Style?  Want to change your current style?  Totally afraid to LEVEL UP? I can help. Don’t know where to start?   Reach out and I will help you find it.   I’m just an email away.    You can read more on my About page and learn about what it’s like to hire a Personal Stylsit here. 

Thanks for reading!  Xo, Jaime