Why Style Your Brand?

What story are you telling the world with your wardrobe?

And what message does that wardrobe give your potential clients?

If you run a business, whether it’s solo, small, or large you likely know that branding is so much more than a logo and a few brand colors. A good personal brand has clarity, authenticity, and good positioning… positioning your brand into the mind of the potential customer.

Well how about your style? What does your wardrobe say about you? Is your style congruent with your brand message?

I remember when I had my Etsy shop and I mostly worked from home. I handcrafted clutch purses for brides and their bridesmaids. Not only did I make these clutches in my home, my kids were little at the time so MOST days I simply dressed in comfortable tees and sweats.

Not the cute Insta-worthy image of sweats you see from influencers today…. my style was baggy, mismatched, unflattering sweats.

My shop was so busy that I was running out to the post office at least 4 days a week. Eventually, I started seeing regulars at the post office and I would get into conversations (hello long lines) about what was in all those boxes. I thought to myself, Jaime these people are possible referrals, potential customers. Picture me all frantic, messy hair, and bad sweats… what kind of message was that sending to the people I met?

Now, not every person I encountered throughout the day was going to be my customer but I still handed out my business card a lot. They were frequently asking me about my purses. What message could I possibly be sending them about my clutch business if I was looking like a ridiculous mess every day?

The message must’ve been something like “disheveled, overwhelmed, etc.”

What story are you telling the people you meet? Hot mess express? I hope not.

How about confident, relevant, and authentic. Wouldn’t that be better?

Style plays a role in your brand positioning. Even if you don’t currently consider yourself as “having a brand” good style helps you show up in confidence for the things that matter to you.

Personal style gives you an opportunity to be present for your business or your next move. What message does your style tell the world and how can we make that story compelling?

I asked a few branding experts and they all agree that personal branding is about authenticity and connection…

It’s the connection and alignment between you, your ideal clients, the visuals, your message…all of it.

Know your value, then package it properly!

Baby Steps to Better Style

Small habits lead to big changes.

Small habits lead to big changes. Add a small closet edit to your monthly routine.

Small habits accumulate to big changes, big results. Just take 10 minutes in your closet. Toss a few pieces. Do this little practice every now and then. It’s just a quick little closet edit.

If you take these baby steps, over time you'll be free of the junk that's weighing you down... literally AND figuratively.

Cut through all the crap so you can actually see what you DO have and what you DO like.

Side note: don't let the word "toss" make you feel bad. Let yourself trash pieces that are out of shape, stained, or damaged beyond repair.

Being friendly to the planet is wonderful but not at the expense of your mental energy and your sanity. And as for donating?

"If it's not good enough for you it's not good enough for those in need either."

So what *doesn't* get tossed? Your "nice" pieces in GOOD condition that no longer fit you or serve you... THAT'S the donation pile.

Remember, small steps… that’s the way you combat a style rut. Small closet edits on a regular basis will help battle the dreaded closet full of nothing to wear.


Great article that provokes some thought on being in need and feeling worthy: https://humanparts.medium.com/i-am-a-little-too-fat-im-a-little-too-generous-i-think-i-know-why-e97cd25b7eeb

What Is Personal Style?

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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