Style Buzz: Minimalism & Maximalism + Style Profile + Styling Cream Jeans

Eugene Stylist
May 8
3 min read

Three Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Once I accepted that wearing this style made me happier, I feel like I've come home to myself!"

It took me ages to accept I'm not boho and my hair is best in a blunt bob, but I'm happiest when I look like this.

We're funny creatures, aren't we? We can simultaneously know that we like something and yet we resist embracing it! Perhaps we think people will judge us for our choices, or we fear being bored with our style and limiting how we get to look. I love giving people permission to not just find their style but to play with all the various ways to incorporate it daily so they are always happy and at home in themselves.

xxx rachel

MINIMALISM, MAXIMALISM, AND YOUR HAPPY BALANCE

As I was getting dressed last week, I put on my outfit and started adding accessories. If you read last week's newsletter, you know about the watch and bracelets I always wear. I've also always got a necklace of some sort - whether it's a single statement or a couple of smaller necklaces layered depends on the outfit - and earrings that complement the shirt's neckline and necklaces. On this particular day, I went to add the specs above and stopped. They're kind of a statement-y, yes, but at the same time, they're not exactly channeling Iris Apfel who famously said, "More is more and less is a bore!" But with everything else I was wearing, they were just one piece too much.

I was reminded of Coco Chanel's recommendation that “Once you've dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.” This isn't because she assumed women always wear one piece too many, but rather to remind them to remove a piece that may be too eye catching, distracting from the overall outfit rather than be an interesting part of the whole.

So I started thinking about how different we each are when it comes to the number of pieces we wear. What suits me might seem overboard to one person, but very restrained to another. I brought this up with a couple of friends, one of whom is definitely a maximalist with her jewelry and accessories. She told me, "If I see it, I want it, and if I have it, I want to wear it!" so she'll happily add more rings to her fingers. However, she makes sure the overall effect of her outfit is very balanced. Keeping all neutral tones in her dress, boots, jacket and handbag draws attention to the bling (and red nails) so they become the focal point of the outfit.

A lovely collection that includes heirloom pieces, mementos, and costume jewelry

It's not about less or more. It's about right and what feels right to you. If someone else doesn't like it, that's fine - they don't need to wear it! But please don't stop experimenting with what you'd like to try.

If you're curious how to layer jewelry, here's a helpful video that explains some of the rules of balance and composition, but of course, you're always welcome to do things your own way! After all, Chanel also said, “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself,” so wear whatever delights you!

How to Layer Jewelry

SIGNATURE STYLE PROFILE

Did you know there's a formula - yes, an actual formula - for dressing in a way that's most flattering for your figure? (And why don't they teach us this in school?!) All it takes is your measurements to receive a guide to your shape and how to dress it! I include Dos and Don'ts so for easy reference when you're out shopping for new pieces, so you can be confident that what you wear makes you look good and feel most like yourself.

Signature Style Profile Mini Session - $150

Learn more!

3 WAYS TO WEAR IT: Cream Jeans

I'm not usually one to shop at H&M but I found these jeans a few years ago and they're perfect for Spring and Summer. They're a good, thick denim that stands up to all sorts of wear, and I like that I can dress them up or down.