We all know what we like when we see it in terms of style. But how do we create a signature wardrobe or home style.  It starts with some “soul searching”, inspiration searching and actually physically, going out shopping.  Yes, we all buy online, but to develop a style, you need to see it, feel it and make on-site comparisons.  We need to feel the texture, see (& feel) the colors. We need to also be patient and take our time. Bad and regretful decisions are often made when we rush.  

When styling for a brand/client, oftentimes I take one thing that they tell me they absolutely love and branch out from there.  This is the 5 point framework I use:

 
"We need to feel the textures, and see (& feel) the colors."

(1) SELECT A PIECE (OR SOMETHING) THAT INSPIRES YOU.  Are you inspired by a piece of art, a pillow, a pattern, wallpaper design?  To begin the process, use that as your “muse”/base and branch out from there.  

 
(2) GO TO “UNCONVENTIONAL” PLACES FOR INSPIRATION.  When we think of styling, fashion, decor ~ we tend to go to Pinterest. (Who doesn't LOVE Pinterest?)  As a Photo Stylist working for brands, I NEVER go to Pinterest. As a Stylist (or Photographer) we don’t want to hear from a client . . .  “I saw this thing on Pinterest, can you do (copy) that? We don’t want to copy anything or another creatives work, so we have trained ourselves to look in a variety of inspirational sources.  Here are some places and sources that Lifestyle Photo Stylists go and you can too:

Industry Trade Shows. They have them for everything: fashion, food, home, lifestyle ~ everything.  This is where you will see all the new trends, colors, fabrics, prints.  Sometimes you get tired of seeing the “same ol’ things” and you need to see something new, different and “fresh”.  You will at industry shows.

Large Flower Shows.  Flower shows (large shows, usually city shows) not only have florals, but they always have beautiful displays that you can get ideas and inspiration from.  Oftentimes, Pro Set Designers and Stylists are hired to do flower show displays which can give you ideas on how to style.

Flea Markets.  While I LOVE luxe styling, I also LOVE going to Flea Markets. We have one in our area that is 3 times a year, Brimfield Antique Flea Market.  You can check out our article on 10 Tips to Shopping Flea Markets for ideas on how to shop at them. This is the place you will find unique items, “conversation pieces” and collection pieces.  As a Stylist, I go here to source props for many clients.  I have clients you don’t want the “mass market” produced pieces for their brand and campaign photo shoots.  This is the place I go.

Art Shows / Gallery Shows / Museums.  It could be the art, it could be the colors, it could be the sculptures, it could be the architecture, inside or outside, that inspires you.  You can be inspired to create a style through a day at a show or museum.

Everyday Spots You Go To.   How about a restaurant you love.  Why do you love it?  What is it that YOU could replicate in your own home?  Is it the colors,  Is it the antique (or modern) flower vessels they have on the tables? Why are you drawn to it?  For example, their is a restaurant in Boston I love.  I’m inspired by the seating and the painted floors, the lighting.  Inspiration is everywhere.   I have a place on Cape Cod that I painted the floors white.  (Like the restaurant I love!) Side Note:  Everyone “told” me not to paint the “beautiful” wooden floors.  But, I did, love them.  Stand by the decision. Zero regrets.  We have to style for what we love.  Aren’t we happier when we are surrounded by and living in environment we love?  

 
(3)  SELECT COLOR PALETTE  YOU LOVE.  Usually, I would say to start with a neutral, BUT, I always say you should not pin yourself down to “rules”.  Your style ~ your rules.  That's why we have the mantra at Aunchman Style with “luxe styling with a wink of whimsy”.  It’s fun to bring some character, personalization and whimsy into your signature style.  It’s yours.  This goes for styling your wardrobe or styling your home.  (AND really food/tabletop.)  I have neutrals as my base for tabletop and then bring in color with small layer plating to add color.

So, I know THIS is the place that is so confusing and hard to make a decision, but really the BEST place to be inspired by color ~ the Paint Store.  Yes! go and get those paint swatches.  They really will help you. Also, a note on trends.  Trends, as you know, come and go ~ select what you love.  I usually will select some trendy items per season and do a "sprinkle" of trend ~ with wardrobe and home.
 

(4) YOU DON’T HAVE TO STICK TO ONE STYLE.  When I first starting interior photo styling for brands, we didn’t have the numerous categories we have today. Now there is decor in array of styles and hybrids of those styles.   I mix (& match) all the time.  No rules.  I select an “anchor” and then branch out from there.

(5) YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND.  You don’t have to “live with it” because you thought you would like it.  Return it. Change it. Re-do it. Re-style it.  Styling is a process and evolution. (& fun, it should be fun.) Have fun.  

AND the most important in any styling endeavor ~ KEEP BLOOMING.  Styling (whether you are styling home or your wardrobe) is not a one and done. I kinda do think by the time "everything is done/styled" ~ we are ready to start all over again. In my career (& life) I'm always looking for new and fresh ideas, fashion, products to try ~ I share them every week in our Love Lately Round Up Series. Change and evolution is good. It's a process, it’s layering.  It's evolution of your style.  Through all of it you create your signature style.

Bonnie ~


Cover Image Credit  │ Timeless Designers

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