I recently dug into a new book called Style Statement: Live By Your Own Design by image consultants Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte. As I started into the first section, the ideas sounded vaguely familiar and it was then that I remembered columnist Cynthia King first introduced these ladies to us awhile back in Domino magazine in the May 2007 issue, “Phone date with (style) destiny”. Since I like what I’m reading so far, I’ve decided to make this read the decor8 book of the week.
I can still recall how intrigued by McCarthy and LaPorte Cynthia was, and their ability to take in all this information about a person and using only two words, describe exactly their style, or as they call it — your Style Statement that defines your authentic self. Self-branding if you will. Cynthia is Cultivated Wonder.
“In a culture obsessed with image and materialism, it can be hard to feel like yourself. Amidst the craze of ?bigger, better, faster?, living real takes some determination. All too often, one?s best self gets buried beneath conformity and confusion. You wonder if the real you?the life-loving, juicy, most dynamic parts of you?can be excavated, re-invented or finally pulled together all in one place.” – Style Statement.
For instance, author McCarthy calls herself Refined Treasure. She has styled and designed homes, hotels, and magazines. LaPorte’s style statement is Sacred Dramatic. She brands companies for a living. You can learn more about the authors on their website, Carrie & Danielle, Inc. I often think I’m too complicated to be described in only two words, which is why I purchased Style Statement: Live By Your Own Design because I’d like to see if after reading this book I can actually do it. The book is loaded with profound (sometimes funny) questions and mini tests, if anything I’m up for a little self-discovery and fun. I’d even love to have a phone consultation with them as did Muse Marian, wouldn’t that be fun?
What can self-branding do for you? These ladies feel that it can help you to be more confident, make wiser decisions, and even dress and decorate with more confidence. In other words, to be more authentic — to be exactly who you are without fear, to live your life in full color.
Has anyone read this book yet or have an interest in uncovering your Style Statement? Your thoughts on this?
(image by holly becker for decor8)
April 28th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Dear Miss Becker- Sorry to be a correcting person,I think the Adventuress(Cynthia King)- from Domino had the phone interview with them? I picked up this book as well because I really liked the interview. However when I first opened the book, it reminded me of a post you recently did about “inspirational overload”- the introduction/ invitation falls into this category for me with all the different font styles and sizes and colors. I do absolutely love the “objects” which are photographed for each participant, Pocky Sticks and Vitamin E capsules- so beautiful, and mundane.
Thank you for a great blog, JP
April 28th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Oh thank you so much, you’re right I think I was typing too quickly there. I’ve corrected it. Thank you again! :)
April 28th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I am about halfway through this book and already love it. The questions are insightful and really help you to focus on who you really are. Some questions are great to help you realize there are things you care about but are neglecting in your life. Even though I am not finished with the book, I’m already seeing a difference in the way I present myself. I recommend it!
April 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I read the article in Domino last summer and was so intrigued. I’d love to have a personal style statement! I think the phone consultations were $500 or I would’ve been all over it.
April 28th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I too was fascinated by this concept when I first read about it in Domino (as an ex-marketing consultant I have some experience in helping businesses uncover their brand images)and would be fascinated to find out whether you can uncover your own style statement at the end. (I bet they give that phone consultation too, when they read this…) I’m definitely going to get the book, thanks for pointing it out.
April 29th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Thanks so much for sharing this! This book looks so intriguing and I’ve just purchased a copy. I can’t wait to start reading it and see what I discover.
April 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I’ve been a fan of Carrie and Danielle for years, but could not afford to have C & D do my SS. I read the book and encourage you to give it a try. The questions are enlightening and help you see consistent patterns in all areas of your life. Signed, Cultivated Nostalgic.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Hi Holly,
We are positively thrilled with your coverage of the book and filled with gratitude for helping us spread the concept far and wide.
We’d like you to consider running a Style Statement book giveaway contest on your site. It seem that many people are interested. Nice way to create a positive buzz, no?
Let me know if you’re game.
Best,
Karryn
Communications Manager
Carrie & Danielle
April 29th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Rather than contacting me at my own site, best to go here:
karryn@carrieanddanielle.com
May 1st, 2008 at 8:36 am
OMIGOD!!! Thank you so much for posting this! I read about them in Domino and was instantly smitten with their concept. Then a few months ago while trying to revitalize my personal style and streamline my wardrobe, I remembered the blurb and wanted to look them up online. I ransacked all of my old Dominos from cover to cover and tried every imaginable combination of search phrases on google, but no luck. And now they have a book! Fantastic! You’re my hero!
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Dear Miss Becker, actually I may have got the gist of your inspiration overload quite wrong. And devouring my new domino- I saw that the Adventuress has the last name of Kling. Cheers to me for not checking my back issues. JP
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:47 am
Hi Holly dear! Just finished this book and was quite pleased. It took a good bit of soul searching to answer all of the questions, but if you ever have an afternoon off, I’d highly recommend it.
I’m a fresh Bohemian. :)
December 10th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I am a bit late- but this book literally rocked my world and so many friends have been changed by the process of doing the whole book – I am Authentic Bohemian- and those two words habe become a touchstone for me in terms of personal style and life! I don’t question why I don’t like to play be the rules (DUh- I am Bohemian afterall!) and Don’t have to say yes to superficial events where people will be keeeping things superficiial- I like to got DEEP AND FIND THE AUTHENTIC! Thanks for sharing!