The Failures of My Success
What have you failed at lately? This question came across my radar as one to pose to your children in order to take the fear out of trying new things. As a society, we put an undue amount of pressure on success without the wisdom behind the importance of failures. What is success without failure, after all?
A couple of weeks ago I opened Stylebook to find one of the most flattering assessments of my own style from none other than Ms. Elizabeth Todd, owner of The Shoe Hive and The Hive. As I texted a most sincere thank you, I started to reflect on how many outfits brought me to my career as a stylist. My road knowledge of how to wear clothes has not been a flawless one. So how would I define the secret of my success? In short, I have never been afraid to try a look.
I’m not sure exactly where this fearlessness began but I should be clear…the failures far outweighed the successes in my early years. Ultimately, my ability to fail openly and with a lot of heart has guided me to where I now help others formulate a closet full of successful solutions. All stylists and wardrobe consultants are different. My approach is more like a coach or even a wardrobe psychologist. I love to understand a woman’s relationship with her clothing. How she sees herself is a starting point, but once we have worked together for a while a trust is established and the real work begins. I love finding the undiscovered potential in every woman I work with but it usually takes time in order to feel authentic. Taking a thoughtful risk every now and then helps you achieve a better understanding of yourself.
I’ve never been more thankful than to have grown up in an era where all of my outfits weren’t documented! You’ll have to use your imagination as I recount more than one inspirational look that has now been defined as a “what I learned” moment ;-). Does anyone remember Sarah Jessica Parker as Alexander McQueen’s muse at the 2006 Met Ball? Well, it left such an impression on me that I decided to use this look as inspiration…where I was a wedding guest! Fearless, and perhaps slightly inappropriate for any other crowd but the one I happened to be in. Thankfully, no photos have surfaced and Lord help me if they do!
Another great moment in my fashion flashbacks was in the early 90s. A good friend of mine has described moments such as these as “walking through your life with a soundtrack in your head.” I actually wore a similar hat with a similar outfit as I walked to my office at 17th & L. Shall I say, “Big mistake. Huge!”
My tales of woe are to endorse that the openness to explore ideas brings about a greater understanding of what works. It’s probably safe to say the sum total of my “explorative outfits” has provided me with epic understanding! Whether you work with friends, sales staff, boutique owners, or stylists, taking time to try pieces on and perhaps even taking some dressing room selfies can help you understand the power of new silhouettes.
Here’s a freebie tip that I have been urging all of my clients to explore this season: the wide leg cropped black pant. The Hive just received their second delivery of GBTSO pants so now’s your chance to take a walk in a new direction with the comfort of your own tops and sweaters. This is my recipe for an instant update! Take it one step further by adding a bell sleeve sweater or blouse and a bootie.
I’ll wrap this post with a gift idea since the season will soon be upon us. In my hunt for great solutions, I came across this book filled with others’ missteps with anecdotes about when they purchased, what they paid, and how many times they wore their “regrettable item of clothing.” It’s a great hostess gift or bestie gift for anyone who loves fashion and makes fun of their journey to style. My favorite excerpt shares a yearly girls’ trip where all attendees must execute a surprise change into a ridiculous outfit for the group. These are my people! Check it out and rumor has it that it will soon be at a boutique near you!
I Actually Wore This: Clothes We Can’t Believe We Bought.
“Before I wore this shirt, I never knew there were so many ways you could interpret the phrase, ‘Nice shirt.'”
— Chip Kidd, Book-cover designer/coauthor of True Prep, New York City
Regrettable Article of Clothing: Rugby Shirt
Purchased: Boston, 2009, for approximately $250
Times Worn: 6
Photo: Jerome Jakubiec/Rizzoli International Publications | Source
