Whether you’re building a business or campaigning for public office or simply trying to present your best self as designed by YOU, your signature is more than just your name signed on a dotted line. It’s everything you do. It’s in how you live and how you show up for all the experiences of your life.Of course for those in their early twenties, it takes a little bit of time to get to this, as you navigate your way towards being a fully functioning adult, complete with your fair share of responsibilities like going to work, paying bills, tending to friends and family and events, caring for pets. That changes all the more once you add in the dynamic of having of family of your own; a spouse and children. Some are able to come into their own early on, but for me, though there were glimpses of “me” along the way, it took a little time after college graduation to really get to know myself. Up until then, I was who my parents raised and taught me to be. After going through a divorce, my identity having been steeped in my role as a wife, I had to re-assess who I was and what I liked. Throw in a couple of relocations and spiritual growth, and my signature style was set. I knew who I was, what I liked and how I wanted to “be” in my life. And I’ve been true to that ever since. Anyone who knows me knows that my signature style is steeped in glamour, and making the absolute most out of little or nothing. And in details. A few of my signature style choices… bows. I love bows and incorporate them in almost everything I do. They’re all over my website! Fresh, pink flowers on Friday’s and personalized note cards, Bvlgari Pour Femme fragrance, classic eyebrows, lashes and lips, and no less than 4″ heels.
So what is a signature style? It’s like your lifestyle brand; it’s what you’re known for, and how everyone who comes in contact with you views you. It’s your personality blueprint; the consistency in how you show up to live your life. It’s exhibited in your habits, your fashion style choices, how you entertain, even how you give gifts. Known for always wearing black and white with a red or bold lip, pop singer Janelle Monae has forged her own style mark with this classic example of someone who has a signature style. Jackie Kennedy Onassis, in addition to being known as a “classic fashion” icon, she is also known for her large, “stunner” sunglasses, and for always sending hand-written Thank You notes for even the smallest of gestures. Master Event Designer Colin Cowie is known for his impeccable entertaining style and his meticulous attention to details.
There are many ways you can signaturize (my word, haha) the way you live, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Remember, the definition of “glamour” is: the attractive or exciting quality that makes certain people or things seem appealing or special. It only takes a little thought and introspection to determine what your signature style is, then go and implement it to begin branding your own little touch of magic in the universe.
