Sunday, April 27, 2008

Live By Your Own Design



How would you describe yourself? I don't mean the way you want to be seen, but your innermost being, your authentic self. If you could choose just two words to sum up your life in a nutshell, encompassing everything about your personal oeuvre, such as the way you dress, your home, the way you tell a story, your favorite places, the way you communicate, what would those words be? Would pinpointing the two words that sum it all up change how you perceive yourself? Carrie and Danielle certainly think they would.

Words are powerful tools. Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design, by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte, help us determine the two words that best describe our essence. Their thought is that once we determine our very own personal style statement, we can use it as a compass for creating a life that reflects what is true for each of us, in everything we do. We can live with intention. We can express ourselves in a way that is unique to us, allowing us to be our best selves.

Through a detailed series of questions about everything from your life's purpose to your dream home, Carrie and Danielle help you define your style statement. Using the 80/20 rule, the first word is your 80%, your foundation. The second word is your 20%, your creative edge and the part of your image that drives and distinguishes you. Would you be Refined Cherished? How about Genuine Flourish? I'm still working on mine, but have a slight inkling that it would be Refined Rustic, or Refined Contemporary. I'll let you know once I have it pinpointed.

Carrie says "The essence of you is married with the expression of you." This is so true. Yet with the demands of our lives, our kids we can lose sight of ourselves and what's important to us. Determining your style statement can give you clarity and a sense of direction in your life, no matter how chaotic. You can also determine your husband or partner's style statement, and blend the two to create a harmonius life around you.

Exclusive Opportunity for One Chic Mama Readers
Win your very own copy of Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design, autographed by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte. Simply leave a comment here and list two words that you think best describe your essence, and who you really are. Don't forget to include your email address. One winner will be chosen at random at Midnight EST, May 5.

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78 Comments:

  • At 9:31 PM, Blogger Christina said…

    Two words that describe me are kind-hearted and classy. Thanks! :)

     
  • At 9:44 PM, Blogger Danielle said…

    modern & casual

    mcginnisfamily5(at)gmail(dot)com

     
  • At 9:47 PM, Blogger Reiza said…

    This may be considered a cop-out, but I think two words that describe me are "Always learning."

     
  • At 9:52 PM, Blogger Mary512 said…

    beautiful, empowered. great giveaway, thanks! hellomary018 at yahoo dot com

     
  • At 10:30 PM, Blogger windycindy said…

    Happy Sunday! What an interesting concept. I suppose it does make sense, though! Since I spend quite a bit of time in my home, I want it to say something about me. Just like the flower garden in the front yard. I want a cottage garden look and I hope that is what I am achieving. My style may be country prim. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

     
  • At 10:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I dress "Eclectly Funky".......I don't think I spelled that first word correctly lol

    anne_c_taylor@hotmail.com

     
  • At 11:13 PM, Blogger Chic Shopper Chick said…

    Compassionate Elegant. I think this is really cool -- would love to win this to read it and then share it with my students. I teach all high-school 10th graders, so I think this would be an excellent way for them to gain some confidence. Thanks for sponsoring this great giveaway!

     
  • At 4:50 AM, Blogger Kari said…

    Opinionated and sensitive.

     
  • At 5:10 AM, Blogger Sharon said…

    kind and casual
    (thanks)

     
  • At 6:25 AM, Blogger julie said…

    funny and quirky
    3beez at bellsouth dot net

     
  • At 6:34 AM, Blogger vboackle said…

    reliable and honest and quiet.

     
  • At 7:40 AM, Blogger PS said…

    Easy Going, Modern.

     
  • At 8:59 AM, Anonymous Kristen H. said…

    Giving & caring.

     
  • At 9:16 AM, Blogger Mama Zen said…

    Mellow chaos!

    kelli (at) pfrog (dot) net

     
  • At 9:38 AM, Blogger Panjo Kids said…

    comfortable and happy

     
  • At 9:54 AM, Blogger mverno said…

    laid back and old fashioned

     
  • At 11:41 AM, Anonymous Krisinda Smith said…

    minimalist chic

    krisindam at mac dot com

     
  • At 12:00 PM, Blogger Ginny said…

    Shy & Modern

     
  • At 12:02 PM, Blogger Natalie said…

    Caring and Loving.

    Thanks for this giveaway!

     
  • At 12:49 PM, Blogger Bree said…

    Traditional and loving!

     
  • At 1:03 PM, Blogger gunzie said…

    caring and happy!
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

     
  • At 1:17 PM, Blogger fangirl said…

    Comfortable and Smart!

     
  • At 1:30 PM, Blogger DOODLEGIRL said…

    imaginative and compassionate

     
  • At 2:18 PM, Anonymous Allison Croce said…

    loyal and kind

     
  • At 2:26 PM, Blogger DePro said…

    Casual, comfortable.

     
  • At 2:36 PM, Blogger Staci said…

    Sounds like such an interesting and good book. My two words would be uniquely modern.

     
  • At 3:23 PM, Blogger bfox74 said…

    Living Life One Laugh at a Time

     
  • At 3:27 PM, Anonymous Kristinia said…

    Classy and caring
    kristinialeanna@yahoo.com

     
  • At 3:33 PM, Blogger Leni said…

    frugal nut

    elieat [at] hotmail [dot] com

     
  • At 3:42 PM, Blogger Jennifer/The Word Cellar said…

    I'm so intrigued by this book! For now, I think I'd express my style statement as Creative Sacred. (jennifer[at]thewordcellar[dot]com)

     
  • At 3:46 PM, Blogger sillelin said…

    kind & caring = me

     
  • At 5:45 PM, Blogger idahomom said…

    One word Comfy. I work out of the house and do not see anyone.

     
  • At 6:16 PM, Blogger ihchicky said…

    I'd describe my style as casual and cozy.

    Thanks for the chance.

     
  • At 7:00 PM, Blogger aBookworm said…

    Great book. Me - I'm simple and stylish.

    Thanks for this great book giveaway. I'm blogging it tomorrow. Btw, I've also got giveaways going on both my blogs. Come on by!

    ~ callmeabookworm at gmail dot com
    http://abookwormsdiary.blogspot.com/
    http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

     
  • At 7:18 PM, Blogger Scrappy Do said…

    laid back and old fashioned

     
  • At 9:03 PM, Blogger susies said…

    I love to dress according to my mood.. and love to accent my individuality and my confidence!

     
  • At 10:09 PM, Blogger Uniquely Yours said…

    Unique and trifty.

     
  • At 11:20 PM, Blogger CJW's folks said…

    honest & laid-back

     
  • At 1:27 AM, Blogger Jessilyn82 said…

    I'd describe my style as casual/trendy with a vintage flair. I also love adding unique items to my wardrobe like a foreign coin bracelet from a flea market or cowboy boots

     
  • At 6:30 AM, OpenID louiseb130 said…

    uncomplicated

     
  • At 10:01 AM, Blogger Rockin' Mama said…

    Chic and green!

    jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

     
  • At 10:37 AM, Blogger Deen said…

    Giving & Loving

     
  • At 12:39 PM, Blogger jennem said…

    Shy Extrovert

     
  • At 1:29 PM, Blogger frugallm said…

    Vintage, Classic

     
  • At 2:59 PM, OpenID tarah716 said…

    Sensitive & Fun

    Tarah
    fireball351c AT yahoo DOT com

     
  • At 3:32 PM, Blogger cdrury said…

    compassionate friend

     
  • At 4:15 PM, Blogger Tulip said…

    compassionate creative.

    i've really been thinking about this as of late.. and that's really a "rough draft" of what i'd say. i would LOVE this book.. to mull over and expand what is already brewing.

     
  • At 4:45 PM, Blogger Scarlett said…

    I would describe myself as creative and compassionate.

     
  • At 9:08 PM, Anonymous Emily N. said…

    comfortable character

    gotfire (at) yahoo (dot) com

     
  • At 9:33 PM, Anonymous Debbie Criss said…

    Even with a bad back, Always managing to get everything done. Please enter me, thank you

     
  • At 3:40 AM, Anonymous Francesca said…

    I think I am passionate and creative.

    f.allievi at gmail dot com

     
  • At 4:50 AM, Blogger Grateful Gramma said…

    ....cluttered and caring.....

     
  • At 7:28 PM, Blogger Wendy said…

    Heartfelt possibility

     
  • At 8:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I want to be a fashion designer.

     
  • At 9:58 AM, Blogger dolls123 said…

    Honest & Opinionated

    dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

     
  • At 7:02 AM, Blogger Samantha P said…

    i think immature sarcasm ought to do it! and that's a good thing! (i think) ha!

     
  • At 8:57 AM, Blogger Sylvia P said…

    stubborn leader

     
  • At 1:25 PM, Blogger Judy said…

    Creative and generous....keeping humor in everything.

     
  • At 2:40 PM, Blogger Princess Golden Hair said…

    compassion and loving

     
  • At 2:54 PM, Blogger masmola said…

    Honest and Real. Nothing fake or put on here.

     
  • At 11:53 PM, Blogger JenO said…

    I'll go with cheerful and caring. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
    nifferjeno at gmail dot com

     
  • At 1:03 AM, Blogger jennmalan said…

    casual and
    honest

     
  • At 10:02 AM, Blogger blueviolet said…

    Sentimental and serious

     
  • At 4:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Fun and Dependable

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

     
  • At 4:44 PM, Blogger stampedwithgrace said…

    organized chaos :)

     
  • At 7:43 PM, Anonymous Cuethelight@cox.net said…

    My style is Betsey Johnson meets the midwest.

     
  • At 11:51 PM, OpenID jaydonco1 said…

    Ecletic Quirky!

     
  • At 7:48 AM, Blogger purango said…

    genuine and caring garrettsambo@aol.com

     
  • At 9:07 AM, Blogger carissaad said…

    Kind and generous

    carissaad at aol dot com

     
  • At 10:26 AM, Blogger Erica G said…

    Tired and Truthful

    egreca [at] hotmail [dot] com

     
  • At 11:41 AM, Blogger klp1965 said…

    nervous and worried :(

     
  • At 12:11 PM, Blogger yadgirl said…

    peppy and eager

     
  • At 2:35 PM, Blogger ky2here said…

    approachable casual.

     
  • At 8:49 PM, Blogger lilyk said…

    I think of myself as shy and quiet. Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

     
  • At 9:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Sophisticated with Simplicity; Style with Taste and a touch of Designer Savy!!!!! Best of luck to all who enter and Happy Mother's Day to all the "Chic Mamas" Thanks SW

     
  • At 9:37 PM, Blogger Swtlilchick said…

    Peaceful and grateful



    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

     
  • At 10:08 PM, Blogger momof5girls said…

    content and caretaker

    vonmell at gmail dot com

     
  • At 4:32 AM, Blogger Super Kawaii Mama said…

    Schizophrenically Stylish!

     

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