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.

78 comments:

Christina said...

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

Danielle said...

modern & casual

mcginnisfamily5(at)gmail(dot)com

Reiza said...

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

Mary512 said...

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

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

Anonymous said...

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

anne_c_taylor@hotmail.com

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!

Kari said...

Opinionated and sensitive.

Sharon said...

kind and casual
(thanks)

julie said...

funny and quirky
3beez at bellsouth dot net

vboackle said...

reliable and honest and quiet.

PS said...

Easy Going, Modern.

Kristen H. said...

Giving & caring.

Mama Zen said...

Mellow chaos!

kelli (at) pfrog (dot) net

Panjo Kids said...

comfortable and happy

mverno said...

laid back and old fashioned

Krisinda Smith said...

minimalist chic

krisindam at mac dot com

Ginny said...

Shy & Modern

Natalie said...

Caring and Loving.

Thanks for this giveaway!

Bree said...

Traditional and loving!

gunzie said...

caring and happy!
Thanks for the great giveaway!

fangirl said...

Comfortable and Smart!

DOODLEGIRL said...

imaginative and compassionate

Allison Croce said...

loyal and kind

DePro said...

Casual, comfortable.

Staci said...

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

bfox74 said...

Living Life One Laugh at a Time

Kristinia said...

Classy and caring
kristinialeanna@yahoo.com

Leni said...

frugal nut

elieat [at] hotmail [dot] com

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)

sillelin said...

kind & caring = me

idahomom said...

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

ihchicky said...

I'd describe my style as casual and cozy.

Thanks for the chance.

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/

Scrappy Do said...

laid back and old fashioned

susies said...

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

Uniquely Yours said...

Unique and trifty.

CJW's folks said...

honest & laid-back

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

louiseb130 said...

uncomplicated

Rockin' Mama said...

Chic and green!

jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com

Deen said...

Giving & Loving

jennem said...

Shy Extrovert

frugallm said...

Vintage, Classic

tarah716 said...

Sensitive & Fun

Tarah
fireball351c AT yahoo DOT com

cdrury said...

compassionate friend

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.

Scarlett said...

I would describe myself as creative and compassionate.

Emily N. said...

comfortable character

gotfire (at) yahoo (dot) com

Debbie Criss said...

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

Francesca said...

I think I am passionate and creative.

f.allievi at gmail dot com

Grateful Gramma said...

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

Wendy said...

Heartfelt possibility

Anonymous said...

I want to be a fashion designer.

dolls123 said...

Honest & Opinionated

dolls123[at]gmail[dot]com

Samantha P said...

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

Sylvia P said...

stubborn leader

Judy said...

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

Princess Golden Hair said...

compassion and loving

masmola said...

Honest and Real. Nothing fake or put on here.

JenO said...

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

jennmalan said...

casual and
honest

blueviolet said...

Sentimental and serious

Anonymous said...

Fun and Dependable

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

stampedwithgrace said...

organized chaos :)

Cuethelight@cox.net said...

My style is Betsey Johnson meets the midwest.

jaydonco1 said...

Ecletic Quirky!

purango said...

genuine and caring garrettsambo@aol.com

carissaad said...

Kind and generous

carissaad at aol dot com

Erica G said...

Tired and Truthful

egreca [at] hotmail [dot] com

klp1965 said...

nervous and worried :(

yadgirl said...

peppy and eager

ky2here said...

approachable casual.

lilyk said...

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

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

Swtlilchick said...

Peaceful and grateful



CharlieGurl57@aol.com

momof5girls said...

content and caretaker

vonmell at gmail dot com

Super Kawaii Mama said...

Schizophrenically Stylish!