Mama Style

A few weeks ago we posted on the book, Style Statement, from Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte, and their philosophy on personal style statements - two words that can help define your life and how you live it. Today, we bring you a few words of wisdom from Carrie and Danielle, geared just for moms.

Here's what Carrie and Danielle had to say:

Q. What can you suggest to moms to help them stay in touch with their sense of style (as well as self) as they navigate the path through motherhood?

A. Ah yes...how to successfully get out of the house for a special event without spit up or boogers on your outfit; navigating the boredom of vacuuming Cheerios with the deep delight of being in the light of your child's love; and piecing together the puzzle of your total devotion to your kid's unfolding, with your very own need to grow, flourish, and be freely self expressed.

CREATE YOUR STYLE STATEMENT: Two words to live by
Well, it does help to have a STYLE STATEMENT -- the two word compass that defines your authentic self. The book is an inquiry into your true desires, successes and inspirations. Some of the questions are playful (What's your dream home? What would you wear to the Oscars?), and some questions you may have never asked yourself (What's your genius? What do you crave? When do you shine?) After the babes are in bed, curl up with a copy or make it a Monday night girl group ritual -- no kids allowed.

CREATE A STYLE FILE: What inspires you?
Begin to collect visuals of things that inspire you. Make a scrapbook, put together a collage, or store them in a shoe box. Magazines are fantastic sources of inspiration. Liberally tear out images of designs, colors, graphics, scenes, and looks that you are drawn to. Add fabric swatches, poems, postcards. And as you're collecting your ideals, know that the process helps to draw your fulfilled wishes to you. Or, start a really easy file-folder system. Label each file with the name of an area in the Life Style Map (e.g., Fashion, Home, Relationships) and file images and text that resonate with you in the appropriate folder.

CREATE YOUR WEEK: 3 Simple Things
Every weekend, write down three simple things you will do to energize your Style Statement in the coming week.
1. Edit. Let go of one thing—material objects, thoughts, or activities. It might be an old sweater, a pile of paper, a negative self-perception, or a small but nasty habit such as staying up too late or not recycling.
2. Add. Bring in or reinvent one thing in your life—thoughts, activities, creations, objects.
3. Appreciate. More fully appreciate someone or something. Send a thank-you note to your partner, just for being your partner. Be extra polite to the guy who makes you latte. Get that old painting re-framed and hung, or finally take those pants to the tailor. Spend some time admiring how beautiful your eyes are.

Whether we're stay-at-home mamas or CEOs, we're all works in progress. Authenticity takes courage and commitment, much like motherhood. And creating a life that looks and feels like the true you, alongside the demands of everyday-ness, is simply, (and profoundly) the result of making choices that feel good, choices that make you shine. And by the light of your realness, every one around you grows.

Shine on,
Carrie & Danielle

Thank you, Carrie and Danielle, for your lovely insight and suggestions!