The intangible nature of individual style sometimes makes it hard to reduce a person into such fashionable mots-cles as "minimalist," "flirty," "feminine," or "classic." Because although we may try, it's really quite rare that one word can truly capture a person's aesthetic inclinations and executions. In fact, the frustrating reality is that we are all a blend of moods and seasons and occasions, and our personal style reflects this dynamism while more or less remaining in the same key.
Surely this is what makes the correct descriptive word so elusive; it may not even exist. Or it may be that it's maturing alongside us, or even just beyond our reach.
Beginning this blog meant thinking a lot about my own style philosophy. And I've had trouble condensing it into a few key words or phrases, to put it mildly. So it was an enormous pleasure (and relief) to receive a newspaper clipping today in the mail from my dear Aunt Moira (whom I have to thank for just about everything, and will). It is of a letter that appeared in last Thursday's Style section of the New York times, and it reads:
Building a personal style, creatively understanding oneself, seeking out those whose work and vision coincides - this is not something that can be accomplished overnight, or by giving in to the ever-changing whim of the moment. It is the work of a lifetime. And it is only possible when a sense of self is present: knowing every facet of oneself, trusting one's eye and heart, and being fearless.
I recall some years ago reading an article about Nan Kempner, and accompanying it was a photo of the room in which she kept her favorite pieces - the "go to" pieces she reached for frequently. I remember thinking that because of her confident style choices over the years, she could probably walk into that room blindfolded, pick out three random items by touch alone, and everything would work perfectly together, and everything would spell out: NAN.Visione, Hudson Valley
A style philosophy to subscribe to.
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