Written by: Leslie Gutstein, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
5 Ways to get to know yourself and start your journey to personal style development
How often do you come across “New Year New You” posted at the beginning of a new year? Businesses promising to make you into someone totally new. However, what if we change the wording around? What if this year you discover the REAL you? What if this year is all about digging deeper into the person you were meant to be, the best version of yourself?
As a personal stylist, I do more than just help my clients get dressed. We focus on the inner work together to get to know their unbelievable talents, unique personalities, and deepest desires and life goals. Here are 5 ways I have helped my clients transform their confidence from the inside out.
VALUE – Personal style allows you to own and express your value. Getting to know how valuable you are to your family, job, and society and knowing your boundaries, and getting clear about how you want to be treated, are all part of knowing your value. When you know the difference you make and fully believe in your talents and gifts, you will understand how you should present yourself on the outside.
PASSION – Understanding what your passions are in life will help identify how you want to be perceived. What drives you every day? What are your interests? What do you want to learn more of? By getting a bigger picture of your interests and passions, you will gain a deeper appreciation for what makes you different and live with intention.
LIFESTYLE – It is so important to understand your lifestyle. If you are dressing in a way that is not conducive to your way of life, you will not be true to who you are and will likely be physically uncomfortable. We all go through life changes, and many times this alters our lifestyle and the way we dress. For instance, if you’ve been working in corporate for most of your life and now you’ve transitioned to a stay-at-home mom, you’re going to have to make some significant modifications to how your wardrobe is curated, and you’ll be dressing differently.
LIFE MISSION AND GOALS – This is a big one! So many people are caught up in their past. As humans, we are constantly evolving, and so should our goals. When we align our style with our life goals, we can better visualize the person we want to be, not the person we once were. This is the greatest step to personal and professional growth.
YOUR MESSAGE – What is the message you want to send? How do you want to see yourself, and how do you want people to perceive you? Getting to know your strengths, talents, and unique qualities are the foundation to building your confidence. Use your personal style as a tool to show the world who you are from the inside out. Try to think of at least 3 unique brand qualities you see in yourself. Do you want people to know that you are creative? Fun? Friendly? When your identity and message are in sync, you will be able to express it visually, and your personality, talents, and best qualities will radiate outwards for all to see.
I invite you to search within and think about how you want to see yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself if the way you describe yourself matches the way you feel in your clothes. Always remember that your personal style begins with the REAL you.
Leslie Gutstein, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Leslie Gutstein is a personal stylist/wardrobe consultant and mom of 4. After going through many challenges and changes such as major weight gain/weight loss, 4 pregnancies and balancing her work/stay at home wardrobe, Leslie discovered her passion for helping women build confidence after going through similar changes. As a personal stylist, Leslie believes that the way we dress affects the way we interact with the world around us and has the power to create balance from the inside out. Leslie uses her talents by helping women discover their style based on the individual’s lifestyle, career, and personality. With a Bachelor of Art Degree in Fashion Merchandising from The International Academy of Design and Technology and certification from The School of Style taught by top LA stylists, Leslie’s extensive experience in the fashion industry brings a unique approach to help her clients build the confidence they need.
