Let’s talk style philosophy. Finding the throughline that defines your personal style is not an easy quest; it’s one I’m often thinking about in an attempt to become a better shopper and an easier dresser. There are a few exercises to help you get there, like Allison Bornstein’s Three Word Method, which I’ve devoted a lot of brain cells to but ultimately think is an imperfect system for me.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about style as differentiating archetypes, rather than three all-encompassing words. This method allows you to define the different vibes we aim to achieve without boxing us in; they can reflect a feeling, an element, a person, or whatever you’re trying to emulate/express. We’re not following rules, we’re developing guidelines.
I was introduced to this idea of separating your style into four themes by the three creators below:
percish (street photographer, gallery owner, Italian boyfriend, college brochure)
myinternetcousin (inner kiddo, art heaux, uncle daddy, it’s giving world cup)
alberta.rose (casual romance, taking it personally, sporty spice, take it easy)
And, after giving it some thought, here are the style archetypes I’ve come up with for myself and how they fit into opposing poles of how I like to dress. A single outfit can encompass more than one theme, but by mapping out strategy, we’re able to come to a final fit quicker and easier.
Let’s dig in:
Vampire Slayer - starting off with one that’s hard to describe; it’s more of a feeling and attitude than a category of dress. This archetype channels Buffy Summers and the Charmed sisters. It’s utilitarian with sleek textures and tough materials; she’s girly, but edgy. She’s slaying demons and swinging by The Bronze on her way home.
Airport Fits - an airport fit is a specific style of casual dressing; it’s relaxed, with harder, sometimes impractical, elements like a leather jacket or stiff boot. Picture Cindy Crawford navigating through a crowd of paparazzi at JKF or the Olsen twins hiding from cameras behind a gigantic, beat-up Kelly bag. It’s relatively refined, but still comfy and cool.
Expressions of Girlhood - they say the best way to identify your current sense of style is to go back to what you liked to wear as a kid. Sequins, trinkets, fur trims were all monikers of my youth. Today I also incorporate ribbons, heart-shaped jewelry, and nail art. The point is not to dress like a kid, but to carry those carefree elements of whimsy into adulthood because it brings me joy and adds a personal touch to my wardrobe
Editor off Duty - in my mind, I don’t work from home for an ad agency, I’m the culture editor at a made-up women’s magazine in an early 2000s romcom called something ridiculous like “Poise” or “Composure” from 13 Going on 30 and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, respectively. This is what I’d wear to meet my colleagues for lunch or to run to designer previews and events around the city. (And in reality, it’s how I dress to meet my girlfriends for dinner and drinks.)
Some additional style themes, I encourage others to pull from: rockstar girlfriend, country club, girls who watch sports, dog walker chic, shopping is my cardio, and rich aunt.
What I’m buying: Lots of presents <3 but the more people I love and want to get things for, the more I need to budget so here are some gifts I’d actually buy (or have bought) for under $50 each:
When you have multiple friends to buy for, gift packs are my fav hack like the Baggu wine bags, Boy Smells votives, and Little Sonny Angel Christmas ornaments
Animal farm tumbler - no one wants just one glass so get them a mismatched pair, and, similarly, no one wants just one earring, so how about these mismatched produce earrings
Hand-painted taper candles - like these gold ribbon ones, or gold stars, or some festive holiday ones
Princess Diana tarot cards, and classic playing cards like these New Yorker comic cards
Bar accessories are always important like garnish picks (with pearls, dice, tomatoes, surfer girls, and more dice), cloth cocktail napkins (with bows, nutcrackers, olives, and oysters), champagne stoppers, coasters, and glass straws
Cute keychains like this serpent lighter holder or the doob tube from Edie Parker for your highest friend
I love a little catchall dish, and these are perfect for beside the bed or used as a salt cellar, or this holiday pedestal version
And for the movie lover, their favorite film on Blu-Ray from the Criterion Collection, I’d suggest Moonstruck, The Royal Tenenbaums, or My Own Private Idaho - long live physical media
What I’m reading: If you came here hoping to read more about wine with thoughtful insights and recommendations, only to be disappointed when you found out Dessert Wine is really more about vibes, do I have a Substack for you.
Shitty Wine Memes is all of the above, plus everything the name suggests. Learn a little, laugh a little; it’s worth the follow.
What I’m watching: After a summer of blockbusters, we’re getting a low-budget boom of movies I genuinely can’t wait to see. I’ve already watched Pricilla, Saltburn, and May December, all of which I loved, and up next on my list are The Iron Claw, Eileen, The Sweet East, All of Us Strangers, and Poor Things.
There is simply not enough time and money available for me to catch these all in theaters but make sure you’re following me on Letterboxd for my reactions as they roll in.
"it’s one I’m often thinking about in an attempt to become a better shopper and an easier dresser." SAME but as a gemini I have a hard time narrowing in one style. definitely going to try this method -- will report back ;)
You snapped with this gift guide!!! Purchasing the candles and dice picks 🤍❣️❤️🔥