RTFR Magazine

Style is the ultimate form of authenticity of expression. As someone who believes and incorporates that philosophy in every aspect of her life, even with career choices, the Era of Authenticity is long overdue.

I truly believe that many struggle with finding their own style, many cut and paste their way through life, trying to create a desired look, based on an ideal set by others. Viewing others as their preferred platform of expression. Especially, if that person or muse is seen as beautiful, or as appearing financially successful.

Finding your essence starts with the much-needed self-awareness and self-acceptance. Because, if these factors are not in play, you’re just playing dress-up!

You need to deprogram yourself from past parental demands and expectations, idealization of friends and connections, and turn down the chatter of social media propaganda. Only then will you discover how you may wish to create that desired 3D visual of your being.

Creating that vision, through a specific choice of style of dress, and how you create your sacred space of where you live, is where true comfort exists. Otherwise, you will just be living someone else’s vision and standard. Even if there is someone that you truly vibe with, and would love to embody their chosen style. Never take on their style 100%. Find a way to incorporate your voice, signature, or brand within that same look and feel.

We overengineer our lives by living from a strategy standpoint. Thinking that, A plus B will eventually give you that perfect result. True style has nothing to do with a strategy, nor does it even apply to life. But that deep dive will need to be saved for another post. Style is a blend of comfort, ease, and knowing who you are. Stop letting TikTok, Insta, or any other social dictate your style.

Fashion evolves, styles evolve, and of course, you evolve. But no matter your age or preferred vibe, there is nothing like the vision of a woman walking into a room, where she is a walking celebration of her style, versus someone who is visibly trying to fit in. Trying to be someone who needs to be carrying or wearing the right label, that’s not style, that’s theatre.

It’s interesting that the socials are ablaze with how Hermes bags are made now. Discovering, or uncovering, that a majority of the LUX bags are assembled in China. Only a certain small aspect of the bag or specific item is then finished off in Italy or France to secure that “made in _____ label. Learning that the influencers are abandoning the high-lux vibe, due to the “need” to always be first, or in the know. Ditching the need to have a specific bag, exposing the real secret that many are going into debt over these unnecessary needs. Opting to get off the gerbil wheel of chasing someone else’s concept of what is chic and stylish!

It’s time to find your authentic style and not be seduced by labels and brands and their marketing games. That seems to seduce you into a perceived lifestyle. Mainly because it’s an illusion.

Keeping it Authentic!

xx gail