Muse Please

I have always wanted to be a muse. So enthusiastically inspirational that someone else identifies me as the creative influence behind their work. When I told my husband of this aspiration he replied, “oh really?” Would it have killed him to play along? With my ego bruised but my dream intact, I began to consider why I am so enamored by this concept.

I like the idea of being inspired by others. Muses can take many forms and inspire style in different ways. For example Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue and the high priestess of fashion, tops my muse list. Her position, signature hair and her close relationship to Roger Federer are covetable. I am inspired by her vision, attention to detail and her unwavering commitment to speak her mind. I sometimes think in my head, WWAD (you can get it, think hard...)? She does not however influence my everyday style.

Why is it beneficial to have a style muse? To be inspired, to guide the way for you to see clothes differently and to provide possibilities you never considered. What if you can’t identify your muse? Do as I did and conduct a mental inventory of your closet and think about the designers/brands that make multiple appearances. Currently there are two that top my list:

Cynthia Rowley

I have quite a few CR pieces in my wardrobe. I not only like her clothes, but also her persona. This is a sign of a good brand, one that makes you feel something when you see or think of it. If one of my clients says they like Cynthia Rowley’s clothes, I immediately identify them as people who are:

• Fashion forward

• Want to make a statement and be comfortable

• Don’t take themselves too seriously

I dig her sporty aesthetic and her influence in other lifestyle areas including decorating and entertaining. She has published a series of books under the Swell brand to share her interests. In addition, because she likes to surf, she has expanded her clothing line to include eyewear, wetsuits, swimsuits, and a super cool new active wear line. It’s a whole package and I buy in. That’s not to say I want to dress in her clothes from head to toe – but I am inspired by her designs and by her life. She pushes me to take more risks such as pairing things differently, whether it is a opposing silhouettes or prints. This is where I get ideas for my clients and me.

Jenna Lyons

As President and Creative Director for J. Crew, Jenna (like we’re friends) has elevated the brand from a counterpart to Gap and Banana Republic into a category all its own. She took a decidedly preppy brand and infused it with a creative and high fashion mindset. The brilliant thing is she didn’t stray too far from the original brand – instead she twisted what was already there, added a few new items, infused color and pattern and pushed existing customers just outside of their comfort zone. I not only love what she has done for the brand, but also her personal style. She makes androgyny look chic and has given the button down shirt a million lives (yes!). If one of my clients likes to shop at J. Crew they are most likely:

• Classic in style but like to mix it up

• Not afraid of color

• Willing to try something new

Sidenote: Is it weird that my muses look alike? Hmmm…deep thoughts for another time.

So now what?

Find muses of your own. If you discover a brand or designer that works for you, learn more about them. Follow them on social media and be inspired by their work both in and out of the office. A muse isn’t about copycatting it’s about creativity. Take elements that speak to your style sensibility – it can be anything from a color, pattern, shape, composition etc. and work it into your wardrobe (or your home).

Your muses will evolve and change as you do – and that’s what keeps things interesting. Stay curious and pay attention to the different people who inspire you. By doing so, you will undoubtedly learn something and will organically refine your own unique style.

Muse on people, muse on.