I’ve been in a few conversations regarding what the difference is between Style and Fashion. I would consider myself stylish, however not necessarily the most fashionable person… (Please Note – Of course, I am a bit partial to a particular side of the coin.) Let me explain “in my opinion” what the difference is and then you’ll understand my statement:

 

Being Stylish is:

• understanding self…how you project and perceive yourself as well as how you want others to perceive you.

• about owning your appearance that becomes your calling card… I would even say that it’s your brand…the style brand that everyone has come to know you by.

• also associated at times with the term Stylista…Having a good sense of what looks great on self and the ability to unapologetically own it.

• very personal, celebrates individualism, reflects your own creativity.

• having the ability to create your unique body canvas that’s timeless. You as the creative director are also the author of time in this instance.

• having everything to do with courage to not follow the crowd or being held hostage to a trend, what’s HOT for a day or the “It ______(fill in the blank). Individual creativity is cherished between those that consider themselves stylish.

• intrinsically reflecting the take-it or leave-it attitude as it relates to current trends, because trends don’t define the Stylista.

• Possessing the ability to revitalize old trends because it’s one that fits their style calling card in just the right way.

• not always a slam-dunk to also be considered fashionable. Many people that claim the title of Stylista are fashionable, however not all…some find a great middle ground between the two, so as to operate free from boarding the "Always On Top of The Trend" frenzy.

 

Being Fashionable is:

• about devotion to fashion, particularly unique or high fashion.

• about being very flexible because fashion is ever changing.

• about avidly following the latest fashion trends. Trends come and go and the fashionable one is always on top of what’s hot and what’s not.

• also associated at times with the term fashionista…that makes no excuse for owning the latest and the greatest in fashion trends.

         There are at least two types of Fashionista’s in my opinion:

               -Budget conscience – Operates within budget constraints, and although they aspire to own all the latest trends, they have to be selective

                in what items will adorn their body canvas because it's too expensive for them to own it all.

               -Truly conscience – Budget is of no concern and the cost of owning it all is not an issue.

• not about sustainability, therefore items that are no longer Hot will be put out to pasture. Many Fashionista’s are smart about this quick churn, and will take the out dated trendy items to consignment shops to recoup back some of the money spent to purchase new items.

• not always a slam-dunk to also be considered stylish. Many people that claim the title of Fashionista are stylish, however not all…just because you own or wear the latest fashion trends won’t automatically make a person stylish.

• normally associated with the fashionista who has a closet worth a small fortune…High-End items even on the resale can yield a pretty penny and the fashionista understands that if hard times fall a resale on that new Chanel and/or that new Louis Vuitton bag can quickly turn the situation around.

 

So what’s the deal then…there are some who can claim the title of Stylista and then there are some that can claim the title of Fashionista, but there are a few that can truly claim the title of both Stylista and Fashionista. 

 

The one thing I know is that these terms are not one in the same…two distinct terms that hold their own weight in gold.  What ever your title, titles, or simply no title at all…be true to your own personality, your own spirit, and your own character.  Authenticity is key to being our best and often times it is when we reach our greatest achievements.

 

Why I do What I do…Out of my own struggles and wardrobe complexities, both highs and lows Stylephyles.com was created. I have personally developed this guide and utilized the same information that contributes to my own styling success stories. The information provided in the Style-Phyles! guides have worked well for me and I’m hopeful that it will work well for you too. It is my aim to help others in their personal styling journey.  If you have inquiries, please send them via stylephyles.com or email via stylephyles@yahoo.com.

 

 

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