Good Morning Darlings,

I have a very busy day ahead! I have a conference call with my Honey Bees, a business luncheon, a meeting to attend with my husband and finally a relaxing, casual evening with my ultimate concierge and friends. Least I forget, I will walk my pup America, take care of any emails, text, talk to family and friends and write my musing, doing all of the above with my own personal flair, my unexpected style.

My Sense of Style

Over the past few weeks, I have received a handful of messages asking me how I have developed my sense of style.

I thought and thought about my take on unexpected style and decided there are two sides of the coin. First, there’s the inner personal style of a woman and her demeanor. Then there’s the other side of the coin, which includes her outer style and personal flair. A woman’s sense of unexpected style always conveys both sides.

Like A Divine Perfume

The most important aspect of personal style is the charisma that stems from who you are. Inner style is like divine perfume, unseen yet unforgettable.

Delighted at the Dentist’s Office

Yesterday I had a dentist appointment. As I sat in the dentist chair the manager of the office, a man stepped into the doorway and asked,

“Excuse me, would you mind telling me the name of your perfume?”

He continued, “When you walked into the office, your fragrance permeated throughout the room. Everyone loved the scent and was wondering if you would share the name. ”

I replied, “Thank you so much! I am constantly asked the brand name of my perfume and can’t remember it because it is a long French word. But  if you give me your cell phone number, when I get home, I will be happy to text its name to you.”

I texted him as I have texted others in the past, all strangers, who complimented the scent. From walking down the pasta aisle in the market, riding in a taxi, sending a package at FedEx, dining in a  restaurant and now sitting in the dentist’s chair, I always take the time to brighten someone else’s day.

Unexpected style stems from your inner being. It’s what makes you tick–your virtues and your willingness to help others.

It is never too late to choose the woman you want to be. Moreover, if you have unexpected style oozing from within, pass it down to your grands. It will bode them well in life. They will be happy giving back.

Create Your Unexpected Style with A Few Key Pieces

Unexpected outer style is an art. It is looking marvelous without trying. Having pride in your appearance is your secret strength. A woman with pride wants to push her creative juices even further.

Here are a few staples I think every woman should have in her wardrobe:

1. A little black dress
2. Black slim pants
3. Jeans
4. Simple t-shirts or white blouses
5. A black pencil skirt
6. Black or navy sweaters
7. A black coat
8. A leather jacket

Accessories to take your staples up a notch:

1. Faux brooches
2. A pair of gold or silver hoop earrings
3. Colorful rectangular wool and silk scarves
4. Faux bangle bracelets
5. A black tote or a colorful statement handbag
6. Sleek walking shoes
7. Colorful platforms or fun booties
8. Unique hats and caps
9. A bold umbrella
10. A silk tuxedo tie

The Red Fascinator

I was invited to a hat luncheon and I knew the attendees were all going to be wearing stunning hats. What was I to do? I do not have a gorgeous hat collection and there was no opportunity to go hat shopping.

With my thinking cap on, I decided I would purchase something oversized, colorful and feminine.  I would make my hat the focal point of my outfit by wearing a monochromatic outfit. My accessories would complement my hat.

I dropped into at an art store, a craft shop, a museum and finally to a floral shop, whose owner had a room of clever gift items. I found a large red flower and had the craft store owner sew on clips. In a few seconds, we turned the flower into a fascinator. All for $20! I was out the door with my wonderful huge red rose fascinator as happy as a lark!

The day of the hat luncheon, I intentionally dressed in monochromatic white and donned my go-to red lipstick. First I slicked my hair back and then I clipped the large red flower to my hair on the right side. My fascinator was unexpected and certainly the least expensive hat at the luncheon. My unexpected selection stemmed from the belief that simplicity is elegance. A bold burst of the red flower in addition to my monochromatic outfit and a touch of creativity came together as the perfect combination.

A Bow Tie, A Purse Strap & A New Summer Hat

Upon my return to my beautiful Chicago, I couldn’t wait to go window shopping. As many of you know, Palm Springs caters to golfers, not shoppers. During the six months we spent in Palm Springs, I did zero shopping aside from lipstick and moisturizer refills.

I was chomping at the bit as I walked briskly down Michigan Avenue on my way to Oak Street. Accessories are my favorite and I found a black silk bow tie I could wear with my tuxedo or with a pair of slacks and sweater as an unconventional accessory. I can leave home in the morning in a casual outfit, carry my silk bow tie in my handbag and slip it on for dinner, immediately turning my casual day look into an evening outfit.

I came across a stunning purse strap that will fit my Dior bags that I have been collecting for years. It is a keeper, as are my bags. I treasure my handbags and I don’t have tons by choice. Instead, I prefer to spend money on one keeper instead of having several options.

On my way home I stopped in and saw a flower garden hat at Gucci. My ultimate concierge and I will be taking a cruise with our friends in August and my hat will be a hit! Not only is small and easily packed, but it’s also a head-turner because it immediately conveys the personality of the woman under the hat. And, darlings, that is unexpected style.

Unexpected style means feeling confident in yourself when your inner beauty radiates love, kindness, curiosity, unselfishness, joy and gratitude. All of these qualities will show as you walk down the street, sit across the table from friends or open your door and let the world come in.

My darlings, I hope my thoughts on style help you add unconventional pops to your daily wardrobe. What trends or tips do you have when you’re putting together your outfits? Comment below or join me on Facebook and Instagram.