STYLE by Kate Spade

What is fashion? What is the definition of “fashion”? Is there a difference between "fashion" and "style"? What is style?  What is the definition of "style"? Fashion is what you see in the magazine or on runway.  Style is how you interpret fashion, how you make it applicable to life, how you translate it into your wardrobe.

The new book I dug up in my neighborhood library is “STYLE” by Kate Spade.  Theoretically, I have always liked Kate Spade design. And this book is up to par. It is organized in a very capricious manner with drawings instead of photos as most fashion books fashion.  It is written in blurbs and includes information that Kate must have deemed to be helpful (such as size charts, how to care for the cashmere that I will never be able to afford, etc.). Things of note are the facts and quotes at the bottom of pages.

Don't get me wrong – I will not be following Kate’s advice anytime soon.  I mean you will not catch me wearing any vegetable necklaces or packing candles into my carry-on.  However, I really like the way she talks about style and how she has appears to have a solid grasp on the concept.  Her husband appears to be not far behind either.  Below are the things that will give a feel for the book. 

It is as much about being seen as it is about seeing. 

Always gracious, sometime irreverent STYLE.

Sometimes what you can’t see is far more revealing.

Style is innate.

True style comes from opening yourself to the world around you – to the books and movies, to art, to music and travel, and especially to other people.

Your personality is uniquely expressed through your choice of accessories. It’s the easiest form of self-declaration. Pg. 68

Sunglasses have an amazing style quotient – there is something strong and mysterious about them.  Pg. 76

Hats is just the thing for adding wit and personality. Pg. 78

Style is:

• a sum of so many things – beginning with a sense of who you are and having a self-confidence.
• wearing what makes you happy.
• following your own rules.
• clarity.
• owning pieces you cannot wait to wear.
• a little like mercury: try to put your finger on it and it moves.
• becoming aware of what makes you feel most yourself out in the world. Pg 53

Other concepts in the book that I adore:

• Pre-set color combinations (although I do not agree with most of Kate’s suggestions)
• Finding your own classics
• Being your own style guru
• Stylish movies
• Wardrobe ABCs