Grace-Full Intentions: Combat Style Indecision

Have you ever had a decision to make concerning the way you decorate your home or put together an outfit and, all of a sudden, you start thinking about all of the "rules"? Or you try to narrow down your style so that you can focus on making the "right" purchases; only to feel like you can't choose just one style/look?

Or is this just me?

As a society, we've been convicted that we have to decorate or dress a certain way, otherwise we've somehow failed. Even when eclectic is the "in" thing, we still feel that we have to get it just right or we are "less than". So, there we sit, so paralyzed by fear of making the wrong decision that we cross our arms and refuse to make any choices. Or... we spin our wheels.

Me? I would love to actually decorate my home and build a workable wardrobe but, the problem is, I like a lot of different styles. For example, I can look at a room or outfit that is decidedly girly and love it, while also appreciating a space or look that is more "hipster". When it comes time to make a purchase {like, when I get birthday money or there is a huge sale}, I freeze.

My problem? I tend to do the whole spinning-my-wheels thing. You know... over-thinking things so much that I don't make any real progress. So, my house remains un-decorated and my wardrobe is still inefficient.

The solution?

If you're like me and find yourself frozen by fear and indecision, there are a few things we can do:

BE CONTENT

Know that a well-decorated home or strategically edited wardrobe won't create happiness. Sure, it may for a little while... You may smile every time you look at your new sofa or wear those new shoes, but what happens when the new-ness wears off? How will you feel when someone spills grape juice on the couch cushion or the heel of those must-have pumps break? Placing "happiness stock" in material things is the easiest way to ensure that you will remain un-happy.

As long as you and I remember this, we can move on to step #2...

DEFINE *YOUR* STYLE

I know, I know... You've probably heard that before. But, have you tried it yet? Now, please keep in mind, I'm not suggesting that you have to actually define it. I don't necessarily want you to figure out if you're more of a "romantic boho" or a "colorful contemoporary", though you can name your style if you choose to do so.

I'm merely suggesting that you identify those things that you truly love; the things that catch your attention over and over again. The easiest way to do this is through a Pinterest board. With the option to have a secret board, no one needs to know you're trying to pinpoint your personal style. Note: you could create two boards if you wish - one for your decor and one for your wardrobe - but, personally, I think it's even more effective when you can combine the two... that way, you get an overall sense of your style. After all, both reflect who you are...

Once you have about 10 photos or so, you can begin to look for themes, such as a certain color or texture. Then, going forward, you can incorporate that theme into your home and/or your wardrobe. Let me give you an example:

This is a mood board I put together a few minutes ago:

To the untrained eye, it probably looks a little random, but that's just because... well... it is. It's random because I'm a little random.

Look closely and you'll see that it's a bit girly and glam, as well as a tad edgy {which further explains why I ended up falling for this outfit that seemed so "out of character" for me at the time}. Also, you'll notice that I like comfort {note: boyfriend jeans and sneakers}, but I also like to step it up a notch with easy accessories {like the fedora, earrings, and blazers - which, technically, are not accessories... but they sure do take a casual jeans-and-tee outfit to the next level, don't they?}

WRITE DOWN A SHOPPING LIST

This isn't a list that you absolutely must stick to. It's simply meant to be a guide to help you avoid standing in the middle of the women's clothing section {or furniture showroom floor} scratching your head. For example, using my my mood board above, I could create the following list:

blazers {assorted colors}

boyfriend jeans

gold accents

black, pink, teal

Then, next time I go shopping, I've got my list to help me keep my focus. Also, it doesn't hurt to print out your mood board/inspiration photos and carry them in your purse. That way, if you're a little apprehensive about a particular top or throw pillow, simply pull out your pictures and see if it "makes sense".

Of course, if you really love something, just buy it. Don't worry about whether it fits or not. Also, bear in mind that your style can change over the years. And that's okay... normal, even.

So, if you're like me and get bogged down by trying to fit yourself into a mold, just remember that God didn't make you in one. Embrace the uniqueness that He gave you and don't worry about following any man-made rules.