Helen, did you get the book?
I ordered it myself for verly little money and it arrived yesterday. I looked through it today and it was a fun exercise! I really like the idea of a two word style statement, because it seems to leave room for variations without being too intangible.
I thought my first word was clearly "Simple/Simplified/Simplistic/Simply". The book says:
Simply is authentic and unpretentious. No-nonsense and never one for airs or embellishment, they are typically humble and modest. What you see is what you get. Simply loathes excessiveness, waste, and clutter - both materially and psychologically. Deception and personal politics irritate them on the deepest level. What's unnecessary is disheartening. Simply is a direct communicator. They express themselves clearly and candidly. They love to find out the story behind the story, get their point across, and be heard, and they won't back down from an argument. In fact, they can be incredibly persistent and stubborn, to the point of becoming entrenched. For better or worse, They're great at cutting corners. Simply loves to find the most logical or ideal solutions - utility and purposefulness are at the top of their list. They are remarkably durable and hearty spirits. Simply has a keen way of knowing what's most important or essential in every dimension and deeply relishes the basic necessities and pleasures of life.
Look and Feel: Clean, pared down, balanced. Basic, organic. Fundamental. Austere, plain. Open spaces. Well organized. Tidy. Can range from ultramodern and stark to sheer elegance. Never ostentatious or showy.
clear, common, clarity, classical, direct, ease, elemental, honest, humble, innocent, integrity, intelligible, modest, natural, open, primitive, pure, quiet, restrained, sincere, straightforward, unity
I think this fits really well, I was relatively sure about this part when I read through the specifications. I'm not so sure about the second word. There wasn't another description that felt as right as the one above. I thought about "Understated", but then I wasn't so sure anymore. The book says about Understated:
Understated coined the phrase 'less is more'. Their strength is founded on simplicity and grace. With a tremendous sense of decorum and appropriateness, Understated suits up, shows up, and rises to the occasion.Subtle, patient, and refined, Understated knows that actions speak louder than words. At their best, Understated trusts that things will work themselves out if they simply allow them to. Artfully diplomatic with a gentle touch, they compose their inner circle with those who are able to understand and appreciate their sensitive nature, yet Understated is not fragile - to the contrary. They have a deep undercurrent of ideals and values by which they navigate. Zealousness, the hard sell, and aggression sends Understated in an about-face. Their challenge is not to take things personally and to rest assured in their own values and good jugdement. Understated is content to work behind the scenes as supportive forces or masterminds, happy to make others look good. Of course, they believe that just a little bit of glamour or nonchalance goes a long way, and it is precisely that kind of restrained elegance that is their most attractive and empowering quality.
Looks and Feel: Classic, elegant, refined, modest. Comfortable, cushy, smooth. Diffused, hazy, muted, misty, pale, pastel, shaded. Harmonious, symmetrical, well-proportioned, streamlined. Quiet, tranquil, melodious.
delicate, caressing, easygoing, laid-back, light, loose, low-key, mellow, mild, played down, quiet, relaxed, restful, softened, soothing, subdued, subtle, sweet, temperate, toned down, twilight, whispered
Mmh, that would make my style statement "Simply Understated". I'll have to think about it some more, but I'm already sure that my core word will be Simply. This really isn't as easy as I thought! And I'm not so sure how that will translate into style either, I'll have to think it through.
