leather pants/Zara white tee/Manolo Blahnik shoes

Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”

Bill Cunningham

Before I started The Edge of Simple, I spent almost 4 years thinking about what I wanted to say, what this blog’s guiding principles would be, and if I had something different to add to all the voices already out there offering lifestyle advice. What I settled on was offering an approach to living simply and beautifully. Simplicity of life brings a sense of calm and serenity; a clarity of thought that makes it possible to deconstruct this culture and all it insists you must do and be. It’s an approach which will help eliminate the rushed/crisis mode which seems so pervasive in our culture.

The art of successful living really is all about discerning what things need to change to preserve the things that really matter. And honestly, for most of us that’s TIME. Time spent with loved ones, time spent reading, time spent enjoying coffee with a friend, and the list goes on and on. The problem is we only have 24 hours in every day, and most of that is accounted for in things we have to do. But the things that really matter, we have to find a way to reclaim and preserve. It sounds outrageous to suggest style axioms can help you reclaim margin in your life and eliminate anxiety, but it’s true whether we’re bold enough to admit it or not. Style is more than how it looks; it’s also about how it makes you feel. Our surroundings are for making us feel safe, loved and welcome. Our clothes are for making us feel strong. So, Read on! Sartorial freedom awaits.

10 Style Axioms to Live By

1. Dress as yourself whatever the occasion. We all know what it feels like to be uncomfortable in your clothes because you feel like an imposter. Be you. It’s powerful.
2.  Buy pieces of clothing to fill wardrobe gaps. Clothes that you can wear now and in the years to come.” Fashions change, style remains.” Coco Chanel
3. Have a uniform. It means making one less decision everyday. The individual components may change from day to day but the philosophy remains constant.
4. Buy simple elevated basics that work well with statement accessories.
5. Mix high and low clothing price points for your individual style.
6. Always buy the most expensive shoes and handbag you can afford. You can have a tee from Target and jeans from Gap and add a pair of designer heels and you’ll feel and look like a million bucks.
7. Effortless style is always attractive. Everyone knows it when they see it. It’s a confident taste cultivated over years of exposure. It takes intellectual rigor to develop unwavering taste. Make the effort.
8. If you have good hair, good shoes and a good handbag you can get away with anything.
9. Good taste is nice. Perfection isn’t.
10. Always make an effort. Never try too hard.

Photos by Megan Weaver (www.megan-weaver.com)