Sather

Style does not happen by accident.

It cannot be clipped from the pages of a fashion magazine. It cannot be purchased at a designer boutique. Style does not follow trends. It cannot be copied, and it is never swayed by others.

Style does not worry about status. Style does not diminish with age. Style is not superficial. Style is authentic, unique and expansive.

Style is powerful.

When you define your style, you define your life.

Have you ever left the house feeling confident about your look, only to find yourself standing in front of the mirror the next day confused how to recreate that fabulous vibe?

Do you ever feel burdened by a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear?

Style is not created randomly - it is an acquired skill, cultivated through careful attention to details and nuances. Without an understanding of the psychology of color, line and design and a working knowledge of the part they play in harmonizing apparel with appearance and expression, you may be unable to express why some clothes satisfy and others disappoint.

Your style is a unique collection of distinguishing characteristics, creating awareness around what flatters you directs focus to the best of you you immediately feel better, stand straighter and think clearer. As your focus expands, so do all the positives you choose to focus on. Your unique profile is the how-to of taking your essence to self expression.

Most people look to celebrities, clothing designers and store mannequins for style guidance. While these can certainly offer inspiration, they cannot replace your own internal style expert. True style works from the inside out, but in a clamorous world of contradictory information and countless choices; it is difficult to discern what your individual tastes really are.

In a huge field of choices and information - how do you edit?

What is the right hair cut for my face, how does make-up work for me, is this really my style?

A criterion is an essential guidepost to finding satisfaction in a culture currently pushing trend conformity and celebrity tour de force.

Defining yourself and making selections that ground your image feels appropriate because it reflects you and not the next turn of the rapidly changing trend wheel.

Style is a sensibility waiting to be tapped. It is about the private pleasure you take in knowing who you are. Once you learn the underpinnings of proportion and design, your style naturally evolves.

Dressing well is an acquired skill. Ultimately it is a private process and is at its best when it springs from the human qualities of intelligence, passion and sense of humor. It creates a mindful state where you and others see where you want to go; it attracts what you need to get there.

Style is a skill. It is a conscious process of self-discovery.

Image consultants provide you with the tools to express yourself authentically, distinctively and successfully. They help you to elevate the confusion and bring clarity.

Authenticity is energizing, economical and efficient. When you reflect your essence and intentions to the world, the world responds accordingly. When you reflect them to yourself, you respond accordingly. We claim ourselves and define our style, not only to the world, but also for the simple pleasure of being who we are.

Because Style does not happen by accident.

This article is an extract from the best selling ebook How to Look Stylish. Click on the link to find out more.

Although it stands to reason that a commuter should be mindful of the Way of the Commuter, it would seem that we are all negligent. Consequently, if someone were to ask, What is the true meaning of the Way of the Commuter? the person who would be able to answer promptly is rare. This is because it has not been established in ones mind beforehand. From this, ones unmindfulness of the Way can be known. Negligence is an extreme thing.

The Way of the Commuter is found in riding. When the question is whether to ride or not, the answer is always to ride. The Way of the Commuter places emphasis on many qualities, including loyalty, self-sacrifice, justice, sense of shame, refined manners, purity, modesty, frugality, commuting spirit, honor and affection.

Loyalty is a forgotten asset in this day and age, and society has come to regard sacred institutions as little more than folklore. Remaining loyal to the Way trains the mind and body. The commuter rides with a steely resolve, hardened by countless miles, and avoids the temptation of the combustion engine.

Self-sacrifice is an often-misunderstood character trait. Not intended to be a basis for self-righteousness or self-pity, self-sacrifice keeps the commuter humble and grateful. The commuter takes solace in knowing their sacrifice of temporary comfort and efficiency will be rewarded with strength, knowledge and a clean conscience.

Justice often appears to elude the commuter, as ignorant automobile operators cause havok on the worlds roadways without repercussion. While it is tempting, and in rare cases necessary, to take charge of such matters, the Way teaches patience and resolve. When harassed, deny the offender the satisfaction of acknowledging their affront. When the situation merits confrontation, the wise commuter chooses thought and reason before U-lock.

A well-developed sense of shame is a useful tool for the commuter. While cycling to work affords the commuter a deserving sense of pride, a commuter who has succumbed to automotive temptation knows no pride that day.

Refined manners influence societys view of commuters as a whole. While the commuter cares not for the whims of the popular tastemakers, consideration for other users on the roadways inspires reciprocation. In simple terms, yield the right of way to faster moving vehicles whenever possible. While the Way allows for a certain degree of traffic law evasion, the sight of a commuter flagrantly ignoring the law of the road only serves to infuriate motorists.

Purity is an almost unattainable goal for commuters, as the inevitable weakness of the human body eventually hinders ones ability to rideeven if only temporarily. Still, the commuter must aspire to ride every day, only then can the commuter be prepared to ride as often as the body is able.

Modesty is a virtue, as no matter how many miles the commuter rides, there is always someone riding farther, longer, faster, higher, with more weight and in worse conditions than oneself. The commuter only needs to consider the saddle time of a stalwart bicycle messenger, who cannot rest during the day, to be once again humbled.

Frugality is an indispensable quality for the commuter, as all cycling equipment eventually fails and must be repaired or replaced. Thus, the question is often whether to buy new or upgrade the old. When it comes to expenditure, there is but one justificationif the purchase will cause one to ride more then the cost is justified.

The commuting spirit is kept alive by those who are faithful to the Way. While boasting is contrary to the commuters ethos, an honest exaltation of the days ride among peers keeps the spirit alive.

There is no honor among thieves, but there is honor among bicycle commuters. Regardless of distance traveled, the commuter acknowledges their peers perseverance and sacrifice.

Affection for fellow commuters is an important tactic in the battle for bicycle proliferation. A friendly nod or casual wave encourages a sense of community among cyclists, and could potentially initiate companionship, camaraderie or even friendly competition.

Ultimately, it is up to each and every commuter to follow in the Way, and to enlighten their fellow man. So go forth, brothers and sisters, and carry on in the Way of the Commuter.

This article originally appeared in Dirt Rag magazine

-Jeff Guerrero

http://www.urbanvelo.org