Taking risks with your style is an important step to personal growth & development. Not only do you have fun with your style, but you might even try something crazy enough to turn into your signature look. Of course, if you are into that kind of signature. I know for sure that- I am! I’m not into trends. I’m into what works for my unique features, body, creative eye, and captures my soul. So without further ado… here’s a personal signature style choice I’ve made in the last few years.
So, I’ve had all colors of hair from platinum to black and all the crazy colors in between, especially with being a professional hairstylist since the age of 15. I definitely would love to show you those looks in another post. Anywho, with my name being Ruby, I’ve always got unsolicited input from strangers. “You’re name is Ruby, you should have Ruby red hair!” I was always really opposed to the idea, since I was happy with my black hair for the last bit of time. I thought it went well with my style, skin tone, and features- which it did. But, I was ready for a change. 
As life so has it, after going through some personal heartbreak- I thought “Why the hell not become a redhead!” And asked to start the process of color correction with the help of my amazing friend & colorist @tianagiacalone. She took the time to pull out all the stops- with 6 different custom color techniques & mad skills. I did show her a few photos, but ultimately I told her to use her judgment. To pick a red that would be the best for my overall look. 
I was open to this change. Ultimately I thought of that phrase- “Change your hair- change your life.” So, let me tell you without taking the risk- I would have never known, my color is red. I have never gotten this kind of positive response to a hair change in the past. I think I was on to something, I think I truly found what works for me. Being a redhead for me, has been truly empowering. It has brought me a sense of peace, when it comes to looking in the mirror. I love what I see, especially without even a drop of makeup on.
Let me tell you, I am not telling you to take such a risk on trying something new. It could be as simple- as trying a new color of lipstick. Something you can change if it doesn’t mix with you. Try a new dress in a color that you normally wouldn’t try. Or a new style of sunglasses, or a hat! You might just surprise yourself. Take risks, have fun, live in confidence & love. No better time than the present! Carpe Deim that shit.
Till next time babes.
Live, love, and wear hats,
Polished Raven
*Credits–
Photography: @miel_mel_
Hair colorist: @tianagiacalone
Outfit: Vintage
Hat for purchase at: Polished Raven
Heels: Nine West
First things first: As women we are especially hard on ourselves, picking everything little thing apart. Putting ourselves under our own microscopes. I’ve seen in it myself, and I have hit a point where I am damn sick off it. No way, I want to live the rest of this life not feeling good enough. I choose to recognize that I am good enough, I am worthy, and I want you to know- SO ARE YOU! Recognize where you are at, let go of negative thoughts, and move forward in your personal journey.
Step two: Take the time to truly love yourself. All of your inner & outer beauty, and even the “flaws”. There is beauty in your unique self, that is your magic, and no one else possesses that but YOU! Take a minute, and tell yourself – “I love myself, I except myself.” Positive self talk is a huge help to your self esteem, and success. Rupaul says it right, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love anybody else.” Right on Ru, loving yourself is powerful!
Step three: It is truly important to take care of your energy, and your body the best you can. Take the time to recharge yourself, if that means a quite minute alone, a walk to the park, or reading a book. Excerise your body & mind, because guess what at the end- it’s your most precious resource. Now go out into the world, and shine bright as the beautiful warrior you are. LIVE in your truth, confidence, and love.
Start with staple pieces, a great little black dress. For example, this particular vintage satin dress carries 4 simple details that called out my name- color, fabric, shoulders, and sleeves. Simple, but contains deadly details! I paired this dress with classic noir kitten heels from decades of fashion sf, and a large noir chapeau with style & flair from 
Next- my thought processing on dressing is simple. It is, understanding accessories can change even the simplest dress into many different looks. I do not overwhelm myself with a huge closet full of clothing. I have timeless pieces- I can rework to make them different every time I wear them.
My final secret is confidence. It is truly the secret sauce- the turning point to building your own personal style. Understanding fully, the clothes don’t make the personality, the personality makes the clothes!
You too can dress well, and have the perception of effort. If you can rock your fashion choices with courage and confidence, you can truly have it all. Just remember, you are wearing the clothing- don’t let them wear you. Go out there, live boldly and remember- YOU GOT THIS!
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