Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design    by Carrie McCarthy & Danielle LaPorte Order:  USA  Can Little, Brown & Co., 2008 (2008) Softcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Belle Dessler We're constantly being told to just be ourselves. But who are we, really? Is there a method to figuring out who we are at the core of our beings, to discovering our authentic selves? And once we've gotten that far, what do we do with the knowledge? In Style Statement, McCarthy and LaPorte guide readers on a journey that's as much about self-discovery as it is about living life to the fullest. Part journal, part inspirational tome, part self-improvement book, Style Statement is unlike anything else out there. Even the look and feel of this large softcover book is wonderfully appealing. With glossy pages, full-color pictures and plenty of room for journaling, it's the type of book you'll find yourself carrying from room to room and slipping in your work bag to flip through on lunch break. The theory behind Style Statement is simple. By the time you turn the last page, you'll have a two-word description that 'defines your authentic self.' These two words aren't arbitrarily chosen, but rather arise seamlessly from the work you do to discover what matters to you, and conversely, what doesn't matter. The authors describe your personal style statement as 'a compass for making more powerful choices, a guide for designing a life that reflects your whole being. An anchor, a symbol, a mantra. A declaration, an affirmation, a reminder. You, fully exposed.' Chapter by chapter, the authors take the reader through a process of discovery. Yet the strength of the end result is completely dependent on the effort and level of commitment you're willing to put into the self-discovery exercises. Sprinkled throughout are snapshots of other people who have taken the Style Statement challenge, along with a look at how their style statement defines them. Each of these mini-chapters provides a wonderful glimpse of a person's authentic self, and each is inspiring in its own way. In the end, the authors want us to apply personal style statements to every aspect of our lives, from choosing a career to buying a new pair of shoes. If you're looking for a unique take on self-discovery and self-improvement, look no further than Style Statement. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews