Finding Your Champions: Let Your Heroes Inspire Your Confidence and Enhance Your Style

Finding Your Champions: Let Your Heroes Inspire Your Confidence and Enhance Your Style

One of the questions I get asked a lot is “Which fashion icon inspires your style the most?” And I never know how to answer that question because most of the people who inspire me and my style have nothing to do with the fashion world. Even more surprising, most of them are men. So how do they inspire my confidence in fashion and having better style?

Casey Neistat: Defying Conformity and Embracing Authenticity

About Casey: World-renowned filmmaker, vlogger, and entrepreneur, Casey Neistat is a testament to the power of breaking societal norms and embracing authenticity. His compelling storytelling and passion for filmmaking have ignited inspiration in countless hearts.

My personal anecdote: I first discovered Casey back in 2014, a day after my 28th Birthday on Rich Roll’s (who I’ll also address) Podcast. I had never heard of Casey in my life. My Husband suggested I Iisten to the interview as he felt it would inspire me in my own journey. At the time I was working on my own blog for fun while I worked as a Visual Merchandising Manager. I was amidst a quarter life crisis where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do anymore.

The thing that stuck with me most was his reference to idea’s not being worth anything and execution is key. He talked about if you want to make videos, stop making excuses, grab your phone and make videos.

I use to make videos as a child on a rented camcorder with my brother about silly things we did in our yard or singing songs to the radio. But other than that, I never had any desire to make videos in my life. But for some reason I felt like he was specifically talking to me that day…”Emily, you should make videos, so pick up your phone and make them!” So, I did.

Making videos has been the 3rd best thing I’ve “executed” in my life (first marrying my Husband and second giving birth to my boys). It has contributed to so much value, purpose, inspiration and confidence in who I am. Like millions of others, I credit Casey Neistat to giving me the kick of inspiration I needed to get started.

Champion style takeaway: Casey inspires us to dress in a way that represents our true selves. Embrace boldness in our fashion choices, reflecting your individuality and confidence. Neistat's fearless approach to life and authenticity can serve as inspiration for us to break free from conventional style norms, and chart your own sartorial course.

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Ryan Holiday: Cultivating Wisdom and Timeless Elegance

About Ryan: Best-selling author and acclaimed philosopher, Ryan Holiday, turns to the wisdom of ancient philosophy to navigate modern life. His focus on Stoicism encourages resilience, serenity, and a timeless approach to elegance.

My personal anecdote: I’m not going to lie, I love a self improvement book. Or should I say anything on growth for mindset, health, ways of execution and motivation. In the last 3 years I’ve dove into reading books about Stoicism. So naturally I came across Ryan Holiday. I’ve now read 6 of his books and plan to read his whole 14 book series.

I think why Ryan is so effective at making me crave more of his work is because of the jam packed value he provides with each book. He takes history and timeless information and translates it in such a relevant concise lesson. Which results in ways of effortlessly implementing those lessons into my everyday life. Like I said above, his book “Perennial Seller” inspired this article and my brain is still whirling with ideas he ignited that I can’t wait to “execute”.

One of the biggest things he has helped me with, is to understand Stoic philosophy further. In effect helping me become a more calm and steadfast person. Which has greatly contributed to my approach to fashion in that I know I cannot control anyone’s opinion of me. Freeing myself of that parameter and in result growing my personal style and strengthening my voice on YouTube.

Champion style takeaway: Allow your style to echo your values and promote a sense of tranquility. Embrace classic aesthetics, simplicity, and quality craftsmanship in your fashion choices. Let Holiday's dedication to timeless elegance and wisdom inspire your style narrative.

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Diane Keaton: Celebrating Quirkiness and Effortless Chic

About Diane: Iconic actress and style influencer, Diane Keaton, brings a blend of quirkiness and effortless chic to fashion. She embodies the idea that fashion knows no age limit and is an incredible means of self-expression.

My personal anecdote: My first exposure to Keaton was in ‘Father of the Bride’. I was 7 when my Dad rented it (back when you had to wait a year or two before you could rent a movie after it’s initial release. I know, how dare they!) As I got older I was pulled to any movie with her in it. I was always comforted by her quirky charm and her understated wit.

But when I really began to be inspired by her is when I became an adult and could truly appreciate the fierceness of her unapologetic fashion choices. Then as I grew in my own personal style as an edgy classic myself, I found her to be my guide post in the hazy fog that is the comparison and confusion of social media. She is a constant reminder to me that owning your personal flare and creativity is always the answer to any style question.

Champion style takeaway: Give your unique quirks the limelight in your style. Play around with unexpected style combinations to craft a signature look that screams confidence and individuality. Keaton's ability to meld unconventional elements together with aplomb can push you to explore fashion beyond your comfort zone.

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Rich Roll: Pursuing Health and Activating Transformation

About Rich: Ultra-endurance athlete and wellness advocate, Rich Roll, exemplifies personal transformation and prioritizing well-being. His journey from battling addiction and an unhealthy lifestyle to unlocking his potential and advocating wellness is truly inspirational.

My personal anecdote: I discovered Rich the same day I discovered Casey Neistat. I wasn’t really into Podcasts before that but he quickly became my gateway into more after I realized how much value I gained from his Podcast. His calming temperament was a comfort to me and even though I had no aspirations to be an ultra-endurance athlete, I always found takeaways from his interviews with a range of inspirational people. However a few years later when I became plant based, we did have that in common.

Rich’s story inspired me. At 40 he completely changed the direction of his life from being an alcoholic and stressed out lawyer to a record breaking athlete and inspiring Podcaster. If he could do that at 40, I could make a change at 28. Him and Casey simultaneously inspired me to make the biggest change in my life just over a year after the first Podcast; Quitting my career in Fashion to be a full time Freelance Videographer to gain a better quality of life.

9 years later I still find so much value from Rich. Going from being a Videographer to changing gears again and starting my own YouTube channel. He’s reminded me that patience is key to sustain that path.

Champion style takeaway: Reflect your commitment to physical and mental wellness in your style choices. Opt for comfort and functionality, aligning your fashion choices with a healthy, active lifestyle. Let Roll's journey to holistic wellness inspire you to incorporate fitness and well-being into your style, embodying vitality and confidence.

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Your champions are there to pull inspiration from. Opening up an opportunity for a change in perspective and further growth. Champions are there to guide you, but it is ultimately your openness to personal growth that will shape your path to becoming the best version of yourself.