How to Tell If Something ACTUALLY Inspires You

Hello KZbin Family!
In today's video, we are talking all about inspiration. Inspiration is one of my FAVORITE things to talk about because I think that outfit inspiration and inspiration in general is one of the most underrated tools when it comes to finding your personal style. This video, specifically, is about being able to tell whether or not something is serving as inspiration to you or serving as a means to make you restless, dissatisfied, or insecure. Online trends like, "Is it a fit, or is she skinny," kind of hits on this, but this video is meant to be more inclusive of all kinds things that might make us feel "put down" by an image.
I hope that these questions are helpful for you as you discover inspiration for your own wardrobe and personal style.
As always, thanks so much for watching!
Love, love, love - Lauren
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[@angelaa.9915]

I love this concept!! A question I’ve started asking myself when gathering inspiration is: If I had all the pieces in this picture, would I actually wear this outfit? Or do I just like the way it looks on this person? It’s helped me separate a stylish individual or a well-composed photo from my own personal style.

[@CT1010101]

Same with hairstyles. I have to cover the gorgeous model's face so I can just focus on the hair & whether it's cute or if she's just cute.

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

For sure! I totally agree 😁.

[@ClaireCaoimheRaeMoonshadow]

When I was a teenager I had this vision in my head of what my style would be when I got older. And this vision is something that I have revisited recently, and I find that I really love it. Very comfortable and classic.

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

I think that as we get older, sometimes we can lose track of what inspired us or who we really are. At least it has been true for me. Love that you are getting back in touch with that!

[@ashlynnkaplan680]

This is incredibly insightful and helpful! We have to be very careful how we gather inspiration especially from places like Pinterest and Instagram because I have so many different factors, it can become more confusing to figuring out a personal style than helpful! I found that I actually needed to take a break for some time to just wear things in my closet and figure out based on pieces I was drawn to, what kind of style I could base inspiration on. Finding our style should be more inspiration in browsing than actual shopping. I actually spend a lot of time browsing, saving items and going back and looking them over. I asked for more pictures, measurements, and really spend time imagining that piece of my wardrobe. Sometimes things will sell out from under me and I just take it as, it wasn’t supposed to be. Other things I have given plenty of thought on and finally do purchase, end up being excellent pieces for my wardrobe. These are excellent tips! In the same manner, I browse through the images I save and remove the ones that don’t speak to me overtime. I think this is a crucial and probably one of the most important steps in shopping. The actual time spent purchasing something should be the least of what we do.

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Great insight! Yes, I find so much help in just browsing as well. Honestly, when something sells out, it’s almost a relief to me. Like, I don’t have to worry about that piece anymore. And for the most part, that simply shows me that I didn’t really want it in the first place! I also think that browsing and then taking a break helps us do a lot of subconscious work. They tell writers, when they feel a block, to do something totally unrelated. Inevitably, your mind ends up doing a lot of subconscious work. And it’s the same with personal style. That’s why it can’t be rushed! Thanks so much for your comment 🥰

[@elizabethcongo7815]

Love this! Sometimes it’s so hard to decide if you like something because you actually like it or if it just looks good on someone else. I love Alyssa Beltempos style and how pieces look on her, but when I tried to emulate it too much, I realized that I really just loved the structured pieces on her and that I really prefer a softer and less structured fit on me and my body type. I love that with practice you can learn to be inspired by someone’s style while knowing that those same pieces might not work for you. If you haven’t done one of her Shop Your Closet workshops you totally should try it! Love all the videos you’re making!

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Such great insight, Elizabeth!

[@Dee_and_puppycat]

This is literally one of the most helpful videos I've ever seen on KZbin! Thank you so much and wonderful job :3

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

So kind, Danielle! Thank you 🥰

[@zitalewis4454]

What a great way to view things. I get so jaded with image overload and now I think I get why! Thank you so much Lauren x

[@suzanschneider6163]

Thanks for this one! #3 and #4 really resonated with me. I’ll definitely practice asking these questions. A great topic and thoughtful analysis.

[@notbkrfluff]

Loved this video- thank you Lauren. Great advice for making smart decisions and not just get sucked into marketing.

[@kat_thefruitbat]

This video is inspiring in itself! 😉 Great ideas to further enhance our focus of being mindful and creative, rather than perpetually wanting and consuming! Thank you! 🤗❤️

[@pennyf9886]

Thank you for this topic, I'm 52 yo and you are ahead of your years. No other YT influencer has communicated how to truly cultivate personal style, externally but more importantly internally.

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Thank YOU for such a kind comment. It means so much and it helps me feel like the content I create matters 🥰.

[@hirchberg]

this was really interesting as a perspective on its own and in comparison to how I've been going about updating my wardrobe to align more with my style. (I decluttered tons like 5 years ago and researched a lot and am finally in the process of buying new pieces to fill in all the gaps). I choose clothes first based on the weather, whether I want to wear short or long sleeves, the number of layers etc (Canada) and I prefer billow-y/flowy dresses + skirts in the summer and pants in the winter. I think it's important to, like another comment mentioned, have an idea of what you like on yourself - look at photos and see if you seem more awake or bright in certain clothing (colours, cuts) and check out research on body types (kibbe, etc) and colours. For me, I got really confused/annoyed with looking at other people so much I really needed to just try on like 30 things at winners and take pics in the dressing room and analyze what I looked good in and what I didn't feel like me at all in, and what would need to be changed for me to want to keep it and wear for at least 5 years. So then you'd know if you don't like certain colour shade/intensities on you, or if you prefer solids over patterns, or if you prefer wrap tops or peplums over bodycon dresses, etc. You can buy something and get a refund if you bring it home and see it doesn't 'fit' in your home or how you move in your daily life. to try it on with the clothes you love in your existing wardrobe... i personally find it more helpful to have an idea of what I want and then going to specific stores that have similar style to me and then trying it out to determine the fit/comfort/fabric/etc -for example flared mid-rise trousers for the spring/fall that I can wear with tights underneath for the winter in black, grey, dark green, or navy. and then only look for that in the store and done (either i find something i want to gush about and wear out of the store or I don't that visit). Being a bit tough with myself and knowing/believing that something great will come to me also helps with avoiding buyer's remorse. I'd also suggest getting to know inspo creators who look like you (colouring, stature/height, body type) so you can focus in on whether what you like on someone would actually work on you (and then go to the store and test out specific items/silhouettes). In case that's helpful for others

[@thekindstylist]

One of the Best videos you’ve made. Great insights! Cheers, Lesley

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Thank you so much, Lesley!

[@swededreams100]

Thank you for this ❤️! I already feel inspired by this video. I also subscribe to the idea of having a "miscellaneous inspiration" board or mood board.

[@stephanieg2000]

This was wildly helpful. Lots to ponder now when I'm scrolling through Pinterest. 🥰

[@ruthwebb635]

This has got to be singularly the most helpful video I've seen on YT from an individual. I took written notes it was so good. It made me realise how often I look at an image that makes me feel discontent with who and what I am 😟 Thank you for helping me realise that I am enough ❤💕❤

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Wow wow wow, Ruth! You have no idea how much that means to me. I’m so glad it was helpful 🥰. All I want for this channel is for it to help people create a style they love that makes them feel their best. Thanks again 🌸

[@carmenlheureux5435]

Break down the elements; I never thought of that! You are amazing as always. BTW, week after week, I appreciate your natural makeup.

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

So so kind, Carmen! I always appreciate your comments and how supportive you’ve been since the beginning!

[@catiesteas]

I love this! I am so prone to seeing pretty pictures and outfits, but feeling bad because I don’t have that body or any of the pieces! And I love how you do your “recreating Pinterest outfits!” You do such a good job of that process and explaining it to us! Can you do another video like that?

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Hi Catie! Thanks so much for your kind words. Absolutely! I will be doing another one soon 😊

[@amandajollylines]

The topic of inspiration is one of my faves from you, and I LOVED this angle on it. I think it's so easy to confuse a big reaction to something with inspiration, but, like you said, is that reaction feeding you positively or negatively? Loved this deep dive on the subject!

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Thank you so much, Amanda! Yes yes to the big reaction thing! I can totally relate to that, so it’s especially important for me to take inventory of how I ACTUALLY feel 😅.

[@emilydinunzio2570]

I loved tip #3 I am a knitter and this is something I do a lot with the images I encounter on Instagram. Since it takes a lot of time and $$ to make a knitted garment, I want to be sure it is something that will fit in my wardrobe and work for me!

[@YvonneSwinburne]

I’m so glad this video was recommended, I love finding creators that you can tell are showing authenticity and I appreciate this so much! xxx

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Thanks so much, Yvonne! You are too kind 🥰

[@annaklaus8377]

Great advice. It prompted me to question why I just saved a lot of outfit images from a particular retailer. And I think part of it was the confident posture of the model, because I would like to feel like that... but do I need that particular piece? Probably not!

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Yes! I find this is very true for me as well. Do I want to wear the outfit, or do I just want to look like the model? Or is it just a well shot photo? All good questions to ask!

[@Purposely_Pres]

This video is so helpful , I love these tips !

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Thank you so much!

[@jasminetyxo]

Thank you, this video is helpful!! I just reviewed my own mood boards after watching this video. I asked myself, is really inspiring me with outfit ideas / personal style or is aspirational and embodies lifestyle or person I wish to be? As I am finding (and now cleaning up my mood boards lol) some outfits make me feel bad about my body shape and others are lifestyle aspirations.

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Ahh! Hi Jasmine ☺️☺️☺️. Thanks so much for the kind comment! Yes, I totally agree and can’t really relate to the process. I often find myself feeling LESS inspired after browsing through places that should inspire me simply because the photos make me feel worse about myself or restless. Definitely useful to search for inspo in small chunks, at least for me :)

[@W3ndyPearc3]

This was so helpful. Thank you. 💕

[@karenbaily]

Thank you for this! It is inspiring in itself! ❤️

[@christiana_mandalynn]

This is such an insightful video! I am going to take notes as I watch it a second time =O You are SO good at making meaningful content that isn’t necessarily the generic topics that most content creators cover! I am floored by your wisdom!

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

That is so so kind of you, Christiana! Thank you so much 🥰

[@ivanajukicgloban6627]

Great video! Inovative and very helpful!

[@rosalindwilkes2740]

Great video, I love the idea of finding non-outfit inspiration on Pinterest but get stuck in knowing what to search for. Do you have any tips on where to start or good search terms?

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Great question, Rosalind! I usually search for a specific aesthetic or style that I know I like or lean towards. Things like academia, preppy, classic, cottagecore etc, are some of mine. But you can also start by searching for a particular item you like to wear. For example, “white tee outfits” etc, and then, if you find that you can pinpoint a specific style type, then you can add that on. For example “preppy white tee outfits” etc. Hope that helps!

[@ClaireCaoimheRaeMoonshadow]

Speaking of hair-do you have a video showing how you do yours? It’s so full! My hair is long, but I feel like it can look flat and boring. It’s pretty thick too, though my sides are shaved (super refreshing in Midwest heat!)

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

I don’t! But I know I need to make one 😅. My haircare routine is just so boring, I’m almost embarrassed to show it 😂.

[@jesusiglesiasthebadboy3638]

Preciosa mi amor

[@britneydaniels6294]

This is very wise information. I’m going to share this with my teen daughters as well. I can especially relate to your second point. 🫶🏽👍🏽🥲

[@LaurenWMcKinney]

Thank you so much, Britney! I hope they find it useful as well 🥰