Our Style Essence System for Women: The Four Quadrant Approach

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Hello! Meradj and I are so excited to share these with you! (1) Join me on instagram at @stylethoughtsbyrita! There I share all my ongoing thoughts on style (2) Please leave any women you'd like to see in comments below! (3) Also leave any "takes" on the system, we love it (including disagreement!) My hot take: among women who don't like you -- women on the right will look DOWN on you, women on the left will look THROUGH you 🌼 Does this make sense to anyone or is it just me?

[@naomia472]

And yes the hot take makes absolute sense. Hopefully you make more videos similar to this!

[@jenniferreed2978]

Your hot take is brilliant.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

@Beauty As Being Emily Browning is so right down to me from a quick glance -- but idk her! Can look into it more

[@aliza6323]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita Thank you so much for this lovely idea!! I would love to know where Emma Watson falls in this!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

@@aliza6323 we think right + down!

[@MoMo-mx9ib]

I would love it if you made a Pinterest Board for each of the Essences; pictures would definitely help to understand this intuitive system!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

That's a really nice idea! I will do that as we make videos for the different quadrants and I will link them in the videos 🌞

[@naomia472]

I agree :)

[@onemore7632]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita did you ever happen to make the pinterest boards? I tried to look but maybe I was looking wrong because I couldn't find them!

[@ngozijanea]

This is such a great system! I watched this video several times as well as all the men's videos, lol. It seems that for both genders, if "regular" people are in the center, the further you travel to the right, the closer you get to becoming a paragon of modern societal virtue. The further you travel to the left, the closer you get to embodying the shadow aspects of modern society. It seems that the raw vs refined aspect is really about whether we give the impression of taming vs embracing our primal instincts. For women, it seems that the women at the furthest right are idealized as the princess, the girl next door, the business woman, the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the ideal woman, the socialite, etc. The women at the furthest left are idealized as the sex kitten, the witch, the wild one, the woman who runs with wolves, the bad girl, mother nature, the succubus, etc. You explained this really well! This distinction was immediately clear to me. And your tip about looking to what you long to be as a clue for what you are, was so on point. It made me realize that I've always wanted to be seen as left up, but my true essence is right down, lol. It makes me think that these essences involve so much more than fashion, but also spirituality, psychology, sociology, etc. because each essence inspires people to treat us in very proscribed ways. Many thanks to you and your hubby for sharing your system with us 💛

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

YOU explained this really well! I love your summary 🌸 and I'm glad this gave you an insight about your own fashion as well 💖 thank you for appreciating our system! 💖

[@ngozijanea]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita You're so sweet, thank you Rita 💛

[@sunnc]

Wow this is a beautiful explanation

[@jaxxiet5851]

Didn’t even watch the whole video yet but this makes sense somehow lol.

[@romyhols]

If you are still confused, 1.Right side is sweet/pure/demure/put together vibe(think Charlotte satc/1950's house wife for right UP and taylor swift, cottagecore vibes for right down) vs left more sensual/relaxed/ messy effortless vibe(think sexy bougie bad girl like Rihanna, Jackie aina, cardi b, saweetie, Megan thee stallion, for left up, while left down is more tomboy/sweats/streetstyle, hailey beiber model off duty vibes) 2.Down is the more approachable/girl next doorsy/chill/casual vibe vs UP being more elegant and opulent/lux vibe * hope this helps

[@jurgitap401]

That's all great, but how the hell do you dress up in a sophisticated way if you are left down quadrant when occasion calls for it? I don't want to feel like I'm stuck in some frumpy mode all my life

[@AudreyCoyne]

Absolutely LOVE this! So excited for more videos on this!

[@real_kikiwi]

Audrey !!! Love your channel ma'am ❤️😍

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay! Where do you put yourself? (Think I know 🌞🌞🌞)

[@aleesiadae382]

BTW, you guys are so adorable together and it makes me so happy to watch :)

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank u 🥰🥰🥰

[@mj_dolman5122]

The visual examples made all the difference to me in understanding the quadrants. All my life I was uncomfortable about women in the "up left" category grabbing all the male attention. Yet in the examples you give, such as Rihanna, now I can see how she looks like a stronger woman that way and moving away from it doesn't suit her as well. All your examples are of women in the public eye, but most women need more work and casual outfits than fabulous evening gowns. It would be interesting to see the "up" style essences translated into what would be "up" for wearing to work in an office, kind of boring in comparison, but surely the left side isn't always just "sexy" or the "up" isn't always just pure glamour, and I always felt there's a kind of stiffness about typical business wear I always felt horribly uncomfortable in, perhaps because I'm essentially down left? It would be very helpful to analyze how one could adapt ones style essence for various occasions and still be appropriate.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Absolutely agree that looking at celebrities makes the concept clear but isn't directly useful 🌞 life is not a red carpet event lol! My vision in the future videos is to continue to explain the system and how to use it 💃

[@PK-nf3jg]

That's such a good idea! I'm down-right quadrant, and I could never wear typical business wear, it made me look very stiff and just not 'me' - my friends would wear these suits and look cool, I looked stiff and dowdy! And little dress and jacket combos (upper right quadrant) were just too 'twee'. My compromise was to not wear suits, but separates, e.g. trousers, in a fabric that I liked, simple tops/blouses with boatnecks instead of button down shirts with collars, and cropped, collarless jackets (somewhat Jackie o style) unbuttoned. Oxfords, ballet flats and loafers. I would pick fabrics I preferred - not stiff suit fabric, but maybe linen or silk, or maybe a knit top etc with a bit of a relaxed texture. Seeing this video was a bit of an 'aha' moment for me, why things didn't work, and to be ok to stick with what I feel good in.

[@mj_dolman5122]

@@PK-nf3jg have you tried wearing cardigans to work? I find a smart looking cardigan is a nice alternative to an unflattering blazer.

[@sononi4798]

Wow this was so interesting! Your husband seems really sweet. I was thinking about my favorite style icon SADE. The thing I admire about her is that she can look so refined and sophisticated in a black dress and red lipstick and yet has this undeniable natural earthiness about her.

[@lipasketch]

It's very interesting this idea you talked about, Rita, coming to terms with what you are and what you are not and still appreciating the other quadrants from afar! This system is a tool for self-acceptance! Oh! And btw, I believe I am a right+down, but mostly because I never felt comfortable to try more effortful outfits.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank u 🥰🥰 i love creating something that makes it easier to love ourselves and to appreciate the beauty in others

[@xxohfayfay7611]

I love this!! I’ve never fitted comfortably anywhere when it comes to style, and yet here I am 😊 in the left + down 😊😊😊 amazing!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay ❤💃

[@MoMo-mx9ib]

Rita, your (and your husband's) work is amazing. After seeing your video, I immediately went through my old photos and sorted them into the four quadrants for myself, to help me decide which one I fit best. It is very obvious that I am very down, and I'm pretty sure I tend towards the right side. Actually, that's how I've been dressing most of the time. The problem, however, was that when my body started changing in puberty, my styles didn't work anymore. Most of them were for Kibbe Gamines, Romantics or Soft Classic bodytypes. I am a FN with a large bust though. I was happy for a second when I discovered Kibbe, because I realized that it's not me who's the problem, but the clothes. But whenever I tried to dress more FN (or SD, N, DC, as I considered them), I immediately moved to the left, and often up as well - which obviously didn't fit my essence. I am literally so far down, I look totally dressed up / disguised just by putting on sunglasses or a single piece of jewelry. (And I always thought I just didn't find the right ones yet, or I'm a different Kibbe type) I thought I just didn't know anything about Fashion, because dressing up for special occasions always went wrong, no matter how much care I took. Now I realize what I have intuitively known: a bare face, simple dress, and pair of elegant, minimalist earrings, and I look ready to walk the red carpet. Everything else just doesn't fit my essence. It's a relief, really. Knowing my essence and my body type now feels like a huge breakthrough. I just need to connect the two. I would love to see your take on how to dress for your essence while also accommodating your bodytype, especially if the stereotypical essence of your kibbe body type doesn't align with your innate essence. :)

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

I love this! I think you can definitely be very far down and be an FN -- eg I'm pretty sure Solange is FN. I will definitely talk more about this in our right + down and left + down videos I do think it's tricky overall if you have this super delicate type of beauty and you keep trying to work with complex clothes, accessories because "it's supposed to work". It sounds like you have a great feeling for what works for you 💃

[@PK-nf3jg]

At first I was like 'I don't know about this...' but by the end I realised: 1. my persona is definitely most comfortable around the lower right quadrant (around half way up, and somewhere near the left hand side of the quadrant) 2. I totally don't feel myself in upper right quadrant, and even though I could put together the looks, I never felt myself - this gave me an 'aha' moment. 3. if I'm edging into other quadrants, the second best quadrant is just slightly into upper edge of lower right quadrant. Anything else is too grungy and doesn't look cool on me - just dishevelled. 4. Yeah, I totally can't pull off upper left. And look like a child dressing up in mum's clothes... This has totally made me be a bit clearer about what I intuitively avoided, realising why :-) thx for the idea! Will be watching the other videos.

[@DahliaJonesOfficialMusic]

I can’t wait for a Pinterest board! That would be so helpful!

[@blueberrypie3378]

Two of you reminds me of teddy bears and there is something angelic about it. 🥰 Thank you for this system. I've been struggling to find what my essence is according to kibbe. Cause some say I'm cute, whereas others say I look like a diva/b****. This is more simplified and I love it.

[@lapetitepoire5]

I love this! So simple and yet so many possibilities. I immediately and instinctively could place myself in a quadrant (right/down), which never happens with style systems. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay! 😇

[@wilawitee]

My take: Many keywords from the men's versions work with women's, and vice versa, especially the more philosophical/metaphysical stuff. For instance, I think you can describe Jason Momoa's style as elemental, and Kristen Stewart's as utilitarian, etc. As a queer person, I think this style system has a potential to be very useful towards people who don't fit into gender binary as well, since it speaks of parts of your essence that aren't limited to just one gender. So thank you both for creating this!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yes!!! I'm so grateful you feel this way. We want everyone to feel welcome into the system while still building it on the foundational concept of "masculine" and "feminine" energies ❤ I definitely agree with you on the crossover!

[@fjersnam]

It's so easy to see myself here immediately. Quite right, slightly up. It's also very clear to see it's easier to move along the vertical axis rather than the horizontal one for me. I'm Angel in the Fantastical Beauty system with various fantasy types at its core. One cannot go less elemental/Gaia/gravity (wings take care of it) and more dreamy/luminous/radiant than that. You have created (and/or?) discovered something amazing with this system.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you!!! So glad you like it and can place yourself

[@aleesiadae382]

FANTASTIC!!!! I grasp it 100% and it makes total sense. Looking forward to the next videos in this series! I would also be curious to see your recommendations on how someone who has the energy of an up quadrant could dress for more casual situations and how someone who has the energy of a down quadrant could dress for more dressy situations and still keep their energy :)

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Looooove this question and something I'm so excited to talk about!!!

[@MassielMancebo]

This is interesting, especially when you think about the compliments that random people might give you and where they’re relate to on this map. I don’t think I had been able to see my “essence” until I saw this chart and thought of the keywords people have used to describe me.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

So what keywords do people use? For me it was the sensual/dreamy and gravity/radiant distinctions that really helped

[@MassielMancebo]

Those keywords are great for you! I would have said the same. It’s so interesting. So for me, and I’ve always felt weird about it because I’m not “stuck up” but people always say I’m like a princess, or they say I look snobby but not in a mean way, they just mean that I look refined I guess, the word I get the most is angelic. Also ethereal, elegant and fairy. I wear a lot of white, and people always like the pictures of me in all white outfits the most. I wore cut off shorts the other day (because it’s summer here) and I got messages like... “you own shorts?! What?!” 😂

[@sarahs.9678]

That’s good insight.

[@sarahs.9678]

@@MassielMancebo I relate to you!! Haha. I’m very small, dark golden blonde hair, and pretty sure I’m a Soft Gamine. I am soft-spoken, move gracefully, quite mysterious although kind. I’ve also been told that people find me very “enigmatic”, “elegant”, “elusive”, “distant”, “princess-like” but not in a rude way, “dreamy”, “quietly dramatic”, and although sweet, they always say I calm people down and make people feel like they should be more subdued around me, whatever that means. I also relate to finding very “down to earth” things like shorts to be kind of ill-fitting for me often and prefer to wear dresses, floating sweaters, and things that have a certain ethereal/regal flow to them. I’m some kind of opposite of “bubbly” unless I’m saying witty jokes or in a very light-hearted or blunt mood, which is rarely lol. I always second-guess the things I say when I am very blunt or feel like I talked too much about myself in social settings but then I know other people like seeing me be very “open” or “real” and it doesn’t bother them like it bothers me. 😅

[@MassielMancebo]

@@sarahs.9678 Thank you for commenting! Reading through this was so funny, I felt like you were describing the same things I like to wear and comments I get as well. I am definitely the opposite of "bubbly" too lol. A film character I think I identified with was Astrid in Crazy Rich Asians, she was elegant and regal, but also approachable but I can also see how others would be intimidated by her. I've typed myself as a Soft-Classic in the Kibbe system :-)

[@jennasimpson7193]

Thank you for all your thoughts and feelings. I can't wait for your other videos. The explanation of looking "through vs down at"s

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!!!

[@dianaobszanska8870]

You guys are amazing! It's absolutely incredible how accurately you caught the description of essences! It was something I've felt looking at women but wouldn't be able to name it and categorise it. And the language you are using- full of respect and admiration for every type of women appearance and essence! I am sooooo delighted :) Can't wait to see every quadrant explained more! PS. I am definitely right down quadrant and I've always struggled that I'm not mysterious or sensual enough but now I feel it is just my essence not a lack of something :) Greetings from Poland :)

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Aw I love to hear that! I'm definitely on the right and have struggled in looks that are too "gravity" or "sensual" 🌸

[@simplyshama]

Would love to see an analysis on the likes of Prince, David Bowie and the lead singer of Måneskin, Damiano David, who recently won Eurovision! Their androgyny/fluidity is so alluring.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yes!!!!! Definitely want to do this!

[@martiniqueblumeninsel]

Very inspiring approach to find s better match between the personal inner world and its expression through style! I like 💗

[@adjoan.3711]

i love the matching color scheme!! so pleasing on the eye

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank u 💙

[@Alvyonzo]

It took me a rewatch but I understand the system now, it’s really cool! I don’t see myself as intimidating but my style has been described as flamboyant, and Florence Welch is my style icon even though we have completely different bodies. I am left up, and I will try to lean more into it and wear less ”refined” things

[@Deem57]

I've been waiting excitedly for this video and was blown away by it. I'm going to have to rewatch it several times, as there is so much to absorb. On first view, I was really impressed with the diversity of women in the video. And I noticed the overlap with your essence system for men. Truly well done!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you so much for your kind and supportive words!!!

[@alessia9328]

You guys radiate positivity, serenity, happiness, and love, I would listen to this video even if I didn't care about fashion

[@bonnyd.5532]

Such a nice concept! I think this is great for people who, like me, tend to over analyze their bodies and can now focus more in the general picture. Also really appreciate how body neutral this system is 🥰 I would like to see your opinion about Kathryn Hahn.

[@someareroses]

I haven't even started watching but I'm sooooo excited. My heart is racing in anticipation. The men's was so good and I'm stoked there's now the women's.

[@someareroses]

I've watched the video and I'm loving this. Interesting to see how I immediately identified with left up in the men's and now I feel that's where I am in the women's system as well. Thank you for this. It's so evident how heartfelt and inspired it is. Looking forward to seeing more from you two

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

You win the award for being the biggest cutie! I love left up women so much, I want to be surrounded by them at all times 💃💃💃

[@Biimo6319]

This was actually very help. It defined my much better (also easier) then the other systems I’ve been looking through. 😊

[@cavewitch]

This was AH-mazing! I am so looking forward to more in depth exploration. What an elegantly simple system you've created. I am left-down.It's always been so stressful to locate myself in other systems. Thank you! Can't wait for more.....

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you! I wanted something where it would be easy to know where you belong so I'm so glad you see it this way 🦋

[@marylynngottler7055]

Rita, those earrings and that blue with your beautiful eyes are magic!

[@jenniferreed2978]

I’m definitely down, and was thinking down left. Then your hot take clinched it. When I decide to ignore someone, for whatever reason, I look through them, not down.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!

[@shinebabyshine.]

Great vid! Would also love to see Bianca Jagger and Tracee Ellis Ross as well. Such dynamic style ♥️

[@songteller]

You’re basically talking about Apollonian versus Dionysian qualities, with bold versus understated versions of each. I do think you might need to talk at some point about people who are more in between left and right or up and down.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

🌟! for the men it's obviously the apolonian (impressive anxious son) versus dyonisian (intimidating raw father), the women's system has a different flavor to me 🌸 with the last comment, do you mean like "closer to the center" versus "further out"? If so would find the videos about the archetypes to be very interesting!

[@elaineanderson1904]

Interesting! Looking forward to the rest of the videos. It's great that you use neutral language like up/down and left/right so there's no emotional attachment to where you end up fitting. I see myself as right down. Are we supposed to envision a placement like slightly right and all the way down?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yes! I think placing yourself helps to think about your style but even just the quadrant gives a lot of info

[@saudadedeinkinka]

Love it and really can clearly identify with one group (right down). Looking forward to the next videos on that!!!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!

[@MalikahJ]

I love this essence system and I’m going to have some fun figuring out which one I’m in. Btw, the Solange slide with the 4 pics, the 3rd pic is not her.

[@mirrekhan1607]

Oh no it's not??? Would be sad if it wasent :/ because I was unsure initially so I specifically Googled her in a white dress and that dress appeared multiple times

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

yes we are sorry for the confusion and our mistakes!!!!

[@Lolzadoodle8484]

Ooh so interesting... I'm very gravitated (hehe) towards the style of the left, which makes me think maybe I should bring it in more. I'm definitely more of a left down I think than a left up - I find when I've planned an outfit and it's super coordinated, refined, complete, and put together, I always look a bit overdone. Most people when meeting me describe me as warm and approachable, so even personality wise I'm more downward than upward. Personality rather than persona? Lol. I think most of my outfits are right down out of simplicity and convenience but I'm not sure. I've never seen myself as a sensual person, so that makes the left essence a bit harder to imagine on me.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Sensuality can be a loaded word for some people! Maybe some of the other keywords feel better?

[@zeynepozalp7223]

So excited for the upcoming videos on this serie

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you! Where would you place yourself?

[@zerogoldfish201]

Well done. I found this one harder to understand than the mens‘ one, but I think I get it. Would love to see Rachel McAdams in one of the coming vids.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

I also find women a bit harder than men! For Meradj it was the other way around :) I see Rachel as right + down (but not super down!) -- will definitely talk about her

[@luckystrike415]

I’m so looking forward to the video on your left-up quadrant! This system felt so intuitive. Thank you so much for sharing. 💖😊

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

So glad you found it easy to see! Left up women are so incredible

[@suehardingsongs5734]

Love this... I'm a right down... Easy x

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!

[@kimberlym4289]

I love how you used the elements to describe people. You both have such a way with words that really resonates with the way i see the world!!!!

[@naolucillerandom5280]

I'm definitely right-down. Or at least aiming to be 😂 I look off in formal and more dramatic clothing, simple short dresses are my thing. Currently waiting for some good flowing skirts to come in the mail.

[@bbf940]

Your so cool! Thank you Rita for all the insights! 🐆

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you 💃

[@candicedoss1112]

Hi Rita😀 I'm rewatching all of these cuz they're great. I'm intrigued by something you said about sensuality. "It opens up a portal to the body." I would love it you could elaborate on that in a future video.

[@Julia-301]

This is great thank you for creating an essence system. 😃 Also I think I am right down.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!!!

[@plasticmadedream]

Oh my god!! I’m so excited about this new system!! It’s everything I ever hoped it would be! Just as with the men’s quadrants, I love that you two went with this approach as it lets us asses ourselves on the left/right and up/down scales without having to minimize ourselves to fit into one aesthetic or stereotype. This is really the only way to discuss something as elusive as essence. I also love, love, love the philosophy concepts sprinkled here and there! On our call, you briefly mentioned I might be a left-down and I completely agree. I see now that what I was trying to do is be left-up and ignoring the understated, intuitive quality that is innate to me. It brings me so much peace to know that being “down” doesn’t equate to being a slob. I was stuck thinking that in order to be “stylish”, one had to create a persona like the “up” quadrant might. But like Meradj said near the beginning of the video, I can put in just as much effort as an “up” person might, but my outfits will reflect my inner self best if they give the impression of being effortless. I love that and can’t wait to experiment with being purposeful in creating effortless looks! I can’t wait for more videos and, in particular, for some tips for us left-downs. Some questions for your consideration, for future videos: How do we integrate the need for “ease” when dressing for more formal occasions, such as office work, events, etc? Are there good examples of more (for lack of a better word) “feminine” casual outfits for left-down women? I’ve struggled with feeling too try-hard and forced when wearing dresses and skirts (though I may have just been picking the wrong kind of garments). How does makeup fit into this system? As a quick example: would dramatic, bold makeup, look better on “up” rather than “down” women? I find that dramatic makeup only works on me if the eye makeup is very smudged with an almost "forgot to take last night's makeup off and woke up like this" kind of quality, if that makes sense? I'm guessing that could be the need for the impression of effortlessness of downs?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

I love your questions so much and I'm so grateful you found this useful! Absolutely I think dramatic makeup for left down would need to be smudged rather than really sharp. I will definitely talk about how to dress "nice" while dressing down in future videos And once again, just feel grateful that you see that you don't need to dress "up" to look nice!

[@littledivasings]

Ideas: Penelope Cruz, Florence Pugh, Natalie Wood, Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe.... I am most interested in their every day looks. Really enjoying your videos!

[@theirregularlearner6458]

I love this!! So interesting. And you two seem so likeable and kind 😊

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you 💖

[@everydayarty]

Would cerebral be another word for the dreamy quality of the right side? Trying to understand more of the feel of that term. Like a slight distance?

[@patriciaedlr]

Can’t wait to see your videos! 🌻🌞

[@naomia472]

Thank you so much! I never really understood the essences....but this is great! It really helped! ❤️

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!

[@elspethhart58]

Love the idea for essenses on a gradient like this! I have no idea yet where I would place myself but I will be following to see more videos on this :) PS you two look so radiant together wearing your colours! Beautiful

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you! I love the gradient idea too because you are never "not enough X" to fit into a specific archetype, but rather you are always placed right where it feels right for you 🌸 hope the future videos help you find your home

[@ruth5538]

Love it! I came here thinking I was a left/down, but I'm definitely (IDK how to spell that) a right/down. I always saw myself as simple and approachable but my friends think of me as "too much". We're both right 😂 . "Solange" is what I aim for, without even thinking about it.

[@kismorr8238]

Wooow! I love this! I struggle to understand other essence systems, they seem very abstract and unpractical. This is so down-to-earth but leaves a lot of room for experimentation. I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Oh I'm so glad! Where do you put yourself?

[@kismorr8238]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita I put myself in left-down quadrant. I'll be honest, this was harder to figure out than I tought it would be. I instantly knew I was a down person. I needed a bit of soul searching for the left-right part wich was super fun and healing :D I wanted to be this right-down, french chic type of girl so bad (I can't really pull it off unfortunately), a lot of pressure by family around me. I definitely use clothes and dark colors to shield my body. I always suffered of the tought of not looking refined enough. (Looking trough my Pinterest boards was like: "Do I really want to look like this or I just think I should look like this?) But I have got a lot of positive feedback in left-down clothing recently and I realized that I dont have to be super put-together or feminine in a traditional sence(I didn't even have makeup on), the people around me will be interested in me (I am feminine enough by simply being a women). I do want to change up some things, I definitely need to learn how to make a head-to-toe look (jewelry, makeup, and maybe I should look for a skirt that works for me) I have bought some things that I preceived to be right-down, but I chose and style them in a left-down way. It's just so funny to me! English is not my first language, sorry if something doesn't make perfect sense and I'm kind of in a hurry. Thank you guys for this awesome system, it really means a lot to me!

[@charlottechun2547]

Love y'all both so much and can't get enough of this system. It definitely resonates as intuitive! Question: if I know I am "up" but have trouble placing myself on left to right, do you have a sense of whether that means a need for more self-reflection or could it indicate a movable quality? Would also love to hear where you think you both fall :)

[@sarafernandez4920]

I would say that downwards style is centered around pieces that seem off the rack and upwards style is centered around pieces that are very unique, that you wouldn’t be able to tell where those pieces are found

[@arcd9145]

Hi Rita and Meradj, I am very intrigued by this system, very interesting! :) Where would you say Zoe Kravitz sits in the system? I would love if you could add her into one of your quadrant videos. I am also interested in Rachel Bilson and Lucy Hale. Thank you!

[@emilychu396]

Not Rita but I see left down!

[@alicej.6068]

Like?! LOVE it!!! I wouldn't have a problem with a 24h video ;) As expected I'm not yet sure where to place myself (it's always easier with others, isn't it?), all I know is that I'm not right up... Probably I'm left... Can't wait for the following videos! I appreciate your effort to evoke this fascinating system. And I'm very drawn to your approach, I'm totally for feelings too :)

[@alicej.6068]

Oh, and where do you place yourself?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay thank you!!!! I think I am right+up, a bit right but quite up

[@cedamin]

Yay!! It’s here! Thank you for the beautiful and very insightful thoughts! I was surprised to find that I am probably left-down. I think for a long time I was trying to be things that I was not (the perfectionist trying to dress in an immaculate way (up), trying to be “sweet and good” (right), and a big resistance to looking sexy). It’s really about self-acceptance and truly seeing yourself, which I think is just beautiful. I am also a DC and wondering how to combine the two. If you know any left-down DC celebrities, I would love to hear your thoughts about them! Especially since as a Classic I tend to look very polished without trying, or very sloppy if I don’t wear my lines, and generally everything looks more exaggerated on me. X

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Oh I love to hear this! I also saw the system helping me understand what doesn't work for me I absolutely think you can do left+down as a DC! I don't know how to explain it in a quick comment but hopefully in future content ❤

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

I actually suspect Olivia Munn is down+left

[@cedamin]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita Thank you for your reply! And Olivia Munn being down+left would be so convenient! I will be looking forward to your future thoughts and in the meantime I'm going to try out a new look and see what happens....💓

[@AutumnC22]

I would like to know this as well. I'm also a DC and I suspect low left. I'm low contrast, so sometimes I feel like I should go to floaty, girly styles...and I never feel at home in them.

[@Khaleesi-sj9jg]

This is wonderful! Where would you see Lily Rose Depp or Scarlet Johansson?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

I will look into them!

[@volhamikhalkovich8644]

Amazing!!!!!!!! Looking forward to the next videos

[@staceycorbett80]

Love this video!!! I've had so much fun with everyone this afternoon guessing each others quadrant. People seem to agree I'm down the struggles am I slightly to the left or slightly to the right it seems xD But really this was so much fun and I can't wait to see each quadrants video

[@ДарьяМихайлова-у1ф]

Taylor Swift and Emilia Clark type!!! so cool ! thank you for for making fashion easier to me

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

💃💃💃💃

[@dianabanana7394]

Oooh this is such an interesting system! I just came across your channel and I'm super intrigued. I love that you included a diverse selection of examples!! I'm still struggling to understand essence, but if I understand correctly, in your system, it's not 100% about someone inherently having 1 essence, but it's a mix of what feels comfortable/comes naturally + what you want to project to the world? I'm gonna watch more of your videos to try to figure it out haha

[@valentinayepesmontes74]

Lovely! So intelligently put. Can’t. Wait to see left down, my quadrant!

[@romykruse6266]

Yes! I love this so much. I am really looking forward to learning to use the system and more in depth about each quadrant. Thank you

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

🥰🥰🥰

[@Vananessaa]

This is great! Could you maybe include/do a video on how to combine your Kibbe type and your essence? E.g. I know a girls who's probably a dramatic but has more of a right down essence... what advise do you have?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

That's a really great Q and I am going to do videos where I talk about women with the same ID but in different quadrants! I do think that all Kibbe ID / essence combinations are workeable

[@kickitlikekirra]

I am loving this sorting! Excited to explore more pf these videos and this idea.

[@waterbearer4627]

I really enjoyed this talk and your exploration of this subject.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank you 🥰

[@ahouseoffigs]

@Style Thoughts By Rita Wow! Such a great system, I feel like it's what's been missing all along! Question: Can you do a video about men & women who fall right on the center axis? I'm curious to see examples & hear what sort of message they'd be communicating

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

That's a great idea!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

And thank u so very much

[@amandae7896]

This is so interesting!! I can’t wait to see the videos where you get more into detail. I know these essences aren’t meant to necessarily correlate with Kibbe types, but if you had to place the “stereotypical” soft gamine body and essence, which quadrant do you think she would be in? I’m at a loss for which quadrant I’d be in 😅

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Idk but ask me about a SG celebrity instead!

[@amandae7896]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita maybe Jenna Coleman? She’s a SG that gets discussed quite a bit in terms of being a really quintessential soft gamine in terms of her style and vibe.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

@@amandae7896 OK I don't know her well but with a quick browse to me she is left+up

[@sattvadevi]

I have watched this video three times (!) and I'm starting to get a grip of the system! I'm up and left! Thank you Rita and husband for developing this system! I feel like I can see myself more clearly, and it points out what I can refine. 😊💗

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!!! Where do you put yourself?

[@sattvadevi]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita I believe I'm up and left. But not up in the elegant and glamorous way, rather in the Zoe Kravitz way.

[@katarzynaewa7619]

thank you for this system, its intuitiveness ironically puts me in the right down quadrant but with the upward placement

[@shinebabyshine.]

Amazing vid! I’d love to see you profile Zoe Kravitz, Hailee Bieber and Erykah Badu

[@lindamcgillin2263]

You are both sooooooo beautiful and high vibe … oh my goodness my daughter is a Right Down I am a Left Up… very interesting

[@catiatavares7757]

Lovely system!! I'm Right-down :)

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

So glad you found it useful!!! Right down women are ❤❤❤

[@catiatavares7757]

@@StyleThoughtsbyRita its pure genius!!

[@tripodologia]

This is so interesting! I feel like sometimes how people see and perceive you and how you see yourself can be so different (and sometimes others can see you a lot more clearly than you can see yourself!). I have experienced people telling me often that I look like an artist (even though I'm a scientist in STEM), that I look mysterious, and that I have an intriguing energy. I however feel like a blob and even though I love avant-garde styles, I struggle a lot with placing attention onto myself. I end up feeling more comfortable in ripped jeans and a t-shirt even though I know I don't look my best that way. I wonder how does one go about reconciling this. As always, great video and lots of food for thought!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

I think the reconciliation comes from finding styles that express your self more than jeans but without drawing too much attention so you feel uncomfortable !

[@vanodnak]

Hello, it is very intresting your approach, it took me a while to assimilate it but i feel closer to it as i process it. I am interested to future videos. Also what striked me was the difference of ''bareness'' and ''fittedness'', the Left+Down and the Right+ Up, the Kim Kardasian with Kate Middleton. If i understand it correctly. For me it was so confusing because i was fixed agaist the bareness and trying the fittedness with always a feeling of constriction. With the kibbe system i couldn't see that and it is very interesting. Thank you.

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yes! Exactly the bare/fitted difference 🌞🌞🌞

[@dennicecisneros]

Rita, this is so interesting! I’m excited for future videos where you and your husband dive deeper into each quadrant. I feel like I would be in the right quadrant, but I’m having trouble if I would fit up or down? I’ve been typed dramatic and ethereal and/or dramatic/ethereal/gamine essence. I’m hoping with future videos where you go into up or down quadrants with examples, I’ll get a better understanding. Maybe, there’s a middle ground of up and down in quadrant line where someone is in a midline of up and down based on your graph? Anyways looking forward to this 😃👍🏻

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay! I do think there are people who are in the middle and can go a bit more up or down. Whereas some people really belong in the up or down style. We will discuss this more in the future 💃

[@Sloths.and.Orchids]

You guys are just too cute!!! 💜🥰💖 I love the system, watched this video a couple of days ago, let it settle. Now I can clearly see what the quadrants are and what they represent... This will be super helpful with my style journey and looking at other's for inspiration and reference. Brilliant work, thank you! 🥰💜

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yay!!! So glad you found it intuitive after letting it settle a bit 🥰

[@candicedoss1112]

OMG this is exciting! I thought you were doing it next week. Thank you😊💕

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Where do you place yourself?

[@trixi1608]

Interesting system.. I think I'd be left + down in this system and am looking forward to a more detailed video on this archetype..

[@janiene2694]

Love this. Cant wait for your new videos

[@gritkasdorf8413]

I love this so much, especially the fact that while there are different categories, there is a spectrum within them. I'm not sure that I understood the left-right category entirely, but I hope the following videos will make that clear for me. It's such an interesting concept. I deeply relate to the up-down category. Some women look so lovely with a messy bun, others with an intricate updo. (I'm definitely down, probable right) Where you see Lucy Liu by the way? I think she could be pretty close to the center?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

To me Lucy Liu is quite far right (very radiant) and just a bit down from the center ❤ Thank you for the sweet comment and I hope future videos clarify it for you!!! ❤❤❤

[@everydayarty]

LOVE this! 👌👏👏

[@empressgoose]

I LOVE This! I really think this is a nice way to do it.

[@trillviaplath]

@24:34 *Third panel is not Solange!*

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Yes thank you, many have pointed this out ❤ hope you enjoyed

[@kittielune9537]

This is so great and intuitive!!!! I love it!!!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

🥰🥰🥰

[@deffkk]

Great concept! What if someone from right-down wants to look glamorous/sexy? I feel like I need more examples

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

They will be available soon! In the upcoming videos for each quadrant 💃

[@claudiah8905]

Great System! I struggle to see myself clearly in a quadrant 😵 I think I an more Up 🤔

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Hopefully it becomes clearer!!

[@e.liz.abethvader]

Lana del Rey, would love to see her! Thank you Rita for your hard work. 🌺

[@e.liz.abethvader]

(And your husband - ofcourse!)

[@Alvyonzo]

Question! I believe I am right up and I think i really pull of things that come from or mimik nature like fur, floral prints, leather, shells, uncut stones etc. Do these things suit right and therefor elemental women more because they are from the elements? Edit: I meant left!

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Elemental is left, do you mean left up? And yeah I think that's a fun style tip for left up! I haven't really formulated any ☆recommendations☆ yet but I will definitely do that in future videos

[@Alvyonzo]

Hahaha sorry yes I mean left! Awesome, I look forward to recommendations in the future

[@kat8559]

I like this! And yall are adorable together. I'm definitely a down and I think I lean right, but I think I need a second opinion lol

[@victorianiklas3830]

I really loved and enjoyed this. I am wondering though, how will I be sure about my essence? How up or down might I be?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

I think its just about exploring yourself-- but hopefully our explanations will be clearer as we make the future videos 💃

[@purresnurre9559]

Amazeballs

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Thank u sweetie 💋

[@WH1998cake]

Omg you are soooo cute together! You make such a cool couple 💜

[@toscanecoechea5105]

I watched the men's videos as well and I have to say I really like the "nihilism to anxiety" continuum for women as well. It's who you are when the chips are down. Do you say, "%^£°√ it" or "I need to fix this"?

[@StyleThoughtsbyRita]

Love that ❤❤❤