Defining Your Style When an Inspiration Board Won't Work for You

It seems like well-dressed friends of mine are always talking about defining personal style. And for the love of Audrey Hepburn, do I love that idea. I've gone through phases where I think I've figured it out, and I've got my classic, preppy wardrobe in place. But then, I realize I really like that wild, sixties floral pattern muumuu, and wouldn't it be amazing with those crazy wedges? And also, I'm definitely digging that motorcycle jacket. Aaaand, I'm back where I started, frustrated and clueless.

But here's what I've recently gotten through my skull (which is currently adorned with a super adorable fedora): I don't have to settle for one particular type of style in order to define what I like. I just needed a new way to categorize it.

I mean, I've always found the idea of an inspiration board fascinating, but it just doesn't work for me. I might pick 10 things that have a common theme, or I might pick 10 things that look like they were chosen by 10 distinct individuals, even though I love them equally. Clearly, I need multiple inspiration boards, but who has room for that?

I'll tell you who has room -- the internet, my dear. Specifically, Pinterest. Oh, you haven't used it before? Let me fill you in. You can thank me with a nice glass of chardonnay later.

Here's the scoop -- you sign up, you put a nifty little "Pin It" button on your browser's toolbar, and then, when you happen to see something you like, be it on a blog, retailer website, online magazine, you name it, you add it to one of your Pinterest boards.

You have the ability to be as creative -- and specific -- as you like. If you want to just create a whole big board of all sorts of things you find appealing, terrific. That's actually how I started, and how I saw a pattern. That led me to create a Sassy Summer Style board, because so many of the items I picked out are perfect for this time of year. I realized I also needed a board for Out on the Town clothes, and, when fall approaches, you'd better believe I'll have a whole board of Cozies.

You could make a separate board for items you'd wear to work, on the weekend, a tropical vacation, you name it. Stick to shoes, accessories, glasses, dresses, ties, anything!

And don't stop with clothes! Let your inner interior designer go, grabbing images of rooms and decor you love -- even if you don't know exactly why it's striking you, once you pull several other things, chances are good it'll become clearer. The best part is, who cares if you're pinning something that's completely outside your budget? It's just a picture, a bit of inspiration, and a way to remember an image that made you catch your breath. And maybe IKEA will make something similar in a year or two, right?

You can go far beyond style, posting funny pictures, signs, tasty recipes and food pictures -- honestly, if you can imagine something you'd like to collect, there's probably a way to do it virtually on Pinterest while keeping your home free of the clutter. Are you loving it yet? I knew you would.

Just in case that doesn't get your personal style fire stoked, check out what Erin Loechner had to say about dressing to make yourself happy, not to hide your flaws. AdrienneRoyer agrees, saying that curvy women can break fashion rules and still be smokin' hot. And, we've got Already Pretty talking about ways to wear really, really, really bright colors.

Now, let's hear from you. Can you describe your personal style?