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Fine Art photography, fine art photo prints, canvas, wall art, macro photography

Creativity Personal Stories Style & Beauty

Five benefits of finding your personal style

November 14, 2024

Twenty years ago, as a student, I didn’t think about finding personal style. It was less popular than it is today. Though glamour magazines like Vogue, ELLE, and Harper’s Bazaar did their best to promote fashion clothes and accessories, I didn’t understand the real meaning of “personal style.” If you asked me about it, I would probably answer something like that: “Personal style is about following the latest fashion trends and having a wardrobe filled with clothes from the newest collections. Thus requires having lots of money.” 

how to find personal style

My wardrobe back then was very basic, according to what I could afford: several pairs of jeans, warm pants, knit dresses of dark color and sweaters, and several pairs of shoes, one for each season. I wasn’t thinking about finding personal style, and there were no Pinterest inspiration boards or affordable online shopping.  

After graduating from University, I was more focused on finding a job and defining my goal for life. Then trying to make my personal life look pretty. When I challenged myself by traveling solo halfway around the world with a one-way ticket. I didn’t have time to think about finding a personal style, although somewhere along the way, I realized the healing effect of wearing colorful clothes. 

before and after finding personal style

Nowadays, personal style is discussed more often, and there are much more opportunities to define it. In addition, social media, like Instagram and my favorite, Pinterest, has made it easier to look for inspiration and create mood boards that are very helpful in the search for personal style. 

How important is having a personal style? The answer depends on your background, surroundings, and aspirations. You’ll probably consider it important if you want to elevate your confidence, level up your life, and energize yourself with visual aesthetics. Even if you have yet to learn how to find your personal style, the fact that you are researching it means it’s gaining more importance in your life. 

I didn’t know finding your personal style had benefits until I experienced that on my own. It was more of an improvised exploration, where I wondered, researched, asked myself dozens of questions, and finally had my “aha moment”. It was a great experience! 

Finding your personal style is not a one-day trip to the nearest shopping mall but rather an exciting journey. And as with every journey, it takes time. It might take several days, weeks, or months, depending on the following:

  • the level of your emotional investment
  • decisiveness 
  • understanding of your body type 
  • aesthetic and visual guidance 
  • recognizing the goals of the “Finding your personal style” journey
how to find your personal style advices

Five benefits of finding your personal style

  • It helps to redefine and crystalize your individuality. 

There are moments in life when you voluntarily change the direction of your life, or you are forced to do it. The results of some events or experiences pivot your thoughts in a different direction. It might be after a breakup or divorce, switching jobs or moving to another country, a midlife dilemma, or a strong desire to level up life. However, the general vibes of that moment are always the same – shaky, unstable, and hectic. That’s when finding your personal style can be very handy. 

Due to the visible nature of clothing, defining personal style can have a much stronger effect on the conscious and subconscious mind. 

Many researchers have proven that sight is the strongest sense in humans. And seeing your reflection in the mirror, personal photos and videos is a direct act of using your sight, your beautiful eyes. So, when you find your personal style, it becomes easier to redefine and shape your new individuality because you will see the results immediately, reflected in the mirror. Clothing, accessories, and other elements of personal style serve as a visible confirmation and tangible demonstration of your individuality. 

finding personal style examples
  • Boost confidence

Confidence results from experience – learning, creating, achieving, winning, liking something, and feeling happy. It’s the process of growing, trying new activities, and expanding your own perception of yourself. Finding your personal style can be challenging, but the outcome boost in confidence is worth all the effort. 

  • Business benefits

Your personal style provides you with a unique visual voice, though it’s soundless but very visible. And in the business world, where you need to be seen to strive and promote your services, having a personal style can raise your visibility level. 

a personal style how to find
  • It makes shopping for clothes easier

Every time you go grocery shopping, it’s easier and takes less time when you have a list of items you need to buy. You know exactly what you want and don’t hesitate about your choice. The same scenario happens when you know your personal style and can define it with three words. That’s when shopping for clothing turns into a pleasurable activity and brings satisfaction. 

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Elena Sullivan

Hi, there! I’m Elena Sullivan, a fine art photographer, and creative adventurer. My first joyful experimentation with a camera extended into a passionate relationship where harmony represents a constant flow of elegant devotion. I follow my intuition and curiosity in search of eternal connections in nature, then use my camera to reveal it and share it with you! Every of my photo is curated with love and artistic excellence.

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Hi, I’m Elena, a photographer, creative adventurer, and the voice behind this lifestyle blog. Here you’ll find a mix of colorful style, travel notes, recipes, art, and little joys that make everyday life feel brighter. I love sharing ideas and info that feel both useful and inspiring, always elegant, approachable, and real.

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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered.
Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength.
And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy.
That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being.
And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster.
So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local.
Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere.

Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in.
A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’.
And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed.
Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit.
#spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
•
Follow
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered.
Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength.
And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy.
That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being.
And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster.
So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local.
Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere.

Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in.
A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’.
And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed.
Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit.
#spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
•
Follow
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
As this year comes to an end, new beginnings are quietly lining up ahead of us. Before rushing into what’s next, I want to pause and say a kind, honest goodbye to 2025.

Remembering this year brings mixed emotions: pain, exhaustion, and excitement, all at once.

It began in the emergency room with a beloved person, followed by months of recovery, uncertainty, and life on pause. Our carefully planned scouting trip to Spain was canceled. And then came the decision, the hardest part of all:

Do we still take the leap and relocate to Spain without that trip… or do we let go of the dream altogether?

That question was terrifying.

Once the decision was made, everything else became technical: research, planning, paperwork, logistics. There was no space left for creativity. Many of my creative projects had to be put on hold so we could simply move forward.

Ever since my first big adventurous move (relocating to Cancún, Mexico in 2013) I’ve felt deeply grateful. Grateful to experience different cultures, live in another language, grow through discomfort, and be amazed by every small step forward.

This kind of lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who feel comfortable being uncomfortable and see it as a catalyst for growth.

Comfort is such a vague concept anyway. We all define it differently. Often, an interesting and engaging life has little to do with the size of your house, cars, brand labels, or followers. Exploration and learning tend to fill an inner space so fully that the hunger for more material things naturally fades.

Yes, life is life everywhere. You can’t run away from yourself.

I once heard the saying: “People who wander are lost.”
I don’t believe that. I think those who wander are deeply curious — about the world, life, and themselves.

So here’s what I hope inspires you:
Don’t be afraid to make a brave decision. It may not meet others’ expectations, even family, and that’s okay.

We all have one life. This one.
Live it your way.

I wish you a year full of brave decisions, endless inspiration, and curiosity.
And when fear shows up, see it as a sign that you’re about to grow. #movetospain #travel #spain #inspiration
•
Follow
As this year comes to an end, new beginnings are quietly lining up ahead of us. Before rushing into what’s next, I want to pause and say a kind, honest goodbye to 2025. Remembering this year brings mixed emotions: pain, exhaustion, and excitement, all at once. It began in the emergency room with a beloved person, followed by months of recovery, uncertainty, and life on pause. Our carefully planned scouting trip to Spain was canceled. And then came the decision, the hardest part of all: Do we still take the leap and relocate to Spain without that trip… or do we let go of the dream altogether? That question was terrifying. Once the decision was made, everything else became technical: research, planning, paperwork, logistics. There was no space left for creativity. Many of my creative projects had to be put on hold so we could simply move forward. Ever since my first big adventurous move (relocating to Cancún, Mexico in 2013) I’ve felt deeply grateful. Grateful to experience different cultures, live in another language, grow through discomfort, and be amazed by every small step forward. This kind of lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who feel comfortable being uncomfortable and see it as a catalyst for growth. Comfort is such a vague concept anyway. We all define it differently. Often, an interesting and engaging life has little to do with the size of your house, cars, brand labels, or followers. Exploration and learning tend to fill an inner space so fully that the hunger for more material things naturally fades. Yes, life is life everywhere. You can’t run away from yourself. I once heard the saying: “People who wander are lost.” I don’t believe that. I think those who wander are deeply curious — about the world, life, and themselves. So here’s what I hope inspires you: Don’t be afraid to make a brave decision. It may not meet others’ expectations, even family, and that’s okay. We all have one life. This one. Live it your way. I wish you a year full of brave decisions, endless inspiration, and curiosity. And when fear shows up, see it as a sign that you’re about to grow. #movetospain #travel #spain #inspiration
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
@elenasullivanphotographer
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