I’m currently reading a super interesting book called “Dressing your Truth” by Carol Tuttle. The book itself is truly fascinating- but the story of how it got to me is rather serendipitous as well!
Would you like to hear the strange way the book appeared in my life?
I have an i-phone and I love to take the occasional hot bubble bath and watch the news, or youtube videos on it while I soak! It’s my escape! Well, a few weeks ago I’d looked up videos on it and stumbled on some videos with a panel of women talking about clothing- but also relationships and personality types. It was like watching The View- without the stress!!
Eventually I realized that the panel was based on a book “Dressing your Truth” – and at one point the author picked the book up and I couldn’t believe it!!!
I recognized the book ! I had seen the book at the BlogHer Conference I went to in August, and I’d thought it looked interesting! But I didn’t know yet that when I fully unpacked my BlogHer stuff I’d see that Carol Tuttle had gifted her book to everyone that went to one of the parties I went to! What are the chances? So lo and behold- the book I had been watching and obsessing about online- was actually in my possession the whole time- I just didn’t know it!!
The reason I’m loving the book- The book presents a fundamental question…THE fundamental question. It asks who you are. And it asks you to consider that most people can be sorted into 4 main “types.” And that learning how these personality types operate can help you relate better to the people you know, and most importantly to accept and understand yourself with less judgment and more understanding. How does dressing come into it? Well- Carol’s feeling is that the fashion industry has done women no favors feeding them a steady diet of cookie cutter beauty and seasonal fads. Anyone disagree with that? Didn’t think so..lol.
The reason the book has me up at night- The book has made me realize that the personality I had as a little girl and as a teenager- is very different from the one I have today. While I am still very silly and jokey and light with people I’m close to, I’ve become a much more reserved person than I was. As a kid I would have skipped up to a strange group of people and joined in a conversation very easily- while today I am much more at ease with a group of close of friends having a heart to heart. So the book has me thinking- which of these personalities is THE AUTHENTIC ME? In the book Carol talks about how many times kids are shamed into thinking their natural personalities are wrong – and so they change them. In my case that is not what happened. But my mom died when I was a teenager, and at that point my life took on a seriousness that it hadn’t before. In the book the more animated, light, random personality is called Type 1 – and in many ways I do typify that. But I’m also in many ways an introvert. For instance- at a gathering I don’t want to be the life of the party. I’m thrilled for someone else to take that role, while I have a deep meaningful conversation with someone I connect with! And that is all very Type- 2 . So it makes me wonder…am I just denying my true personality? Was it just lost? Or is my present more shy personality just as real as my former more outgoing self? Just different?
Why does knowing your type matter?– The idea in the book is that there is more than just one kind of feminine beauty. Also- rather than advising women to dress based on their skin and hair colors like the fashion industry does, the book suggests dressing to support the kind of personality you have. For instance someone very outgoing would dress in a bright animated way- a way that would almost invite people to chat with them in the grocery line! Or a Type 3 woman- dynamic, and gifted in getting things done would dress in a way that celebrated her go getter attitude rather than say pastels that might signal she was a retiring wall flower. The point is- live your truth first…then dress it.
What the book has me doing next!– So Carol Tuttle must have a lot of people who like me, love the concept of Dressing your Truth – but who are still not sure what type they are. And so she created a Dressing Your Truth Online Course. An online SCHOOL really! And it teaches you all about the 4 basic types – and how to identify which type you are. And once you know- she walks you through all the finer points of dressing as your type. And I’m going to take the course- and maybe try some of the tips! …Once I can figure out if I am a Type 1 or a Type 2 that is…lol.
I really think this book is on to something special. The fashion industry thinks it has women in a choke hold- it gets to tell us what’s in fashion- and it can feel like we have no voice. This books system endeavors to make women their own beauty experts– no longer needing to look outside themselves to know what works for them. And that I think – is a worthwhile idea.
As soon as I try the online course, I’ll blog about it and let you know what it was like! Has anyone else done it?
About Shannon SchmidShannon traded in her sensible NYC TV producer shoes (they were best for taking the subway), for a pair of Texas Cowboy boots when she married her best friend! He's at fault for making this Yankee a Texan! Shannon writes about all things that make a house a home. Her chief blogging inspiration is being the proud & slightly neurotic mom of a preschool age daughter.
You can find Shannon on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and her new favorite place to hang out, Google+.
I haven’t tried this program (does it work for guys too?), but in a past life while doing executive training over the years I was exposed to several different types of personality assessments, from Myers-Briggs to more targeted tools. The results were always eye opening for the exec’s in my classes. Often understanding themselves better, and understanding the value of the other styles, they were able to become better leaders and frankly just better happier people. Very cool about the serendipity that brought this new “Dressing your Truth” program into your life. Enjoy… and celebrate that wonderful woman that you are! If anyone else is reading this, yes, I am hitting on her. She’s my wife.
.-= A Daddy Blog ´s last blog ..Creepy & Inappropriate Children’s Costumes =-.
@A Daddy Blog, Oooh to be hit on by ones own husband- that has to be one of lifes finer joys:)
Yes men can do it too- though there are less examples of that. But you should read the book- because I’m actually not sure what Type you are!
Shannon, why don’t you have Dressing Your Truth linked to Amazon? I just clicked on the book image to buy it and there is no link 🙁
You gave a great review, why don’t you show your readers how to get the book on Amazon and make some affiliate commissions for yourself in the process?
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Intex Seahawk II Boat Set updated Wed Aug 25 2010 1-40 pm CDT =-.
@Lisa, Lisa- you are so smart! I didn’t think of that! I just linked it up- so hopefully that will make it very easy to find and buy for anyone else that’s interested!
I’m also putting a link below for you in case you are still looking. I did really enjoy the book, and am looking forward to learning more about myself through it. The link is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0984402101?ie=UTF8&tag=milkandcudd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0984402101%22%3EDressing%20Your%20Truth
This sounds wonderful. I can feel your excitement in your writing.
.-= JDaniel4’s Mom´s last blog ..ReadExploreLearn-Fire Safety =-.
@JDaniel4’s Mom, Can you? I am pretty excited about it! It kind of reminds me of taking psychology classes in college, and I loved those:)
Okay, I’m going to have to get this book. Isn’t it great finding one that gets you all excited about life?
@Jill, It really is! Jill- after you read it – come back and tell me what Type you are!! I’d love to hear what you think of it:)
oOOOOO that sounds like a really fun course! Very interesting! I like the idea of finding your type of beauty and then fitting that with fashion, I don’t think it should limit a person though. I would love to hear how you like the course. Like with you, you are reserved and have been since I’ve known you, more of an introvert, which I think is a beautiful part of who you are, and (in chinese medicine anyways lol) a very yin aspect (yin associated with the moon, feminine, quiet etc). I think I definetly saw your extrovert side at your wedding, you were having lots of fun and dancing and we were all singing etc, and its funny cause I don’t know that I’ve ever seen that side of you before! I don’t know what I’d be. I think you’re right about kids learning that one specific way of being “isn’t okay” and so they change. I wonder if hypnosis would help to find that other side that is the more extrovert or introvert. Its funny, when I was younger I was very quiet and shy to people outside my family. There is one picture of me where everyone is all smiling and I’m in the back looking almost darker than everyone else in an all black dress, with everyone else wearing more white and black, and I’m like not even smiling! Everytime I go to my mom’s I see that picture and it confuses me because I almost can’t remember what it felt like being that shy and reserved. Since my parents divorced when I was younger, we moved around alot and I had to be the one sort of to befriend other people. When we first moved, I stayed home from school for 3 weeks pretending like I was sick because I didn’t want to change schools and I was scared of new kids/people. I remember there was this really nice boy with no hair (funny lol now that I think about it) who was the first person who talked to me and I rememeber my mom telling me I had to go to school. So I started talking more and playing sports, it was a way of survival in a way, and then it started being easier. So for alittle while I was kind of like a class clown after a few times of moving, and then I was more wild, and now I think I’m alittle of type 1 and 2. Sometimes I’m in an introverted mood where I want to just be and not speak and not express what I’m feeling so much, and other times I feel like an extrovert and I’m much more loud and expressionful. Great topic!!! I think we need a glass of wine with this one:)
.-= Nikki´s last blog ..Making drug addicts sterile =-.
@Nikki, Yes we do! I think you are married to a Type 4 Nik! And I think you are a Type 1- but you’d have to read the book to tell me if I’m right!
Yes- I think a lot of people that got to know me college age or after know me as a shy person- they would be shocked to know how outgoing I was before. They have just never experienced that becuase now I’m a much more internal person:)
Shannon I totally love this post. Interesting that it sort of corresponds with a post I wrote yesterday. I know, I did it again….moved(http://coffeeandreflection.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-search-of-identity.html) Like you, I am totally comfortable in a small group of close people, but less likely to jump up front and steal the lime light. I prefer to be the person in the background taking in all of the activity going on around me. I think I will place this book in my must read list! It does sound quite interesting and while I do tend to maintain a more modest style of fashion, it would certainly be interesting to discover new things.
.-= Mitzi´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-Scenes From New Orleans =-.
@Mitzi, This particular system is perfect for more modest dress Mitzi in that it encourages the person choose clothes and jewelry that enhance the persons personality- rather than following fashion trends.
PS. I didnt know you moved- will come check you out!
I am a Type 4 and have been through Carol’s online class. I have been dressing my truth for over a year now and cannot begin to tell you the transformation. I unlike you, had been seen and not heard as a child. Imagine all the suppressed emotions, etc that go along with that. It wasn’t until I went through the course that I was okay being me just the way I am. Things I do are misperceived by others who know nothing about energy profiling. I could go on and on. I do encourage you greatly to do the course. If you are not sure what type you are you can send in a picture and be profiled that way. You can them buy the course for your type. Enjoy the new journey. I will look forward to reading your blog about it.
@Tamara, Hey Tamara- thanks so much for stopping by! I just completed the course for Type 1 and learned a lot! But I am still struggling with whether that is my true type, I feel like I may be too shy to be a true TYpe 1. However I did do the facial profiling- and was told I was a 1-with a lot of 4. So maybe that accounts for my confusion?
Did you know you were a 4 right away?
Just a hint, Shannon, with your hubby: Carol’s “It’s Just My Nature” book is more guy-friendly with more mixed-gender examples. The one you have is directed especially to women. Or have him watch her blog series on “Men Living Their Truth” at thecarolblog.com!
I’m a Type One and have just hit my year anniversary of dressing my truth and LOVING IT!! People actually take me MORE seriously now that my appearance matches my personality; bright and animated!! 🙂
@Kami, That’s great Kami- thank you for the tip on a better book for my husband!
Out of curiosity- did you know you were a Type 1 right away? I am worried I’m not outgoing enough to be a true 1. But I have also seen Carol say on videos online that many Type 1’s think they are other Types. So I’m not sure if I am just being Type 1 by doubting it!
@Milk & Cuddles, I spent the majority of my life thinking that to be “feminine”, I had to be soft, quiet, submissive, and mild. It caused a lot of heartache since I’m prone to be outgoing, opinionated, animated, and noisily random!
Reading the book, I immediately knew I wasn’t a Type 2 (though I’d tried to be that way all my life), wasn’t sure about being Type 4 (could see some parts, but not others in myself), was convinced I was Type 3 (I move fast and get things done), and WANTED to be a Type 1 (but knew I couldn’t be, because how could anyone have that much fun all the time and still be responsible?!)!!
I started to notice all the hallmark traits of a Type 1 in my life; how I drive (often distractedly), how I have relationships (spontaneously), my career choices (varied and changeful), my thought processes (like sparkles), etc.
The clincher for me was understanding my secondary (Type 4), which means I’m a bright, animated Type 1 who is often bold in expression, is able to be still for considerable lengths of time, and has an eye towards perfecting everything! Your secondary type gives depth to being a Type 1 and accounts for the sometimes “non-Type 1” aspects of being your true self.
From one Type 1 to another (and only YOU can determine if you truly are or not), just play with it. Let the idea bounce around in your life for awhile and the next time you think of it, re-read just the Type 1 section of the book and see if it fits. If not, that’s cool. If it does, welcome to the fabulous, friendly, and fun-fun-fun world of being a Type 1!!!
Yes I’ve done the whole process and love dressing my truth! Like you it took me a while to figure out what was the true me and not who I was trying to be. I watched her series of free video’s about facial features and celebraties and it helped confirm the right type. However, you can have a very strong secondary type but you just don’t lead with that type…I’m a type 2 with a strong secondary type 3. Have fun with it and for everyone it is so worth the money for the dressing your truth course. You will save money because you won’t be buying things you don’t feel your best in! Not to mention it makes it so easy to shop! I’m helping my kids and husband dress their truth too!
@Stacey, Thats great that you have the whole family doing it Stacey! Did the kids and your husbands tell you what they were? Or did you suss it out for them??
Thanks so much for writing!
My husband read parts of the book and watched some of the online training. He is very supportive and together we determined he was a type 4. He tells other people about the books and training. He just needed some new clothes so I was able to buy him type 4 mens clothes and he looks great.
My kids are young so I’ve assesed them. My 12 and 10 year old girls I have had do the online video’s just to make sure they were able to have a say in it for themselves and we came up with the same conclusions. I’ve been helping the kids to dress their truth now as well. My girls are opposites and we are teaching them that what’s right for one isn’t right for the other. I think it helps them have their own individuality and hopefully they will have more confidence in themselves going into their teenage years. I still have a lot to learn…it has been an amazing transformation for all of us.
.-= Stacey´s last blog ..Real Southern Living Fall Sunset =-.
I’ve been dressing my truth for about a year now. I got rid of a boatload of black clothing. I get more compliments than ever and feel very liberated. I’m free to finally be me.
@Cheri, That is great Cheri! I am so afraid to not have my black clothing!!! WHat will I wear? I used to be a New Yorker- so practically all my clothes are black! LOL.
Thank you for writing!
This sounds llike such a great book, a book that would fit in to my life very nicely right about now. Great review!
.-= Lori´s last blog ..21st Century Skills- Learning For Life In Our Times =-.
@Lori, Thanks Lori- I love self help style books- they are my weakness!! But this one is really beneficial in getting you to think about your authentic personality- which is great!
Read your post, good review. I am not familiar with Carol Tuttle. This book sounds interesting to read. thanks.
.-= rose´s last blog ..RECAPTURE LIFE =-.
@rose, It’s great- I have been trying to guess what your Type would be Rose. I think you might be the Type 4!
Shannon, thanks for being a follower on my blog. I found your link on FB, Carol Tuttle posted it! Networking: SO FUN! (I’m a type 1)
.-= Cheri´s last blog ..Phones Phones Phones =-.
@Cheri, Cheri- after I saw your website….I was sure you MUST be a Type 1!! Glad to see I guessed right! What a fun blog you have:)
Stopping by from Mom Loop! Hope you have a great weekend of Dressing the Truth.
.-= JDaniel4’s Mom´s last blog ..ReadExploreLearn – Fall Harvest =-.
@JDaniel4’s Mom, Thanks so much- I’m having a lot of fun with it!
Thanks for sharing! This sounds like a really great book. I’m now wondering what type am I? Stopping by from Mom Loop FF.
.-= L. Eleana´s last blog ..Hi There Beautiful! =-.
@L. Eleana, L. ELeana- you can kind of guess at your type by watching the online videos. But to be sure, the book is pretty invaluable! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Interesting, my personality has actually opened up more as an adult. I like the idea of beauty being defined from a source outside of fashion – visiting from MOm Loops FF!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Fantastic Friday- Fingers- Faces and Feelings =-.
@Rachel, I really like that same thing Rachel- I’m so sick of the fashion world getting to dictate what all women should wear- given that women are individually so different!
Shannon, link the picture of the book too. People naturally click on images.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Emu Sheepskin Boots updated Tue Oct 19 2010 10-39 am CDT =-.
@Lisa, Will have to figure out HOW to do that Lisa! My goodness- you are fast becoming my tech guru;)
Sounds like a new download for the Kindle is in the offing… After I catch up on the MomLoop FF haha
Eager to learn more about her premise and tool.
@Jersey Diva Mom, Thanks Jersey Diva Mom! I just finished the course online and will be posting about it soon- it was a lot of fun! By the way- I love your name. Whenever I see it on my site or Mom Loop it makes me smile:)
Oh well, the html didn’t show up, maybe you can see it from your admin panel.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Dansko Mary Janes updated Wed Oct 20 2010 10-12 am CDT =-.
Looks Great! I am so tired of the fashion world!
Here from MomLoop Friday follow (just a few days late!)
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.-= Heather´s last blog ..Pie Baking Tips and Recipes =-.
I am late from MomLoop Friday follow. This is great book review. I wonder what type I am. Looking forward your progress on online course you enroll.
.-= millionaire instantly´s last blog ..How Can Water Treatment Equipment Save You Money and Keep You Healthy =-.
I love carol Tuttle. I picked up her book a few years ago when I noticed a huge change in a few women in my ‘circle’. When I asked what had changed in their life , one of them happily loaned me her much worn book. She told me how much it helped her understand her 7 children. I was so tired of the parenting style I was using (later realizing I was enforcing my type 4/1 energy on my 4kids diff. Energies), I devoured the book and quickly ordered the other 3. My home is such a diff. Place now. I respect the energy of each of my kids and husband (that was a marriage saver), it’s not perfect, but I better understand them. My friend took the course and has had amazing revelations of her true self. He and I invited my mother into town for the weekend and gave her a profiling makeover, she fought it tooth and nail! It was a great, yet frustrating, weekend. My mother is working hard on it now, but sees such a difference in herself. It is very interesting how we will deny our true energy or at least second guess it, maybe it’s scary unfolding the layers of change that we’ve allowed ourselves to become. Good luck to you and everyone out there looking for a great true you!