Who Are You?

I love personality tests and other kinds of "identify your type" tests--whether for professional development or just for fun. Here's a few of my top picks.

Enneagram

There are nine personality types that make up the Enneagram system--labled numerically 1 through 9 (I'm a 3). I've found this personality typing tool very accurate and insightful. The book Discovering Your Personality Type has a detailed test for identifying your type. Or, there are some some online tests you can take like this free short test or this one.

My favorite book on understanding your Enneagram type is The Wisdom of the Enneagram. Another good book that is geared more to the business world is What Type of Leader are You. That one maps standard leadership competencies to the various Enneagram types.

Action Logic

I recently read a Harvard Business Review article on the Seven Transformations of Leadership which tied leadership and the ability to think strategically to adult stages of development and action logic. Our action logic is defined by how we interpret our own or other's behavior and how we maintain power or protect against threats. By assessing someone's action logic we can see what stage of development someone is in and what type of leadership they are capable of. These stages are broken down into seven types: Opportunist, Diplomat, Expert, Achiever, Individualist, Strategist and Alchemist (the last three types being extremely rare).

Harthill Consultants in the UK offer a sentence completion test that they will analyze and determine which stage or action logic is most dominant. It's a little expensive ($200 GBP), but a very interesting test.

Now Discover Your Strengths

The annual performance review process used at most companies can be pretty demotivating. Usually the majority of the conversation focuses on perceived weaknesses and how to shore those up and very little attention is paid to strengths. In this book, the reverse approach is taken. Figure out what you are really good and then find a job that makes best use of those talents.

By purchasing one of the strenghfinder books you get a code to take a detailed "strengthsfinder" test. I haven't yet figured out how to maximize my strengths in a job, but it's an interesting concept.

Myer's-Briggs (MBTI)

Most people have taken a form of the MBTI at some point in their careers. If you haven't yet taken this test the book Do What You Are contains some short exercises to narrow down your type. This book is also a great reference if you are contemplating a career change or just starting out in your career and what to figure out what would be a good fit.

You can take a full version of this type indicator test online for $59.95 at http://www.mbticomplete.com/. Or you can take one of the many short free versions like this Jung Typology test from Humanmetrics.

I've probably taken 5 or 6 different versions of this test and also get the same result (INTJ) so there must be some truth to this!

Once you know your type there all kinds of different web resources with information on your type such as http://www.personalitypage.com/.

Numerology

Numerology is definitely more on the new age side of things and skeptics will probably dismiss this typing tool completely. However, I have found that numerology sometimes provides some interesting insights.

This system is relies on the letters of your full name at birth as well as your birthdate. The birthdate reveals your "life path" or the the lesson that you are supposed to be learning in this lifetime. The letters of your name reveal personality, motivations, etc.

For a quick free analysis you can use this website. The best book I've found on this topic is: Numerology: The Complete Guide Vol I.

All Laced Up!

Dark Garden

This Hayes Valley boutique in the heart of San Francisco is tucked in an alley off the main shopping strip. I brought my sister in here over the weekend since she is performing a burlesque-type theater piece. Within 5 minutes the super-friendly staff had us both trying on a waist cincher type corset over our jeans and t-shirts. What was surprising to me was how comfortable they were. In fact, my back felt better and more supported that it has in some time.

Dark Garden has a variety of ready-to-wear corsets to choose from. Or, you can have one of these styles made in the fabric of your choice in 6-8 weeks. They also offer custom corsets where they measure and fit a corset exactly your body. Dita Von Teese has had some of her corsets designed here as well as Christina Aguilera.

Although I did not go in with the intention to buy one for myself, I could not resist purchasing a bright green and blue brocade waist cincher style corset (similar to this ivory one shown at the right from corsetdiva on Etsy).

I plan to wear mine over blouses and dresses as shown in these photos--more like a wide belt or cumberbun. I also think it would be great paired with a kimono style blouse or dress--more like an obi.

Dark Garden's corsets are true works of art and definitely too beautiful (and pricey) not to wear as often as possible.

Corset Belt

Slightly less confining than a full steel-boned corset, this leather corset belt ($250) is equally dramatic. It still advertises the same waist reducing properties from the back lacing as the corsets above.

I've actually been looking for a wide leather corset belt for some time without success. So, was happy to see this one while browsing on Etsy. Available from kvodesign's shop on Etsy.

Duct Tape Dress Form

One of the challenges with sewing is getting things to fit right. Here's a great idea from Etsy Labs about how to make your own dress form out of duct tape and an old t-shirt. The great thing about this project is that the resulting form is an exact replica of your shape. Can't wait to try to this out. Full tutorial available here. Here's the idea in brief:

Put on a large t-shirt that covers your bottom. Have a friend wrap duct tape around your body starting at the bottom of the t-shirt. You will probably need two rolls of duct tape. At the bust area you will need to do some special taping (see tutorial).

When the entire torso has been covered cut off the tape & t-shirt in a vertical line up the middle of the back. Remove the form and apply a layer of tape to the cut portion. Cover the arm hole and bottom opening and stuff.

Here's the final result. I'm going to look at mounting this on a broomstick with some sort of stand so I use it like a regular dress form.

My Favorite Serial Killer

My sister kept insisting that I should check out the Showtime series Dexter. However, I didn't get around to watching any of it until this summer. It took a few episodes, but then I was hooked.

Michael C. Hall does an amazing job as a forensics blood spatter specialist who moonlights as a serial killer. He manages to make his character likable, funny and believable which is really the key to the succcess of this series. In general this series is very well acted and written and I love the fact that there are multiple story lines to follow.

Season 1 has been available on DVD ($22) and now Season 2 has just come out as well. Or, you can download individual episodes ($1.99) from either Amazon or iTunes. I'm not sure if this is available in all areas, but Comcast cable offers season 2 in their "On Demand" lineup. I'm still working through the season 2 episodes trying to drag them out until the next season starts.

The Season 3 premier is Sunday, September 28th at 9pm. The countdown begins!

Great menswear inspired pieces for Fall

I have always loved the Hepburn inspired menswear look--slouchy trousers with a more feminine blouse. This season there are all kinds of great menswear trouser options. Pair them with an pair of high-heeled oxfords in purple, patent leather or even metallic versions. Here's a few of my personal favorites:

Rebecca Taylor

These slouchy wideleg trousers from Rebecca Tayler ($295) are wool with lycra/spandex to give them stretch. Love the deep chocolate brown. Wide waistband with buckles on side, one slit pocket on back. Available at Bloomingdales.

Alice & Olivia

Here's another great stretch wool pant, this one from Alice & Olivia ($275). Still feminine while clearly menswear inspired. In black with slant pockets at pleated front and welt pockets at back. Available at Shopbop.com.

Oxfords

The perfect compliment to the pleated trouser. These purple suede wingtip booties ($345) from Joie would be great with chocolate brown or grey. Available from shopbop.com.

I love these brown patent leather oxfords ($169). Contrast pinked edges and perforations mimic menswear oxfords although this version comes with a 3 1/2" heel. Available at Nordstrom.

This "Zander" Oxford from MAXSTUDIO ($179.95) is a bit dressier. Love the covered platform and the seam detailing in the middle. Also available at Nordstrom.

Boyfriend Sweater

This long cashmere cardigan from Vince ($325) features an ombre pattern in shades of grey. Button front with a back yoke that gathers. Available at Bloomingdales.

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are one of my Fall must-have items. Here's a few styles on my wishlist right now.

Straight Laced

I'm a big fan of lacing, buckles and straps. Love the back detail on these dark brown leather ankle boots ($548) from Fiorentini & Baker. 2 3/4" covered heel. Leather sole with rubber heel. Available at Gimme Shoes.

Feathered Friends

These boots don't even have a price tag so they are probably more expensive than a car. However, they are pretty amazing. Love the cutouts. I'm wondering if the feather detail would get wet and ruined? LD Tuttle "The Pygmalion" boots available at Creatures of Comfort.

Buckle Up

Love the slightly punk esthetic of these bump toe buckle boots from Marc Jacobs ($940). Way out of my price range, but if I win the lotto I'm going to get them. Available from Shopbop.

Brass Buttons

More in my realm are these antiqued leather booties with brass buttons from Seychelles ($98). Available from Urban Outfitters.

Big Buckle

More on the casual side, this suede bootie from Dolce Vita ($250) has a subtle golden sparkle. Trimmed with a wide leather buckle that is laced around the front and buckles at the side. Available from Urbanoutfitters.com (online only).

Wall Candy

Going Bats!

I have to find a place to use this wallpaper from Flavor League. At first glance it looks like a typical flower motif, but on closer inspection you realize that it's a pattern of bats and venus flytraps. ($150 for a 27”×15’ roll.). This pattern comes in four different colors. I think I like the antique pink and cream the best, but the black and grey is also tempting.

Keep Calm

The WWII era slogan, "Keep Calm and Carry On" is a great personal mantra. Just saw a reproduction poster in the latest issue of Domino Magazine and I have to have one. Sfgirlbybay (who also has a great design blog) has a shop on Etsy with these posters in a rainbow of amazing colors ($25). I'm torn between the chartreuse green and the bright orange.

Romantic Art

This, "We Are So Good Together Poster" ($36) is a sweet reminder for a happy couple. Letter-pressed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Available from Reform School.