Wisdom, guest column

Wisdom is an invitational column where an outstanding woman will share a message that we hope you'll find inspiring, motivational, and empowering.

...we too can create a sense of style by recognizing that it is all about confidence, knowing your strengths and making the most of your assets.

archives

• 2008: 01 | 02
• 2007: 01
• 2006: 01 | 02
• 2005: 01 | 02
• 2004: 01

The Lady Had Style

Lorene Sylva, President, National Association of University Women
Suburban Philadelphia Branch

"To achieve style, begin by affecting none."
– William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White

I recently lost a very dear friend to cancer who exuded style even as she was dying. It was one of her most compelling and attractive qualities. She was one of those women such as Princess Diana, and Jacqueline Onassis who appeared to be born with style. I dare say for most of us style is something that comes with time and experience. A closer look at one's style appears to be a rather ethereal quality a quality that begins with a sense of knowing who you are and having self-confidence. It comes from being liberated enough to open yourself to the world around you-to books and movies, travel, art, music and above all, to other people.

My friend seemed always to have a fresh sense of spirit and adventure that would belie her years. It was a youthful spirit. She had a strong fashion sense. She knew what worked best for her. She could select a vintage dress or skirt team it with a slick pair of boots, a stunning shawl, unique, bold jewelry and she was a show stopper without even trying.

Fashion is what everyone is wearing. Style is the way one makes fashion their food. According to Diana Vreeland, former editor of Vogue magazine, the way you dress, the jewelry you love, the way you wear your hair all help create confidence, command respect and turn heads. Further, everything about how you present yourself, injecting your personality in your wardrobe choices, being imaginative and having flare all reflect style.

Contrary to popular thought, style doesn't come from what you look like, or how much you can spend, but again it is how you present yourself, how you deal with the world and how you define the art of living well. It is not about being a slave to trends, in fact, one might say that trend chasers lack style. Those with personal style however may individualize some trends and incorporate them into their "look."

There have been women throughout history that rose to public prominence through their individual style. They had an inner spirit and an outstanding sense of style that caught the public eye. My friend did not rise to public prominence yet her personal style caught the eye of those who saw or met her. For the rest of us we too can create a sense of style by recognizing that it is all about confidence, knowing your strengths and making the most of your assets.

Biography

Lorene Sylva is a retired teacher of English from the School District of Philadelphia. She is presently employed by the University of Pennsylvania as a Mentor to graduate student teachers of English. As an educator, she has served as a Lead Teacher, Department Chairperson, Community College Instructor, Facilitator in the Staff Development of Secondary Teachers, Curriculum Writer, Middle States Accreditation Evaluator, and Education Consultant. While education has been her life work, this career was preceded by her training and work as a Professional Runway Model. As a model, she also taught what was then referred to as Charm Classes, which were essentially self-improvement and modeling courses, for teenage girls.

She is the co-founder of the Suburban Philadelphia Branch of the National Association of University Women, a member of the American Association of University Women, Kappa Delta Psi, Association of Supervision and Curriculum, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Chief among her personal interests is traveling. As a result, she has traveled to every continent excluding Australia and Antarctica. During her travels, she collects indigenous art from each of the countries visited and displays them throughout her home. She is a true wanderlust.

Lorene received her Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, English and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration, at Cheyney University. She is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations for her educational achievement including a multiple honoree in Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Nathan Schaffer Scholarship, and the U.S. Presidential Teacher Recognition Award.

Lorene Sylva is married with one son. Her daughter is deceased.