Compliments to You
Issue No. 12
Compliments are terrific and bring on all the good feelings — collectively giving and receiving them. Authentic praise to someone can be such a great gift to offer, and in return, it increases your mood. It's also profoundly impactful to be on the receiving end of kind words. Both are seemingly not always the easiest thing to do — but they should be.
Doling out niceties can be occasionally awkward or nerve-racking. Sometimes even concerning as to how the receiver will interpret the appreciative words coming their way unexpectedly, possibly taken out of context, and as a result, cause you to avoid making a compliment for fear of ineffective delivery. Or fear of even saying the words out loud. For instance, the person in front of you in the grocery store has on a fabulous coat that suits them from your eye, but you don't speak up because they're a stranger. There are all sorts of reasons (ahem, excuses).
An authentic compliment goes a very long way to making you feel good and it goes even further than that. On the flip side, lack of receiving compliments has the potential to create distance between your relationships. Giving and receiving thoughtful exchanges increases mutual appreciation, sets the tone, and is extremely powerful.
Now, for receiving. Validate the compliment. You deserve it. You can still be humble while simultaneously feeling confident in the thoughtful, positive comments you've just heard or read. I'm sure that at one point or another, you've deflected or downplayed something nice communicated to you. I have. But I've come to learn (and still in practice) that this doesn't help anyone.
A compliment to you (that you've received well) is a compliment returned to me and vice versa. It's a habit loop. It's a shared gift of generosity. The best kind.
Let's review the difference:
You: "I love your coat!"// Receiver (old reply): "Oh this old thing, I threw it on in a hurry." VS. Receiver (new reply): "Thank you. It’s my favorite!"
When the receiver shares the *new* reply, this, in turn, validates your eye and level of taste (and the compliment) as opposed to the *old* reply shutting down your compliment as not as impactful.
Another example:
You: "You look great, I love your earrings."// Receiver (old reply): "Oh, I got them on sale, they're not a big deal." VS. Receiver (new reply): I'm so excited you noticed!"
When the receiver responds to you with enthusiasm and delight in the fact that you noticed their earrings, they're in turn saying (signaling) that you have great taste.
I have more important news. Not only does this shifted response and compliments framework validate you. Giving and receiving compliments also breaks down a perceived barrier of disconnection. It's disarming and engaging. It starts a conversation. Think of this in social settings or in the workplace environment. Compliments bridge a connection. They're the ultimate ice breaker. And clothing plays a role much larger than you may realize.
People have so many different styles: driven by culture, race, religion, gender — and much more. There are endless influences and reasons why you choose your own style. This is the same for someone else — and no two people are alike.
Complimenting someone thoughtfully on their style is kind, but it also brings you closer together on a human level. This exchange enables an easier connection and the greater opportunity to learn about someone. To learn something new. It impacts working together on a project or different job levels of employees, a client relationship, an educator, your best friend, or your neighbor. It's endless.
Giving sincere compliments is the gift of love. Receiving compliments with sincerity is the gift of love. Keep this altruistic wheel turning. It will provide you with all the joy and connection that you deserve. Perhaps more than you even know.
Love Letters
Few things are better than receiving a handwritten note in the mail. Don’t you get excited when a little envelope with friendly penmanship lands on your mail stack? You know something special is inside the moment you see this distinguishable envelope. Senders and receivers appreciate the exchange of a note, no doubt.
Sending correspondence is a grand gesture, a nice touch, with supreme intentionality. It makes a difference. When I set out to launch my business over four years ago, I intended to make a positive difference in a client’s day, even in the smallest, slightest of ways. This is still the case today. And this philosophy applies to all aspects of life. It makes me feel wonderful to write a note to a friend, client, community member, or even someone I’ve recently met. It’s mutually gratifying for the sender and the receiver.
Though we like to credit Hallmark for creating Valentine’s Day, the holiday came into existence during the Victorian Era and grew with the increased efficiency of the postal system. But V-day isn’t the only reason to send a note; it’s just noteworthy to mention it since it’s a day about expressing love — to all the people we care for in our lives.
So in the spirit of love, family, friendship, and community — and to keep the art of loving letters and notes — here are some V-day-worthy and everyday notecard packs to have on hand for your next handwritten message.
P.S. Don’t forget to stock up on stamps. xo
Style Select
Latest Product Love
Chelsea boots have been on my mind and yours for a while now. Between climbing snowbanks after parking your car and trekking through the airport to arrive at cold alpine destinations, these reliable boots are sure to be a regular in your rotation.
If you’re in the market for a pair that’s waterproof, comfortable, warm, durable, easy to slip on, flattering on everyone, and currently on sale! Check out my go-to pair from Blondo that I am living in and swipe to watch this 30-second video on why these boots are so great and how they dominate in the snow.
This style is also 40% off with limited sizes available. Order a half size up in this style for your best fit, leaving some wiggle room to wear a warmer sock if you so choose. If you’re partial to another neutral instead of taupe suede, here they are (full-priced) in black leather.
In case you missed it or you’re looking for a dose of outfit inspiration, look to these four ways to style Chelsea boots this season.
More Selects on Instagram…
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***All recommendations are tried and true tested by me and/or come with high regards from clients, you, and this community. Do you have a game-changing product (e.g., shoes, cooking spice, laundry tool, packing organizer, etc.) that you know will help someone else? Email me to chat about it and to be considered for sharing: connect@lauraksawyier.com
Can’t Stop Thinking About This Treat
A Valentine for Ice Cream Lovers
Do you like cookies, ice cream, sprinkles, and out-of-this-world subtly sweet flavors? If yes, you need to try the Huckleberry Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches from Cream + Sugar in Jackson Hole. You don’t even have to get on an airplane to fly to Wyoming to pick up a pack (though, I would highly recommend going there on your next trip). Thanks to Goldbelly, these smooth tiny desserts will arrive still frozen within just a few days of ordering.
Discovered for the first time on a trip to Jackson last month, I can’t stop thinking about their impressive flavor profile and bite-sized consistency. Huckleberry, a native berry to the region, is the right balance of sweet and tart, not overbearing, and blended with blueberries in their homemade ice cream. Bookended with daily fresh-baked mini cookies, these little sandi’s are out of this world delicious. They arrived as our dessert while dining at the Mill Iron Ranch, following our sleigh ride — I went in for more than one! And now, (impatiently) awaiting my order to arrive at home.
The Latest
Still searching for a V-Day Gift? Scan this high-low mini gift edit to make buying easy for all your loved ones. Or yourself! Don’t wait too long if you’re looking to gift - shipping delays are very much still omnipresent.
For the Downton fans: Have you been watching ‘The Gilded Age?’ If not for the drama set in 1882 in New York City at the crux of the wealth and deals during the Industrial Revolution, don’t miss out on the lavish and exquisitely attention to detailed costumes (a decadent amalgamation of silk taffetas, lace, jacquard, velvet, feathers, appliqués, intricate trimmings, and jewels). Not to be missed: Broadway vet and Tony nominee Denée Benton playing trailblazing Peggy Scott and Christine Baranski commanding, yet again, sheer confidence and power as Agnes van Rhijn.
Have you filled in your ballot? Oscars nominations were announced yesterday. Fill in your predictions, be sure to watch The Power of the Dog, and save the date for March 27. Will be interesting to see what/if happens with the red carpet and how celebs are rethinking fashion in 2022.
Not solely for shoes: Scuffed soles? Ripped zippers? Snapped bag straps? Might be time to give your beloved accessories the love they’ve been missing. Receive 20% off your repairs order over $150 — must submit the following code when you begin your order process for the promotion to be applied: STYLESUB* Start your repairs order now.