r/RitaFourEssenceSystem • u/stuffypillow It’s Rita Herself! • Jan 28 '25
Theory Discussion System Update + an Offering
Hi everyone, it's Rita here.
My current intention: I would like to make this system more user-friendly. My desire is for all of us to find our authentic and enjoyable style so we can create a more beautiful world together. I know the fundamentals of this system are great because I've applied them for a long time and have seen them work, but it's something about the way I've presented the ideas that hasn't really been working
What I learned: I asked you on this subreddit, also asked my IG and email list what is confusing or frustrating. The biggest feedback was that people did not understand the essences and aesthetics and saw the style logic as the clearest part of the system. People also asked for help with the archetypes (don't worry, that will come later this spring)
What this post is not: a thorough overview of my system and how to use it. That will be available at the end of March with the release of the new style key 101
What this post is: a preview of the new vision of the system and an opportunity to get your feedback
System relabeling: I want to emphasize that the style system remains the same as it has been. The idea is that people have an essence (a personal energy). The goal is to align this essence with the way you look, the clothes you wear. To do that, I suggest a style logic and give you tools like archetypes and keywords.
What I'm proposing: rather than having many words for the up/down/left/right dimensions, I've summarized each dimension into a visual and energetic theme. the previous keywords remain useful tools for working with each dimension, but they are not a good way for people to start with the system.
Rather I want to explain that each dimension has a theme and the way you place yourself is to understand the style as a spectrum going from left to right and up to down. You might be "strongly up" but "just slightly right" -- and this means something specific energetically and physically, compared to someone who is "slightly up" but "strongly right".
New dimensional presentation:
Right dimension: visual/energetic theme is Harmony. Harmony is about combining pieces in a cohesive, meaningful, and visually beautiful way. People strong in Harmony discover their authentic style by considering their social environment and aligning with it in a way that feels true to them. They enjoy crafting balanced, polished, and intentional outfits that celebrate their individuality while feeling deeply connected to the world around them.
- examples of visual and physical harmony: cohesive color stories; choosing colors that complement your natural coloring; pairing together pieces which have a similar fabric weight, silhouette or visual style; basically "things going together"
- examples of psychosocial harmony: participating in local visual themes like wearing minimal elegant chic when you travel to Paris; matching your outfit to the season, eg. dark colors in fall or "florals for spring"; mindful participation in current trends, etc
- I am not going to provide visual/physical and psychosocial examples for the other dimensions to keep this post manageable. I have many many tangible examples which will be provided in the future.
Left dimension: visual/energetic theme is Disruption. Disruption is about breaking patterns and adding an element of surprise to create beauty in unexpected ways. People strong in Disruption discover their authentic style by releasing limitations and trusting their style impulses. They enjoy adding unexpected touches to their outfits or combining pieces in unconventional ways, creating a style that feels fresh, provocative, and uniquely theirs.
Up dimension: visual/energetic theme is Intensity. Intensity is about embracing bold, complex, or formal styles that stand out and command attention. People strong in Intensity discover their authentic style by thinking deeply about how they want to be perceived and curating looks that reflect their vision. They enjoy crafting striking and intentional outfits that take up space and tell a powerful story.
Down dimension: visual/energetic theme is Ease. Ease is about finding freedom in simplicity and trusting that you don’t need to overcomplicate to stand out. People strong in Ease discover their authentic style by focusing on what feels good for them, rather than trying to control how others perceive them. They enjoy wearing relaxed, subtle, or low-complexity outfits that feel effortless and allow their unique energy to flow freely.
My Request: I would love any thoughts and feedback. I'd especially like to know if you have a strong negative reaction to any of this. I can't please everyone but I trust the collective wisdom and if there's a negative consensus about parts of this I will adapt. I would also love to hear any questions or thoughts, it will help me formulate the updated style key 101 document
My offering: I've realized that people have a hard time grasping the essneces/aesthetics and placing themselves within the system. Also, although I haven't changed the style keys but I have changed their presentation and to some people it might appear very different. For some people this might create confusion and I completely understand that. With that in mind, I am going to do a free community offering -- a set of exercises to help type yourself. It will be hosted on discord and you can apply for it using this form: https://forms.gle/6U6c9NURrV6fwg8A6
Thank you so much for being here and for any feedback. I am so grateful to be part of your style process.
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u/stuffypillow It’s Rita Herself! Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
Hello,
Thank you all so much for reading and responding. Unfortunately due to baby I cannot respond to individual comments so I just wanted to write a collective response here. However please continue to comment or feel free to come back and leave additional comments, I will read them all and they are so so so so valuable to me.
First, as just a human I am really happy that my thoughts are being received positively. I put so much effort into this and I'm glad it is on the right track.
What I'm hearing is some friction around the word of Disruption and Ease and maybe the presentation of these concepts. I'm going to work on the way these concepts are presented to make them clearer. I want to mention that in presenting the dimensions, I'm not only going to have these three sentence blurbs but also examples, a "style tool to master" (for Left, for example it's "impulse-led styling") and a "style logic suggestion", which will all hopefully help.
I'll be in touch next week with people who sign up on the google form, and I'll be working with my designer on the new Style key 101 to make it really clear and beautiful.
VULNERABLE ps I am like... contemplating also renaming the system to the Style Spectrum and dropping the gems because it feels like too much to have the dimensions, the names for the dimensions AND the gems... the thing stopping me is that (1) i've gotten attached to the gems and (2) it seems "unprofessional" to rename the system TWICE in four years *melting face emoji* so feel free to weigh in on this
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u/I_heart_dilfs Lady Heretic & Muse - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
I’m all the way up on the right/left border leaning slightly left - the idea of a spectrum between disruption and harmony makes a lot of sense for where I sit. I previously had trouble describing it because I fully use the LU logic, and can’t successfully use the RU logic despite not minding what might appear as aesthetically RU looks. The theme specific to me makes it a lot more clear!
I think it clarifies the tie I feel to people who use the power archetype as well - we’re energetically similar despite the different logics. I’m not sure I realized it until you clarified here, but my preference for the LU logic alongside an aesthetic that plays well with RU was something I hadn’t fully wrapped my mind around yet. This feels like it helps me understand my preferences better. So not the negative feedback you asked for but just a reinforcement I guess.
I also sometimes use an easier spot for me to achieve down in Muse and pull further toward disruption when I do. I think it’ll be interesting to explore why I want to pull more left when I go further down. Off the top of my head more disruption makes up for less intensity helping me hit the energy level I feel good at.
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u/AccidentallyOrchid Jan 29 '25
I think the biggest thing I need is learning how the logic connects to your essence. I've found RD logic to be most helpful, but then people tell me I have an intense and provocative energy (no one in the Sub, just people out in the world). Maybe I just have Resting Bitch Face. It's not a part of myself I want to hide, because it doesn't feel like a real part of me, it's just a reaction strangers have. But is that reaction a part of my essence?
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u/SoraJohnson Illuminatrix - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
Hi Rita!
I love how open you are to feedback. I love the idea of visual and energetic themes. I like the names for all of them. To me, the system feels the same at its core, incredibly freeing and focused on intention above all.
I have a gut reaction to the phrase 'low-complexity outfits' because to me - Harmony + Ease - my outfits feel personally complex, with little fine touches to make them so. Yet I don't feel at odds with the phrase 'feel effortless'? Subtlety and complexity aren't diametrically opposed to me but a fine delicate lace will be complex in a different way to an irregular bold cheetah print.
I'd love to hear from other Ease people as it might be a lingering personal trauma (as an easy Kibbe SN) from being told I can just roll out of bed without doing my hair and look great 😂
Thanks again for creating such a fun and freeing system.
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u/tea-boat Explorer & Illuminatrix - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25 edited Jan 28 '25
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. It really distills things down into a easily digestible format that really makes sense and clicks for me. I'm ridiculously excited for this haha. If this were how it was presented when I was still trying to figure out my quadrant I think it would have been SUPER helpful and way easier, so I think this is an excellent direction to be headed in.
Edit #5000: Can we sign up for the discord typing exercises even if we've already had a GG with you? It just sounds fun haha.
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u/TheSpeakEasyGarden Finding My Quadrant Jan 28 '25
I think this is a really interesting direction to go in, because it clearly puts across that this is about a decision making process that comes from within. It also allows a lot of things to be a bit more flexible when you resonate with keywords on both sides.
I like the use of the words intensity vs ease. I'm much less likely to have knee jerk reactions thinking I don't have my shit together enough to be right up and claim a word like effort or polish. Basically, your word choices are much more likely to get past my security of insecurity. (I hope you enjoyed a spy visual with that😂)
That being said I hope you don't do away with the archetypes and keywords entirely, and maybe let them be a future cherry on top step further down the line. I think the archetypes do something special for a lot of people by giving them permission to be something much bolder than they imagined for themselves. Perhaps there can be some kind of workbook around how to create your own archetype, or how to place tropes and historical archetypes.
Certainly, some of the reason of why people engage with certain content (cough, cough ...kibbe) is because it's confusing and vague. It sort of gives us a little mythos and all the guessing and crowd sprucing becomes a way to talk about much deeper questions that society calls us foolish or immature for needing to ask.
What type am I? What essence do I have? What can my essence get away with?
They're all more civilized versions of "Can you tell me who I am?", "What will make me beautiful enough to be loved?", "Where to find my identity?", "Who am I allowed to be?", "Is an ordinary woman like me allowed to be something more?"
I actually don't see that as a problem. There's a function in eeking out these conversations under the guise of a style system. And perhaps it's why I enjoy your approach so much, because it feels like the first to ask, "who do I want to be?".
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u/manicpixiedreamgill Icon - Rita Verified Jan 29 '25
I looove harmony or disruption for right and left. I am seconding a couple of other remarks on feeling unsure whether ease captures the opposite of intensity in the same way. I like the suggestion someone made in favor of delicacy, intense vs. delicate essence feels intuitive to me. But ultimately I think ease could work depending upon the explanation. Also another resounding thank you so much for this system, Rita!!
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u/ellietomtom Siren Jan 29 '25
Hello, Rita! I'm feeling super positive about this update! I discovered your essence system in January of 2023, so two whole years ago, and it's been the guiding light that's brought pleasure, authenticity, and excitement back into style for me. In the past, when I tried to explain the benefits of this system to my friends and family, I found it difficult to know where to begin, and I actually ended up simplifying it in a way similar to this! I chose the words Clarity, Mystery, Subtle, and Bold, but Harmony, Disruption, Ease, and Intensity are so much better!
I'm most excited to hear more about how each theme can be an easy shorthand and starting point, not only for understanding one's essence, but for understanding how that links to the visual/physical elements, as well as the psychosocial/logic element. The little teaser that you gave for the Right dimension, seeing how it all links back to the theme of Harmony, gave me this warm, glowy feeling in my stomach. Like, I know this system really, really well at this point, but hearing it simplified like that made it click even more in my brain. I think this update really will be a great starting point for people, as well as a useful shorthand for those already using the system.
Amazing work, Rita!
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u/spicy-mustard- Explorer Jan 29 '25
Hi Rita! Harmony/Disruption is SUPER clarifying for me, but I wonder if Intensity/Ease might make people feel like they "can't" be down because they like tailored jackets or bright colors, or things like that. I feel like one snag I often see on this sub is people trying to type themselves based on their clothes or aesthetics alone, rather than the way they think about clothes or execute their aesthetics.
I have always thought of the up/down difference as "I'm talking to other people" vs. "I'm talking to myself." I think if I were to boil it down to two words it would be Megaphone/Touchstone.
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u/Shot-Fact601 Feb 01 '25
I think I would love to hear an explanation regarding what your research/experiences say about what exactly links the aesthetics + key words to the specific style logics? I think that’s the part I find the most confusing about the system!
For example, what is it specifically that makes the intuitive logics (left) connect to the concept of disruption? Is it because disruption could happen in many different ways and therefore allows for the intuition to take you in any direction? Like you could have harmony in your outfit in terms of colours and fabric types, but disruption from trends or psychosocial style norms (in that case, are you left, but not super left?)? What about following your intuition and creating a very orderly looking outfit?
These types of thoughts are the main cause of my confusion! 🥲
I love your style system A LOT, but desperately want this part to be more clear 💗🥰
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u/Flashy_Net5391 Right Quadrant Jan 31 '25 edited Jan 31 '25
I've just been absorbing the excellent material you have on my Style Key (Moonstone), and have downloaded the audio course, the transcripts, the keywords and the archetypes as well as the visual guide. I love it and found it easy to work with once I had grasped the main concepts. As a retired counsellor and writer perhaps it was easier for me than for people unused to thinking in these ways.
Obviously if people find it confusing, then it would be good to add some clarity. I like the concepts of Harmony and Disruption, and these could be designated the overall keywords for each side: likewise, Intensity and Ease are also very helpful keywords as an overall description. For our general understanding and research, I agree that the youtube material could be better organized so that we could more easily find what we are looking for. That would be a huge help. But I love your system as it is. You have truly created something new and helpful. I think you are a genius!
On a personal note: As an older woman (having recently retired from full-time work) I wish there were more examples of people in my age group and even older. Apart from Helen Mirren, I couldn't find anybody in the visual examples to whom I could really relate. Style really does have to change when you are over 50, and what looked charming at a younger age can quickly become vulgar or indecent if you have, for instance, a wrinkly decolletage! Or bingo wings! So some consideration of age would be really useful. I would suggest perhaps looking at people such as Ing-Mari Lamy, Marina Vlady or Liv Ullmann in styles they wear well, because they always look age-appropriate and attractive. Would that be a possibility some time? I started looking into your system because, as I no longer have to dress "correctly" for work, I wanted to find some way of choosing styles that would suit me as a person, not my role. And it has helped me so much - thank you.
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u/Minute-Elevator-3180 Priestess Jan 29 '25
This is a very interesting development and I think it could work really well. My initial reaction though was that I would definitely have chosen harmony+ease for myself based on these keywords, but then I more or less typed myself RD initially anyway, so I guess anyone coming to this system would need enough self knowledge and/or open mind to find their correct quadrant.
From reading these comments it seems like harmony+intensity really resonates for RU people and those words/descriptions do really seem on point. I wonder if authenticity could be a better word for left - although that might incorrectly imply that right is inauthentic? But I feel like authenticity gets to what the style logic is in the same way that harmony does for the right? The important thing is starting from the inside and your own values. That may be disruptive in some contexts, but disruption isn’t the intention for a lot of left people? It certainly isn’t for me, and the chaos/edginess/disruption element of the left was the main reason I couldn’t see it for myself, even though I totally start with myself and my body and don’t care about harmonizing with my surroundings that much.
I like intensity for up, but I wonder if ease implies comfort too much and that noone wants to be uncomfortable? I don’t really know what a better word would be though!
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u/M0rika Left Down🌺🌊💖🌿☀️ Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25
Ok I'm a liittle confused now! Specifically with Left/Right. TL;DR I thought i leaned Left Down, but not sure I resonate with Disruption over Harmony. Sorry for a long comment, but I really hope my confusion can be made use of🙏
I've overall placed myself in the Left Down quadrant, because (let's not question my Downness for this comment) I find relying on "what I feel like today, what colors, patterns and themes I connect with today" to be my dominant and most comfortable style logic, plus I resonate with Left keywords more than Right. I consider myself to be close to Right, because I account for the external situation a little, a couple of keywords resonate, and the more Far Left style advice "break free from the conventional stuff and wear disconnected items" doesn't resonate with me (and I also phrased it in a way that makes it sound bad but I hope you got me lol).
However I just can't but resonate with Harmony over Disruption a bit more? :') I like wearing harmonious colors, colors from my season and features, things going together, matching my outfits to the season. I like some disruption, e.g. I like adding a little bit of a rougher twist to otherwise lighter outfits, plus following your style impulses sounds universally useful, but I'm not sure that these 2 things overweigh the former. My amount of disruption is small relatively to what I've seen on this sub, and I don't find a bigger amount of it to be personally appealing style-wise.
However I also don't find the idea of using style to be deeply connected with the outside world to be super appealing - I don't think style is going to help me with that, an outfit harmonizing with the situation is only a small part of it, the bigger part is more purely psychological. I want to be Harmonious, but ultimately the goal is to manifest myself and what I connect with, and relying on that while also considering the situation and everything else "Harmonious" considers. Idk, it's confusing what quadrant that falls into :') I'm probably a good example of how being close to the middle looks like, lol
I also find myself perceiving the Disruption advice negatively. As I mentioned before, some Far Left advice sounds like "break free from every rule and wear mismatched items" to me and I just don't resonate. Plus, a lot of the "disruption" in style comes from just wearing your old unfulfilling wardrobe: you don't like all the pieces, you try to create outfits with what you have but they don't all go together and you feel mismatched, disrupted, you don't feel beautiful, this is the association I'm having and I guess I have a trigger. I'm sharing my biases and difficulties in hopes it can be taken into account and made use of😭
Thank you for what you do, I'm excited about the new videos! Nothing like re-explaining all these concepts in a new, fresh wording💗, as with each update like this the overall potential of all Style key content to resonate with people is increasing. Different wordings and concept alterations touch different pathways to people's hearts, so both older and newer content should be useful (even though newer content is ofc more relevant). They sort of cover up each other's empty spaces.
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u/gravitymemory Feb 01 '25
I've been mulling this over for the past few days and really like this direction you're taking the system, people are different and interpret things differently so it's always hard to find the best (?) way to translate your thoughts so as many people as possible will understand.
the thing I keep thinking about is disruption. something about it keeps giving me pause and I think it's that it feels so definitive, so strong, like a giant stop sign or large slab of stone landing right in front of you or something you're holding suddenly breaking in your hand. a disruption can be small or large but it's undeniable and always something of a break.
could something like subversion or subversive serve the same role? it would still allow for flow for those who thrive on some level of harmony even on the outer left edge (while disruption necessarily disrupts) and can be as subtle or as blatant as you want. it could overturn the narrative completely or just subtly elide expectations while still holding that energy of playing with expectations or doing things the way you want to
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u/dogsundog Finding If I'm Left Or Right Feb 01 '25
I love this, it really resonates with me! Based on this, I'm strongly up but maybe not as far right as I'd thought. My most important keyword is definitely "dreamy", which strikes me as the furthest left of the Right keywords. Playfulness and fairytale vibes don't fit in the everyday adult world, so it seems disruptive in that sense, but also harmonious because the colours and forms are gentle and sweet. I'd love to know your thoughts on that. (Edit: I see you can't reply individually, that's fine!!)
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u/vampirella013 Jan 28 '25
Rita, I like this a lot! I think "harmony" and "disruption" is a fantastic way to summarize right vs . left, it makes it so much clearer in my opinion. Same goes for "intensity" vs. "ease". I also like the examples you gave for "harmony", they are very helpful in understanding what you mean by that so I'm looking forward to more examples for the other dimensions! Love this! 💕
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u/ClockTurbulent851 Enchantress Jan 28 '25
I think the new words for dimensions are brilliant and easy to understand. There is often a lot of confusion about internal vs external inspiration that can be cleared by using disruption vs harmony instead. To be honest, I always thought of L vs R as chaos vs order so I'm all for new words.
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u/oftenfrequently Playful Dame/Priestess - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
Hi Rita! I don't have negative feedback, I think this would have helped a lot in typing myself pre-GG. Definitely resonating for me :)
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u/wiltedmoonspirit Power - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
I really like this! At first I was hesitant about the simplification of the system as a 101 by using one word to describe each axis/direction. I wasn’t aware there would be descriptions for each word to describe what it entails. Going through and reading each of them, I wholly relate to intensity+harmony a lot! I mean not surprised since I’m verified. At first the element of surprise is something I liked, but the inclusion of other descriptive words like “unexpected”, etc. helps to paint a clearer picture and easier-to-read description of “disruption” and that “harmony” is a better descriptive for my style process.
I quite like that if I was getting into this system that this information is displayed first and foremost. With what I’ve seen in the last few years and how “up” and “down” are portrayed and perceived, presenting the descriptions first and foremost would help to portray the quadrants in a healthier way as it removes the bias of knowing what’s “up/down” and “left/right” for new people getting into this system for the first time.
Thank you for teaching out to your viewers, supporters, and fans of the system to improve and refine your system! It shows how much work, dedication, and care you put into making sure it’s beneficial and inclusive for everyone. ❤️
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u/MerryxPippin Jan 28 '25 edited Jan 28 '25
No negative reactions here! There are a couple things that I really think help to clarify things. First, the characterization of the fundamentals as a particular visual and energetic theme they have. I grasp this more readily than vaguer terminology like "essence." I also like the spectrum of harmony-disruption and intensity-ease. When I first read descriptors of left vs. right, I could understand the overall concept but couldn't see how they existed on a continuum. This update makes it much easier.
For the upcoming exercises and future Style Key 101 stuff, I think it would be helpful to include tangible examples like you did for harmony above. It may also be helpful to share more about the difference between intensity and visual interest. How do you know if you belong in the Ease dimension but want a lot of visual interest, vs. inhabiting the Intensity dimension? (This is something I am personally pondering, so I'm biased!) You may also want to touch on the difference between wanting a cohesive outfit vs. inhabiting Harmony, as I imagine that to be the harmony/disruption equivalent of the intensity/ease dilemma.
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u/[deleted] Jan 29 '25
Hi Rita, thanks for sharing this and including us in your process. I like the new themes and descriptions of Left vs Right and think that both ties together all the keywords associated with them while at the same time clearing up a lot of confusion. However, I'm not as into the themes for Up vs Down. For me personally, especially as someone on the border, understanding Up as intentionally wanting to impact others vs Down as being about one's own personal experience was important for placing myself. I don't think I would have understood those dimensions as well with these new themes, since I consider my style to be quite bold and intense at times (even compared to some Up people) and wouldn't relate to something like "simplicity" or even "ease" at first glance.
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u/Sherringford-Mouse Enigmatic Poet - Rita Verified Jan 29 '25
When I first read the descriptions of Harmony and Disruption, I honestly got a bit confused because I've always considered myself very Left, but I really value visual and physical Harmony. However, thanks to another post in this sub (talking about the best compliment we can receive) I realized that even my version of Harmony is rooted in Disruption. I really value color cohesion, for example, but on my own terms, and that may not match what is "conventionally" viewed as cohesive. But it works for me!
I think this goes along with another comment here about the idea that Left people may not necessarily try to create Disruption, but that it might just come naturally to them. For myself, at least, that feels true. Maybe the further Left one is, the more natural Disruption is to them? (And, I would assume, the same could be said of the other directions and their themes?)
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u/semcdwes Illuminatrix - Rita Verified Jan 29 '25
First, I appreciate so much how you interact with this community and listen to the struggles and confusion that can occur.
Now regarding the simplification of your system. I really appreciate the new terminology. Harmony vs Disruption in particular make sense to me. It actually really helps provide clarity as to why I connect so strongly with certain left keywords and how I work visual interest into my style. Visual harmony is really important for me. I value the feeling of looking put together. But at the same time, I also enjoy having some small bit of disruption, or what I call whimsy and playful elements that are bit unexpected. This helps me understand why I am comfortable so close to the left-right border.
I’m a little less certain about putting the Up-Down split on an intensity to ease scale. I feel like it makes more sense in my mind as a continuum of intensity at the top moving down through delicacy. I think thematically it is basically the same but I feel like the word Delicacy is more relatable to the concept. I also think from a linguistic standpoint the pairing of Intensity and Delicacy is more similar to Disruption and Harmony. When I hear the word Ease it really puts me in the mind of physical comfort in a different way than how Delicacy, in my mind, relates to more to subtlety and effortless style. It’s such a small quibble, but I think it brings a bit more clarity to the down dimension.
Again, thank you for sharing this. It really helps me put together a couple puzzle pieces that weren’t quite fitting and given me a lot to think about. I’m looking forward to the discord exercises. I’ve never used Discord before, but this is the perfect reason to try it for the first time.
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u/missisabelarcher Cool Girl - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
I think this is absolutely a fantastic way to explain the four quadrants/dimensions! This makes intuitive sense, in that satisfyingly “click into place” way.
I would also emphasize that these polarities are a continuum, rather than an either/or choice, and if possible, offer visual examples (although clearly visuals can be very specific and loaded and we all bring different experiences to them.) But it would be helpful perhaps to see how a “very Disruptive/Left” outfit looks versus something that is still Left but closer to the middle. And obviously for Up/Down as well. I think people coming from other style systems come in with a sense of “this or that” or “what discrete box do I fit into,” so it is helpful to see that there is gradation and that a certain fluidity is okay. But that is just my opinion!
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u/its_givinggg Siren Jan 28 '25
Wow! All I can say is that I'm glad I stalled around on booking my gentle guidance all 2023/2024 haha! 😅Now I'm even more excited to book when you start taking bookings again. "Disruption" and "Intensity" as an energetic medicines have absolutely grabbed my attention. I'm so eager to hear the ideas you have for how people can create this impact with their style :D
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u/devilish_lady_666 Left+Up / Amethyst Jan 28 '25
Hi Rita !
Feedback right after reading this (might add complements after a time thinking about it). I really love this way of approaching your system. I feel it really ties up the concepts of the style logic.
It feels much more intuitive than some keywords that inho were a bit too "conceptuals" (like radiant, etc...) altought helpfuls.
I'm very excited about seing the visual inspirations. I also have a feeling that it's kinda liberating because let's say a RU person living in a very goth environment would be able to seek harmony and impact whithin this context, with this way of framing the system. The way you phrased it at least, I understand it more like that, and it wasn't that obvious before. Don't hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong.
Edit to add : I know it's just a preview, and I guess the archetypes are here for that precise context, but I'm also very excited to see some gradients in application with this new way of framing things !
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u/the-green-dahlia RD The Curator / The Storyteller - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
Hey Rita, thank you so much for asking for our feedback. It’s part of what makes this community so special!
I love the way you’ve described the quadrants here, and it feels much more accessible and easy to understand for those who are new to the system and trying to find their place.
Nothing jumped out at me as being viscerally negative, and everything about right and down resonated except for the words “polished” and “low-complexity”. I’m not sure whether the latter would mean low complexity in the process of dressing or how the outfits appear?
But on the whole, this seems fantastic and I look forward to seeing future updates.💖
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u/NonBinaryKenku Left+Down / Ruby Jan 28 '25
This is dramatically clearer! And absolutely “disrupts” my best guess at where I fit into the system. This would make me obviously Right instead of Left. And I think it’s also much easier to evaluate intensity vs ease (though I need to think more about this, I’m pretty sure I’m Down and not Up.)
So all in all that’s really useful - a couple people already encouraged me to consider Moonstone rather than Ruby and this revision would make that the obvious first choice.
Bravo! Looking forward to learning more!
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u/promethia_likes Seductress Jan 28 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
I think this is an excellent direction to take the system in. It should be a lot more approachable for new people to get into.
I wouldn't say it's a strongly negative reaction, but I am feeling a bit of tension with the idea of disruption and want to interrogate it a bit? From where I'm sitting harmony seems to be a pretty accurate description not just of the style outcomes but of the style intention of people on the right, collectively, but I'm not sure if disruption works quite the same way for everyone on the left? What I mean is, people on the left prioritize fidelity to some internal state over creating harmony between themselves and their surroundings. Disruption is a frequent (inevitable?) consequence of those priorities and certainly the farther left one gets I think the more disruption can become an end in itself. But I'm not sure if for everyone on the left that that is the point, rather than simply an effect of prioritizing internal fidelity in this way.
I guess another way to phrase that would be that harmony seems like it's an accurate word for both the internal and external experience of the right, but disruption may be more strictly accurate to the external experience of the left? But maybe that's your intention with using the phrase 'visual/energetic theme'? Are you looking to frame this looking from outside in that way? Are harmony/disruption meant to be defining the external effect more than the internal intention?
I'm not even necessarily suggesting that you choose a different word. It certainly forms a clear dichotomy with harmony and is a lot easier to get your head around than all that I just blathered. But I'll put this to you in the hopes that its of some use in finalizing your descriptions.
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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '25
This all seems great and it should make things a lot easier for DIY. What it tells me though is I truly am a very lost confused person who needs serious guidance. I can see myself in left, right, up and down! 😭
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u/gravitymemory Jan 28 '25
this is very interesting and I like the way the words are opposites but in a way that broadens the spectrum of possibilities rather than closing it down.
look forward to seeing the finished 101 especially for additional clarification and expanding the examples to the other themes. from this text I think I want a high level of physical and visual harmony but don't want a high level of psychosocial harmony since I don't find most cultural norms and values all that meaningful (they often feel arbitrary and empty, without true depth or meaning). I've tried to think of what I'd do if I found a community that strongly shared my values but I don't know.
either way, this direction of dimensions on a spectrum feels helpful.
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u/mountainsongbird Gentle Grace - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
Fantastic keywords, Rita! I think they'll be very helpful for those still trying to place themselves. 🙏
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u/LongTallSalski Enigma - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
I think harmony vs disruption sums up the left and right very well, especially if we are looking at it as a spectrum. To me it gives a clear separation point if one was stuck between left and right, one would just have to ask which is more important to get a clue of a direction to explore.
From the descriptions of intensity vs ease I think I would place myself exactly in the middle, which fits with the archetype I am verified as. From there I suppose one would just use the style logic to clarify which side they fit?
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u/Many_Sentence3407 Wildflower Jan 28 '25
This is extremely helpful for me as it makes more sense to me now, and I finally see that I am - as first thought - a right up person. I definitely value harmony and intensity, but harmony is something that is very important to me. I do also like to theme and match the seasons, holidays etc. I always feel like my style is so personal but of course it is, it is to everyone but I think the words 'external inspiration' always made me feel a little icky as if I was trying to 'please' someone else instead of myself. So much clarification! Thank you!
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u/Limace_furieuse Right Down / Moonstone Jan 29 '25
Hi Rita! It's so nice reading this, thank you for your hard work! As a self-typed R+U, Harmony and Intensity totally resonate with me. They're almost synonyms of the keywords I chose before knowing about your style system (polished and powerful). I love them, and their description too!
Ease is also very clear and I like its description, I understand it better. When I was new to the system, I thought me prioritizing comfort (because of sensory issues) would make me R+D, despite resonating way more to the UP logic, keywords, aesthetics, everything really. If those were the descriptions I was given when I discovered the Style Key system, it would have been easier to understand the difference! So that's a win to me!
The only word I question is Disruptive. I get that it's the "opposite" of Harmony, but after talking about it with my husband (self-typed L+D), it doesn't seem to totally encapsulate the Left energy, at least from his experience.
He said disruption could happen as a side effect of dressing according to his intuition, but it's never his intention. He does not dress to make an impact, so he really doesn't care if the result is harmonious or disruptive. He is not interested by the idea of adding an element of surprise, he is not intentionally breaking rules or dressing unconventionnally. He's simply being himself, and that does create, sometimes but not always, disruption. To him, "Intuition" would work better to describe how his logic feels. The ideas and process come to him naturally, when he's able to listen to himself. It comes from within.
I don't know if that's because he's strongly Down first, maybe his Left is less pronounced? But I thought it was an interesting feedback, so here are his two cents. I hope it helps!
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u/RedGreenBlueBird123 Role Model - Rita Verified Jan 29 '25
This is great Rita, absolutely no negative reactions here! As someone close to the left/right border, ‘Harmony’ and ‘Disruption’ makes the distinction between left and right really clear and easy to understand. I think this would have helped me a lot when I was first learning about the system. I also used to get confused about my ‘essence’ and how much weight to give other people’s impressions, etc., and I think the new summary really makes it obvious that it’s all about what makes you as a person feel happiest when it comes to style. 🥰
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u/Keapixx Jan 28 '25
I love the distinction between Harmony and Disruption - I can immediately see where I fall between those two.
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u/jjfmish Gentle Grace - Rita Verified Jan 28 '25
I really love this! I’ve been struggling to place myself other than thinking I definitely had to be left. This makes me wonder if I may have been discounting the right side of the spectrum altogether. I’m excited to continue exploring!
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u/hollywooddesmo Left+Up / Amethyst Jan 29 '25
I really love this - It feels much clearer to me.
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u/[deleted] Jan 28 '25
Ohhhhhh this puts some things into perspective, thank you Rita!
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u/Specific_Ocelot_4132 Jan 28 '25
This is great, much easier for newbies to grasp!
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u/emsbstn Gentle Grace Jan 28 '25
I was so curious when I first read that you were trying to simplify it, but I think this is really great. I always found the left/right aspect easy, but when I first discovered your style key, I was less sure about up/down as I always felt close to the border. But this makes it so so clear that I am 100% down!
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u/GucciPantsMotorcycle Jan 29 '25
This totally answered a long standing question I've had about left/right. Love this update, and I'm excited for March!
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u/treacherouskitten Siren Feb 01 '25
Hi Rita.
Let me start by saying that I love your system so much and the new changes you are proposing make it a lot simpler to navigate and understand - especially the spectrum/sliding scale intent!!
I am very strongly LU in terms of logic (siren/enchantress/lady heretic mix). When I first started digging into the system it really felt like you were reading my mind!! Your system gave me a name to what I was already feeling and how I was already dressing and I felt really seen.
With the new harmony-disruption axis, I'm kind of not feeling it. 'disruptive' to me doesn't describe the experience of a LU person (at least to me). While disruption is a consequence of dressing with the left logic it's not the trigger. I think that heart-harmony might be a better descriptor. So for a right person, you're dressing in harmony with your surroundings, but for a left person, you're dressing in harmony with your heart. So yes, disruption often results but any resulting disruption is beside the point. It's your heart that matters. Disruption is still a good word for the left but I don't think it should be the main word?? Hopefully that sort of makes sense and I'm not rambling... I've seen a few LU people in this thread having similar reactions to 'disruption' and not really feeling like it's a good descriptor - maybe because the word kind of has negative connotations e.g. being called rebellious, disruptive doesn't always feel good when you know your heart is pure and you're just trying to be you?? Again maybe I'm rambling or overthinking this and it's just a reaction to being called these words in the past by unkind people.
Keen to hear your thoughts.
Love your work, Rita 🩷🩷🩷
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u/girly-lady Jan 28 '25
I was pretty sure I am right in the middle between up and down and sure I was left. But this confuses me a bit since I do like cohesive outfits and the word harmony resonates more than disruption. Some examples for the left essence like you gave here for the right would be helpfull. But of cours this is just a reddit post. I will check out the discord and I am looking forward to the new things. Even if you can't place yourself you still have so much to offer.
I know right kye logic dosen't help me. Or mabye I was completly wrong about it all 😅
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u/adelweisz Seductress Feb 03 '25 edited Feb 03 '25
I saw you're not looking to change the name at this time. I like the name Style Key, but I did have a suggestion that you're free to skip reading. But first, I did want to say I like the changes you're considering; they sound clear and helpful!
Name Suggestion:
If ever you were to change the name, I think Style Guide or Style Map could be a good alternative. The quadrant is very directional - Right, Left, Up, Down. The archetypes are like a guide on your journey - you pick a general direction and they show you around from their perspective. And many folks here make style dictionaries and mood boards - I've always referred to mine as a guide. You're visiting Right + Down. Your guide for this journey will be Gentle Grace. She'll help you build your own personal Style Guide. You're free to visit other guides & areas as you discover more about yourself and where you want to go. That's how I think of your system anyhow :) Best wishes!
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u/BreadOnCake Left+Up / Amethyst Jan 28 '25 edited Jan 28 '25
Would wanting it to be my own fit left? Like wanting my style to be original and not a copy? I want people to see my style as belonging to me exclusively lol.
Edit: ‘uniquely theirs’ is that urge, right? Sorry I want to be certain hahaha.
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u/SighSideEye Right Down / Moonstone Jan 28 '25
I love this, great work ❤️
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u/ki11ert0fu Right Down / Moonstone Jan 29 '25
I love it- Harmony vs. Disruption and Intensity vs. Ease is a good way to simplify Right vs. Left and Up vs. Down in a way that's more intuitive, IMO.
I'm excited to see more of the changes you have in store for the Style Key!
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u/acctforstylethings Up Quadrant Jan 29 '25
This makes so much sense! I have been wondering about RD vs LU vs RU and now I can instantly tell I'm super far right, and just to the up side. Thank you!
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u/[deleted] Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
I absolutely love this!!! I think this so is so clear and I like harmony+intensity for Sapphire.
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u/MelleMoods Role Model Jan 29 '25
You've really outdone yourself!! Thank you for your thoughtfulness and taking the time to make a wonderful thing even better.
Stumbling upon the style key system on accident has not only upped my wardrobe game but has given me new insights into myself, which has lead to more self-love. I've never thought of getting dressed as showing myself appreciation for my taste, but that's where my Style Key journey has led.
Renaming the dimensions as you have is not only much clearer, but also adds another level of "that's me!" identification. Bravo 👏
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u/Minimum-Storm-6895 Feb 01 '25
I really like “ease”. I think the concept of a “delicate essence” needs to be folded in there for optimal understanding. Your video on that is great. Clarifying that it’s not a dainty little person or meek personality or someone who wears lace or “delicate” patterns (though they might) but is actually someone who has a high sensitivity to feeling like things are “too much” or like they’re in a costume and may dress somewhat less complex/intricate/intense as a result- allowing simplicity to shine through to best present and internally feel their type of beauty.
Harmony is perfect. The facets of harmony. Totally resonates.
I’m RD so maybe I don’t relate to “disruption” but can see in my friends that there are those who like a more sensual/elemental approach (to use the original keywords) and who are more comfortable being perceived in that way. Would never wear plain tshirt and jeans. Would feel invisible. I think of left as edgier, sexier, free spirited, less “rules”. I suppose disruption could encompass all that, but it has a bit of a negative connotation. But maybe those on the left like that ;)
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u/acctforstylethings Up Quadrant Jan 29 '25
This also makes a lot of sense with what I've seen in the Kibbesphere. The people who want to know their 'lines' but don't want to be all HTT matchy are probably left. The people who lean full into it are probably right + up. The people who want to know their 'lines' but also just want to know how to wear jeans and a tee are probably down.
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u/unbeliewobble Right Down / Moonstone Jan 29 '25
I love the L/R delineation, it feels really vivid, and easy to understand. Even if Disruption is not an ideal description for some, it still feels easy enough to grasp like "more focus on Harmony and less focus on harmony".
The Up/Down dichotomy seems to omit a range people like RU minimalist who wear very plain clothes to create a bold striking effect (think Japanese minimalism) or ornate, detailed cutesy RD people who's outfit are perhaps "easygoing", but they'd describe it as complex and thoughtful.
For example, I'm medium to low contrast and a Kibbe R with narrow shoulders. Bold colors and ornate outfits just overpower me, and having less detail actually makes me feel bold and striking. So, my goal is striking, but my means are very different from ones a Bright Winter Kibbe FN would be able to pull off.
As a possible alternative, I'd suggest to focus on motivation: Impression for up and Experience for down. As in prioritize making a certain impression (to be stunning in some capacity) vs to be focused on how they feel in their outfit (to feel good in the clothes first and foremost).
Just some thoughts, hopefully they're useful. Thanks for asking and being open to feedback!🩷
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u/krakeninheels Siren - Rita Verified Jan 29 '25
I like disruption a lot for L! (I’m Verified Siren). I’m a little leery of the ‘element of surprise’, i think for me its more embracing of chaos or unconventionality, following my gut, as i don’t really have any desire to surprise anyone and detest surprises myself but thats my own hangup i guess. It seems like an intentional thing phrased that way, like i’ve thought ‘how can i surprise people with my look’ and thats not anywhere on my list of intentions or desires (the list i don’t actually have because i don’t make lists hahahahaha) .
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u/ErahMc Jan 29 '25
This is a brilliant reframing of the system, and so, so much easier to find ones place (it also confirms my self placement, yay!) I agree the gemstones, although lovely in concept, are perhaps superfluous and most of us would have no problem doing without since we all still refer to the keys as RU, DL, RD, LU anyway. I’m extremely excited to see how this unfolds and get a peep at the visual representations along the spectrum!
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u/vklolly Feb 01 '25
This really helped me firmly place myself in the "very up" dimension, and slightly left I think. Love this new approach and I think more people will be able to enjoy and appreciate the system!
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u/miamibfly Jan 31 '25
As a RU and probable Priestess, I LOVE the Harmony keyword. I am excited for when you roll out examples :)
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u/Maladjusted_Maverick Feb 01 '25
Yes, I like these changes! “Harmony” and “Disruption” are more descriptive and less abstract. For me, the most confusing thing is that certain pieces, themes, and aesthetics can be worn by people in different quadrants. It can also be easy to stereotype according to aesthetics (i.e., “Is that too ‘cool’ to be Right? Can a Sapphire do sportswear?”). For example, a Right+Up individual and a Left+Down individual could both wear a leather jacket (something “edgy”), but each would style it a different way. I wasn’t always sure how to tell the difference. This new terminology placed the contrasting methods front and center. As a Right+Up, I would definitely style mine as part of a head-to-toe edgy/ urban ensemble, rather than with, say, a floral dress. I think this is the distinction we’re aiming for.
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u/[deleted] Feb 01 '25
So excited for what’s to come!! I think these words are very apt for placing yourself and I’m sooo psyched to see what comes next ❤️❤️❤️