MintStyle: Meet MintStyle

Like most things related to the interwebs, the inaugural MintStyle column sneaked in last week in beta version, just in time for Valentine’s Day. And now it’s time for a proper introduction.

Meet MintStyle, your new resource for all things style related. Of course style is a pretty broad term and can include anything ranging from what you wear to what you eat to what you read- and MintStyle will cover them all.  MintStyle intends to augment your already savvy spending style by including the elements necessary to help you define and achieve smarter personal style, while always minding your bottom line.

The focus being- better living without overspending.

Why now? Why style?

Let’s face it, while the droopy economy is improving slightly, we can still find ourselves scrimping and saving and waiting for better, which sometimes leaves us looking worse for the wear. It’s a really tough balance to try to look and feel fabulous while vigilantly guarding your finances, paying off debts and loans, banking for that rainy day and always, always worrying about retirement.

MintStyle will never talk down to you, criticize you or urge you to spend more when you can find the same for less. And who are we kidding? Being financially savvy and cultivating your personal brand and style are not mutually exclusive.

Every column will touch on issues relating to the individual elements, that when combined, make up your personal style.  From work wardrobe to workout wear, fashion, grooming, travel, beauty, trends, tech, etiquette and professional improvement will all be highlighted with an eye to analyzing current trends, new releases, must-haves or pure hype.

MintStyle believes that you can be both frugal and fabulous and that smart splurges needn’t be followed by regret.

MintStyle will help you tap into the trends you might not know are trending, so while one week might touch on communication, another might delve into etiquette and the new definitions of rudeness in social media. Included, will be shopping recommendations when appropriate, advice from experts, business, personal branding and etiquette advice and timely tips on not only creating, but updating and maintaining your personal style.

MintStyle is about you.

You show off your style every day in myriad ways and no matter what you call it -your signature style, your brand, quirks and traits- defines you before you even open your mouth. And once you do, your favorite catchphrases, chosen slang, pop culture icons, tech toys or favorite playlists speaks volumes not only about who you are, but how you expect people to relate to and interact with you.

From your nickname on Twitter, to the kind of photos that you post on Facebook; from the colors you favor and the jewelry, sneakers or designer labels you shun or prefer- everything you say, wear or write tells the world who you think you are.

So, what are you saying to the world?

What do you splurge on? What are you saving up for? How do you budget your time for social networking? How do you intend to create healthy spending habits when coming out of extreme debt? And how do you plan to do this all while maintaining a personal brand that never fails to impress?

No, really. I want to know.

Write to me mintstylerachel@gmail.com with your burning style questions. Drop me a note if you need advice on updating your look when changing careers or want help deciding what’s appropriate to wear or say at a corporate retreat. Send me an e-mail if you want to rave about your current style icons, be it in the business, celebrity or political world and who you think is tapped out. Write to let me know what you want to read more about and what you think is completely overplayed.

In other words, help make MintStyle better reflect your style.

Rachel Weingarten is a style expert, marketing strategist & personal branding consultant for CEOs, politicians and celebrities and the creator of MintStyle. She is the award-winning author of Career and Corporate Cool and Hello Gorgeous! Rachel writes for top media outlets including CNN, Fortune, Forbes Life, MSN, USA Today, Yahoo Finance and many others. She is a regularly featured expert on TV shows including Good Morning America and The Today Show. Visit her online at http://racheletc.com , http://interrobangllc.com or on Twitter @rachelcw.