To celebrate the launch of our new journal, For Now, we're spotlighting creatives who take note of—and celebrate—the ordinary things in life. In our fourth installment, we hear from Paige Auber, an aspiring stylist and lifestyle creator based in Portland, Maine.
Paige Auber's work inspires and delights. The multifaceted creative has a talent for juxtaposition and often crafts outfits that feature various colors, textures, and patterns. But aesthetics aside, Auber contends that the connection between style and storytelling is more potent than we think. "It may seem like a small detail, but it really can speak volumes to the story," she said.
No matter the season, Auber's sartorial combinations invite viewers to slow down and appreciate all that fashion offers. Read on for more about Auber's background and the ordinary habits that add meaning to her life.
Tell us about your personal story—and style! What's an ordinary habit that best describes who you are today?
I'm an aspiring stylist and lifestyle creator based in Portland, Maine. I currently work for San Diego-based brand Noble—I lead social marketing, community relations, and creative direction for campaigns. This role has given me the opportunity to flex my creative muscles, especially when it comes to styling and photoshoot production. Carrying these visions out in my work has naturally bled into my everyday life as well as my own personal style.
An ordinary habit that best describes me is getting dressed—it's my ritual and form of self-care. It looks different every day since I work from home, but it really allows me to feel the most connected to who I am and how I feel.
Styling is a language all its own. Do you see a connection between fashion and writing?
Oh, absolutely. I love when a character's style reflects who they are and what they're going through. It may seem like a small detail, but it really can speak volumes to the story.
I always think of any written work about David Bowie's career—an incredible musician who also conveyed so much through his style. As soon as you thought you had him figured out, he would go in a different direction. I feel so connected to that idea since I believe outside of trends, we tend to shift what colors, silhouettes, or fabrics we like over the years and find something out about ourselves through the process.
What do you hope to build upon in your journaling habit? Are there specific themes or ideas you want to write about lately?
Since I work from home, I try to carve out time during the morning to sit with my coffee and sketch or reflect on whatever is on my mind. To me, writing always seems to reveal how you really feel about an opportunity or experience. Putting it down on a tangible piece of paper makes it feel more real. I'm manifesting a great deal of life change within the next year, so I’m focusing my energy on how those opportunities make me feel and following my intuition.
What journaling prompt would you give to the Ordinary Habit community?
If you could curate your dream outfit to feel the most YOU, what would it look like?
Footnotes
If you could read any designer or stylist's journal, who would it be and why? Recently, the brand Loewe has been really inspiring me. I would love to have a closer look at their creative director Jonathan Anderson's process of striking that balance between classic and playful themes through their recent collections.
Questions or statements? Questions! I love to ask questions as a prompt and reflect on the answers that naturally flow out.
What's your ideal journaling environment? A sunny morning, hot coffee in my favorite mug, incense burning, windows open with a warm breeze, and a vase full of flowers to stare at.
What's your go-to journaling tip for those just starting? Just that—get started with zero expectations. You'll be stunned at how natural it feels and how necessary it is to process your written thoughts.