Could there be any doubt that we are the most privileged group of woman that has ever existed? This is an unprecedented moment in history, and we are lucky to have so many inspiring and accomplished role-models to help us light our way. Women like Celine designer Phoebe Philo, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, Fashion Television host Jeanne Beker, award-winning director Sofia Coppola, and of course former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton (to name a few) are all around us. We’ve looked to these incredibly driven and beautiful women time and time again for inspiration, guidance and as examples of what is possible if only you want something bad enough. Here is a list of everything we’ve learned from a few of our favorite idols.
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PHOEBE PHILO, Designer
1. Throw On Some Clothes, Then Get On With The Business of Becoming A Successful Woman
One of the reasons why I try to use fabrics and cuts that don’t go out of fashion is because I like the idea of women buying the clothes and then…I don’t know what the word is…cherish sounds over-emotional for a relationship with a piece of clothing…but for a woman to feel proud, satisfied, comfortable and powerful in them, to wear them and get on with their lives.
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J.K. ROWLING, Author
2. Rock Bottom Can Be A Foundation To Rebuild Your Life
It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might has well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.
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AUDREY TATOU, Actress
3. Be Charming, Not Beautiful
Charm is more valuable than beauty. You can resist beauty, but you can’t resist charm.
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DIONNE WARWICK, Singer
4. Compassion Is A Human Obligation
We all were put here on earth to be of service to one another, and it is quite gratifying to know that if I am able to be of help to one that is not able to help themselves then I am fulfilling my obligation as a human being.
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SHERYL SANDBERG, COO of Facebook
5. Never Play Down Your Achievements. Own Your Awesomeness
If you ask men why they did a good job, they’ll say, ‘I’m awesome. Obviously. Why are you even asking?’ If you ask women why they did a good job, what they’ll say is someone helped them, they got lucky, they worked really hard.
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SOFIA COPPOLA, Director
6. You Are Not Superficial Just Because You Enjoy Fashion
You’re considered superficial and silly if you are interested in fashion, but I think you can be substantial and still be interested in frivolity.” ~ discussing her movie, Marie Antoinette
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SYLVIA PLATH, Author
7. Remember To Be Conscious Of Every Beautiful Moment Of Your Existence
Remember, remember, this is now, and now, and now. Live it, feel it, cling to it. I want to become acutely aware of all I’ve taken for granted.
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FRIDA KAHLO, Artist
8. You Are Never Fully Alone In Your Strangeness
I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.
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ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, Africa’s First Female President (Liberia)
9. You Have Zero Excuses. So Dream Big. As Big As Possible And Then Bigger.
The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.
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HELENA BONHAM CARTER, Actress
10. Art Isn’t Just For Artists, It’s In Every Breath You Take
I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.
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JEANNE BEKER, Fashion Television Host
11. Being Human Means Being Complex And Multifaceted
What makes us interesting as human beings is our multifaceted nature. And that means that our daughters should be persuaded to not only explore and experiment with new looks…but learn about some of the iconic and diverse beauties that went before, and how they all led interesting and meaningful lives far beyond the boundaries of hair salons and dressing rooms.
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CHER, Singer
12. Criticism Is A Stepping Stone. Learn To Get Passed That First “No”
Women have to harness their power — its absolutely true. It’s just learning not to take the first no. And if you can’t go straight ahead, you go around the corner…If you really want something, you can figure out how to make it happen.
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SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR, Philosopher
13. Nothing You Do Will Be As Important As Your Service To Others
One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.
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HILARY CLINTON, Former Secretary of State
14. We Are All More The Same Than Different, Even Your Enemies Deserve Your Compassion
Among the most striking things that I have learned is how much we have in common. I’ve sat down with people everywhere, discussing what was in their hearts and on their minds. And it doesn’t take long to find commonality, which is often overlooked, ignored, dismissed, and rejected otherwise.
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COCO CHANEL, Fashion Designer
15. Never Be Afraid To Decide For Yourself And Ask For What You Want Or Need
The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.
