Susan Bono, the Petaluma publisher of Tiny Lights: A Journal of Personal Narative,  recently edited a new book about personal sytle, Growing More Beautiful: An Artful Approach to Personal Style. The new book by Sonoma County’s Jennifer Robin, also a painter, fashion consultant, and author of  Clothe Your Spirit: Dressing for Self-expression, is aimed at women who feel abandoned by the beauty and fashion industry, Bono told me.

“The idea of being a “before” in need of a make-over is just ridiculous. Women of all ages want to learn more about themselves and express that understanding visually in an authentic way. No one should ever feel like they are a “before.”  In fact, I’d like to do away with the whole concept,” notes Robin.

“Who we are now is perfect. Images of air-brushed celebrities foster competition instead of camaraderie.  We all feel the pressure to look better, to be better, to measure up to an unattainable ideal. The beauty industry thinks it will sell more if it makes a women feel bad about herself, but the opposite is true. Pleasure is infectious and inclusive. We need to approach personal style with curiosity and excitement.  You will always benefit by learning more about color and design and how to use beauty tools to enhance greater self-expression,” adds Robin.

Along with editing by Bono, Growing More Beautiful: An Artful Approach to Personal Style, was designed by Petaluma’s Nancy Campana, is richly illustrated with Robin’s paintings and photos by accomplished local photographers Jerrie Jerné and Victoria Webb.

Meet Robin and hear more about her approach to style on July 7, Petaluma Copperfield’s at 7 p.m.