Honoring One We Lost in the Style World 2020
We lost many people who were important to us last year — some to Covid-19 and some to other causes. Looking back, I want to honor today one we lost in the style world in 2020: Brenda Kinsel.
A Shocking Loss
I had been subscribed to Brenda’s blog, “Brenda Kinsel: Fashion and Style Expertise for the Modern Woman“. Then, starting in August, I stopped getting her emails. I went to her blog to see what was new and there wasn’t anything added since the last time I looked. I wondered why she stopped, so I went to take a look at her Facebook page “Brenda Kinsel’s Tips and Teasers” @brendakinselstyle. In disbelief, I read the top entry by her daughters explaining that she had passed unexpectedly because of a reaction to a new medication. I was shocked that Brenda was suddenly gone.
A Vibrant Personality
Brenda was personable, bright and smiling with a fanciful nature. She told stories as she wrote, asked questions and liked to playfully spring surprises on her readers. Besides being knowledgeable and creative, she was fun-loving.
A Creative Artist
Back in the 1970’s, she was making wearable art and showing her work in art galleries. From there, she came up with the idea that as an image consultant she could create art for and on women themselves. She became the owner of Inside Out—A Style and Wardrobe Consulting Company based in the San Francisco Bay Area where she had been matching people’s clothes to their personalities, passions and lifestyles. She continued in that work for decades and became a leader in the field of image consulting.
A Positive Influence
Brenda believed in the hidden power of clothes to express your true self. With her guidance, clients were able to undo years of focusing on flaws, limitations, and poor self-esteem. She taught how to find the hidden power of clothes to express a woman’s essence. She encouraged us to know and love ourselves in order to discover the style that would make each day happy. Anyone could benefit from her focus on “the modern woman.” Her guidance truly showed that age doesn’t matter.
A Best-Selling Author
Brenda was also a best-selling author on fashion and style. Her award-winning books include:
- Brenda Kinsel’s Fashion Makeover: 30 Days to Diva Style
- Brenda’s Bible: Escape Fashion Hell and Experience Heaven Every Time You Get Dressed
- Brenda’s Wardrobe Companion: A Guide to Getting Dressed From the Inside Out
- In the Dressing Room with Brenda: A Fun and Practical Guide to Buying Smart and Looking Great
- 40 Over 40: Things Every Woman Over 40 Needs to Know About Getting Dressed
Where You Can Still Find Her
Although Brenda is no longer with us, she has left her Facebook page, Instagram photos and Pinterest boards for us to appreciate, as well as her books on Amazon.
On her blog, she said: “I encourage women over 50 to catapult themselves out of their ruts and enjoy their beauty and style.”
You can see her work by clicking on the following:
- Facebook: “Brenda Kinsel’s Tips and Teasers” @brendakinselstyle
- Instagram: @brendakinsel
- Pinterest: Brenda Kinsel/Image Consultant
Let’s Connect
Were you familiar with Brenda Kinsel? Please leave a reply below to share your thoughts with us.
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This post is linked up with #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #205 at Shelbee On the Edge and Fancy Friday at Nancy’s Fashion Style.
Thank you for visiting Your True Self!
Angie
I sent a Christmas card in 2021 and 2022 to different addresses, Both returned and I kept them thinking I would find her. I did. She took off in her own style and I will miss her fun enthusiasm and generosity. I still have one of her first pieces, “What to wear when your heart is breaking.” A perfectly written gift.
Brenda was sweet, creative, cheerful and imaginative. I loved her writing and style advice. I really miss it. Our hearts are with her.
Angie, I very recently learned of Brendas passing. I graduated from West Fargo High School in 1970 with Brenda and Brent. She and I were close friends early on, but lost touch over the years. I did manage to follow her blog for a while but we never really had the opportunity to reconnect. So my info on her early marriage/child rearing years is pretty much non existent. Other than what I have been able to see online. I was able to find Brent also, in CA and intend to send him a short note. Do you have any contact with Brendas 3 adult children? If so, I would like them to know I have great memories of our HS years. Her mom and uncle were very different adults, with very different lives than I would have ever guessed, or expected. Thanks for hearing me out.
Pat Hager Dennis
Apache Junction, AZ
Hi, Pat – I don’t know Brenda’s children, but they have made comments on her Facebook page called Brenda Kinsel’s Tips & Teasers at https://www.facebook.com/brendakinselstyle/
I believe you can message them from there.
Hugs, Angie
I first met Brenda Kinsel when I was shopping with my mother at the Walnut Creek Nordstrom Store…many years ago. Brenda approached us (as we know she sometimes did at Coffee shops or such) and chatted about the costume jewelry we were eyeing. Brenda said that she loved seeing a mother and daughter together, enjoying fashion. Brenda invited us to a fashion show in the store that would be taking place in an hour. We happily attended and fell in love with Brenda. We read her books, followed Brenda on Facebook (when FB began) and attended events if we heard about them. Brenda was the warm-hearted, playful, artful, articulate women that came through in her books and social media–in all the ways to experience her. In person, Brenda was deeply genuine, relatable, understanding, gorgeous and animated. I was so grateful to have Brenda’s insights and heart most everyday via Facebook. I remain in awe of Brenda. I am deeply saddened that Brenda died unexpectedly and I miss her greatly. Brenda Kinsel was a huge influence on the most sparkling aspects of my Life.
Thank you so much for sharing your memories with us. <3
Angie, what a beautiful tribute to Brenda! I do remember seeing this news as well a few months ago and I was deeply saddened by the news. It always hits closest to home when it is people within our community whatever that community may be. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt memorial to a very inspiring woman!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks, Shelbee, for lending your voice to all of us who mourn her loss. I am so very happy to know each and every one of you in the blogging community. Each day, I appreciate that we are well and sharing here together.
It is a shock when someone unexpectedly passes. A lovely memorium from yourself
Thank you for sharing your empathy for the loss of this special lady. She inspired women to find their true selves and discover their individual beauty, bringing it from the inside out.
What a lovely tribute to the wonderful Brenda Kinsel. I miss her so much as she was such an advocate for mature women to enjoy style and fashion any age.
Hi, Rebecca – Thanks for your comment. I miss her, too. She really did boost the self-esteem of all women no matter their age, size or self-image. She did that in her way of looking at each woman as a work of art! – Angie
Angie, What a beautiful tribute to an esteemed artist and colleague in the fashion blog-sphere. Thank you for sharing.
Brenda was a beautiful person sharing beautiful art to help make women beautiful…she certainly made them feel beautiful. Luckily, she left a legacy: in her books and media.