The last 2 weeks have been a very busy week for our makeover winner, Kathy Powell.
On July 7th, she had her colors and makeup done. We learned that Kathy was a “Soft Autumn”. Check out the video below and watch as she gets her colors done!
A Peek at Fall Trends
July 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Words such as Aurora Red, Pepper, Black, White, Aubergine, Charcoal, Copper and Dark Chocolate give us the first sense of fall. There will be pops of color but stability is the key to a wardrobe this season.
Continuing to feel the impact of the economy, designers are playing it a bit safe with colors and creating lines that mix into a wardrobe and can be developed over time.
If it has been a long time since you introduced a new suit into your wardrobe, now might be the time to start with some new neutral basics.
As they say, black is the ‘new basic’. Well, black never went out, just took a back seat to other colors such as brown and navy.
Ah, the question then becomes, how do I wear black if it is NOT a good color for me???
Always add interest with color. Never just wear black and white. Too predictable and quite honestly, pretty boring. I know all of you in the northeast will scoff at this because everyone in New York wears black and white. Step out of the box for a while and try some color. At the very least wear it in a scarf! Color matters most when it is right next to your face so wear a color that will complement your skin tone.
Check out Doncaster’s Fall Trends now. You can see the latest trends in person too!
Pantone introduced it’s fall color preview with more muted tones that the past seasons. I love how they create the names of their colors. They evoke such emotional response. Names such as:
- Endive
- Golden Glow
- Lipstick Red
- Purple Orchid
- Chocolate Truffle
- Lagoon
- Woodbine
- Oyster Gray
- Rose Dust
You just get the true sense of the colors and what they look like. Soft and warm, not the bright electric colors of seasons past. So two words for the upcoming season to remember soft and deep. These colors are not pale and pastel. Fall must have some depth of color to mimic the season and get us through.
If you purchased emerald green last year, tone it down a bit this year, soften it up with a new color. You’ll still be able to work with it. The color family is still there, just softer. Adding a softer hue will give your “old” top increased dimension, new interest! Use a color in a necklace such as lipstick red or living coral, all Pantone colors that will blend beautifully with the new neutrals of fall.
You can read more about Pantone’s prediction of color for Fall 2010 and see with the colors actually look like at www.pantone.com .
Begin studying the color trends for fall and you’re sure to be on trend and:
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”
Color is Important in the Kennel Club Too!
June 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Last week I received an email from a specialty publication asking for some expert opinion on color. This was an unusual request, but then again not really.
They were researching information for an article illustrating how the clothing a handler might wear would impact the way the dog appeared or potentially judged. These dogs and their owners spend years in training and grooming so they can be awarded the grand prize one day. Wouldn’t it be a shame if their handler were dressing in an outfit that didn’t blend well with the dog’s coloring?
Color is vitally important to the way we are all judged. I can only wonder upon reading the article if either the handlers or the owners will take heed.
What about you? When was the last time you took stock of your own coloring? Have you ever thought about it? I had a lot of fun taking a look at the dog’s coloring and variations of colors in their coats and breeds. Just like their human counterparts, they do have different coloring that needs to be highlighted. Far too often we focus on the latest trends in fashion without regard to what they might actually look like on us.
So as the summer moves into fall and the vibrant hues of summer wax into the autumnal tones of warm reds and browns, make sure you check your personal coloring to see if it is being shown in the best light! I assure you, if you will wear colors that make you feel and look your very best, you’ll be complimented and noticed more often. You may not win the trophy for the best dog but you will:
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have Fun Doing It!”
Going Green-or Pink or Yellow or Turquoise this Summer
May 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment
You know how much I love to walk and find such inspiration on my path! Today was no different. It’s spring and the trees are leafing out everywhere spreading luscious green in its path. It made me pause to reconsider green in my wardrobe!
I thought, “if green is everywhere in nature, shouldn’t it be in everyone’s closet?” I wonder. I’d like to say a blanket “yes’ but knowing me there’s always a caveat. If you know color you know that it is both “warm” and “cool”.
Just look at the collection of leaves in the photo. They range in color from a yellow (warm) green to a blue (cool) green. Choosing the right green for you can begin there.
Is your skin “warm” or “cool”? Do you have yellow undertones or blue undertones? That’s a start. Consider what you are drawn to. Are you drawn to lighter, brighter colors or darker, richer colors.
Selecting a green for you can be as easy as this. Jewel tones that have been popular over the past few seasons and many of you have brought dark rich colors into your closet. Just because it has been the trend remember that it doesn’t mean it is “right” for you!
Give a pause and consider what your connect with in nature. Next time you are outside just take a look at the beautiful palette of colors that nature has made. There are NO mistakes in nature. Man makes mistakes! Don’t make your mistake by choosing the wrong color for you!
If green doesn’t “turn you on” try looking at your closet. I would bet that there is SOMETHING that has a touch of green in it. It might be as simple as a blouse with a pattern that has green in it, or even a blue that goes green
Remember green is the symbol of renewal. It is fresh and life-giving. It is also the symbol of MONEY and we all could use a little more of that! So put a little green in your wardrobe; add it to your pink or turquoise or yellow this spring and see what life-giving properties it gives you!
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”
Don’t Just Stop and Smell the Roses!
April 1, 2010 By 1 Comment
Ever wonder why you like colors during different times of the year?
Don’t stop and “smell” the roses, take a look…a real hard look at them. You’ll find every possible color designers get for inspiration in putting their collections together.
Color isn’t intuitive. You do have a certain inclination toward a family of colors, but as I learned when studying color, just because you have a “good eye” for color you may not always know why.
Look at all the variations of the green in the leaves. From a light yellow green to a darker, cooler, richer green all colors in the spectrum are represented.
Next time you are drawn to a beautiful color ask yourself these simple questions:
- Is there any part of that color that resonates with me? (Does it match my hair, skin tone or eyes)
- How is the intensity? Is it bright enough or soft enough for me?
- What is the depth of the color? Is it light enough for me? Is it too dark for me?
There are no mistakes in nature, thus there are no colors that are inherently wrong. Having said that, choosing the right color for you takes a bit of knowledge.
After you learn what to look for and why, selecting color becomes easy…even fun to go on the hunt for the perfect color just for you. A personal color analysis helps in understanding. Connecting with your physical characteristics will allow you to find great joy in wearing color, real color, not just black and white! Learn how to wear color and you will always:
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”
Armed for Business or Adorned with Color
January 28, 2010 By 4 Comments
Last night was the State of the Union Address. Within 10 seconds I was on FaceBook and Twitter commenting about all the color I saw.
It is NOT unusual for me to analyze the dress of people, but I think someone forgot to tell V.P Biden and Speaker Nancy Pelosi that they weren’t the center of attention.
Their “matched” uniforms, made them look like an old married couple on a date in their coordinating purple/lavender outfits. Who in the world did that? Do you think they saved money on their stylist? Yes, purple is considered a color people relate to, but was it “appropriate” in the setting staged last night?
Don’t get me wrong, it was refreshing to see all the color. I really like color. I won’t talk about Michelle’s outfit here; but even Isaac Mizrahi knew enough to be understated with her color. (I would have liked to have seen her with a jacket to show support of the serious tenor here). Seriously, what were they thinking???
George Stephanopoulos mentioned that the “color” was to show unity or lack of bi-partisianship. As soon as I saw Joe Biden’s purple tie and then Nancy Pelosi’s lavender suit my attention was no longer on the Presidents message, rather what everyone was wearing! Did anyone else notice this? A video pan of the house had large swaths of Canary Yellow, Vibrant Blue, Fuchsia and Red. It looked like a bunch of Easter Eggs ripe for the picking.
Did they look nice? YES, were they appropriately dressed for the occasion? NO! Do they think that just by wearing “color” we will be appeased, comforted and moved to think that all is well? I just don’t get it…
This is the worst economic time in recent history and serious times take serious measures. Adorning yourself with “color” does not convey the meaning of seriousness. What “strategist” influenced THIS decision? I’m hoping it was NOT one of my color colleagues! I would suggest that a study in the psychology of color is in order.
Playful, vibrant hues are not serious colors. If we want to be taken seriously we need to take ourselves seriously. Let’s get down in the trenches, roll up our sleeves and remember who we are and who we are here to serve. This IS serious business. Now let’s get on with the business at hand and JUST DO IT!
Why Color Matters-3 Things to Know
January 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
There’s something about a new season, especially spring, that brings about a desire to wear color in even the most color challenged of us. Perhaps it is longer days or maybe the buds forming on the trees. Whatever the reason, the first breath of spring tends to draw desire in most people to add a pop of color.
Start with these 3 lessons in color to make sure that the color you wear is focused and well placed.
- Color Matters Most: Above the waist. Color has the most significant impact on your skin tone when you wear it next to your skin.
- Color Should Make You Feel Good: Color sends a message. Be happy in the color you wear. You should respond physically in a relaxed mood when you see it. Think about the color that you say is yummy. That is the color that will probably make you feel good!
- Color Should Be in Harmony: With your overall physicality. The color that you wear shouldn’t “fight” with you. It should balance your appearance and not make one part of your body stand out greater than the other. Color should NOT walk in the room before you do! YOU should be the main focus NOT your clothes.
When speaking of “color”, it is not referring to simply black or white. Color is color that you respond to emotionally. Relationship with color is both physical and emotional. Physically color can make us “feel” strong or subdued. Emotionally, color can tell the world we are powerful or delicate. Our relationship with color starts the day we are born and develops as we grow through our family influences, culture, and environmental surroundings.
If you have not been wearing color, it may feel that a bit “out-there”. Learn how to wear color and start simply with an accessory piece, scarf or shirt. Beginning slowing will allow you to see, feel and hear what the world (and you) are saying. Your fears about color will soon disappear and you will open new opportunities in your closet and the world around you.
Wearing color doesn’t have to be stressful to the point of only wearing “black and white”. Remember touches of color on you will not only complete the picture of you but also will attract people to you and give you an energy that will help you look interesting to others. As you become more confident with color, you will learn how to add color(s) to your wardrobe and look to create a unique style. Now, that’s what I call STYLE!
“Look Good, Feel Good & Have Fun Doing It”
Part 2 – A Wardrobe Based on Purpose – Your Accent Colors
January 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Now, the fun begins! Up to know, we’ve been talking all about creating a wardrobe based on purpose and building a foundation. Much the same as a house is build, you cannot have a well-build wardrobe without key core foundational pieces. If you have truly invested in this process you are about to reap the rewards by adding your accent colors!
Accent Colors: Are key focused colors in your wardrobe that will become your “support” staff. They are the pieces that will go next to your skin. They are your blouses, shirts and t-shirts. They consist of colors that are next to your face and therefore will have an impact on the way you look and the way that others perceive you. You MUST put focus on selecting your accent colors.
- Based on skin tone
- Feel good color
- Color you receive compliments on
- 1-2 colors seasonally
- Buy depth not breadth
Each season, I peruse the retail markets and research magazines to see what color trends are out there. The fact remains that sometimes there are simply not any colors that are stellar on you. BUT, when your colors are in the market, select 1 or 2 colors that you want to “be” this season.
Focus on buying depth in each of these colors. Most people will find a top that they like and buy it in 16 different colors. I want you to think differently and go deep! Buy that top in a t-shirt, in a sweater, in a blouse, in a shirt with a stripe in it, in a v-neck, 3/4 sleeve etc. Don’t forget to get a variety of fabrics as well. You get the picture. Because it is NOT about the quantity of color that you have but the quality of the color that you are wearing next to your skin.
You’re almost there! Your next step in your purposeful wardrobe is accessories! Who doesn’t like accessories? Follow us for the next installment Part 3 of A Wardrobe Based on Purpose – Accessories.
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”
3-Parts to a Wardrobe on PURPOSE
January 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Surprise! Creating a purposeful wardrobe is NOT that difficult! Trust me, I’ve been doing it most of my life! In short, there are 3 components to a “purposeful” wardrobe.
That’s it, I promise! Let’s look a little more closely at this concept. Over the years, I have noticed that men more often than women create wardrobes with purpose. Men look to their wardrobes as functional whereas, women want more expression and creativity. I’d say it is the “nature of the beast!” I’m going out on a limb here and will say that women are more complex by nature than men. Men want to know 3 things:
- What’s the problem
- How can we fix it
- How much does it cost
Women on the other hand (including myself) take some time to peel back the layers to discover the problem or true need. Therefore, women often take many different paths to get to the final end result.
Building a purposeful wardrobe will help you eliminate some of the narrow streets that you get stuck on in the process in search of true expression. It really doesn’t matter who you are or where you are in your life-cycle, a wardrobe based on purpose will take you to ANY life event. So, whether you are a career women, stay-at-home mom, or a retired woman, stay on purpose and create your wardrobe with foundation, color and accessories. Come back tomorrow and follow us over the next few days as we explore more about creating a core wardrobe.
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”
4 Neutrals to Support You This Spring
December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment
If you have
followed my latest post, you know that the color for 2010 is Turquoise. Adding pops of this color will put you on trend this season. As we are climbing out of our economic slump, I want to encourage your continued vigilance and mindful shopping. Be smart with your purchases and you’re sure to be stylish for spring 2010.
Here are 4 great neutrals that will be the backbone of your wardrobe for Spring. This photo is from Nanette Lepore’s Spring 2010 line. Neutrals provide the starring role and allow you to move in and out of seasons effortlessly by adding new colors in simple, easy, impact ways. These neutrals are all from Pantone’s Top Color choices for Spring. There IS a neutral* that is just right for you.
- Pink Champagne-good for cool skin tones and great for supporting tomato and blue
- Tuscany-good for cool and warm skin tones and great for supporting coral and violet
- Dried Herb-a green neutral is great for your big ticket items and warmer skin tones
- Eucalyptus-good for all skin tones and great for accessories and handbags
*A word of caution about neutrals, not ALL neutrals are great for you. Just because they are neutral doesn’t mean that you can wear each one of them. Choose a neutral based on your skin tone.
- If you have a warm or yellow skin tone, go with something that has more of a yellow or green hue such as Dried Herb.
- If your skin tone is cool or has a pink tone, then go with a neutral that is more suited to your skin tone such as the Pink Champagne.
In any case, please know that there IS a neutral that works best for your skin tone. Begin building a wardrobe with neutrals and you’ll have a wardrobe that works for YOU!
“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”
