Don’t Just Stop and Smell the Roses!

DSCN2521 DSCN2604Flowers

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:

  1. Is there any part of that color that resonates with me?  (Does it match my hair, skin tone or eyes)
  2. How is the intensity?  Is it bright enough or soft enough for me?
  3. 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!”

4 Neutrals to Support You This Spring

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.

  1. Pink Champagne-good for cool skin tones and great for supporting tomato and blue
  2. Tuscany-good for cool and warm skin tones and great for supporting coral and violet
  3. Dried Herb-a green neutral is great for your big ticket items and warmer skin tones
  4. 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!”

Trend Watch Spring 2009

Clothing Trends
• Lighter Brights – mimosa (yellow) and lots of pink
• Futuristic Looks (metallics and defined architectural shapes)
• Continuing Feminine Looks (ladylike and retro-styles)
• Military jackets – 80′s look
• Egyptian (hieroglyphics, heavy embellishments-block prints)
• “Boyfriend” jeans, Torn/ripped jeans
• Continuation of high waist pants-relaxed fit
• Sophisticated trench (satin, and luxe fabrics)
Accessory Trends
• Bold and chunky
• Pearls, pearls, pearls
• Layers of chains
• Rhinestones, sequins & bib necklaces
• Gold Cuff
• Drawstring, monogram, large patterned bags
Shoe Trends
• Cage Shoes (more of the Greco Roman influence)
• Heavy Straps
• Flower Power (embellishments as well as pattern)
• Heavy metal-zippers and buckles
• Cut-out booties
Hair Trends
• French Twist (looser at crown- Sarah Palin)
• Bob
• Shag
• Fringe
Makeup
• Bold and sexy (kohl eyes, liquid eyeliner with sleek hair)
• Dewy (contrast with brighter lips and bronzer)
• Pink lips and cheeks for every skintone

____________________
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.