The power of color analysis

Recently a new client drove over 4 hours to see me for a color analysis. Not everyone is willing to do this, of course, but this lady understands the value in what we do at Color My Closet. She understands the difference that the right colors can make for her personally and professionally. Here below I've pasted the contents of an email she sent following our color analysis:

Dear Lauren,

You know I have had my colors analyzed 3 times previously in my life, and none of those even compares to my experience with you on Saturday. You were so warm & set both my sister and me at complete ease. You explained things so well, so that we could see what you were seeing in the mirror when you analyzed the colors. Finally, the way you analyzed my coloring left no doubt at all in my mind or my sister's as to my season so that I feel completely confident now regarding choosing the best colors for myclothes & makeup - two areas where I always felt rather overwhelmed with the choices & always felt like I was choosing the wrong things. I'm truly excited to build my wardrobe now, rather than dreading it.

Color analysis is a tool we use to make women look rejuvenated, slenderized by 10-15 pounds, more put together, professional, and just downright awesome!

Live in color!
Lauren

What's your wedding white?

Every day women all across the country walk down the aisle in the wedding gown of their dreams. The only problem is that their gown is often the wrong color--the wrong shade of white. After spending thousands of dollars on the materials, cut and style of the dress, many brides simply don't concern themselves with the color of the gown itself.

Where color is often an afterthought in the dress selection process, it should be the first thing considered. The right wedding white illuminates a bride's skin and makes her photograph more beautifully. The right white visually slenderizes her and gives her a healthy glow.

Conversely, the wrong wedding white can make a bride's skin look dull. It can visually draw out imperfections and make skintone look very uneven--and even accentuate fine lines or wrinkles. The wrong color of wedding gown visually packs on pounds and yellows both eyes and teeth.

This is where a color analysis makes the difference between looking okay and looking dazzling on the big day. A certified analyst determines how you should color your hair, what makeup hues work best, the precise jewelry accents, and of course the color of wedding gown. She can even determine the best bridesmaid gown colors that complement all skin tones!

If you are planning your wedding and get stuck on color, please do give me a call. I'm here to help you shine on your big day.

Live in color!

Lauren

Winter coats and boots

Now is the time of year to great deals on winter coats and boots. Department stores and retailers like Burlington Coat Factory have begun to deeply discount these items. You may wonder what kind of coats and boots are worth buying right now.

Check out your coat closet first. Ideally, you should have 2 trench coats (one neutral and one a color or print), a casual short coat, a versatile mid length, and a dressy coat for special occasions.

As for boots, it's good to have 3 pairs: ankle boots in a neutral like brown or black, tall black boots and tall nude colored boots. The nude color may be harder to find.

Live in color!

Lauren

Using wardrobe to boost self-esteem

When was the last time you looked in the mirror and said, "Hey, I love what I see here!"? Probably hasn't happened in awhile. Many grown-up women focus solely on their perceived flaws and have an unbalanced self-esteem, a product of the teenage years I suppose. I see this all the time as a wardrobe consultant. So many women lament over heavy bottoms, flabby arms, or poochy stomachs. They complain about droopy eyes and large foreheads, all the while missing out on their fascinating beauty. And, yes, I see fascinating beauty in all women every day!

What if women shifted their thinking by shifting their wardrobe? Instead of buying pants to minimize the look of their derriere, what if they bought those great new earrings to highlight their cheekbones and eye color? What if they busied themselves with shopping for their assets instead of shopping around their perceived flaws?

This is all fine and dandy, but many women are so self-deprecating that they haven't taken time to assess their beauty and best features. I encourage you ladies to list your top 5 best features, and even more for that matter. If you have trouble, ask your spouse, significant other, best friend, sister, or mother. They all see your beauty daily and can attest to it!

Live in color!
Lauren

International style inspiration

Looking for style inspiration is the same as looking for inspiration when decorating a home. We often look to other parts of the world--exotic architecture, colors, foods, and landscapes. It helps to create that eclectic style so many of us like to incorporate into our home decor.

On a style note, think about the patterns and textures of clothing that you enjoy wearing. For me, it has always been oriental patterns with flowers or butterflies. I enjoy silky fabrics and kimono sleeves--always have and always will. This clothing inspires me and makes me feel comfortable. This season I'm ready to incorporate something a bit different, though.

Color has always inspired me, but nowhere have I seen more beautiful motifs and color contrasts than in Greece. White combines with all variations of bright blue and metallics. Incorporating white as my principal neutral, I'm going completely Greek this spring and summer.

Live in color!

Lauren

White jeans now....get 'em while they're hot!

I used to have the same problem with white jeans every year until now..... I used to wait until April or May to get my summer whites, but found that the selection was quite low. You see, all the good styles are available now, and they won't be around for long. Savvy shoppers (like me finally) will buy them up in triples, so do not wait. Check out The Gap, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Etcetera www.etcetera.com, Macy's or Dillard's.

White jeans are so flattering, even for those women who have more ample hips and bottoms. There is a sleekness to them, and I even believe they can be worn well during wintertime!

Live in color!
Lauren

What's your fashion personality?

Your fashion personality is all about clothing styles, makeup, hair, and accessories. It dictates where you shop and how you mix and match clothing. It has to do with texture, color, and what you naturally gravitate towards.

There are 4 basic fashion personalities, though infinite variations exist due to our uniqueness. Each of us also has a primary and secondary fashion personality, so we tend to blend elements of at least 2 basic fashion styles.

The Natural

Naturals prefer minimal makeup and jewelry with basic, no-fuss hairstyles. They do not tend to embrace trends but prefer basic, easy-to-wear pieces that lend a casual air. The natural woman values comfort and simplicity, and she will often buy the same garment in a few basic colors. As for color, the natural woman opts for neutrals and one or two colors in her palette.

Jennifer Aniston the Natural

The Classic

Classics dress in pieces that are well-tailored and can stand the test of time. They are not slaves to trends but incorporate new looks and colors sparingly. A Classic's hair and makeup will be timeless with a bit of edginess to express individuality. What sets the Classic apart, though, is her ability to build a wardrobe that looks stylish for years to come.

Kristin Davis the Classic

The Romantic


The Romantic is a woman who showcases her femininity with soft, flowing hair, shimmery makeup, and clothing that has embellishments, texture and a bohemian flair. That Romantic flair can be expressed in a frilly way with bows and lace embellishments, or in a bohemian chic way with vintage shirts, vests, and flowing skirts. What distinguishes the Romantic is how she wears things that feel good and bring out her femininity.

Kate Hudson the Romantic

The Dramatic


Many celebrities and rock stars fall into this category. The Bold or Dramatic woman embraces virtually every trend. Many women have elements of Dramatic in their wardrobe but have another primary fashion personality. The Dramatic is all about fashion evolution with her edgy haircuts, bold makeup, and uber-trendy looks. She dresses fearlessly and wants to stand out in a crowd.

Rihanna the Dramatic

Again, there are so many variations on these basic four fashion personalities due to the complexity of women. If you would like to take an online quiz from Color My Closet to determine your primary and secondary fashion personality, then please email lauren@colormycloset.com.

For a nominal fee, we can discuss the results to determine where you should shop and what looks are right for you this season!

Live in color!

Lauren