Do You Prefer Patterns or Solids?

Our winners for the Silpada Giveaway are: Comment #2: Cynthia D. Comment #3: Kristi G. Winners were chosen by random.org. Congratulations to you both. Kristi Thomas will be contacting you soon. Thanks for reading.

Does your closet favor solids or patterns? If you are ”anti-pattern” could it be that when you think of prints this is what comes to mind?

For some of you, it really just boils down to personal preference. But often women admire pattern on others, yet they have completely taken pattern out of their life because they feel it adds pounds. Some aren’t sure how to choose a pattern appropriate to their taste, or they worry it will become dated quickly. Still others fear they are “too old” to wear pattern. 

I have outfits that are completely solid. I admire a monochromatic look. I also have a lot of patterns in my closet.

I hope that after reading this post you will start looking at patterns in a different way.

1. They add variety to your closet. Prints and patterns allow  for versatility when combined with solids. You have way more combination possibilities not to mention it adds interest! When I go to a client’s house to work in her closet making new combinations, my job is easier when there are patterns!

2. Small patterns can camouflage the middle. The right style top with pattern hides a lot of sins.

3. Still not sure? Add a jacket or cardigan in a solid color so just a touch of the pattern is showing

4. Start with a very subtle pattern like a super small print or very narrow stripe.

5. Just NOT you? Stick with your solids but add some jewelry, a belt or scarf (even a solid in a contrasting color will add some interest)

Look at all the possibilities for combinations in the tops below. All these tops are great examples of pieces that mix and match with 2-3 basic neutral colors. Brown, black or gray for skirts/pants. You could add sweaters/jackets in brighter accent colors OR stay neutral. Small colorful patterns as shown below bring the eye up–to your face! Patterns allow you to mix in several of your favorite colors along with a color that perhaps isn’t your best in a solid shade. And, I’ll be honest, when you are wearing the wrong color solid it can be drab, boring, cause you to look tired and even older.

 Yes, patterns on plus size models. They look fabulous!

 

More patterns. One a little more abstract and bold, the other very subtle. And the asymmetrical hemlines are becoming a huge favorite of mine!

Let’s weigh in here. I’d love to hear from you. Does your closet favor patterns, solids or a nice mix?

(All photos from Nordstrom.com)

All the Right Colors: Part 2/Giveaway!

Continuing the discussion on color… Color analysis became very popular in the mid-80’s when we were classified by season. I shared with you that back in the day, 25 years ago, I was told I could wear deep cool colors. Now,warmer colors look better on me.(certain blues and purples are my cool colors) What many women don’t realize is that color analysis should be done every 10-12 years or more if you change your hair color. Skin changes, hair changes and contacts can cover or distort your true eye color. I do not recall an emphasis placed on all the colors in my eyes in 1985. As I pointed out in the last post, this is key! When doing color analysis, I use 500 swatches. I look at a client’s hair, skin and eyes to choose 42 of her best colors for her own individual palette. If you clicked on that link–yes, that is me during training w/o makeup which gives the most accurate portrayal of my true colors!

The two colors MOST women can wear successfully are shades of Brown and Teal/Turquoise. This makes sense when you think of all the shades of brown in our hair (even blondes) and the various shades of blue/green eyes out there. The choice of my website colors was somewhat intentional. Teal is one of the most versatile colors because it goes with brown, black, navy and khaki. Brown is much more flattering than black.

So what about black? You already know how I feel about BROWN. I do not tell women they can NOT wear black. I hear things like–it makes me look thin, I feel better and more confident in black. Recently I’ve also heard women over 50 tell me they are staying away from black. They understand how it causes them to look tired, and overall is not flattering with their skin. There are times for black. I get that. Try pairing black with one of your best colors (preferably your eye color) close to your face.You can also tone down black by combining it with a warmer shade of brown or khaki. Black is OK occasionally, but try to avoid a whole wardrobe of black and brighten things up a bit!

Still not sure? The next time you see someone wearing a very bright color. Look away and then back again. What do you see first–the color or her face? If you see the color this means that the color is wearing her! Now try it on yourself. You should see your face first. Finding the right shade that does not overpower you is important. Typically women with darker hair, skin and eyes can pull off those deeper, bold colors. That doesn’t mean that if you are fair you must be smothered in pastels. In fact, pastels can wash you out quite easily. If you love pastels, try to find a more saturated pastel. I like to show this color wheel and explain that there are some women who can wear the deeper intense colors on the outside edge of the wheel, very few should choose the very inside with the pastels, and many women do better with the middle of the wheel which is mid-range for color intensity.

 How about you? Were you boxed into a season with color analysis years ago? Is there a color you’d love to wear but just aren’t sure? What did you learn about your eyes? This article just scratches the surfaces. There is much more to color and it is very individual. The best way to know is to have a color analysis. As an extra GIVEAWAY this month, I will do a color analysis for one lucky winner. ($100 value) I believe we can do this long distance with the right close up large photos; all readers are eligible. Any comment enters you in this drawing. Contest ends: Saturday, April 17 9:00 AM PST

Color: The Eyes Have It!

 COLOR! One way to give your wardrobe some new life is to add colors you do not typically wear. Most of us are drawn to certain colors because they make us feel good, and we’re pretty sure we look great in them. Many women have VERY strong ideas about colors they will and will NOT wear. Many times our natural instincts are correct, other times way off base. The right colors are important for your overall look. The wrong colors can cause you to look tired, cast shadows on your skin, wash you out or even overpower you. This video from the women who write Fabulous after 40 reinforces some of the same philosophy I have on color.

Years ago color analysis focused on putting women in one of 4 categories: Winter, Summer Spring and Fall. Perhaps you were classified in one of these categories OR you heard others going around saying…”I’m a spring!” We were draped with large pieces of fabric trying to determine our best shades and given small swatches to take shopping. For years I thought I was wearing the correct colors for my hair and skin tones. Imagine my surprise when during color analysis training I learned I was NOT a Winter who could wear bold, dramatic, and cool colors. I do not favor the cool side of the color wheel at all! Color analysis has changed in that we do not “box” people into one of four categories. Instead we give a personal palette based on the tones in your hair, skin and eyes. Most women will favor one side of the color wheel (warm or cool) but can wear some shades from both.  

It’s all in the eyes!

 Take a close look at your eyes in the mirror. This is fascinating. Typically the main color–the iris is the one seen by others. Next, look at the rim going around the iris. It is probably a darker version, or it can be a completely different color. The photos below show some very interesting eye colors. You will be amazed at the mix of colors found in eyes! Even in blue eyes you will find flecks of brown, amber, gold and taupe. One minute blue eyes can look blue, the next time green. Brown eyes often have green, gold, and a variety of shades of brown.

Up until 3 years ago I wore  brown contacts which caused my eyes to look very dark. Even as a young child before contacts, my eyes seem darker in photos. I swear they changed, but I cannot find any research to document why eye color could change!  As you can see below, there are many warm colors in my eyes and lots of of gold. The rim going around my eyes is green(this is hard to see in the photo). Notice how the colors I’m wearing in the photo complement my hair, skin and eyes rather than competing or “fighting” my natural coloring. The colors brighten my face, yet do not overpower. The colors in the scarf bring out some of the same gold and green in my eyes.

 

 More on color coming next week in Part 2. Take a close-up look at your eyes. Were you suprised at what you saw?

Give Brown a Chance!

I like the color brown. In recent years we’ve been told that brown is the new black. I’ve learned in my color analysis training that brown is often more flattering on many women than black. Yes, black can be a little harsh especially on someone who is very fair. It’s difficult for me to say get rid of black. Most of us LOVE the color black! It’s slimming and so versatile. I’ve heard a woman claim she can add something new to her closet without her husband ever knowing–as long as its black. I don’t plan to stop wearing black anytime soon; I continue to add more brown.

My mother dressed me in brown long before it was a fashion trend. My older sister used to have a fit because it just was not cool in the late ’60s to dress a little girl in brown! (She doesn’t wear brown to this day.) My mom had no interest in fashion. She liked me in brown, and said it brought out my dark brown eyes. Knowing what I know now about color, she was exactly right. Below I’m wearing a brown pleated skirt and teal sweater–two of my favorite colors. Don’t you love the red shoes? Even a bling to go with it. I was a stylin’  little chick at age 5. The other photo –not so much. No hair comments please!

 Recently I watched an old episode of TLCs “What Not to Wear”. The woman having the makeover refused to wear brown, and in fact made a scene in the store. She said brown was “old ladyish”. Stacey London was apalled at her resistance and exclaimed, “JUST GIVE BROWN A CHANCE!” It  made me laugh, and I couldn’t agree more. Brown should be one of your basic neutrals with most of the same color combination options as black. Women ask me,”Can I wear green/brown together or blue/brown?” Yes! Will you give brown a chance? Perhaps my sister will even reconsider. I’ve included pictures of some of my favorite brown combinations which I believe will show that brown does have potential.