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The Apple Figure is the new Earth Goddess!

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Christina

Let’s continue to change how we look at our bodies. Let’s continue to replace the negative can’ts with empowering cans. Let’s look at the old apple body shape and get some new positives to replace the old negatives

Not an Apple but an Earth Goddess

You are the third largest group in the US! You’ve checked your body shape and you are an Apple. Your waist outmeasures both your bust and hips. Maybe not by much. Maybe by a lot. Either way you are an Earth Goddess. Now what? What it it you need to avoid? What do you need to compensate for? NOTHING!!

You Look at the World Differently Than Most!

You care for everyone around you. You could mother the earth. In doing that, you lose yourself. So your body does just that. Hides you from the world. You hide behind billows of flowing kimono style jackets. You hide behind oversized shapeless tops.

Most Earth Goddesses are more comfortable taking care of the world and the people around them then they are on taking care of themselves. Partly it is your personality but partly it is because there is so little information out there for you and so few clothes structured to fit your particular body style.

Your Shape is Just as Unique

Your shape is just as unique as any other and should be designed for just as much as any other body style. Unfortunately many retailers don’t Most have ignored you and assume you will settle for whatever they provide.

What to do…….

First

Get rid of those billowy jackets with yards and yards of material. They do NOT hide you. Remember the test where you were shown two boxes – one white and one black and asked which is the largest when, in fact, they were the same size? Same thing here. Billowy fabric is like the white box. Well fitted clothes are like the black one.

Second

Follow one cardinal rule in ALL your ensembles – the Rule of Thirds. Vertically divide your ensemble into 3 sections (not 4 or 5 or 6! just 3) with the same color or pattern on the outer 2 sections and a brighter, more vibrant, color or pattern on the inner section. Wear garments that open in the front showing a bight center third. This will create a slender line of color that will bring the viewers eyes to your face.

On Top

This Rule of Thirds can be done by wearing an open jacket. Wear long jackets that go well past your waist – a duster or kimono extending to the knees – and let it hang open. While you are best with quiet colors on the outside, that center third can be a riot of color. The eye will follow that burst of color up and down, slenderizing your figure.

Keep the top of your arms covered so they don’t create a 5 vertical sections. That will just confuse things and widen the image you present. Just something covering the top of your arms is all you need.

Bring tops down past your waist to your hips. Don’t go much below your knees with those jackets and kimonos or you get into the billow hide-me effect.

On the Bottom

You want to continue creating long lines with your slacks so stay away from the plazzo pants you used to hide in. Stick to the firmer, more tailored fabrics. At the same time the skinny jeans or cigarette pants will be out of proportions with your tops.

Gain all the length you can by wearing them as long as you are comfortable with and giving them sizable cuffs. You are working to create a long visual line so full length slacks are better for you than crop or capri ones.

Keep your skirts long and slimming as well. Flat fronted Aline skirts are perfect. Keep the length of all your skirts (except evening wear) to knee or mid calf.

Want More?

For more Earth Goddess information check out my page on Earth Goddess Dressing. Then slide right over to the Shop for a guide to shopping for your shape. It comes in a beautiful leatherette pouch that you can slip into your purse to take with you shopping or to check out Earth Goddess specific styles – it’s already sorted out for you!

Contact Me!

Need more info on just what your shape is and what looks best then contact me at IstinaDesign.

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Swimsuits for Body Shapes

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Christina

The biggest hurdle in paying attention to body shapes when you are buying a swimsuit is a simple one. It is one or two pieces of skin tight fabric on your body. No fabric too pleat, pad, or arrange to create dimension and line. So….it becomes all visual work – lines draw your eyes and different colors of fabric that divide the body. There is some variation of cut that will emphasis or deemphasize the shape. Lets dive into it.

For The Earth Goddess (aka apple body shape)

Start with a base of black (always good as black appears smaller and further away) and add moving blocks and lines of color on the outer edges

Earth Goddess thirds

You may occasionally be able to find a swimsuit with layers of fabric. Then use the tried and true rule of thirds and divide the torso vertically into thirds.

If you just aren’t in the mood for black, go ahead and use a bright color and color block. Just be sure that the center block is long and narrow and draws the eye up rather than across.

There are a couple additional ideas on my Pinterest page Earth Goddess Swimsuits

For the Sassy Gal (aka inverted triangle body shape)

Your goal in selecting a swimsuit is to divide and break up your upper torso and keep the eyes moving all over your body rather than focusing on your bust and shoulders. An easy way to do that is with a halter style neckline.

Another neckline that will do the job just as well is the deep v neckline. It does not have to be a deep as this one as long as it emphasizes the deep v.

You can also play with color. Use two colors in the suit and keep the darker or more brilliant color on the bottom with a more muted color on the top. This will help balance your torso.

Take a look at a few more on my Pinterest page Sassy Gal Swimsuits

For the Lady of Movement (aka rectangle body shape)

You can have the most fun with swimsuits of all the bodyshapes. They were made for you!

Go all out for suits that tie and wrap you in a multitude of ways!

Or select a beautiful cutout that moves in and out, creating an hourglass shape right on your torso.

If you are going for a look with less exposed skin, use visual lines to create that movement around your body.

Bikinis will work for you as well. Just keep them very lively and graphic.

There are yet more examples on my Pinterest page Lady of Movement Swimsuits

For the Lady Dive (aka hourglass body shape)

Keep that hourglass going with the cut of your swimsuit.

Emphasizing the curve of your bust is all that is needed in a skin tight swimsuit to accentuate that hourglass shape.

For your body shape even the most basic suit will look good. No way to inadvertently hide those curves!

Check out my Pinterest page Lady Diva Swimsuits for more ideas.

For the Lady Peacock (aka pear body shape)

Make good use of color blocking in your suit. Remember – draw the world’s attention to your head and shoulders. With no extra material to use – color can do it!

Like with other outfits, look for wide horizontal necklines in your suit. They can be gorgeous on you.

If you want to go with a bikini then do it. Again like everything else, put all the action up top. Grab a bikini with fun extra in the upper piece.

Some more fun ideas for swimsuits on my Pinterest page Lady Peacock Swimsuits

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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5 BodyShapes – 5 Jacket Styles

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Christina

As promised, my suggestions for jacket styles for the 5 Bodyshapes. Are you somewhere between two bodyshapes? Take ideas from both bodyshapes – they will both work for you.

For The Earth Goddess (aka apple body shape)

Buy a jacket that is intended to be worn open. Buying one in quiet classical colors gives you the opportunity to add some bright pizzaz to the blouse beneath and creates that long beautiful line to your face. It can be a variety of lengths – from just skimming the hips to duster (or dress) length. Those lengths will look better than cropped at the waist jackets. Steer clear of huge billowy jackets that attempt to hide you. You will look slenderer with a more tailored look that doesn’t hide you.

For the Sassy Gal (aka inverted triangle body shape)

Asymmetrical lines work great in a jacket for you. Asymmetrical collars and buttons ironically make your torso longer. Snuggly fitted double breasted fronts will streamline your look. Keep the length hip length or longer. Asymmetrical hems look magnificent on you. You are one of the two body shapes that could carry off a peplum (full short skirt added at the waist of a jacket) in a jacket.

For the Lady of Movement (aka rectangle body shape)

Follow your mantra – soft and flowing! Flared sleeves keep the line moving. Angular necklines will too. Single button closures create even more movement as do asymmetrical hems. Any length of hem will look good. Find ways to add drama and excitement in the body of your jacket. You can go to the billowy flowing jackets and kimonos if that is your thing.

For the Lady Dive (aka hourglass body shape)

Corsetted. Corsetted. Corsetted. Keep your jackets fitted and structured. You look best in the classical jacket that is hip length and fitted to your figure with one or two single front buttons and the classic single lapels. A jacket with boning or design elements to create a very fitted look works as well. You are the other body shape (beside the Sassy Gal) that can handle a peplum in your jacket. It will enhance your bust, waist, hip curves

For the Lady Peacock (aka pear body shape)

While you look best in a jacket that is trim in the torso, emblish it to the hilt at your shoulders and neck. Full collars draping to the shoulders and big double collars look great. Asymmetrically closed cowl like collars will look magnificent on you. You can sport yokes that break up the jacket with a different color, trim or even fringe. Fringed or embellished sleeves can add pizzaz to your look.

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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What About My Lower Half? (Slacks and Trousers for my Body Shape)

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Christina

We focus so much attention on the tops and jackets and dresses that look the best on our body shapes. Often the slacks we buy to go with that fantastic top is an afterthought and may hinder the look we are striving to create. If we do take the time to look for the best for our shape, there is so little information on what will look the best on each body shape.

No more….. Tips and Guides for those shapes

Sassy Gal (aka inverted triangle body shape)

You look best in slacks that create a beautiful long line to your torso. Unlike most of the other bodyshapes, you look great in slim low waisted pants. Skinny jeans and cigarette pants take those long legs of yours a long way. On the other side, cargo pants with all the pockets also look great on you. For the dressier look, stay with the slender leg lines.

Lady Peacock (aka pear body shape)

Don’t distract from all the fun lines and embellishments you are creating at your shoulders. Stay with straight simple lines in your slacks. Keep the shape straight or flared or loose and flowing. Keep the front flat and the pockets subtle (angled at your hips so they merge into the line of your slacks).

Lady Diva (aka hourglass body shape)

You can continue that structured corseted look in your slacks by adding wide corseted waistbands. For the legs of your pants keep the classical line going to keep the bust, waist, hip curves going. Flared or straight legged slacks are the best. You can also sport the wide legged pants as well. Most important is to keep the pants fitted to your shape. You are one of the body shapes that can sport cuffs on your slacks.’

Earth Goddess (aka apple body shape)

Keep your slacks tailored and felt fronted. Those pockets are best if they are angled at the hips and lay smoothly against the slacks. Go for the wide legged look to keep the same line going through your entire length. Keep things sleek and smooth and avoid bulky pockets and trim on the slacks.

Lady of Movement (aka rectangle body shape)

Everything but the classical work great in your slacks. Floppy pants and cropped pants or capris are just two of the styles you wear beautifully. You, unlike the other body shapes, can carry off super wide legged pants. Bulky pockets and other trim work well since they create movement in your line. As always create as much movement as possible.

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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The Importance of Words (and BodyShapes)

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Christina

One frequent question I get when explaining body shapes with my unique terms is Why? Why all the bother to change the terms referring to the various body shapes? The ones we use are descriptive and accurate.

Why??

Some years back I studied (among many fascinating topics) the effects of words and images on our attitudes and mindsets. The current terms we use to describe body shapes: hourglass, rectangle, inverted triangle, pear, and apple create images that are, at the very least, not empowering. While we can state that words are just words, they have a definite (if subtle) effect on the person who “owns” the term. We hold ourselves up to the implications in our minds of the term.

Let’s Look At It Differently

The way we move around, hold us, and position our bodies over the course of a day affects the shape of our figure. Leaning over a book or computer terminal will promote the shoulders moving forward and discourage the posture that will display the bust. These actions also requires a lot of sitting which will spread the hips. Being someone who moves around a lot, stretches, exercises and runs keeps the figure long and lean. The exercise tends to inhibit the growth of bust and hip. Every body habit affect our figure in some way. To me that is a better way to describe someone’s body shape.

Why not describe what they are rather than some numbers held against and ideal? Why not use an empowering term describing their essence rather than pointing to a negative aspect that essence has created?

Compare Them

Hourglass

The fact is any figure where the hips and bust are within 2 inches of each other and the waist is 8 inches or smaller. The waist can be 34″ as long as the bust is 42″ or more.

The implication is that to be an hourglass has a wasp waist that few of us can ever hope to obtain.

Tend to be created by the person who loves being social and loves to be the center of attention. Posturing and wiggling are used to great advantage.

The message is you are only really an hourglass if your waist is smaller than you can every hope to obtain. You are too think in the waist

Lady Diva Message

Implication is the person has developed this figure because they are comfortable around people and being the center of attention. Posturing and wiggling hips are part of the personality

The message is you love center stage and look best dressing to enhance that.

Pear

The fact – any figure where the hips are more than 4″ larger than the bust and the waist is smaller than either.

Implication is the hips are the biggest part of your figure and is all anyone can see.

Tend to be created by bing very into books, numbers, writing and studious attention to details

The message is that your hips are grossly too big.

Lady Peacock Message

The best look for you to offset the figure created by your habits are to draw all the attention to your face and shoulders. A peacock fans its tail feathers to draw attention. If you had similar feathers they would be around your shoulders drawing attention. Do the same with your clothes.

Inverted Triangle

The fact – any figure where the bust is more than 4″ larger than the hips and the waist is smaller than either.

Implication is that the bust and shoulders are the biggest part of your figure and is all anyone can see.

Tend to be created by women with strong personalities. They hold themselves regally and strongly so not to be dismissed and are often in fields requiring a strong forceful personalities like sales. This regal posture encourages broad shoulders and bust to match. It also encourages long legs to stand tall on.

The message is that you have football shoulders, nothing matches and you are out of proportion.

Sassy Gal Message

You are a strong person and often overpower the people around you. You are sassy. Dress to give the people around you a chance to shine. Look for styles that take advantage of your strong stance and create a long lean look. Reduce the shoulders to allow others in so you are sassy rather than overpowering.

Apple

The fact – any figure where the waist is larger than the bust or hips.

Implication is that you are just flat out FAT!

Tend to be created by women who have mothering personalities. They adopt the role of earth mother nurturing everyone around them. There is a reason that the image we have of ‘big mama’ in our society is rotund – she is nurturing and feeding us.

Earth Goddess Message

Just because you have such a nurturing personality you should allow yourself to be seen by the people around you. Following the rule of thirds and dividing your figure into vertical thirds and using brighter colors in the inside third draws attention to your face and to you. This bring you out into the world for you.

Rectangle

The fact – any figure where the bust and waist is within 2″ of each other and the waist is less than 8″ smaller than either

Implication is that you have no figure. You are nothing. You are not feminine.

Tend to be created by women who love movement. They are into sports and fitness or just have too much energy to sit still and are constantly in motion.

Lady Of Movement Message

Don’t deny that movement. Clothes moving around the figure will create curves and enhance your femininity by adding visually to the bust and hips.

Which Would You Like to Be?

Compare those different messages – the disempowering negative description of one part of your body or a positive view of you. The words you use to describe yourself get internalized and create your self image. Lets make those words beautiful and empowering – creating a positive you.

More Info

For a better understanding of your body shape visit What is All This About Bodyshapes? on my website IstinaDesign . To determine what your body shape is check out my Find Your Bodyshape. Then over to my Shop that is displayed by bodyshapes!

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5 Elements of a Basic Wardrobe

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Christina

Reworking my wardrobe a few days ago, I was reminded of the 5 items that all well planned wardrobes contain. So if you are looking to improve and revamp your wardrobe here are the 5 items to be sure and include:

Basic Black Dress

You never know when you will need it. A favorite aunt dies or your boss ‘invites’ you to a dressy company dinner (that ‘to die for’ clubbing outfit will not work here!). If you have to rush out and find something, it is usually not the best for your body shape or even your style. You end up tugging at it all through the event and it ends up in the back of your closet afterwards dying a slow death until you send it to the thrift shop. It is better to take the time now to shop for one that enhances your body shape and is classic enough to stand up to the years. Having it in your closet will save you the frantic shopping and money lost on an ’emergancy dress’ later.

I will explore 5 good dress styles for the 5 body shapes a couple of weeks from now!

Well Fitting Basic Jacket

Along those same lines, there may be times when business casual is just a little too casual. While you can hide in the woodwork with what you normally wear to work when the bosses boss comes to town or you are out for drinks with the boss, would it not be far more empowering to have a nice classic blazer or suit jacket in your neutral color to throw over that business casual outfit and instantly dress it up. Become the wow person rather than the hidden person. If you have a beautiful classic one the looks beautiful for your body shape then you can instantly become a standout.

Check back in a few weeks for styles good for the 5 bodyshapes!

Basic Comfortable Loafers

If shoes are your thing – go for it. If the high the better is your thing – go for it. There will, however, be times when your feet protest fashion and high style slows you down. Have a nice pair of loafers to relieve your feet on that 3 hour shopping spree or running after the relative’s (or your) kids. They are always a good element to have in a wardrobe.

Classic Dress Pants

A pair (or two) of classically styled dress pants that enhance your body shape are an excellent core to an empowering wardrobe. Coordinate them with that basic jacket and augment them with several blouses or tops and you are ready to take on the business world-any where!

What to know what your empowered body shape is? Check out Find Your BodyShape on my website IstinaDesign.

I see another blog on the 5 bodyshapes from this as well!

Well Fitting Lingerie

As mundane as it may sound, well fitting lingerie can make or break a wardrobe. I am not referring to matching panties and bras in exotic laces. I am referring to panties that fit comfortably with out showing too tight or too baggy winkled lines under your pants and skirts and bras that fit well and make your tops look like a million rather than dime store.

What to look for in a good fitting bra? That is next weeks blog!

All Put Together

Once you have those basics, look at your lifestyle and fill out the rest of your wardrobe around those 5 basics

For more info on the basic body shapes check out the section, Find Your BodyShape , on my website IstinaDesign. For more assistance on putting together that empowering wardrobe check out the packages I offer in my Shop

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Spring Fashion Trends – per Glamour Mag

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Christina

On The Pulse of the Fashion World

Glamour magazine came out with some fashion trends for this spring. Some I can relate to and totally see this spring. A few left me scratching my head. What you think?

Black and White Dressing

This is a NEW trend?!! And only for spring?!? This is almost a basic in many of our wardrobes. Almost all of us have at least one in our closet and many of us revolve our whole wardrobe around the theme.

Lady of Movements can use the combo to create the movement that makes them look so good. Lady Peacocks can use the combo to highlight their shoulders and bust. An Earth Goddess can use the combo to divide her ensemble into beautiful vertical thirds. A Sassy Gal can use it to add weight to her bottom to offset her bust and shoulders and use it to breakup her torso. The lady Diva revels in it to enhance her hourglass shape.

It is a tried and true fashion statement. How is it NEW FOR SPING??

Gingham

I’m so sorry to see this on the fashion runways. It looks like a test garment that I would make for a client to see that the outfit is hanging straight on her and there are no fit problems – while on my way to creating a beautiful custom suit of an entirely different material. There is a place for gingham in fashion – casual blouses, funny pinafores, and the perennial cowboy shirt. In a high style business suit it looks wrinkled and unfinished.

Shirtdresses

This is one style I am delighted to see returning this spring. They are very comfortable for our busy lifestyles and let us reconnect to the beautiful weather that is returning (or soon to return for some of you!). Any body shape can find a shirtdress style that enhances their particular shape.

This trend is a great one and spot on for spring.

Culottes

This is another great trend for spring but hardly a new one.

Not every body shape can get away with wearing them. They are not the best for Lady Peacocks or Earth Goddesses. You look best with length in your slacks and the lower part of your figure.

What I don’t understand is why they have to pose the models in such clumsy ways to make culottes look klutzy!

Aprons!

Ok! Here is one ‘trend for spring’ that I totally don’t understand!

How is wearing an apron of another color and style over your elegant dress making it more fashionable? This is one style I hope hits the trash can before making it to market.

Your Thoughts?

What do you think of the upcoming spring trends? Is there a great one on the cusp that I missed?

Check out my styles at my Shop on Istina Design and find what looks good for your particular Bodyshape.

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Do you REALLY Need a Seamstress?!?!

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Christina

Do you REALLY NOT want to look polished and professional?”

First Impressions

A woman (or man) whose clothes fit impeccably and enhance their body shape and the image they want to project to the world will stand out as an expert in their field. Isn’t that what we all want? Remember the first visual impression of you sets the image a potential client has of you and therefore your business.

You Must Know What You Are Doing!!

If you look very well put together then you must know what you are doing. If you are slightly off with a shirt that is just a little too baggy or slacks that hang a little funny at the hem because of the duct tape, then your client will subconsciously question just how put together are you in your business. So, unless you are a seamstress already or it is a sideline of yours then you will need a personal relationship with a good seamstress. A seamstress is instrumental in both maintaining your wardrobe and polishing your professional image.

Oops!

Without a seamstress, what do you do when the hem falls out of a pair of your favorite pants? Duct tape? Don’t laugh, I have removed a lot of duct tape (and the stickiness it leaves behind) in my career as a seamstress. It will affect the line of the pants as duct tape hangs heavy and pulls on the fabric. It also affects the life of the garment.

What about split seams? That hem that is uneven or just falls at the wrong place? Without a seamstress, they sit in your closet forever collecting dust and limiting your available wardrobe. Gather up that pile. Find a good seamstress and be surprised as what great garments you really have.

Image, Image, Image

That leads us to your professional image. While the exact number may vary with experts, you have a matter of seconds to make a favorable impression on the people you meet. That is true not only with strangers but on a day to day basis with the people you interact with in business. Their opinion on your capability that day is formed in seconds from seeing you.

Visual Communications

Then there is the little fact that verbal communication accounts for only 7% of the communication you do. A large percentage of the remaining 97% is visual – back to how you look. A polished ensemble that fits you well, is attractively accessorized and looks good on your particular body shape will communicate an impression of being capable and professional. It tells people your know what you are doing and are more than capable of doing it for them.

Making That First Impression

Isn’t that what making a first impression is all about? All it takes is a good seamstress and an understanding of your body shape and how to enhance and empower it by how you select and wear your clothes.

A Better Understanding??

To get a better understanding of your body shape check out the pages under All About BodyShapes on my website at IstinaDesign and check out my blogs on body style. Then shop in my online shop devoted to garments for each specific body style. The garments are construction when ordered so the fit is right there.

For a greater understanding of body styles order my free e-book Know Your Body Shape after checking out what your body shape is at Find Your Body Shape.

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Neutrals – A Color World In Themselves! Try It Out

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Christina

Drama/Safe??

Do you find yourself drawn to black for your entire ensemble? Does it seem safe/dramatic/simple/a statement? Try mixing black with other neutrals and see the pop and pizzaz!

The Basics of Neutrals

Neutrals aren’t just black and navy. They are a wide range of colors. They include black, brown, gray, tan, navy, white, tan, and beige (tan and beige is often included in brown and not separated out as a separate neutral).

They are the basics in a wardrobe and help ground it.

They can produce a rich textured outfit by themselves and combined with just themselves. They can tone down a strong color combination and provide cohesion between the colors.

Except for white (which is a lack of any color), neutrals are made by mixing opposite colors togethers. Red and green produces a brown. Red, yellow, and blue results in black. Different percentages of those colors gives different shades of their neutral. The fact that neutrals actually contain other colors is part of what allows neutrals to pair well with colors and ground them.

Neutrals Go With Everything

The saying that neutrals go with everything is very true. Not only do they go with any color scheme selected they go with each other. They can be mixed with each other in an ensemble and look elegant. Used individually they create a beautiful quiet palette.

Try Them Out

Being based in colors is what allows neutrals to flow so well with other neutrals. Try combining a yellow tinged brown (most warm light browns) with an ivory (off white) and you will have just as dynamic a combo as if you picked from the color wheel. Try navy with a blue based gray (the steel grays or metallic grays are blue tinged). That will give you almost as much drama as black and white.

brown&ivory

The Black and White of It

Black and white as a combo isprobably the most dramatic one. Interestingly that combo follows the color rule of contrasting colors working well together. Except here is is no color vs all the colors combined into one.

Every Wardrobe Needs Neutrals

For drama, neutrals can be teamed with a single color. This combo allows the color to create an exciting pop of color – much more dramatic than the other color themes.

Every wardrobe needs 1 or 2 neutrals. Without them, colors themes can become jarring and too robust. Neutrals keeps colors in check and in moderation.

What Colors Do You Want

Interested in finding out what color combos would look good on you? Check out my blog on Being Your Own Color Stylist. Then find out what colors combos work for you and get your own Color Card that you can take shopping with you to create a beautiful color coordinated wardrobe.

Curiouser and Curiouser

Want to explore further and take color to the next step. Contact me for a design consult to find out how we can incorporate your newfound color knowledge in some beautiful additions to your wardrobe. Or – check out the Shop for some ideas. See you at Istina Design!

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Be Your OWN Color Stylist

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Christina

An Experts Opinion

If you feel you need an expert’s opinion, find a color analyst and spend the money to have your colors done. Having done that, if the colors don’t appeal to you, don’t be surprised. Color analysis is not an exact science. I have worked with many women less than happy with their clothes only to discover that their color analysis was wrong and their problems were solved by returning to the colors that appealed to them.

You DO Know Best
You are the best analyst of what does and does not look good against your face – you’ve live with it the longest! Spending a couple hour playing with colors is the best to determine what color scheme works best for you. You will often find that it is not the actual colors you select but rather the tones/hues of the colors that work or don’t work. So find the colors that appeal to your personality the best and check out what shades and hues of those colors look the best

Do The Analysis
Make a trip with a close friend or someone versed in the color arts (painter, jewelry designer, interior decorator,a friend that dresses like a million, etc)and a mirror to a fabric store. Stroll the aisles and drape various solid colored fabrics around your shoulders and see what makes your face the most vibrant. You will see a pattern emerging.

Color Seasons
Summer

Pastels and light colors. Navy and off-white look great. Pure white looks icy and not the best. Denim looks great. Except for orange, that makes you look sick, just about any color in the pastels looks great.

Great neutrals are navy, off-white and a grayish brown.

Rule of thumb: Stay light and pastel like the late summer afternoons.

Spring

Bright vivid colors look best against your face. Bright medium hued colors look great. Often patterns that work will have bright colors on a black background. Periwinkle blue or blue purples look great as do peaches and melons.

Great neutrals are off-white, white, black, light navy, and yellow browns.

Rule of thumb: Follow springs lead with all the bright colors of blossoming flowers.

Autumn

Earth tones and the colors of fall. Navy blue and aqua work well. Mixing yellows into the primary colors and softening them slightly works the best. You will like yourself better in gold rather than yellow. Orange looks good and melon is your ‘pink’.

Neutrals best for you are the medium shades of navy blue and a bronzy brown.

You will find yourself gravitating to a monochromatic or analogous color schemes – multiple shades of a color work beautifully.

Rule of thumb – Follow natures lead with the earth tones or autumn.

Winter

The primary shades look best. Dark red and navy look good next to your face. Pastels make you look faded. Give them an icy, shimmery white tone or overlay them with white lace and they look great. Dark pink or salmon gold work nicely as do forest greens. Black/white combos work for you. They are more than neutrals to you – they are colors. The colors you like are the ones that stand out in a crowd. That is part of your color personality.

You gravitate to a two color theme. Adding an additional color loses the drama.

Neutrals are where you will shine. Dark gray with a touch of silver or the reverse. Navy and dark brown. And, always, black and white.

Rule of thumb – Like the season, pure, clear, and intense.

A Little More Exploring

If you want to explore a little more about color and get a color sample card to keep with you when shopping head over to the IstinaDesign Shop and check out the Understanding Color Module on sale there.

Have Fun

Enjoy the process and find the inner you!

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