Color You With Confidence!
My trip to New York City is fast approaching! There, I will study the seven elements of art: line and space, shape, proportion, scale, color and texture. Right now, there is still so much to do but, on this sunny Monday, it is necessary to brighten everyone’s day with a discussion on color. Walking through Stephen Avenue, downtown Calgary, my eyes are glued to the magnificent window displays at Holt Renfrew, the Dior display – alas, j’adore Dior – and the playful colors in Betsey Johnson.
Spring is certainly in the air and what better way to celebrate than with color. One of my favourite colors of the season is that beautiful hue of red that I spotted at Josef (Jacob’s sister company located at Market Mall). The silk blouse with the fabulous ruffles was a combination of cyclamen and raspberry and the color just teased my senses.
Color is such an important part of fashion and personal style. In fact, it is the most immediate of all the elements of art. Color stimulates memories of taste, smell, touch and sound. It can excite us as well as calm us. Wearing color also enhances a persons mood. On days when I wake up feeling just a little less than chipper, I always make sure that I put on one of my brightest colors and generally my cheer is lifted.
Every person has their very own inherent coloration (the colors that we find in our skin, hair and eyes); knowing and using this palette will help us to select the right clothing, accessories and makeup. This also tell us about the most enhancing way to combine colors in our clothing. Wearing colors that match our color temperature and color value can portray confidence in our outfits.
This season, instead of going out and splurging on a whole new Spring/Summer wardrobe, invest in a few key pieces that will brighten up and complement your existing wardrobe – several fun tops, a fabulous dress, and (my favourite way to freshen up a basic piece) a fabulous scarf. As soon as I feel spring in the air, I immediately reach into my extensive collection of scarves. My scarf fetish can definitely be credited to my time in France. On every trip to La Brioche Dore for a morning espresso and croissant (Je veux un espresso et le croissant. Merci.), I was welcomed by dozens of boutiques, each carrying scarves in every hue derivative imaginable.
Remember to brighten up an outfit with fabulous accessories. If you attended Fashion Has No Borders, you would have noticed the wonderful accessories displayed by some of Alberta and British Columbia’s finest designers. I will definitely be following up with Hillberg & Berk and Fifth Avenue Collection to add to my own jewellery box.
When splurging on color this season, remember a few simple things.
- Know your coloration. By choosing colors that have the same color temperature and color value as your skin, hair and eyes, you will be able to create a color palette that will always be in harmony with you. Having a professional personal color analysis is, of course, the best way to build and understand your individual color palette.
If you are concerned about your budget, pick up a book like Color Me Confident: Change Your Look – Change Your Life. This is not a substitute for a professional personal color analysis but it is the next best thing. Accent your existing wardrobe with a few key pieces to brighten and complement your way into spring fashion. But, the most important piece of advice that everyone should walk away with is this – have fun with your colors!
Coco Chanel says it best: “The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you!”
