Posts Tagged ‘Choosing the right colors’
The Art to Good Proportion
Thursday, April 15th, 2010
Good Proportion Begins with the Head
Good proportion begins with good head; length that is.
Occasionally, I get strange looks from my clients when I pull out my tape measurement to measure their heads. Once I explain that the essence of pleasing proportion begins with relating the head length to the rest of the body, well, they still give me a side-eye roll; that is until they see the technique in action.
Color, fit and proportion differentiates a good look from a fabulous one. The synergism among these elements solves the fashion equation and, like math, if you don’t insert the right variables, you end up with a wrong answer. Real talk:
Placing the wrong color next to your face will age you. Tightly fitted clothes say “I’m easy” if you’re a woman or “I’m cheap” if you’re a man; slovenly fitted clothes communicate sloppiness. Bad proportions make you appear insignificant, unimportant and imbalanced. Get all three correct and not only do you get 100 percent but you may even make the fashion Dean’s List.
Take a look at this picture of actress Taraji P. Henson. The blue hue works amazingly well against her skin. The dress skims her body magnificently for the perfect fit. I love the fact that she shows an ample amount of upper body skin to offset her high waist. However, there’s something still a bit off with this look.
Actress Taraji P Henson (Click Image to Enlarge)
This next picture shows where I’ve charted Taraji’s head lengths. Notice the point of her ideal dress length. There isn’t a significant difference in terms of inches BUT to shorten her dress just these few inches would do wonders in creating better proportion.
Taraji P Henson Showing Head Lengths (Click image to enlarge)
Now take a look at actress Elise Neal’s dress. Great color and the proportions are dead on. Elise, like Taraji, has a high waist. In fact, Elise’s waist is short by nearly a half-head length. Consequently, she should always show a lot of upper body skin for good proportion as this dress does. Also, note the actress’ side-sweeping bangs. Excellent technique as it works to visually shorten her long face, again promoting good proportion. Regrettably, the fit of the dress is less than perfect, as evidenced by the pulled fabric seen at her hips. It’s really unfortunate because wearing the proper underpinning would have easily alleviated this problem.
Color is good; proportions are good; fit, not quite.
Yes, both women look beautiful and, on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d give them 8.5s. But 8.5s aren’t what you pay image consultants big bucks to obtain and they sure as heck won’t get you on the Best Dress List, unless, of course, you’re First Lady Michelle Obama.
So, if you ever decide to hire me, be warned. I’m all about good head; length that is.
Tags: Celebrity Fashion, Choosing the right colors, style consulting, wearing the right underwear
Posted in Body Analysis, Color / Colour Analysis, Personal, Petite | 2 Comments »
Art in Bloom – Great All Silhouette Look!
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
When I have insomnia what do I do? Well last night, I created this entry look for the Macy’s Fashion Challenge. I created the look for the “What to wear to an art show opening” challenge, but it ended up as a part of today’s challenge: “What to wear to a reality show audition”. Totally different looks indeed but, sometimes we’re forced to work with what we have. Consider this one of those times.
About the Look: I’ve taken a sleeveless dress to use as an underpinning to the strapless dress. I love the way the wide scoop neck of the white dress balances the dramatic flare of the yellow piece. I also thought it would be kind of cool to let the hem of the white dress fall from underneath the yellow dress (about a half head length for good proportion).
What body silhouette should wear this? Definitely doable for inverted triangles or rectangles, but it could work on a moderately triangle silhouette too. Hourglasses can get away with just about any style, but if you’ve got the curves honey, flaunt them. Besides, according to recent studies, you’re a dying breed. Oh and petites, yes, this look is certainly one for you. Just make certain the hem falls at the top or above the knee.
Will this color wash me out? Not if you are a low to medium contrasting, warm-spring.
CAST YOUR VOTE IF YOU LIKE THIS LOOK. Also, if you want to learn more about color and how to dress your shape, sign up for our fun and affordable webinars.
Tags: Choosing the right colors, How to Dress Your Body Type, petite fashion tips, What to wear to
Posted in Body Analysis, Color / Colour Analysis, Personal, Petite | No Comments »
First Lady Michelle Obama – My Top Ten List of Fashion Dos and Don’ts
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
First Lady Michelle Obama (Click image for larger view)
I am a huge admirer of our First Lady but I find a lot of her fashion choices to be problematic. Some days she hits it out of the park; other days it’s a swing and a “fall on your face” miss. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that she takes risks, but when it comes to dressing her triangle silhouette, I do believe she should adhere to a few basic fashion rules.
Recently, one of my twitter followers posed the question “whose advising her?” With her dizzying inconsistencies, one has to wonder if she’s even being advised. Afterall, a woman of her status and stature could easily intimidate the best of stylists. But, as I sit here behind my Macbook Pro, I’m feeling quite ballsy and am willing to take a stab at furnishing Mrs. Obama with some fashion advice. So, Mrs. Obama, if you’re reading, here is my list of 10 fashion dos and don’ts, because I want to see you hit a grand slam every time you step up to bat.
- Fit is everything. As the First Lady, do pay closer attention. Everything you wear, whether luxe or less, should fit impeccably. You want your clothing to graze over your womanly curves, not cling to them.
Don't allow your clothes to talk behind your back. (Click image for larger view)
Love the color but not the fit of the sweater. (Click image for larger view)
- Avoid dresses that exaggerate your triangle silhouette.
This is wrong on so many levels. (Click image for larger view)
The dramatic flare of this dress emphasizes the First Lady's triangle silhouette. (Click image for larger view)
- Create visual spacing and make your beautiful face and swan-like neck the focal point with V, scoop and sweetheart necklines.
This dress is dead on. Love the warm autumn color. Love the asymmetrical neckline. Also note how the seam in the front takes the eye to the smallest area of her hips. (Click image for larger view)
- Look for shoulder straps that are wide set to visually balance your shoulders with your hips.
Simply beautiful! Mrs. Obama wears strong, clear blacks very well. (Click image for larger view)
The straps of this dress are not as wide-set as the picture above, but set far enough off the shoulders to work. Also, the scoop neckline brings the focus to Mrs. Obama's beautiful smile. (Click image for larger view)
- Opt for A-line and fluted skirts/dresses that flare out gradually.
Mrs. Obama looking photo ready in this purple Maria Pinto dress. (Click image for larger view)
- Wear autumn warms and some winter cools; avoid spring warm and summer cool hues.
Although this is a beautiful hue, it's not your blue boo. The color makes her look older and tired. (Click image for larger view)
- Choose low to medium contrasting color schemes over high to correspond with your natural color contrast.
These colors are gorgeous and I can even take the belt. (Click image for larger view)
Another great example of choosing low to medium contrast color schemes. That belt gets around. (Click image for larger view)
- Wear trouser style pants and boot cut jeans.
Love the fit of these pants. The flat pockets don't bring a lot of attention to her butt and the volume in the top balances the entire look. (Click image for larger view)
These pants too are a great fit and the colors are dead on. (Click image for larger view)
- Please quit it with the layering and the belting and the bows, especially combined.
Okay this is definitely layering on steroids, but I like it. Colors work; color contrast level is good; great trousers even though they're lighter; belt isn't overkill; and the fit of all pieces are on point. (Click image for larger view)
Belt bondage, but her face looks pretty. (Click image for larger view)
Bows + Belt + Layers + High Contrast = Fail. (Click image for larger view)
- Do continue to pay attention to your posture both standing and sitting. I’ve noticed a vast improvement.
Stand tall Mrs. Obama. You have so much of which to be proud. (Click image for larger view)
Tags: Celebrity Fashion, Choosing the right colors, How to Dress Your Body Type, Michelle Obama Fashion
Posted in Body Analysis, Color / Colour Analysis, Personal | 4 Comments »
First Lady Obama Style – Take the Poll
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
First Lady Obama Wearing a L’Wren Scott ensemble
Last week, I tweeted this picture of the First Lady Michelle Obama speaking to the Grocery Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C. Shot from an interesting angle, we see Mrs. Obama donning a sleeveless gingham blouse paired with a high-wasted, rather form fitting, skirt. Both hues of pink compliment Mrs. Obama’s skin tone nicely. And of course the First Lady’s hair and makeup look flawless as we’ve come to expect. My initial reaction upon seeing this image was quite favorable. San the bow on the blouse, I loved the L’Wren Scott ensemble. The image received several retweets and, overall, positive responses.
A view from behind. First Lady Obama
The following day, more images of the First Lady wearing pink appeared over the Internet, including this jaw-dropping view from “behind”. Of course I had to tweet this image too. “Is THAT the First Lady?!” one follower replied. “Dayum!!!” replied another male follower.
Listen, I admire our First Lady and respect her many accomplishments. Further, I think she is a stunning looking woman with an equally stunning figure. However, with that said, I don’t think she always uses the best judgment when it comes to style. This skirt, for example, is just too tight. I mean really. Beyond hugging, it grips her arse and clings on for dear life!
One reader posed the question, “whose advising her?” With her dizzying inconsistencies, one has to wonder if she’s even being advised. Some days she hits it out of the park; other days it’s a swing and a “fall on your face” miss. Could it be that Mrs. Obama is too powerful, too intimidating or maybe even too obstinate to advise? Real Talk: That height and those brows are enough to intimate anyone.
I’ve heard that folks get real ballsy on the Internet, hiding behind their computers. So tomorrow I plan to woman up behind my own Macbook Pro and present my style advisory list to First Lady O. But in the meantime, I’ve given you my opinion, what’s yours?
*If you chose other, view results and type in a comment
Tags: Choosing the right colors, How to Dress Your Body Type, Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama Fashion
Posted in Body Analysis, Corporate, Personal, color | 1 Comment »
Could Green be First Lady Michelle Obama’s Favorite Hue?
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
First Lady Obama wears teal green and turquoise St. Patrick's Day 2010 at Newsweek magazine's executive forum on childhood obesity at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. (Click image for closer view) I AM NOT LOVING THE BELT AT ALL.
It’s St. Patrick’s day and the folks of Ireland aren’t the only ones enamored with the hue green. From where I sit, it appears that First Lady Michelle Obama may have a thing for green too.
First Lady Michelle Obama wearing an emerald green dress by Kai Milla. (Click image for larger view)
Green is a secondary color formed by mixing the primary colors red and yellow. While psychologically cool in temperature, this hue hosts a number of relatively warm hues within its family. With both a warming and cooling effect, the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability. Green also represents life and signifies growth, renewal health and environment. Conversely, green occasionally defines inexperience, jealousy and envy, although Grammy nominated singer Erykah Badu would like us to believe otherwise. According to Ms. Badu, her eyes are green, ’cause she eats a lot of vege-ta-bles. “It don’t have nutting to do with your new friend”. Lyrics taken from song Green Eyes found on the CD Mama’s Gun.
Addressing attendees at the Joint Armed Forces Officers' Wives' Luncheon at the Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. (Click image for larger view)
Green is a restful color with some of the same calming attributes of blue. Like the color blue, green rooms help time to move faster. Team green with blue to produce echoes of nature i.e. water and forest.
First Lady Obama seen here wearing a mix of green and blue. Both hues seen here, are relatively warm in temperature and work beautifully against her warm skin tone (click image for larger view)
Green with brown, tan or beige resonates organic or recycled and is an excellent combination for packaging of those types of products.
First Lady Obama appearing on Sesame Street (Click image for larger view)
For a sporty, outdoorsy feel, consider a tri-color combination of green with yellow and black or white.
Who can forget the First Lady's classic yellowish-chartreuse ensemble designed by avant garde designer Isabel Toledo and worn during President Obama's inauguration. Mrs. Obama accessorized the look with grass-green leather gloves and green shoes. Splendid! (Click image for larger view)
The high contrast of purple with green are sporty, outdoorsy colors. Purple with green brings energy, excitement and activity to any space.
First Lady wearing purple with a blue green. I like the color contrast but not on Mrs. Obama. (Click image for larger view)
Finally, if your skin tone falls under the category of “warm-spring”, consider lime green with orange.
Sorry Madam First Lady, this look is a total FAIL. (Click image for larger view)
If you are in the image profession or simply looking to learn more about selecting colors to suit particular skin tones, sign up for one of our color training webinars. The next class is Thursday, March 18.
Tags: Choosing the right colors, color analysis, Color Trends, Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama Fashion, Michelle Obama pictures
Posted in Color / Colour Analysis, Personal | 2 Comments »
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