color consulting for fashion & beauty

Ally

Ally writes,

Hi,
Your blog is great!  I am a 40 year old mom looking to break  out of a BIG style rut.  I would love to find out what season I am and what colors I should wear. I am a 40 year old stay-at-home mom from Indiana.  My world is filled with little kids and family.  I teach Sunday school and volunteer at my kids’ school.  I like running, reading, and am a lousy cook! My clothes and makeup budget is very limited, so I want to get it right the first time and not waste money buying things that don’t look so great.  I have been told before that I am a winter, but when I try those makeup colors on they look too harsh and I feel like a clown.  I like some winter colors, but feel like many of the jewel tones overwhelm my coloring.  I also feel like my natural hair color is too light to match many of the winters I see online.  I need advice on makeup and clothing colors, and would love ideas for hair highlights that would look nice, too.
Ally’s Color Interview:

What color(s) do you wear the most? blues of all shades, followed by pinks and black.

What color(s) do you wear the least? white!  The kids always spill things on me!

In what color(s) do you feel sexy and/or beautiful? Sexy? LOL!! Beautiful – blues

In what color(s) do you receive compliments? when a color brings out my eyes – usually medium and bright blues.

Ally in cool colors:

blackpinkfuchsiapurple

blueaqua

green

Ally in warm colors:

charcoal grayivory

dark brown

Ally definitely is living in a Winter world. She was told she is a Winter and she gravitates toward blue and other cool colors. Ally is one of my clients who I instantly knew what she was as soon as I saw her first photo.

Ally is an Autumn. The cool colors wash Ally out or at best just sit on her. The deep charcoal and the dark brown tops especially flow with her coloring. I think once she starts including warmer, more vivid colors in her wardrobe she will notice a dramatic difference. I believe she will get more compliments than she is used to getting wearing blues that match her stunning eyes but do nothing else for her. Ally definitely had the correct instinctual reaction against cool makeup colors and cool jewel tones.

dark browngreen

See the difference?

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Samantha

Today Glowing Color features Samantha. Samantha writes,

Hello Glowing Color,
 
I have been looking for an affordable color consultation from the right place and I was so impressed with all your testimonials that I had to contact you. I am currently a student and unable to afford anything to crazy right now, but I also want to make the best impression possible as I start interviewing for my first job out of school. As an artist, I know how important color is for making a good first impression and more importantly, a lasting impression. I also find myself replacing my wardrobe right now as I outgrow my high school attire and would love tips on how to go about choosing the best colors for me as I enter into the adult world.

I am a student studying sequential art (cartooning and storyboarding) and will be going on to pursue my masters in art history and museum studies this upcoming Fall. I am interested in medieval studies and may go on to earn my PHD in that specific area. Right now, I am working on a young adult graphic novel about a sci-fi western treasure hunt. I am originally from Cleveland and am happy to be moving back this summer. Since I have been in the Savannah, Georgia, I miss the cold weather. I am a voracious reader. I want to pick up some sort of martial art study this summer! My artistic website is at www.samreveley.com.

Be sure to check out Samantha’s art! I love her illustrations and paintings, particularly Metamorphosis. Let’s now get into her Color Interview.

What color(s) do you wear the most? I wear plenty of greens and browns. I tend to have a rather earthy palette in my wardrobe.

What color(s) do you wear the least? Bright red, hands down.

In what color(s) do you feel sexy and/or beautiful? Forest green, off-white, and possibly purple (I am surprised to say I do not own anything in purple! That is totally based on memory).

In what color(s) do you receive compliments? It seems like I get a lot of compliments when I wear orange, although I am not quite sure because the orange shirt I wore for the photo is the only one I own! (Can you tell I’m a stingy student? Haha.)

Let’s take a look at Samantha in cooler colors first.

SAM_3272SAM_3260

SAM_3262SAM_3269

SAM_3275SAM_3268

SAM_3273SAM_3274

SAM_3265SAM_3267

Now let’s look at Samantha in warmer colors.

SAM_3270SAM_3261SAM_3264

Samantha is a lovely woman! I wasn’t sure at first glance what her season was, but it became clear after I grouped her photos together in cool or warm colors. I noticed that in the warm colors, Samantha does not look bad, but the colors are just resting on her, and even have a darkening effect on her overall look. In the cool colors however, Samantha’s creamy, rosy glow shines through. Samantha is a Winter.

SAM_3269SAM_3261

See the difference?

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Kaetlin

Today Glowing Color features Kaetlin.

I’m from California, now recently moved to Washington.  I am married , for a year and a half, and we have a two year old daughter named Emmerson, Emme.  My days revolve around her and our dog, who we take to the dog park and lake to go running.  We love exploring our new state finding fun places that we like.  I’m not currently working, but have a teaching credential and plan on going back to work soon.  I enjoy cooking, reading and movies, and am starting to get into exercising. 

Kaetlin’s Q&A:

What color(s) do you wear the most? Black, light, muted colors, nothing too bold.

What color(s) do you wear the least? Pink, red, orange.

In what color(s) do you feel sexy? I love blushes, light gray, black.

In what color(s) do you receive compliments? Light peach. 

This was one of my tougher analyses in the beginning. But, one photo of Kaetlin in a particular color, jumped out at me and things were pretty easy after that. Let’s look at Kaetlin in cool colors first.

berry redfuchsia

graylight blue

mauvepurple

tealwhite

blackblue navy

I see some very interesting things going on here. But before we get into that, let’s look at Kaetlin in warm colors. Also, I should note that Kaetlin’s natural hair color is somewhere between dark blonde-light brown.

salmonpeach

creamplum

brownyellow

Immediately I noticed that the warmer colors make Kaetlin look a bit blah. Some are borderline (the light peaches for example), but overall, these colors make Kaetlin fade into the background. There are some cool colors however, that absolutely pop on Kaetlin. The fuchsia was a big hint. With a color that strong, if you are not a Cool Season, the fuchsia will take over everything. With Kaetlin though, my eyes go to her face first even with that strong color. That lets me know that Kaetlin is one of the Cool Seasons. I ruled out Summer because the periwinkle/lavender in the Cool section was too light for her and did not look good on her. But she does look good in some softer cool colors as well as the bold cool jewel tones. Kaetlin is a Soft Winter. This means she can wear some of the same colors Summers can wear, but not TOO light. She also glows in the traditional Winter colors. I would love to see her in a cobalt blue, and she looks gorgeous in black. I do think she should avoid certain hair colors like the one in the photo with the turquoise hat. I detail this further in her Custom Color Shopping List.

fuchsiabrown

See the difference?

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Golden Globes 2013

The Golden Globes aired this past weekend, so you know what that means–time for another Color Right and Wrong! For my post on the 2012 Golden Globes, go here. Let’s jump right in!

Right

70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsAmanda SeyfriedUS-GOLDEN GLOBES-ARRIVALS Anne HathawayClaire DanesEva Longoria     70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsJessica AlbaKatharine McPhee         70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsSally FieldSalma Hayek  70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

Alyssa Milano is an Autumn and looks gorgeous in this citron/saffron-hued gown. Amanda Seyfried is a Spring and looks pretty in her blush/ivory combo. Amy Adams is a Spring and looks fantastic in her pale-nued mermaid gown. Anne Hathaway is a Winter and looks stunning in white. Claire Danes is a Spring and is gorgeous in red. Eva Longoria is a Winter and stuns in black. Jennifer Lawrence is a Spring (her natural hair color is blonde) and looks fabulous in this coral-red gown. Jessica Alba is an Autumn and looks beautiful in her shimmery peachy-coral gown. Katharine Mcphee is a Winter and hits all the right notes in black. Olivia Munn is a Winter and is on the mark in her dress. Sally Field is an Autumn and looks regal in her navy gown. Salma Hayek is a Winter and gets it right in black. Zooey Deschanel is a Winter and this red looks great on her.

Right and Wrong

1151858_ET_Golden_Globes_WJS_0470th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsJennifer Lopez70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

Connie Britton is an Autumn (her natural hair color is brown) and though this metallic gown reads warm, it is a bit too light for her. A deeper gold would have looked awesome. Halle Berry is an Autumn and like Connie, is  wearing a gown that reads warm but is too light. Isla Fisher is an Autumn and again we see an example of warm tone but too light (this is an absolutely gorgeous gown though). Jennifer Lopez is an Autumn and while the nude works, the white read of the lacy design distracts. Kaley Cuoco is a Spring. Her gown is the correct color for her season, but her makeup is way too dark. Lea Michele is a Winter. White works for some Winters but it’s hard to tell here since she overdid the tanning. Lena Dunham is a Soft Autumn meaning brown is in the ballpark, but she needs a brighter brown. Rosario Dawson is a Winter and while her mint gown is cool, it is way too light for her. Taylor Swift is a Spring and this chocolate gown is too dark for her.

Wrong

70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsJessica ChastainJodie Foster70th Annual Golden Globe Awards - ArrivalsJulianne MooreKelly OsbourneKerry WashingtonKristen Bell1151858_ET_Golden_Globes_WJS_15Lucy Liu1151858_ET_Golden_Globes_WJS_15Nene LeakesNicole Richie

Debra Messing is an Autumn (her natural hair color is brown), and black does nothing for her. Hayden Panattiere is a Spring. This pink gown reads too cool for her. Jessica Chastain is an Autumn and this seafoam gown is ALL WRONG. Jodie Foster is a Spring and this deep, icy blue is a miss in color for her. Julianne Hough is a Summer so the gold accents of her gown are wrong for her. Julianne Moore is an Autumn. Black=blah. Kelly Osbourne is a Spring (her natural hair color is blonde) so this look is too cool for her (I absolutely love her entire look by the way, it just isn’t making her glow). Kerry Washington is a Winter and looks washed out in this sheer nude. Kristen Bell is a Spring, so this silver is off. Kristen Wiig is an Autumn and looks sickly in her black gown. Lucy Liu is an Autumn, so this secret garden is wrong. Marion Cotillard is a Winter and the orange dress was too warm for her (this photo makes it look more red, but it’s orange). Nene Leakes is an Autumn; this black and white frock does nothing for her. Nicole Richie is a Spring; this pale blue is simply wrong.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Leah

Today, Glowing Color features Leah.

I left my finance career behind a couple years ago to stay home with our daughter, Molly, which is the best decision I ever made. Besides  spending time with my family and friends, I love cooking, running, reading and traveling.

Leah’s Q&A:

What color(s) do you wear the most? All shades of blue, pale pink, black, white & gray

What color(s) do you wear the least? Yellow, orange, purple, brown

In what color(s) do you feel sexy? I feel sexy in black.

In what color(s) do you receive compliments? Mostly in light blue because it draws people’s attention to my eyes. 

Indeed, you’ll see that Leah does have stunningly beautiful eyes. Let’s take a look at Leah in cool colors first.

 blackfuchsiared

orchidpink

white turquoisesky blue

BTW, clients, this is how I love for you to submit photos (if possible). Multiple colors taken against the same backdrop, somewhat neutral. It makes it easier to do your analysis, and makes it easier for you to see differences!

Now, since Leah has a lot of photos in cool colors, I separated them a bit into the deeper, darker cool colors, bright pinks and purples, and the coolest, the lighter blues and white. Leah looks very nice in all of these colors, but she is really standing out in the bottom row of photos. Let’s look at Leah in warm colors.

navypeach

As you can see, Leah has a definite preference for cooler colors in her wardrobe! It seems that is a wise instinctual choice, as the navy does not look bad, but is not doing anything special for Leah. She looks washed out in this peachy-melon color. Any guesses on her season?

Leah is a Summer. Her answer regarding the colors she wears most was a good hint. Leah is already gravitating toward her more flattering colors. The colors she wears the least also tell a tale; as they are autumn colors (including purple, depending on the shade/tone). She gets complimented most in light blue and that is a beautiful color on her; a classic Summer color. This would be even more apparent if you could see Leah’s natural hair color, which is an ashy light brown. The auburn color she is wearing in these photos do her coloring and eyes no justice. I have suggested some other hair colors to her in her Color Shopping List. Pay attention to Leah’s cool photos. The black, fuchsia, and red are cool, but too dark for her, a calling card of Summers. The orchid and pink are okay; I feel she would look better in those colors if she had her natural hair color here. But the white and sky blue photos are wear Leah really glows. If she had her natural lighter hair color here, the entire effect would be amazing. I hope Leah keeps us updated, especially if she tries out a new hair color.

peachsky blue

See the difference (also imagine a light ash-brown hair color)?

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Carolyn-Update

Carolyn was just featured here last week and has contacted me with an update. She writes,

Dearest talented miss tamara,
 
I have gotten so many compliments on pictures since I switched colors…
Carolyn’s Before and After:
See the difference? The brown warms Carolyn up so much and makes her eyes pop. Gorgeous! Thanks or the update, Carolyn!
If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Anya

Today, Glowing Color features Anya (name changed to protect privacy) from Seattle, Washington. Anya loves fashion, nature, health,nutrition, reading, researching,exercise, animals, music, and science, among many other things. She describes herself as a sort of a jack of all trades, or as her friends and teachers have referred to her, a walking encyclopedia.

Anya writes,

I’ve been reading your blog and you are spot on with your work. So I would definitely trust your skills.

Anya’s Q&A:

What color do you wear the most? Blues, pink, greens, light purples. I also like white and gray. My favorite colors are in the light to medium spectrum.

What color do you wear the least? Well my friends and I agree I look like a zombie in mustard yellow, rust, muted olives, caramel browns, camel/yellow beige, most browns. Except there is one brown I can wear, it’s a coolish cocoa rose brown one…

In what color do you feel sexy? Pretty much the same colors I said I wear most. But light-medium only. I don’t really feel sexy more like cute or beautiful but I think that  has to do with my personality.

In what color do you receive the most compliments? Turquoise, aqua, true greens, emerald greens, lime green, blues, pinks, light purple, coral, peach, pastels, clear bright springy colors, and easter colors.

Anya did not want her photos shown on the blog, so you’ll have to use your imagination a bit. Anya is fair-skinned with shoulder-length golden-blonde hair and vibrant green eyes. Anya is a Spring. Anya tends to dress more like a Summer; she gravitates toward those colors. She was definitely on track when she mentioned she stays in the light to medium tones. Also, do you notice anything about her response to the colors she wears the least? They’re all Autumn colors. Anya is an example of a Soft Spring–a warm season, but she does not do as well with the deeper warm colors of Autumn. Anya definitely glows in many of the soft, warm colors that blossom in Spring.

Although you cannot see Anya’s photos, there are some useful tips  to be gleaned here. Just because you feel you may not look good in a certain range of colors does not necessarily mean you should aim for the complete opposite. Sometimes you simply need to go lighter or softer, etc.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Carolyn

Today, Glowing Color features Carolyn from northern California. Carolyn writes,

Greetings color lady,

I am 46 and finally at the point where I am able to pay attention to myself…I have no talent when it involves colors…Here is my problem. I am not photogenic at all and I do not know why. In the photos I really tried to put on makeup correctly. People say I look washed out in photos.

Carolyn’s Q&A:

What color do you wear the most? Seafoam green, light lilac, grey and orange

What color do you wear the least? White

In what color do you feel sexy? I never feel sexy however, I feel most like a girl in seafoam green or maroon.

In what color do you receive the most compliments? Orange/green

Let’s take a look at Carolyn’s photos:

Camera

Camera

Camera

Camera

I can immediately see that Carolyn looks washed out in the first 3 photos where she is wearing cool colors. The last 2 are warm, and her face and eyes come alive a bit more.

Carolyn is an Autumn. She is right to stay away from white, and I would add black to that list. For the colors she wears the most, she should definitely keep the orange, but steer away from seafoam and lilac when worn close to her face (pastels are usually the kiss of death for Autumns), and go deeper in tone with any gray she wears. I have included more detailed color recommendations in her Color Shopping List.

There has been a pause in regular posting due to the arrival of my first baby. I am still working on client color analyses, but the additional posts will be slow until I have more time to post.

The jury’s still out, but it looks like she’s a Winter. :-)

IMG_1905

Taylor Renee Campbell

Hi everyone! Before we begin, I apologize for the wonky spacing format in today’s post. I cannot figure out how to fix it! Gah!

Today, Glowing Color features actress Taylor Renee Campbell from Portland, Oregon (via Los Angeles). Taylor writes:

Hi!

I’ve been reading your blog and I absolutely love what you do! I have been searching for someone to advise me on the ideal hair color for me. I am an actress on brief hiatus and now is the perfect time for me to switch it up if I need to; get new headshots, etc. in time for pilot season.

I just moved home to Portland, Oregon from Los Angeles to build on the fabulous acting scene that is budding here. I work on commercials, television, film, and print. My fiance, friends and I love to pub-crawl, camp (rain or shine!), visit music venues, museums, hunt for natural science projects and art via the dark and absurd (ok maybe that one’s just me, lol)…And generally participate in all the spontaneous fun we can! Most of which includes my vicious but darling Chihuahua, Lilly, who is frequently seen strapped to my chest in a dog harness just like a baby. = )    

Taylor’s Q&A:

What color do you wear the most? Charcoal or black
What color do you wear the least? Bright red
What color do you feel sexy in? Electric blue or forest green
What color do you get the most compliments in? Cream or ivory
Brace yourselves, readers. Taylor is GORGEOUS. My goodness! I don’t think it is possible for her to look bad in any photo. At all. However, it was pretty easy for me to see which season she is. Let’s look at Taylor in cool colors first.
Stunning, yes? If you think that’s something, let’s look at Taylor in warm colors.
I am noticing a distinct glow that gets warmer as we go from yellow to olive green. The last 2 photos especially nail it: Taylor is an Autumn. I think Taylor’s hair is too dark for her Autumn glow. If it were a bit lighter, she would be absolutely radiant. The dark color definitely provides dramatic contrast with her eyes and the colors she wears, but the game would change with a lighter color. Not as light as the ash blondes she wears in the cooler photos, mind you. That blonde washes away her distinct, strong features. I included some ideas for her in her personal Color Shopping List. Taylor’s Q&A gave us a few clues. She wears charcoal or black the most. Charcoal is an excellent color for Autumns, but not black. I bet the black provided a dramatic look with her dark locks, but not the glow she would have otherwise. Same with feeling sexy in electric blue; it provides a dramatic contrast with the dark locks and her clear, green eyes, but no glow. Now forest green on the other hand? Now we’re getting somewhere! Again look how radiant she looks in the last photo with the olive green. These are definitely shades that bring out her glow. She gets the most compliments in cream or ivory, which is understandable when we look at the photo with the pink background. She looks soft and glowing in those cream tones. She wears bright red the least, which is a good move for Autumns. We can find some warmer reds for her to wear. I hope Taylor keeps us updated as she incorporates more Autumn colors in her wardrobe and hair (and of course now is the perfect time for that!) and keep an eye out for her on the silver screen.
See the difference?
If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.
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