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Fashion has always been a way for me to express myself. From a young age, I found confidence in putting together outfits that reflected my personality. In high school, I was voted “Most Fashion Forward,” and in college, I spent a summer in Lake Como, Italy, where I absorbed the culture and romantic chic style that shaped my fashion sense for years.
My journey has taken me from the corporate world in Washington, D.C., where my bold fashion choices were considered “too loud,” to Dubai, where I embraced sun-kissed, warm tones. When I transitioned out of hospitality, my style shifted again—this time to a bohemian aesthetic that felt more authentic.
I eventually launched Natalie Rae NY, my handbag and home decor line, collaborating with Hmong women in Vietnam to create vibrant, up-cycled bags. My passion for fashion deepened, and I moved to NYC to grow the brand, attending art festivals and wearing the fabrics that inspired my designs. A signature red lip became my staple, making me instantly recognizable at every event.
In 2020, I returned to my hometown of Rochester and connected with Panache Consignment, where I sold my handbags and eventually modeled for the store. My love for color, fashion, and community naturally led me to host “Good Vibes,” a lifestyle brand focused on positivity, small business support, and, of course, bright colors.
Then, in December 2023, I took over Panache Consignment, renaming it Panache Luxury Consignment by Natalie Rae. Kerry Jones from Indigo Tones had already been collaborating with Panache for years, and I knew I wanted to continue that partnership. Our clients trust us to help them curate their wardrobes, and I wanted to be educated on color analysis to better serve them. So, I had my colors done—and it was no surprise that I’m a Bright Spring! With my love for pink, red, and vibrant hues, it felt like a natural fit.
How Color Analysis Changed My Life
Being immersed in retail and fashion daily, having a color wheel as a guide has made curating my own wardrobe much easier. It has helped me shop with intention, rule out colors that don’t flatter me, and make more confident style choices. It also reaffirmed what I have always loved—bright, happy colors!
Color Analysis & My Business
Now that I understand how color affects the way we look and feel, I encourage customers to embrace shades that complement them. I also recommend they get their colors done to make shopping easier and more enjoyable. Seeing clients light up when they wear colors that enhance their natural beauty is incredibly rewarding.
Challenges & Surprises
One of the biggest challenges has been letting go of beige and warmer tones that I still love. Also, Bright Spring colors are bold and memorable, so re-wearing pieces frequently can feel tricky. Transitioning my entire closet is a process, but I’m giving myself grace and focusing on incorporating my best colors whenever possible.
The biggest surprise?
Realizing how much bright color has always been a part of my life—through fashion, my handbag business, and even the first bag I ever designed, which was a patchwork of vibrant, true Bright Spring hues!
My Favorite Colors & Closet
My go-to shades? Pink and red for sure! These colors make me feel happy, and as it turns out, they make me look my best, too!! My closet reflects my personality—dramatic, bold, with an artistic twist.
Fashion has always been my way of showing up in the world, and now, thanks to color analysis, I can do so with even more confidence and intention. Bright Spring is more than just my palette—it’s a reflection of my vibrant, colorful journey.
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I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend, colleague and dreamwork mentor, Warm Spring Kristina Hutch Matthews. Kristina is an artist, writer, animal lover, healing arts practitioner and so much more! Her mother is also an accomplished and prolific artist and together they run the Penfield Arts Center.
We immediately clicked when we met and I was excited to give her a color analysis given her natural talent for all things aesthetic. I wasn't surprised to see her closet immediately following the analysis was filled with muted colors. That is typical these days, especially for those with a creative style. But, I was shocked to see her closet a few months ago. She has completely transformed it from the dusty colors of the past to lighter and brighter colors focused especially on the warmth of Warm Spring. She has learned that the golden browns of her hair and eyes work perfectly as neutrals replacing blacks and grays.
Over the years, I have utilized many personal development tools but it was Kristina's dreamwork class that has given me the most incredible AHA moments. I thought the class would be fun and interesting and help me understand why I saw a whale or something like that but dreamwork is so much more!! Kristina has a talent for giving feedback and fresh insight into a situation that may be challenging or lingering from the past. My understanding of how to remember and process dreams has truly been life changing and transformative. Kristina has brought so much color into my life! Read more about her journey with her artistry and healing practices in this month's blog:
It is a thrill to introduce you to Bright Winter, Bianca Calascibetta founder of UCO, a creative marketing firm. When she enthusiastically called me to schedule a color analysis after seeing another client of mine looking pulled together, I knew I had to get her in for a consultation asap. Her excitement was infectious and it only increased when she saw herself in her colors and out of the drab bronzers and muddy cosmetics she had been wearing. Her BRIGHT personality and dramatic but romantic style suited the bold, saturated colors. When I had the pleasure of helping her edit her closet, I could see that she was used to toning herself down with dull colors so that she didn't stand out. How refreshing to see her in colors and styles that suit her personality and coloring. The affect is harmonious and draws you in. Learn more about her experience and unique insights in this month's blog.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to this month’s Dark Winter feature, eyebrow, skincare and permanent hair removal expert, Gia Pauldine. Gia was one of my first clients when I started my color analysis business nearly 20 years ago. It was around that time that she also founded her business, Restoration Electrolysis, LLC.
Gia was easy to analyze. Her deep brown hair worked well with black and dark brown neutrals that were then and still are so easy to shop for. A few pops of rich reds, deep greens and purples and she was good to go for many years. When she decided to go gray more recently and wondered how to incorporate it with her clothing choices, we had the pleasure of reconnecting and working on her wardrobe and closet. I was amazed at how gorgeous her skin looked and she introduced me to some of the skin revitalization services she offers now including light therapy. Learn more about her unique, wholistic eyebrow makeovers and skincare maintenance to the process she went through in letting her hair go naturally from a dark brown to a multi-hued gray and how it impacted her clothing choices.
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