Colorful Lives, Cool Summer Jayne Burmaster

I am pleased to introduce you to Cool Summer, Jayne Burmaster. Jayne is a Design Director providing creative direction and management to contract furnishing clients.  Her specialty is working with product designers from all over the globe to design sophisticated, contemporary, environmentally responsible chairs.

Jayne's meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her life - her gorgeously curated and creative wardrobe, her simple artistic decorating style and the colorful healthy dishes she prepares.  She is the first contact for me when I need creative or design advice. 

In the years since she discovered her Cool Summer coloring, I have enjoyed watching her diligently switch her wardrobe over.  She is passionate and exacting.  Jayne has taken her enthusiasm to a new level by dying her favorite pieces to the best colors using RIT dye.  Jayne's design sense and knowledge about color have helped her to choose the perfect dyes and right textures and fabrics to make this process a success.  

What prompted you to have a color analysis?

I heard from my friends who had a color analysis with Kerry how much they enjoyed discovering what colors brought out the best in their appearance and why. They completely enjoyed the process and not only how their wardrobe could be improved, but how to adjust their hair color and make up to complement their natural coloring. After hearing their excitement, it was on my to do list but it was after I got to know Kerry that I couldn’t wait to try it.

I make color decisions every day in my job as creative director. Fashion and clothing are my passions, so I have to say I thought I had a pretty good idea of what colors look good on me.  I did not expect color analysis would make a big difference for me, but because I knew Kerry, I knew it would be fun and I would learn something new.

How has it changed your life?

I’m not sure where to start! Only 20% of my wardrobe was the right color for me. I’ve always had clothing in my closet that I loved because of the color & style or because that color was currently in style but when I put it on, I didn’t feel good and it went back in the closet. Because they were beautiful quality and styles, I couldn’t part with them.

I didn’t realize wearing the right color for me could make a night and day difference! When I saw first hand what a difference it makes, it became so obvious to me that I can no longer wear any colors that do not work for me.

About 50% of my wardrobe was black or gray. I bought black clothing because It looked great on other people. I think I knew it didn’t look as good on me, but I didn’t know why. When I learned I was a Cool Summer, everything made sense. Knowing why certain pieces of clothing weren't working allowed me to let it go and free up space for the right colors. I no longer buy clothing because I love the color unless it’s a Cool Summer color.  Fortunately I had blues, pinks, grey, and light neutrals that made me look and feel good. All the black had to go.

In what ways has it changed the way you approach your business?

As Director of Design for a contract seating manufacturer, I am responsible for choosing color palettes for wood, plastic, metal, and laminate finishes for chairs. The color analysis at Indigo Tones provided me with enriched information on creating harmonious color palettes for the furniture lines. It is not only important to have colors that are on trend, but all the colors in the color palettes working together, will help to sell the chair.

What has been the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge has been replacing the clothing in my closet to better color choices without buying all new clothing. I discovered a fun way to do that by changing the colors of my existing clothing.

Any interesting things happen while you were wearing your colors?

I started to get complements from women and men on days when I was wearing certain colors. They even say “That color looks good on you". It really is obvious! You have to live it to believe it.

What was the biggest surprise?

Before my color analysis I knew I couldn’t wear bright colors. That was no surprise. I thought that meant the more muted the better. What Kerry showed me is that too soft is almost as bad as too bright. Very subtle differences in color and brightness make a huge difference in the way I look and feel.

Tell me about your Closet

Prior to my color analysis, my closet was mostly black and grey. The grey remains and always works, but as soon as I knew better, I had to begin replacing the black with colors in my palette. Buying all new clothing was not an option and I didn’t want to get rid of the favorite styles I had collected over the years.

I discovered there was a way to remove the color from clothing with fabric bleaching products. It doesn’t work on all fabrics, but when it works the results can be amazing. Sometimes the color left after bleaching is beautiful and the right color for me. Other times, I get a lighter color that can be overdyed to a color that works for me. This removing color and redyeing has become a fun hobby of mine thanks to Kerry and color analysis! Over the last two years I have transformed my closet into a wardrobe that is just right for me.

I can’t say enough about my experience with Kerry at Indigo Tones. The session itself was an incredible experience. A close friend of mine did the session with me. I learned not only about how color affects 2 people so differently, but about how are personal style plays a role in how we wear clothing, color, & cosmetics.

Kerry is extremely talented and knowledgeable and teaches in a way that makes it easy to understand and so much fun!!! A color analysis at Indigo Tones is an entertaining and educational experience that leaves you with confidence and tools to use for the rest of your life.

Chair photos compliments of Source International.

Photo credit: John Peters Photography at Rochester Brainery