It is a pleasure to introduce you to Danielle Raymo. After analyzing her colors several years ago, I have enjoyed observing her slowly introduce Bright Winter colors into her life. Her personality and style are subtle. Wearing bold colors wasn't appealing at first, except with lip color. After learning she was a Bright Winter, she started with the very important first steps of getting rid of the warm tones in her hair, ensuring her favored red lipstick is a bright, cool red and that her clothing basics are in the cooler tones - black, white and cool brown rather than warm brown, khaki or taupe. Her overall appearance is more balanced and she is honoring her natural coloring and her personality. Danielle is a perfect example of a person who looks great in black, loves wearing black and should wear black! And starting from there as a baseline, she can now accent her wardrobe with the brighter colors that will harmonize and enhance rather than feeling garish.
What prompted you to have a color analysis?
First came the class, then came the color analysis. I own Rochester Brainery, which is a community classroom and event space in Rochester, NY. Kerry reached out about teaching a class through Rochester Brainery on personal color analysis. I thought it sounded like such an interesting topic, so we booked a class. It was intriguing but after attending the class myself I was hooked.
How has it changed your life?
I love shopping, but was in a bad habit of purchasing items that a week later I just didn't feel were right. It turns out, most of those clothes weren't Bright Winter colors, and turned out not to really be my style either. They were trendy, yes, but not really me. It's really changed the way I shop.
In what ways has it changed the way you approach your business?
I wouldn't say it's changed the way I've approached my business as a whole, however I often take a look at the apparel my business and other businesses offer. With the exception of black or a true white, most businesses don't choose Bright Winter colors for their apparel. They keep it safe - heather grays, muted colors, gold accents. The next time I have to order apparel I'll be keeping an eye on what's available in my seasonal tones.
What has been the biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been color. Many of my favorite retailers aren't making clothes in Bright Winter colors, so I default to purchasing those styles in black and white. To be fair, my closet has always been 50% black and white, however I would love to explore a more colorful wardrobe.
Any interesting things happen while you are wearing your colors?
One funny thing has always been thinking back to my prom dress junior year. That was almost 20 years ago but it's probably the most bright winter dress I've ever worn. It was a jewel toned, shiny, coral color. I remember putting it on and my Mom saying "wow, that is your color". To this day, we still reference the color of that dress. I think that's just an example of how the right colors can really make lasting impressions.
What was the biggest surprise?
Initially I was shocked I was a Bright Winter. They're colors I don't naturally gravitate to as someone with a more classic style - I usually go for black and white. But there were signs along the way that totally made sense once Kerry determined I was a Bright Winter. While it has its challenges, things also started to make sense fashion-wise.
Tell me about your favorite color in your palette.
Red. I have always loved a bright, dramatic red lip and what an excuse to wear one on the daily.
Tell me about your closet.
My closet right now is full of classic basics, and I don't intend for that to change too much. I love pieces that all fit together easily, like a capsule. I did a lot of closet cleaning out before COVID-19, and haven't repurchased much yet. But I'm excited for the day we can go out to dinner again and attend events and I have a reason to replenish in color.
Danielle founded Rochester Brainery in the Neighborhood of the Arts in Rochester, NY in 2013. This community classroom offers classes on a variety of topics from local authors, actors, artists, chefs, graphic designers, distillers, and more. The unique space is also an event space and houses a carefully curated selection of Made in Rochester items for sale.
If you would like to continue reading about the Bright Winter journey, please check out the 2020 featured Bright Winter, Gail Ferraioli.
photo credit: Rachel Liz Photography
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I am filled with joy and gratitude in introducing you to my pathfinder, friend and colleague in embracing simplicity and harmony in our surroundings - Personal Space Visionary and founder of Wylde Grace Studio, Lyn Nene.
I was transformed when I first learned some simple practices about the ancient art of Feng Shui from Lyn decades ago. We instantly connected that our homes are an extension of ourselves and the significance of color and simplicity in the clothing and spaces that surround us. I have enjoyed sharing the journey with Lyn in getting to the essence of the services we offer our clients, transforming ourselves and our businesses.
We agree that your personal space is the next level of expressing a harmonious balanced and simplified life and are introducing a special package “Color Me Clutter Free in the Bedroom” for Indigo Tones clients combining a personal color analysis with a personal space consultation using Lyn’s unique and modernized Feng Shui principals.
Read more about how Lyn’s life has brightened, her work has evolved and her business has grown after discovering her bright spring colors in this month’s colorful lives blog.
I observed grace under pressure in a high pitched environment when I met this month’s Bright Winter feature: Cindy Christi at the United States National Pageant several years ago. As founder of Cindy Christi TV, Cindy helps CEO’s, Speakers, Best Selling Authors, On-Air Personalities and Pageant Contestants fall in love with their brand voice, so they can step into the spotlight and lead their legacy with confidence, clarity and ease.
Our roles at the pageant were aligned in helping the contestants and National Titleholders shine on stage and throughout their reign. Cindy’s professionalism and ease in front of the camera and steadying presence onstage set the tone for contestants and the pageant as a whole.
I noticed how she stood out in some of the bright clothing she wore and offered to determine which bright colors were her best; Bright Winter? Bright Spring?
It was clear right away that she was a Bright Winter when I started draping her. Wow! She truly lights up the room in the right pops of color.
Learn more about Cindy’s color-filled journey and how applying her perfect shades elevates her brand, business and homelife in this month’s Colorful Lives blog.
The past year I had the fortune to get to know an amazing couple who uniquely embraced growth through color and brought much inspiration to me personally and professionally. They worked as a team with me to modify their wardrobes, redo their closet and bring all they learned during their color consultation into other aspects of their lives.
In October, I introduced you to Warm Autumn, Erin Sirianni and now it is my pleasure for you to meet her Cool Winter husband, Danny. While Danny's coloring is dark and cool, his personality is warm and open. As a Realtor and business owner of Sirianni Realty, he understands that real estate decisions are made visually and viscerally. He saw immediately the value in wearing flattering and harmonious colors and promptly incorporated it into his approach to his business.
Read more about his journey in this month's colorful lives blog.
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