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It has been a whirlwind since Soft Summer Kara came to a class I taught on the science involved in Personal Color Analysis this past spring. She immediately booked a color consultation and hit the ground running with a concerted effort to create a professional wardrobe in spite of unique challenges.
Kara is the Director of Security Strategic Initiatives for a large financial institution and needs to dress in a more neutral, reserved and traditional way.
Much of the more structured, detailed classic attire in her industry is too overwhelming for her petite frame and preferred natural style. She wanted to stay within a budget but was willing to invest in the initial color analysis consultation, a capsule wardrobe package and a personal shopping trip with me.
Read more about her strategic approach to getting her wardrobe updated to suit her soft coloring, profession, natural style and petite shape.
What prompted you to have a color analysis?
I was in an absolute panic. I started a new position before Covid and had my first work trip coming up. After two years in sweatpants, I had no idea what I was going to wear. I hated shopping and defaulted to black frumpy clothes because that was my image of what I was supposed to wear in the corporate world. I always felt like I was playing dress up in someone else’s closet and I felt like a fake. 
How has it changed your life?
Fate intervened when I attended an information session at the local library and met Kerry. She was so warm and energetic and I was impressed with the extent of her knowledge and how much research she had put into understanding color and style. I am also happy that her line of cosmetics is cruelty free and made here in the US.
I also decided to do the Capsule Wardrobe Package with Andrea Bonawitz. She helped me figure out my body shape and showed me the styles that would flatter my frame, and the keywords to look for when shopping on-line. Who knew something as simple as tucking a shirt in could drastically change the way an outfit looks? We also went over how to pack for a work trip, and I’m happy to say I was able to fit a full week of work clothes into a carry-on with room to spare!
In what ways has it changed the way you approach shopping?
In the past I would “panic buy” before a work trip because I hated everything in my closet and felt like nothing matched. I’m embarrassed at the number of things in my closet that still have the tags on them!! I reached out to Kerry for a little extra help on how to actually shop and pull outfits together and I am so glad I did!
I suggested we meet at Goodwill for 2 reasons. 1- I wanted a wide range of colors and styles to look at and try on, and 2- I didn’t want to break the bank shopping. It was hard to break out of my old habits, but I decided to trust Kerry and at least try on the things she suggested and WOW!!!!! I ended up buying 40 items and only spent $225!!
After shopping with Kerry, I finally had clothes that were appropriate for the corporate environment and fit my frame and style perfectly.
It was exciting to see Kara's eyes light up when she saw herself in more fitted feminine styles, rather than the boxy, bulky more masculine things she was used to gravitating to. That day, I left Goodwill and went to Marshalls to make a return. The first thing that caught my eye was the perfect dress for Kara. Now that I knew her perfect colors and style and shape I was certain this blue dress with a little cap sleeve and a fitted waistline for $12 would be perfect for her and it was. She loved it!
What has been the biggest challenge?
Getting the red tones out of my hair. I always thought red would make my eyes pop more, but after seeing myself in pictures, I realize how brassy it looks. While wearing a shirt in my color pallet I pulled my hair into a ponytail and was amazed at how much brighter my eyes looked!
What has been the biggest success?
I used to hide behind my keyboard and never talked in meetings. It was to the point I would rather instant message the person next to me instead of speaking up. On this trip I felt so confident I took a seat in the middle of the table and actively participated!
I fully attribute my success at a week of workshops to feeling confident in my clothes!
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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 as well as her personal color journey in this month's blog:
What fun to introduce the incredibly colorful Bright Spring, Natalie Rae Dickerson! I met Natalie when she was in the process of taking over the fabulous fine clothing store, Panache Consignment from my client and colleague Joan Lincoln. Meeting Natalie was like a burst of fresh air. She radiated warmth and vibrancy and was very game to learn more about what colors would be ideal for her. It was no surprise that she absolutely popped in the bright colors and that she jumped right in head first into wearing them. Every time I pop in to the shop, she is shining in some new combination of her colors. She redesigned the store to be organized by color and I find it so easy to find colors for myself and my clients. Read more about her international journey in the world of fashion and color 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.
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