When I meet someone new and share that I am a personal color analyst, they usually assume that I am really into fashion. While I enjoy shopping and love creating outfits in my colors and style, the biggest motivator for me in learning my own colors and starting a personal color analysis business was to simplify and to help others to do the same. Before I knew what colors worked for me, I was constantly buying more clothing in order to fill a void I did not realize I had. I felt overwhelmed by the waste in my closet and in my wallet from purchasing things that did not work for me. I felt wasteful and unfocused and never felt confident getting dressed.
The fashion industry has a disastrous impact on the environment. In fact, it is the second largest polluter in the world, after the oil industry. And the environmental damage is increasing as the industry grows. Clothing has become disposable. As a result, we generate more and more textile waste. A family in the western world throws away an average of 66 lbs of clothing each year. Only 15% is recycled or donated, and the rest goes directly to the landfill or is incinerated. (To learn more how fashion trends, production materials, manufacturing methods and policies affect our environment check out Sustain Your Style).
My clients tell me they have closets full of clothing but nothing they feel like wearing. They keep buying to find things that work with clothes they do not like that much anyway. Most of us have at least a few items that are comfortable, fit well, look flattering and we enjoy wearing. They get worn repeatedly. Imagine the impact on your life and the environment if everything in your closet was one of those! Consider a capsule wardrobe or eco wardrobe that consists of classic clothing items that you can wear interchangeably to create versatile looks with just a few key pieces.
Purchasing colors and styles that work means less waste, less money spent, less need for more, more, more! Having a closet in color harmony allows you to create infinite number of outfits and looks with far fewer pieces. The likelihood that you will be happier wearing them is increased and the need to buy more is reduced.
Shopping our own closets is a great way to start! I am always amazed to hear that once someone knows their colors and their style, they often find things in their closets that really work well together. And nothing is more freeing than letting go of something that doesn’t work. Psychologically it is easier for us to let go of something when we know it will be a better fit for someone else.
Fortunately second hand shopping has become a mainstay and nearly every town has a consignment boutique or a charitable resale store. At Indigo Tones, I offer new and gently worn clothing in all colors and styles categorized by season. It feels great to know that I am reducing waste while helping someone find the right look! I love that we can Go Green every time we step in the closet! Regardless of your season, GREEN is EVERYONE’S COLOR!
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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.
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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