Color Coordination

Choosing colors that are good for you can be a strenuous task. But it’s very important that we have an understanding of color theory because it can help you to match colors in your closet, coordinate you clothes to create stylish outfits for every mood and occasion, and choose colors that flatter you skin tone.

There are a few basic tips when shopping for colors that match well with your skin tone.

• Build your wardrobe around neutral colors that can be dressed up or down, and can be easily used season after season.
  
• When choosing colors always go 3x’s darker or lighter. Meaning that if you have a fair skin tone, don’t choose colors that are pale and will wash you out. If you have a darker skin tone, light colors will give you more of a contrast. Dark colors on someone who has a darker complexion will be more subtle.

As I mentioned earlier we want to be able to create stylish outfits for every mood and occasion so choose colors that creates emotions. You are probably wondering what I mean by that. Warm colors, such as magenta, red, orange, yellow, and greenish-yellow are stimulating colors that motivate energy and excitement. Cool colors, such as shades of purple, blue, turquoise and green usually cause people to feel more calm and relaxed. These two pictures of Beyonce are prefect example of the warm vs. cool colors. The colors that she is wearing on the left are warm colors which create more excitement, which goes perfect with the mood, because it looks like she is performing. The cool colors on the right that she is sporting are more welcoming, these are colors you would want to gravitate to when going on a date.

Going back to the basics, we remember from elementary school that our primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. To put a different spin on these colors and get a different look, you can use complementary colors. These colors can be added to give you more of an intense look. Notice the color wheel here. You can always know what the complementary color is, because it’s directly across from the primary color.
Red’s complementary color is green
Blue’s complementary color is orange
Yellow’s complementary color is purple

Complementary colors command attention. So if you are looking for a mellower or blend in with the crowd look, maybe an office party you would want to stay away from these colors.

At the end of the day do what works for you. If you have confidence to boldly embrace color, go ahead and wear large amounts of bright color such as tropical colors. If not, stick with what you are comfortable in. If you want to incorporate small amounts of color you can do so by layering a bright color under a more neutral base color or have basic colors with colored accessories for that pop of color.

What to Wear: Swimsuits

Summer marks the time for pool parties and vacations. So what are you going to wear to the pool or beach this year. Here are some tips/options for every shape:

Pear/Apple Shapes

• Look for swimwear that gives you a leaner look. Those with vertical stripes or side shirring are great options.
• Choose a suit that draws the eye upward with an attention-grabbing neckline or brightly colored top.
• Do consider a flirty skirt. Skirted suits that smoothly graze the thigh are very slimming.
• Certain patterns, such as bold prints, can act as camouflage. They keep the eyes moving, distracting them from areas you don’t want to emphasize.
• Stay away from flimsy fabrics that don’t offer any hip or thigh control. Look to spandex or Lycra-blended materials for adequate support.

• Look for swimsuits that offer full coverage in the rear. They won’t cut into your derriere and accentuate fleshiness.

• Feel free to play with color. You don’t have to limit yourself to dark hues, but realize that brights and patterns can make your backside appear larger. If you like vibrant color, stick to one hue from top to bottom

Full Figure

Look for suits that have hidden control panels and a high percentage of Lycra. Many innovative fabrics can shrink your stomach and make you look up to two sizes smaller.

If you have a lot of curves and you want to show them off, look for a fitted, waist-defining swimsuit that will accentuate your hour-glass figure

Choose a swimsuit with a high cut leg to accentuate the natural curves of your hips.

Try a long tankini top in a bright color paired with a more subdued bottom with a high cut leg.

Slender/Athletic
Well aren't you the fortunate one. You can wear just about any style you want. But here are some tips for full/small bust:

Full bust:

Support is a must. Whether you want one- or two-piece suits, choose one that has sturdy straps, gives full coverage at the armholes, and has an underwire or a built-in bra for added security.

Often your cup size, not your clothing size, determines a great fit in swimwear, so you may have to go up a size or two to find one that suits you

A hidden underwire is best for providing bra-style support, but it will also maximize the appearance of your breasts.

A halter top, with its thick straps, will lift and support the weight of your breasts for a flattering look

If you would like to minimize the appearance of your breasts, a bandeau-style top, an adjustable top, or a top with wide-set straps will separate your breasts and make them appear smaller

Try to avoid connected triangle tops that do not offer the right amount of support or coverage.

Small Bust:

Try a connected bikini top or a top with removable breast padding for a the supportive, maximizing effect

Bikini tops with triangle or other shaped cups tend to create curves

Avoid bandeau-style bikini tops, adjustable bikini tops (any top where the cups are not connected) or tube-style swimsuits, as these styles tend to diminish curves.

What to Wear: Body Types

One problem many women have with shopping is not knowing what to shop for. Well I'm here to offer some assistance. The first step is to recognize what body shape you have. There are 4 basic body shapes:

Pear

Slender in the upper body with full hips, thighs, and bottom

Apple

Broad shoulder, full breast and tummy, with a small waist line

Hourglass

Curvy with full breast, hip, butt, with a small waistline and slender legs

Slender/Athletic

Slim all around-small breast, hips, butt, and waist

Full Figure


Curvy all over-broad shoulders, large breast, wide waist, and full hips, butt and thighs

In the weeks to follow I will give outfits and tips for each body type. STAY TUNED!!