Jo

Hi everyone! I apologize for the absence. Shortly after my last post I found out I am pregnant and the entire first trimester made me its bitch. There is just no more eloquent way to put that. That’s actual and factual. But I am feeling better and have returned! I have several posts planned, including Spring-specific posts on which I need to catch up.

Today I am featuring the gorgeous Jo from Scotland! Jo wrote:

Hello

I have just come across your website while trying to find some advice on what shade I should colour my hair. I am a natural blonde, although it has darkened over the years, and I am very pale.

I have tried several different hair colours over the years (mainly blondes – based on the opinions of hairdressers, make up artists and friends/family mainly) yet I still don’t feel like I have ever found the right shade for me.

I also struggle to find clothes that suit me and people always say I look tired, so I really think I could benefit from your expertise

Here is Jo’s Q&A:

What color do you wear the most? Probably black.

What color do you wear the least? Brown.

What color do you feel sexy in? Black, but probably because it flatters the figure more than anything else.

What color do you get the most compliments in? Pastel colours-lemon, lilac, baby blue, etc…

Now let’s take a look at Jo’s photos; cool colors first.

As you can tell from these photos (and Jo’s interview) she mainly wears cool colors. I see a range of things in these photos. In the white-based tops, Jo does not look bad, but the colors are just sitting on her. In black, cobalt blue, pure red, and light/bright purple, Jo looks washed out. Hmm, what about Jo in warmer colors?

And then….the heavens opened and the angels sang. Do you see the difference?? This dusty pumpkin color is marvelous on Jo. So she’s definitely warm. Since she’s a blonde, shouldn’t that automatically make her a Spring?

NEIN.

Jo is actually an Autumn, what is commonly referred to as a Soft Autumn (due to her light hair). Jo has the darker features that put her firmly in Autumn. Being a Soft Autumn is extremely versatile because you can wear a lot of the deeper colors Autumns love while still being able to wear some of the softer colors Springs love.

Jo’s photos fit her original inquiry where she mentioned that people tell her she looks tired. If Jo mainly is wearing cool colors that wash her out, she can end up looking too pale, sick, or tired. She wears brown the least, but a few items in different shades of brown; light, rich, and dark would look gorgeous on her. She admits she gravitates toward black because it flatters the figure (which is what a lot of people do), but once she branches out into the warmer tones, she will be much happier.

Regarding hair color, you can see in the photos where Jo’s hair is lighter or darker. She has colored her hair mostly in the lighter blondes and some darker ashier blondes while trying to get back to her natural color. A lot of these lighter blondes are also washing her out. Jo would definitely glow in some honey blonde to strawberry blonde shades, or if she wants to go darker, a rich warm brown would work (I included more details in her customized color shopping list). I suspect the compliments on pastel colors she was getting was more about the contrast with her light blonde hair, which is a common thing for people’s eyes to be drawn to.

Jo, get out there and add some Autumn colors to your wardrobe! I think you will notice an immediate difference.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Golden Globes 2012

Hi guys, I’m back! I’m here with the Right and Wrong from this year’s Golden Globes. Some women hit it right on target, color-wise, some were dead wrong, and some were right AND wrong. Let’s jump in.

Right

Nicole Kidman is pitch-perfect here. For those who don’t know, Nicole was a natural red-head as a child, then her hair naturally lightened to blonde as she got older. Nicole Kidman is a Spring, and she has everything in place here. Light hair (even if it’s dyed, it’s still light and warm), ivory gown with golden accents…homegirl is straight winning here.

Rooney Mara is a Winter. Although her hair is not naturally this dark (it is a rich brunette color), it works on her. Only Winters can get away with and glow going black like this. This combined with the all-black sleek gown is a winner for Rooney.

Though Dianna Argon is a blonde, it is a dark & dirty blonde which along with her coloring, makes her an Autumn. She is wearing an almost perfect shade of red for warmer skin tones. The lacy cutout designs throughout the gown show her skin and give the dress an even warmer effect. Gone head, boo. We see you.

Viola Davis is an Autumn, and Autumns stun in deeper shades of red to burgundy. Viola’s chocolate skin is radiant here.

Mary J. Blige is an Autumn; more specifically a Soft Autumn (meaning she can share some of the colors that Springs should normally wear). Even though the styling of this dress isn’t quite executed as nicely as I would have hoped (toward the bottom, the gown looks like murdered and bleached fry kids), the rose-gold color is still lovely on her golden bronze skin. I would have loved it if she went with gold jewelry and toned down the harsh highlights, but luckily it did not detract from her overall look.

Wrong

First things first. Emma Stone is a natural blonde. Further, Emma Stone is a Summer. That means everything about this ensemble is wrong for her (for glow purposes). She needs something lighter and cooler-toned. This dress is to “heavy” for her. Now, the overall picture is pleasing to our eyes because we are looking at the actual colors contrasting from her hair and the dress and that DOES provide a pleasing effect. However, if we look at her face (notice how you’re not drawn to her face, mainly the COLORS of her hair and dress), you can see that she looks way too pale and faded in this dress.

Red is a tricky color for blondes. Generally, reds look best on the “darker” seasons of Autumn and Winter. Reds work for blondes when the blonde is a Spring, and then it has to be precisely the right red (red accents are stunning on Springs). Reese Witherspoon, however, is a Summer. Summers do not glow in any shade of red whatsoever. Reese does not look bad, but this gorgeous red dress is just sitting on her, being a leech. With a powerful color like red, you have to wear the red and not the other way around (which happens way too often).

Sarah Michelle Gellar is an Autumn. Everything about this is wrong. She sure looks happy about wearing it though. Moving on.

Charlize Theron’s darker coloring and naturally dark-blonde hair make her an Autumn. The dyed hair (highlights) she has here are too cool for her tone. The dress is both too light and too cool for her skin, and the styling just generally gives off a look of hot mess.

Natalie Portman is an Autumn, so this screaming fuchsia dress is an instant NO. She’d have been better off with the entire gown in that deep red (the accent color at the top of the gown) and having the accent fuchsia.

Right and Wrong

Angelina rarely gets it completely right with her colors. She usually looks washed out to hell for red carpets. Angelina is an Autumn, which means the cream dress is kind of right. But though some Autumns can wear cream beautifully, for other Autumns cream is just too light to sufficiently warm them up. Angelina is still looking like an ice queen here. Now, she doesn’t look bad to me. I love the look and the contrast; it is just that these colors do not warm her up and bring out her glow at all. If the dress had more of a golden tone, and the red was either a bit warmer or deeper, she’d have had that glow.

Lea Michele is a Winter, so she has the color right. I think the sheer cutout of the top of the dress is making the whole effect “warmer” than it should be, so she is not glowing as she should with a metallic silver. I also think she should have worn her hair down and gotten better make-up done; particularly her lip color which is reading way too warm for her.

Zooey Deschanel is a Winter, so overall, she looks good here. I have issues with her bangs and makeup, but whatevs. The main negative here is though the lemon-lime green at the top of her dress is a striking contrast, it is too light and too warm for her skin, so it ends up almost overshadowing the black and washing her out a bit.

Michelle Williams is not a natural blonde, in case you didn’t know. Her natural hair color is brown, and she is an Autumn. Technically, the color is just about right. Navy looks wonderful on Autumns here. I think there are a few things detracting from her overall look: Her hair color is a bit too light for such a dark blue (though it has golden tones which Autumns should aim for when coloring their hair), and the style of the dress is in frumpy frock territory (I’m sure the velvet doesn’t help the cut of the dress at all either).

Madonna’s natural hair color is a rich brunette and she is an Autumn. This is…an interesting dress. The midnight emerald shimmer of the bottom of the gown is perfect for an Autumn. The silver up top, not so much. It does make for a striking contrast though. If it was a subdued gold color instead of silver, this would have really brought out her glow (along with her darker hair color).

Paula Patton is an autumn, which usually clears the way for yellow to come glow it up. However, this yellow is more of the electric-yellow that Springs wear and glow in. So close though.

That wraps up this year’s Golden Globes red carpet review at Glowing Color. If I missed your favorite celebrity, let me know in the comments!

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn Colors/Patterns: Leopard Print!

I entered a giveaway for a leopard-print rug and won a couple of weeks ago, which inspired me to do a leopard-print post while it’s still technically autumn.

I love, love, love leopard-print. Some say it’s trendy, but most agree it’s a classic. Sure, there are several ways to tacky it up with leopard, but done right it’s cozy, sensual, sassy, and glamorous.

Leopard-print is perfect for autumns (and even springs). Use this print however you want, just don’t do too much. If you’re wearing a top, temper the bottom with a solid basic color and vice versa. Same if you’re doing a leopard coat. For summers and winters who want in on the leopard action, keep it to an accent piece–a clutch, or pumps or booties. I have seen leopard print work with other patterns, various colors but you have to be confident and have a keen eye to pull it off. I love a bold red lip with leopard but I also love plum or blue with leopard as well.

Leopard-print is also a warm, cozy addition to your home in the colder months. Toss in some pillows, a throw, a rug, etc. Enjoy!

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn Colors-Orange

Orange is one of my favorite colors to wear. If worn right, it gets you all the right attention and warmer-toned women glow beautifully in all tones of this color. I read somewhere that orange is one of the harder colors to wear, but I guarantee you most of that comes from the paler or cooler-toned women. It does tend to make cooler-toned women look zombified. The good news for cooler-toned women who want to wear orange is that orange pairs beautifully with a lot of cool colors. Try color-blocking but always keep the orange on the bottom, in a skirt for example. For warmer-toned women, just ball out of control with orange; you can do no wrong here.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn All-Stars: Mariah Carey

On any given day you can catch me yell-singing a Mariah Carey song (well, anything through Emancipation of Mimi; I haven’t kept up after that album). Remember her early years with her coppery curls? I wish she’d go back to her natural color and hire a stylist. Suits her so much better than these ashy blondes she’s been doing. Anyhoo, let’s look at Mimikins in cooler colors first:

Ick, right? Mariah in warmer colors:

May-hay-haaaay-jor difference! The day Mariah goes back to her natural hair color, incorporates these warmer colors more often and some style and starts bringing it on her albums again, is the day she stunts on everyone. I still love her though, always. Mariah is an Autumn All-Star. *hits high note*

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn Colors-Chocolate Brown

Chocolate brown is such a cozy color when done right. When done wrong, it can look blah as hell, but the key is to either get some sheen or some kind of texture going–sequins, iridescence, cable-knit, etc. Autumns look washed out in black, or the black just sits on them but brown gets such a bad rap they hesitate to turn toward it. Start incorporating more brown into your wardrobe and thank me later! It really softens up your look. Another hint would be for Autumns (and Springs!) to try brown eyeliner and/or mascara instead of black. I did this and was amazed at the difference. Black eyeliner always made me look undead, but brown brought out the fiiiiiierce.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn Colors-Gold

Gold is just…sexy. Diva type ish. Sparkly. Regal. Etc. Gold is a color that shines in Autumn, and for special events and holidays. Autumn (and Spring) women should snatch this up however they can. It can make a subtle statement or a big impact on your overall look depending on what piece you wear in gold. Indulge.

Autumns and Springs, if you don’t want to wear gold in your clothing, invest in some nice gold eyeshadow. A subtle glimmer or full-on glow is your choice. Or try gold earrings, hoops being the classic here. You’d be surprised how that little touch can warm up your entire look.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn All-Stars: Julianne Moore

Today I am featuring the lovely, talented, redheaded actress Julianne Moore.

True redheads will always fall under Autumn. That’s why it’s easy for me at times to tell who is not a natural redhead, but a natural blonde because blondes can’t be Autumns. It is a bit more difficult for brunettes who go red, as they can be Autumns too, but I can still see it. Julianne is a natural redhead and thus, a true Autumn. Let’s look at her in cooler colors first.

Mmhmm. See how she looks like chalky white death in black, white, and silver? The jewel-toned fuchsia and green look vibrant contrasting against her skin and hair, but keep in mind we are looking for flow. Not separate colors that our eyes bounce around trying to keep up with it all. The jewel tones are doing nothing for her. In the fuchsia, you can see how the gold part of the dress is melding with her look while the fuchsia is just screaming for the paparazzi to look over here, bitches!

Let’s look at Julianne in warmer colors now.

Now we’re talking. See how much more vibrant and warm she looks? Notice the difference in the hunter green here compared to the kelly green above in the cool colors? Even in the warm red photo, the lights are washing her out (you can tell by the gigantic shadow behind her), but this red flows with her entire look. And the burgundy-garnet red for the last photo? Stunning. She could not achieve this glow with a pure, primary red but the warm tomato-red and the garnet are beautiful on her.

This concludes today’s Autumn All-Star session

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn Colors: Charcoal Gray

Gray can either be cool or warm. The silvery grays, blue-grays, stone grays, and light-to-medium heather grays are cool. The greiges (gray + beige) and deep charcoal grays are warm. For Autumn, let’s focus on charcoal gray.

A lot of women who are Autumns are disappointed when I tell them no black. Charcoal gray is an excellent alternative to still give you the dark drama that black brings, but with a warm undertone. Charcoal gray paired with gold jewelry is especially delicious-looking; it’s actually one of my favorite color combinations. Very sexy.

Springs might find charcoal gray a bit too dark for them, and can look more toward the greiges to bring the warm gray that they’re looking for.

Winters and Summers should avoid this color. I normally would recommend accessories in this color for women “out of season”, but for charcoal gray, this really won’t do much for cooler skin tones even in accessories. I suppose you could go for a charcoal gray cable-knit blanket, or incorporate it into your home somehow as it is a pretty cozy color for the colder months. But for accessories, cooler-hued women have so many other options out there that it would be a waste to try to force charcoal gray.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.

Autumn Yellow

Yellow brings out the glow in warmer-toned people. Pale, banana, electric, lemon, and other light & bright yellows are best suited for Springs. The deeper, vibrant, muted, and other mustardy yellows are where Autumns shine. Since we are now officially in the Autumn season, I wanted to kick it off by focusing on an Autumn color star. These yellows are one of the first ways for me to tell if someone has a warm skin tone. If you are an Autumn (some Springs can shine in these as well), definitely keep an eye out for this color in stores, to incorporate into your wardrobe.

If you would like me to do a color analysis for you (includes blog feature with pictures and customized color shopping list with your own personal power color) that will bring out your own unique glow, contact me at glowingcolor@gmail.com for rates.