Transitional Key Pieces for Spring 2014

Zara

Dressing in spring can be tricky, is it time to pack away the coats and bring out your summer favourites? Transitional pieces are the perfect solution for when the weather is less than predictable! These pieces help you to be prepared for a whole range of weather possibilities, from warm to suddenly cool, or sunny to a sudden downpour!

One of the most versatile fashion pieces this spring is the statement sweatshirt. It’s not as heavy as a knit and not as light as a T-shirt. It’s perfect to snazz up a pair of jeans with some heels or you can wear it with a skirt (pencil, A-line, full and mini). Mixing this sports-luxe look of the season with the ladylike trend creates a nice ‘relaxed-feminine’ look.  It is the perfect top to see you through from an early spring chill to a summer cover up.

Topshop

The new look slouchy trench coat will look chic as well as keeping you dry in unexpected rainfalls and cooler evenings. It is less structured than the traditional trench so it is better suited to milder weather when you want lighter layering and more breathable fabrics. Wearing it open and loose as if you have thrown it on at the last minute will look effortlessly chic.

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Neat ankle boots are the ideal, versatile footwear for ‘in-between weather’. They will work for both rainy and sunnier spring days too. In milder weather, team them with sheer or light opaque tights (because the legs aren’t quite ready to go bare yet) and a skirt with layered tops. If you buy a really smart pair they will be acceptable for work (depending on the company and sector, of course) and you will be spot on trend too.

Find the best transitional key pieces for you this season with a Style Update.

Identify your skin tone

Colours are for everyone!

We all look different and consequently look better in some colours more than others. How do you know which colours look best? Along with your hair and eye colour, your skin colour and skin tone (coolness, warmth and depth in colour) will dictate which colours suit you.  The personality of the individual is also a big influence on colour choices, of course, but you can’t deny that there are some colours you instinctively know make you look either utterly amazing or truly awful.  Certain shades will complement not just the colour but the tone of your skin wonderfully, and others will make your skin look dull and even cast shadows on your face.  Also, you need to consider that the texture of your skin changes over the years which means the colour and tone will change slightly too.

We have just launched a new book called, Colour Me Beautiful (Hamlyn) and the expanded colour section now provides a range of colour profiles for women of all skin tones including Caucasian, Asian, Black or Oriental. Understanding your dominant colouring and knowing your skin tone is the same as knowing you have a high or short waist, a long or short neck or small or large bust; once you really understand what your individual characterstics are you can make better choices in your clothing and make-up.


Consider the people you know and imagine grouping together those with blonde hair, those with freckles, those with dark skin, and so on. Within those

groups, each individual will have a different eye colour and skin tone and will suit different shades of colours.  When you think of a simple pair of tights in a ‘nude’ shade, what is YOUR nude won’t be a “nude” for your friend who might be Spanish, Caribbean, Chinese or Swedish. So, it was very clever of Mr.Louboutin to create a range of shoes in five nude shades to cater for a variety of skin tones. Many stores now sell a range of ‘invisible’ skin tone hosiery, available in different shades for women with fair, medium and dark skin.  Just the same as clothing sizes and body shapes, one ‘nude’ does not fit all.

So, it is a simple fact that we are all a combination of different hair, eye and skin colourings and within that we all have different skin tones. And thank goodness! How uninspiring it would be if we all looked and dressed exactly the same!

We can help you determine your ‘dominant’ colouring, skin tone and personal style. Get in touch with a Colour Me Beautiful consultant near you to find out more about our one-to-one Colour Consultations.

Five Colour Tips to Perk up your Winter Wardrobe!

Adopt these five colour tips to feel instantly perkier this January:
 

1.  Wear colour near your face.
If you don’t have any colour in your winter wardrobe, invest in some now!  It really will lift your mood through the cooler weather and also be wearable when Spring comes in. Colour is one of the easiest ways to update your winter wardrobe. 

2.  Apply stronger lip colour.
Lips should be bolder in winter to help you look healthier and more vibrant. In fact, a new lipstick is one of the least expensive ways to add a pick me up in the middle of winter.

3.  Buy yourself a stylish and colourful umbrella!

You won’t feel miserable pulling out a glam red/pink/vibrant blue umbrella (unlike dull black). What could be better more cheerful than a rainbow or a spectrum of colours umbrella. 

If it is really wet, try a pair of colourful wellies. The original iconic Hunter Wellington Boot is now available in the latest spring shade of Clementine, Jade, Blue Lily and Lipstick.

4.  Get yourself a mani/pedi in your favourite colours or try something new. 

 Nail colours no longer have to match, go for your two favourite colours! Or try something new with a single nail colour, a dot, stripes or a flower. 

Colours this Spring will be primary, vibrant oranges, nude pastel and of course The Pantone Colour of the Season, Radiant Orchid!

5.  Start planning your colours for spring!

As the days begin to get lighter and longer you can start introducing some spring colours, so get ready! Try wearing more white, looks great with black to liven up your winter wardrobe and this Spring is all about Black and White looks. 

Do your research. Look at the Pantone Fashion Colour report for the newest and the latest colours for Spring 2014. 

6.  OK, one more just in case you haven’t done it already – get your colours done! Visit Colour Me Beautiful HK and book an appointment to learn the colours that make you look your best. Not only will you save money, you will save time. You won't be buying colours that you don't wear or don't need.

Look and feel fabulous this year!

Happy 2014! The holiday festivities are over and without the social occasions and shiny lights to jolly you along, those New Year’s resolutions can look a little harsh in the cold light of January. To make sure you kick start that ‘new you’/new career/fitness regime (whatever your goal may be) into action, you need to begin by giving yourself a fabulous confidence boost.

Colour Me Beautiful is all about giving confidence; when you look good you feel good, when you feel good, you feel capable of almost anything. We all lack confidence at times, but some of us know that there are ways to help boost our self-esteem and to feel more assured in ourselves.

Your overall image, including clothes, style, hairstyle and makeup, has a huge effect on how you feel and on how others see you. If you look in the mirror and feel dull and uninspired then that is what you will project to family, friends and colleagues. If this sounds like you, it is time to rethink your wardrobe and your look!

Think colour – Radiant Orchid is THE shade for 2014 so invest in your best shade this year. A great pick-me-up in mid season is made when adding a brilliant new colour. This is the time to dazzle in colour instead of falling into the black and blah trap. Add a scarf, top, statement necklace in your best colour to rev up your autumn wardrobe.

Think style - Style isn’t just about wearing great clothes it’s about wearing clothes that look great on you.  If you’re still struggling to work out what really suits you, make 2014 the year you discover how to dress for success, every time.

Think make-up – a good foundation, concealer and highlighter are essential to help protect your skin and hide any redness or blemishes that winter tends to encourage.  Make sure you have the right shade of  blusher and lipstick to add great colour and counteract a winter pallor. A new bright lipstick is such an easy way to lift a winter outfit.

Think fun!- Bring an element of fun to your wardrobe. Remember, all that glitters is not just for the holidays, you can enjoy wearing your shimmering pieces right through winter and into spring when it will still be very much on trend.  Not invested in any print yet?  The print story continues, so try even a scarf or a handbag to add an interesting pattern to your look.

Make 2014 the year you feel your best and have the confidence to achieve your goals and dreams! Of course, we are here if you need us. With consultants all over Asia, Colour Me Beautiful HK is here to help you achieve your dreams. Contact us anytime! 

How to the be the Belle of the Christmas Party: Part One

The Christmas party season is fast approaching and whether it’s the office party or an annual gathering of friends you are probably beginning to wonder what to wear.  

Follow these simple tips with dresses by Alberta Ferretti and you’ll be sure to turn heads for the right reasons.

Of course if you want more ideas, visit an image consultant!

Black is not the only colour
When Coco Chanel invented the little black dress she created a fabulous evening wardrobe staple.  But whilst the ‘LBD’ will always be a party favourite, do take care as black doesn’t suit everyone’s colouring.  If it’s not in your palette but you’ve got your heart set on wearing your LBD you will need to make sure you wear it with the right accessories.  Fortunately, there is a range of colours out there to choose from, so take advantage of them to get you through the party season…

Black looks great on ‘deep’ colourings like Eva Longoria etc. but it can still look striking on other colourings too, just make sure you don’t wear it too close to your face.  If you are light brown, blonde or a red-head then add a lighter colour necklace, such as masses of pearls or silver or gold (whatever suits your colouring) to reflect the lighter colours onto your face.  The style and fabric of the dress, and teaming it up with a variety of accessories, will send different messages, so depending on your mood you can glam it up with sequins and killer heels or keep it low-key with simple jewellery and a lower heel.

Emerald Green, This year’s Pantone Colour of the Year looks gorgeous in eveningwear. There are varying shades of green to suit different colourings but the most striking is emerald. Emerald green is best suited to ‘clear’ colourings – those of you with bright eyes and dark hair – and redheads.  Choose a dress in satin as it will enhance the colour and really give you the ‘wow’ effect. Other popular greens include pine green which suits darker colourings and some darker redheads too. This shade looks equally fabulous in a satin shade or a mix of satin and chiffon. Those of you with fair or light brown hair should look for a softer teal shade.

Purple is a great alternative to black because it has the same slimming effect and there is a shade to suit every complexion (think like-for-like, deeper tones for the darker colourings and lighter shades for fair).  Purple shows that you are creative and in control.  It projects confidence and individuality, so if you’re not afraid of colour and want to express yourself, wear a purple dress and you will be seen as the creative and outgoing one at the party!  If you want to show-off your creative side even more then wear bold accessories in a different shade such as green (if your colouring can take it) or metallics.  Silk is seductive and velvet dramatic, chiffon will keep it feminine.

Red, In terms of eveningwear we tend to think of red as the epitome of ‘sexy’, but it can look elegant and dramatic too.  Red is not for wallflowers, you won’t be able to shy away in red!  Some sparkle in the detail will add extra glamour, floor skimming satin will make it ultra dramatic and close fitting velvet will give you the ultimate vamp effect.  It is also a great energising colour, so if you weren’t in a party mood before, you will be once you’ve got your dress on! Again, there are shades of red for every colouring; darker colourings can go scarlet, geranium red is good on blondes, redheads can wear tomato red with a hint of yellow in it.

Image consultations make great gifts! Give a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Autumn’s versatile garment: the shirt dress

We always seem to be at the mercy of the weather. The seasons are getting harder to define and anything can happen; sometimes we get winter in summer and spring in autumn.  It is no wonder that we find it difficult to create the perfect capsule wardrobe.

There are plenty of sumptuous knits, trousers and coats to look forward to for winter, but whilst the season is still undecided, we can enjoy something of a transitional garment: the shirt dress. It has been around for a long time and even  when it’s not among the key trends, you can usually find one somewhere.  This season, it is back in the limelight  and with something for every taste.

You will find the traditional looks in denim and cotton but also a range of colours and prints, including floral and camouflage, or something as simple as a contrasting collar. Current styles include the neat cut with a belted waist as well as oversize and unbelted nightshirt looks.  Midi is the most stylish length.

If you are looking for something more chic, there are some wonderful silk and chiffon versions which are perfect to take you from daytime to evening.  The smarter styles are easy to dress up with a simple change of shoe/boot, cardigan/jacket and jewellery.

The super-versatile shirt dress will be on trend for spring/summer 2014 too, so we recommend investing in a couple that you can layer up until the cold really bites then bring them out again next spring.

This is a style that works wonders for almost every body shape. If you aren't sure which style is best for you, contact us to help you find an Image Consultant in Asia.

Leather Looks for Autumn!

Leather hasn’t always been price-friendly or easy to pull off, but since its comeback in recent years, we are enjoying it as an integral wardrobe piece. So, for the autumn/winter 2014 leather trend, look beyond the biker jacket and consider leather skirts, trousers and dresses too.

Forget about ‘faux’ leather or ‘pleather’ and go for the real thing; it will look, feel and fit better and last a lifetime. The softer the leather the better; butter-soft leather feels sumptuous on and works much better against our natural curves. If you’re concerned about the price, don’t be, you can find the real thing in all price brackets.

If you haven’t invested in anything leather other than a jacket before, then we recommend you try on a few pieces and consider what you feel is mostly ‘you’ and what flatters your shape best.  Here are a few tips on what to look for in your leather pieces:


Skirts
The A-line skirt and the pencil skirt are good staples and you can dress them up or down.  You will need to work out which style works best with your body shape. If you invest in a really good one, it will last you forever. For the pencil skirt, go for the softest leather you can find so it will feel less restrictive. As with all skirts and dresses, make sure they are lined and you get the right length – an inch or two below the knee is the safest buy.  A full skirt can look fabulous, but you really need to be medium to tall in height to carry it off. The weight and volume of a leather circle skirt will add volume to your shape so take care.

Dresses
The skirt shape applies to dress shapes too. For dresses, the shift is the most practical. There are straight shifts for straight figures or cuts that nip in at the waist for curvier figures.  You can layer underneath with lightweight jerseys so they will see you from late summer right through winter.  If you don’t feel confident enough to wear too much leather, you might find the wool and leather combinations easier to pull off.  Again, if you invest in a good piece, it will last forever.

Trousers
Leather trousers are not for the faint-hearted – you need to have the figure and the personality for these – be realistic! As with skirts and dresses, you want to make sure they are lined.   If you are in any doubt, just picture the scene from Friends with Ross sweltering in his leather trousers. He finally rushes to peel them off in the bathroom only to find it impossible to get them back on!

Biker jacket
Without a doubt, this season everyone wants a leather biker jacket.   They are great for late summer and autumn and even nights out in winter when you don’t want to wear a big coat.  They can look funky or smart and are a great way to give an edge to your outfit.  You can go true biker with lots of zips and detail, or keep it plain and classic.  You need to think about detail, cut, neckline and length. If you are bigger in the bust then avoid lapels and too many zips and pockets.  The straight, box shapes are best suited to straighter figures. Curvier figures need a soft leather that nips in a bit at the waist.  Some styles will sit on the hips, others will fit lower on the hips, so work out which is the most flattering length for you – you don’t want it to sit on the widest part of your middle.  Whether it’s to the side or in the middle, decide if you are better with a statement zip or a hidden one. Ideally, curvy ladies should choose a hidden zip.

Final tips

Whilst you will find most leather this season is black, don’t be afraid to try other shades.  There is navy, which suits all colourings, and tan which will flatter both Light and Soft colourings.  Burgundy works for Cools and Deeps. Warm colourings can make the most of the brown shades.  Clears can wear Navy and Black and add contrast if necessary. If black isn’t the most flattering shade for you, just make sure you team it with a strong colour in your palette to create a real WOW outfit like Blake Lively.

Not sure what colours and styles to wear? Check out our website for more info, www.colourmebeautiful.hk and we'll show you!