The Return of Color

 

Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming, petite emerald leaves are filling the trees, and the grass is turning from brown to green. Color has arrived, not only in nature, but in the stores as well. That’s right, this year color is in. Bright colors that we haven’t seen since the 80’s are back. Fuchsias, electric blues, turquoise, and sunny yellows line the shelves and racks of department stores. Polka dots and stripes are in and olive drab is O-U-T. We’re seeing these beautiful colors everywhere, from shoes to nail polish to throw pillows. I for one am thrilled with all the color. Hello amethyst, good bye beige.

Are you afraid of color? Don’t be. Welcome it, and identify the shades that can be worked into your wardrobe. Pair a bright green silk top with an electric blue pencil skirt, or a white blouse with red capris.   Beware that not every shade will work for you. There are a number of hues along the color spectrum. It’s simply a matter of identifying what enhances your hair, eye and skin coloring. The easiest way to identify colors that look good or bad, is to hold them just under your chin while looking in the mirror, and see how your coloring reacts. For instance lime green and most yellows don’t work for me. They turn my complexion sallow. However, electric blue brings out my eyes and make my complexion seem brighter by comparison. Take the time to test this out under both florescent changing room lights, as well as natural light.

 

Washingtonians, I beg you, put down the conservative black you determinedly wear to work. Put away the greys, which fade into the stone buildings lining the DC streets, and embrace the return of color. Washington is a town slow to embrace new fashion trends. In DC worker bees trudge around in brown suits and taupe shoes – running the country and playing politics. Don’t be the town fashion forgot. Step outside your comfort zone and purchase those melon pumps you’ve been eyeing since March. Pair them with some chunky jewelry and a new periwinkle handbag. You’ll feel perkier and look fresher if you bring a bit of spring into the florescent lights of your neutral beige office.

Bring color into your life, and you will soon find your life full of cheer. You’ll walk with a spring in your step and compliments will abound. Just as warm days pull us outdoors, color can enhance our mood, which increases endorphins. Color = Happy. Start the day right. Put down the tan dress and pull out the cobalt one – and while you’re at it, slip on some sassy red sandals! Step out with pride. Step out with style. Celebrate spring and rejoice with color.

Fashion Sense

Today’s blog is here to provide a bit of commentary on smart and poor fashion choices in our culture. To be clear, I’m a clothes horse. I love following fashion trends, new shoes, and finding the flawless little black dress that hugs the curves and makes you feel sexy the moment you step out the door. I appreciate the beauty and comfort of a perfect pair of jeans. The key is knowing when and where these items should be worn.

For instance, a night out on the town – dinner and the theater is the perfect place to wear the LBD. Leave the jeans at home and step out with style. Going to a low key club? You can spiff up your fav denims with a pretty silk blouse, sparkly earrings, necklace and high heeled boots. Accessorizing is an important key to making an “eh” outfit into a “wowee” one.   So, don’t forget to swing by your jewelry box, belt hanger, or scarf drawer before stepping out. And always, always, always (did I say always?), put on lipstick. I keep  half a dozen tubes in the main floor powder room, two in my purse, and three in the car so I can always get my hands on a tube in a pinch. Remember Cherry Red, or Peony Pink slicked lips are far more attractive than crusty chapped ones, and your lipstick completes the ensemble.

Now that we’ve talked about sensible fashion choices, I’m going to share some fashion faux pas and foolish fashion choices that I’ve had the displeasure of witnessing.

Fashion Nonsense

First and foremost, pajamas are not for public consumption. Let me clarify this point. Pink bunny covered lounge pants, and a ratty T-shirt still qualify as pajamas. We know you wore them to bed. It is inappropriate to wear such an outfit to Joann Fabrics or Target.Additionally, the slippers you wear around the house are just that. House slippers. Just because they have a rubberized bottom does not make them shoes. Leave ’em at home. If you’re so lazy you can’t be bothered tie on a pair of sneakers, purchase some mules that you can slide on and go. Please leave the gawd-awful crocs for the pool or soccer practice.

Sweats and work out wear are acceptable for the gym and quick errands. These include coffee joints, the grocer, Walmart, and Home Depot (you get the gist). You may also wear said apparel to fast food joints. It is not appropriate to wear such outfits to restaurants with waiters and cloth napkins. I’m happy you’re going green, but don’t ride your bike ten-miles and step into Maggiano’s wearing a helmet, spandex bike shorts and a sweaty T-shirt. Not only is it tacky, but you smell. It’s tough to enjoy a nice meal when you’re down wind of the B.O.

Finally, put on appropriate outer wear. If it’s 25 degrees outside and windy, a heavy coat is in order. No matter how awesome your dress is, no one looks sexy with blue lips and pneumonia. I know it’s a hassle, and I’ll cop to leaving my coat in the car so I didn’t have to carry it around a club. But, at least I had something to warm me up on the way home at two in the morning when the temp dropped into the teens.