What’s in a color? The power to uplift, “youth-anize,” energize, and invigorate. Tall order, right? Not really. In my work as an image consultant, I find color to be, again and again, the single most impactful tool in a client’s appearance boosting repertoire.
Once a client learns how to work with their skin undertones and personal neutrals (of eyes, hair, and even freckles), a world opens up. So many men and women have been surprised to look in the mirror and see their eyes pop with vibrance once surrounded by harmonious hues in wardrobe and accessories. They get excited when shadows around facial “life creases” lighten and fade, leaving behind a more youthful impression. They wonder how they’d missed this “secret.”
It’s no surprise. I remember seeing this for the first time, myself. As an adolescent and teen, I gravitated to warm and earthy tones. They related well to my auburn hair and brown eyes. I liked light and dark garment combinations, and the way that they mirrored my deep eyes/fair skin contrast. But over the years, and encouraged by my passion for fashion, I began to wear the fashion world’s must-have seasonal offerings. Once I pursued personal color training to augment my image coaching business, I was blasted back to my roots. Looking in the mirror, I was stunned to see how Fashion Black robbed my face of it’s warmth. My skin suddenly looked harsh and uneven in tone. My eyes lost their intensity, and I simply looked fatigued. My black jacket may have looked gorgeous, but I sure didn’t. It didn’t take long after this awakening for me to go Home to my lush, warm, autumn-inspired color palette.
"Before" and "After"
Today, I enjoy introducing others to their own Personal Rainbow. It’s fun to see them become empowered to look their best every day that they choose to. Clients find that as they create color harmony in their appearance, the take front stage while their wardrobe is supporting actor. As one client said, Ever since I morphed to “my colors,” people can’t say enough about how good I look. They don’t say…what a nice outfit….they say, YOU look great and I love that color on you.
Working with Beth was one such “discovery” process. In her “before” photo (images above), her jacket didn’t reflect her personal brightness and clarity. The white sweater, a stark color option for her, caused her teeth to appear yellowed.
In her after photo, she’s surrounded in clear, warm hues that reflect her personal vibrance — in color quality, and personality. She shines in all of her natural brilliance!
Patty Buccellato, is an image coach and founder of Refined Images. She brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her work with men and women individually, as well as with corporate employee groups. Patty established Refined Images in 1994, and while her studio is based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, you’ll find her serving clients throughout North America in their homes, offices — and, yes, even in shopping malls! To get your FREE copy of Patty’s “How to Shop Like a Stylist,” visit www.RefinedImages.net or contact Patty.
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