11.21.2011

Sugar Cookie Princess

Sometimes, I compare the colors of my clothes to food.

It's an easy way to learn color and is more descriptive than 'orangey-red'. 'Orangey-red' could mean a number of things, but 'tomato-colored' is much more targeted.

When I am trying a new color or am attempting to pinpoint the shade that would look best on me, I mentally assign the color to a food item. Then, I section that food item off into groups.
This makes it easier for me to classify the color and, therefore decide if it is flattering.

Example: Beige

Biscuity (neutral)
-garbanzo bean (warm)
-snickerdoodle (neutral)
-mashed potatoes (cool)

See? I realize I sound a bit nuts, but it works for me. So, that brings me to my photo topic of the day: Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Charlene Wittstock, Princess of Monaco

Looks like she stole Kate's nude pumps.

This outfit is the color of a sugar cookie. It's a bit on the cool side and that works with her ice-blonde highlights and fair complexion. She has also grasped one of the keys to making a monochromatic look work: texture. Her skirt is a different texture than her belted poncho, which is a different texture than her leather gloves.

In short, this is fabulous.

But, don't get too excited.


Princess Charlene and Prince Albert


We now have the Taupe Monster. Taupe does not have an assigned food because it is half gray and half brown and that's a pretty easy concept to grasp.

Now, I actually really like the dress. It's bold to swathe her strong swimmers shoulders in an origami napkin of velvet, but she is quite tall and carries it off. And I don't even mind the color as much as I mind her face paired with said color.

At least she has color on her nails...?
She could also use an eyebrow pencil.

She has no color. I mean, she's put purple on her eyes (which is a mistake in my opinion), but has nothing on her lips and no blush. She looks like a weird, unfinished mannequin. Ladies, this is why we need blush. And lipstick. Something. Anything. Help her.

And what is with the Tin Tin hair? That mess is so full of Dep it could withstand a hurricane.

And does her uni-sleeve have a thumb hole? That's a cute addition on a sweater or tee, but on a formal gown? No.

Tilda Swinton would have done this better. But I suppose that's unfair because, when it comes to fashion,  Tilda Swinton does everything better.

Charlene, you are both Doing It Right and Doing It Wrong. Kudos.

11.16.2011

The Pale's Fall/Winter Color Palette

Matching or Not Matching.

This is ridiculous and a waste of money.


Everyone can wear every color- what makes it work is dictated by the tone. I'm not a huge proponent of Rules when it comes to fashion but, generally: the paler the skin the cooler the colors.  When I refer to colors as being Warm or Cool what I mean is that Warm colors usually have red bases whereas Cool ones are usually based with blue. Here's a great trick: put a piece of gold jewelry next to the color. Now swap it out for a piece of silver. Which looks "better"? More pleasing to your eye? If it's gold, then the color is probably Warm. Silver means it's probably Cool.

The main secret to Color? Trust your eyes. When something is off or doesn't look right, there's undoubtedly a good reason so skip it.

Here are some of my favorite colors for this Fall and Winter. There's something about jewel tones on The Pale that just really snaps. They create stark contrast against fair skin, yet have much more life than the traditional black and brown.

 Cranberry
Looks especially fetching on: brunettes, brown or hazel eyes

Kat Dennings
Dita von Teese

Cobalt
 Looks especially fetching on: redheads, blue or brown eyes


Emma Stone

Lily Donaldson

Emerald
Looks especially fetching on: blondes, green eyes

Nicola Roberts

Nicole Kidman

Eggplant
Looks especially fetching on: brunettes, blue or green eyes

Julianne Moore

Rose Byrne