Your Colour and Style

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What is colour? What is colour analysis?

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What is colour?

I can’t believe I haven’t written about this before! I am not an expert on the science behind colour, but it is fascinating where the current thinking has evolved (from Aristotle to Isaac Newton in 1671 to several other theorists in the 1800s and then others since). Also, to note how mathematicians have studied colour too.

Of course it’s helpful to turn to Wikipedia for an explanation, and here is an article that usefully summarises what colour is to us, and gives a lot of the scientific background if you read the whole article. Who knew that bees can determine ultraviolet light?

It is interesting to note that not all creatures see colour in the way humans do, and in fact not all humans see colour in the same way.  It seems that it is down to how our eye retina processes colour and then the information is transmitted through our brains. We also know that our brains can be impacted by lots of things, like damage, age and drugs, so add that into the mix! And there is a percentage who cannot see partially or fully either, or get colours “mixed up” (like red/green colour blindness). That’s why I now check out what my clients are seeing when I start a consultation, as I need to know if there’s a difference from my perception that I need to work with.

So, what is colour? We understand that light is white until is is fractured and splits into colour, like when we see a rainbow. Then colour transmits wavelengths that are reflected against objects. The surface will absorb or reflect light depending on its qualities (hue, intensity and value – see below). Black absorbs all the light while white reflects it.

 

What is colour analysis?

With colour analysis (seeing which shades of colour harmonise with someone’s particular skin tone, eye colouring and natural hair colour) we [stylists] are looking at sometimes subtle differences between the shades and it is what the shades do to skin tone when reflecting light onto it.

I mentioned earlier about colour referred to in terms of hue, intensity and value. Hue is the name given to a colour (like red or blue), the intensity is the clarity of the colour (like bright or muted), and the value is how light or dark it is.

When I am colour-analysing someone using my different coloured drapes, I am first determining whether they need “warm” or “cool” tones (that gets explained in the colour analysis), then I will be looking at the intensity (bright or muted) that suits the client. I will have already taken into account the depth of colour (how light or dark they need for harmony with their natural colouring), by looking at the client’s natural features (skin, eyes and hair).

 

If you want to see how this works, and the improvement you can see when someone finds their harmonious shades, do book a ticket for my first public demonstration on Friday 11th August in Ashurst, Southampton here. There are only three tickets left.

Fiona

Your Colour & Style consultant

07469 246722

 

Shopping Made Easy: My experience in July 2022, by MB

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I was recommended to Fiona by someone I trusted, and she wasn’t wrong. My expectations were high but Fiona didn’t disappoint. I experienced Fiona’s ‘At Home Shopping’ service and this is how it went. From the beginning Fiona listened to my input and that was important.

First contact

We had a Zoom call first, to establish if we were going to work together, what was required, how we would approach it and costs, so that I knew what to expect.

Preparation

Following that, Fiona came round (my request was to meet in person for a wardrobe review, rather than through Zoom) and spent a couple of hours discussing my wardrobe contents. I learned a bit about my “clothing personality” and why what I had suited me (such as styles of clothes, materials and patterns) and how things could be used differently (for example, using my shirts over other items as a less formal jacket). It was useful to get Fiona’s opinion on the colours in the wardrobe too, since I had been colour-analysed a few years ago but wasn’t quite sure if some of the clothes I already had were in the Summer palette or not. We had agreed some of my favourite pieces were on their final wears and needing replacements. Looking at what was going to stay and where the gaps were, we drew up the shopping list. I wanted to inject some more colour into my wardrobe so we discussed particular colours I would like (and not like) and how the purpose was to get some key workwear pieces, which was the reason for requesting Fiona’s help.

‘At Home Shopping’ (Part 1)

Two weeks later Fiona appeared again with so many bags it took two trips from the car! We had a lot to try on and discuss. It was a hot evening, but Fiona had prepared me for that, and even offered to bring a fan. I tried everything on, as Fiona had requested, and it was easy to eliminate a few things, decide to keep several things, and we had a couple of “maybe’s”. Working through the items some were liked but not exactly the right size, so Fiona offered to get the right size and have a look for some alternatives to some other pieces to meet the entire brief/shopping list and come back. (She explained that this was all part of the service and within the price already agreed.) She trusted me with the “maybe’s” so I didn’t feel under pressure to decide. Equally, though, I was trusting her to bring me what I wanted and needed, and it was going well.


By the way, some of the pieces were good prices for value (we had talked about budget), and I now had an expanded list of shops/brands to explore in future. Not only was Fiona considering colours, styles and fit, but also my values. We were on the same page when it came to eco, natural and ethical clothing. Although she did sneak in some materials that weren’t totally natural, she did convince me on the way in which they were produced. I was also keen to have clothing that felt soft as well as being comfortable and looking good, and Fiona explained how these “new” materials fitted those requirements.

‘At Home Shopping’ (Part 2)

A week later Fiona was back again with more clothes. Less to try on this time, but covering the brief fully now and all a great fit. Again, some more learning about different brands, colour combinations and future options for the coming autumn and winter season.

Summary

Fiona was keen to please, made me feel comfortable, and I was not under pressure to have anything. I ended up with some lovely new pieces that work together, that I never would have discovered on my own, and my wardrobe now sings to me. What joy. I can’t wait for the compliments I expect to get, and am much more of a confident shopper now, thanks to Fiona.

Fiona sends all the unwanted clothes back and I just pay her for those that I want (at the price she paid). She was also informing me of the prices as we went, in case that helped me to decide.

This was shopping made easy: a great investment, and to be recommended.

MB, July 2022

Fiona adds, if anyone else wants to have her help, please contact her on 07469 246722.

Size does matter when it comes to Ladies Clothes Shopping

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Ladies, when it comes to clothes shopping, do you get annoyed that your size varies with different brands so you struggle to get the order right?

I’m afraid I can’t do much about that for you, except compare a few of the main brands in this blog, so you may be better at choosing which size to go for, and tell you some of my tips if you are, for example, more well-endowed up top.

According to an article in the Daily Mail published in March 2017, citing a study by lingerie brand Bluebella (based on Government statistics), they state that the 2017 female body shape has changed in the last 60 years.

In 1957, the average female in the UK was 5ft 2in tall, weighed 9 stone 10 lbs, had size 3 feet, a waist of 28 inches, 34B bust and was a dress size 12. The average UK female today is 5ft 5in tall, weighs 11 stone, is a shoe size 6, has a waist of 34 inches, 36DD breasts and is a dress size 16. The clothing industry has recognised these changes, and some brands are more generous in their sizes than others. Material costs money, and if a brand is more generous, they will either need to reflect that cost in the product, or reduce their profit, which is why the universal size varies: it’s a choice the brand makes.

The fact that the UK female today is taller and larger in every dimension, doesn’t surprise me, as our lifestyle, comforts and diet has generally increased and improved. I also think that food marketing has played a part, with BOGOF (buy one, get one free) or “2 for 1” offers everywhere (and not usually on healthy foods).

If a brand offers a petite range, it is to do with height not girth, and is usually good for 4ft 11 to 5ft 3in ladies, and they may scale down shoulder widths and sleeve lengths accordingly.

It isn’t so easy to measure yourself, but the best guidelines I found were on Apricot’s website (plus adding M&Co’s suggestion to measure yourself in your underwear):

“As a general rule, keep the tape measure firm but not tight around the point that you are measuring. If you are measuring yourself, we recommend taking a couple of measurements from each area in order to average out the changes in your posture whilst you are measuring.

Measuring Your Chest
Always measure around the fullest part of your chest, ensuring that you keep the tape measure as level as possible around your back and under your arms.

Measuring Your Waist
Measure around the narrowest part of your body, which is above your belly button but below your rib cage.

Measuring Your Hips
Measure around the fullest part of your hips, this is usually approximately 9″ below your waist.”

The M&Co website points out that the fit also depends on the material (stretchiness or not), cut and style as well, and I agree! And, they also recommend you take your measurements twice, averaging them out if necessary.

Whether you fit today’s “average” or not, here is my summary of a size 16 in various brands. Although I have included the full range of sizes listed on the websites I viewed, you will not find all their styles in all sizes. Look out for different length options too (short, regular and long).

Click here to see the summary: Clothing Sizes Compared

If you find the bust of tops, jackets or dresses too tight, my suggestion would be to look at these other brands: Bombshell, Bravissimo, Odyl, Saint Bustier and Taideux  or consider having your clothes made for you. Of course, materials will make a difference, for example if there’s stretch in them, which is quite common now (eg ‘3% elastane’). This might help, so do check out the materials of the items as well.

I hope this has been helpful for you. Do leave a comment if so! I haven’t included every brand, so if you have any queries that you would like help with, please get in touch.

Fiona Mobbs
Your Colour & Style Consultant
07469 246722
Fiona.yourcolourandstyle@gmail.com

CONTACT

WHAT’S THE FUTURE FOR RETAIL?

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The Story Now

Hands up who’s worried how we are going to try things on without purchasing them in a shop in the future. It’s looking a lot like a shopping trip in town is going out of fashion for us and retailers!

With the latest retailer announcing going into administration (Beales), and John Lewis warning they may not pay their partners a bonus for the first time in its history, things are definitely worrying for retailers with stores.

We know the trend is increasingly to buy online, but if we totally lose every outlet on the high street, those who like to browse the rails rather than the internet may find in the next ten years there won’t be the choice.

If that worries you, cue me!

The Future of Shopping

One of my offerings is to bring the shops to you.

I largely scour the internet (because it’s quicker for me to find what I want and some things you can’t get in a store), collect everything together then bring the items you desire to you for an “at home” shopping and trying on session. Clients love it! They say it’s like having their own Christmas at any time of the year, because they do not know what I am going to bring to them (other than that it will be dresses, jackets, shoes or whatever they have requested and within their budget if there is one).

I am helping them create the perfect wardrobe for them so it will be in the right colours, styles, materials and patterns to suit them. Having got to know my client before I get to work, it will probably be something they would never have chosen if they had been shopping on their own, yet they usually love it. I would say my success rate is over 90%, and they buy off me approximately 80% of what I offer. I then take or send the rest back, saving them all that hassle.

Easy Shopping Without Pressure To Buy

So, you get a personal shopper, personal stylist and delivery driver all in one. You save time, parking fees, queueing for a changing room, imagining how the item will go with other things you have, looking at yourself in shop lighting and with other strangers (shoppers and staff) peering at you as you are trying to decide. I give you the time you need plus my impartial advice. My interest is not in trying to sell items, but to have the happiest, best looking client who will be admired by others.

If that sounds appealing to you, and you are in Hampshire, Dorset, or Wiltshire, please get in touch.

Fiona, Your (independent) Colour & Style Consultant

DRESSING WITHOUT STRESS, 07469 246722

A Wardrobe Overhaul

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A Much Needed Wardrobe Overhaul

Priceless! That’s the only word to describe the help that Fiona has given me with my wardrobe overhaul, which in hindsight was long overdue!

From the enlightening home colour consultation and wardrobe de-clutter, to the experience of finding new clothes (that actually suit me) with a personal shopper, Fiona has been a complete inspiration, and totally professional.

Fiona has helped me to take a fresh look at both the colours I wear and the style of my clothes. I now look at colours in a different way. I know which colours are best for me and what colours to avoid. Now I feel so much better in the clothes that I wear and that boosts my confidence too.

Recommendation

I highly recommend Fiona’s services if you want to make a great impression with the way that you dress. And for that extra feel good factor take Fiona with you as your personal shopper, it will change the way you shop for clothes. Thanks for all your expertise and help Fiona.

Graham P

Shopping Support for Special Birthday

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My approaching 50th birthday party

I had a week to go before my 50th birthday party and still hadn’t found a dress to wear and was getting a bit worried, so I asked Bradbeers in Romsey if they had a clothing consultant to help me. They didn’t but gave me Fiona’s card. I phoned her up and agreed to meet her at Bradbeers. I am very busy with work and family so only had an hour to spare. I have had my “colours done” in the past but because our house is in the middle of a building project, the colour sample cards were packed away somewhere, but Fiona told me not to worry as she would know which colours would suit me. Fiona was totally amazing! – she scoured the shop and brought me lots of different items to try on as well as matching shoes, handbags and jewellery.

Result!

At the end of the hour, not only had I found a fantastic party dress, but also a daytime wrap around dress and a sparkly purple top to wear at a business drinks evening that week! I could never have achieved that by myself!

And there was more!

She also introduced me to an online shop that specialises in colourful under tops arranged in the personal colours, to make it easy to mix and match the perfect colours for me. Fiona also recommend a hairdresser who I went to for a good hair cut and colour. Fiona also came to my house on the morning of the party and did my make up for me, including false eyelashes! I had a great birthday party as a result! Thank you Fiona! I have already recommended you to my friends.

Lucy B