Sensational Color

The Return of Blue Eyeshadow

As goes fashions so goes makeup and a return to the looks of the 80's is reflected in both.  This signals a return to brighter eyeshadows and liners and neutral lip colors.  Blush is also making a return and we will see stronger cheek color than in recent years. 

The eye palette includes greens, blues, teals, purples and other brights for both shadow and liner.  The overall look is matte to semi-matte and clean. 

Prom Dress Expresses Personal Style

In my prom days there were really only two looks. The traditional soft colored long frilly gown or the sleek, deep hued, halter number that I longed for and my mother refused to let me buy.  Sure it came with a short matching jacket that I wore when I showed her but she correctly surmised that it would find its way to the back of some chair within minutes of arriving at the ballroom and my back would be bared for all to see the entire night.  Or maybe her real concern was what else might be bared post prom.

While teens may still not agree with their mothers about the styles and color of their gowns they are no longer limited to just a few looks.  Prom fashions are less about following trends and more about expressing personal style which tells me that while young women today may enjoy keeping their finger on the pulse of fashion they have the confidence to style their own look.

Prom fashion options for spring include dresses that are short, long and in-between.  As for color their are as many choices as there are colors.  Purple and turquoise are strong.  Black which wasn't even an option for the most forward fashioneista in my day is back again this year.  Other options being chosen for a sophisticated look are coffee brown, bronze, and gold.  On the other end of the color spectrum papaya, lime, apple green, lemon, orange, fuchsia speak to the fun-loving set. 

With so many options the  only challenge for this years prom goer may be getting mom's approval.  I just hope they can do a better job  than I did!

PS.  Although my prom dress wasn't the one I wanted it will never be posted on www.uglydress.com.  Some of the looks made me laugh and others cringe but all reminded me that my dress wasn't really so bad!

One Hair Color Does Fit All

Our hair is the ultimate accessory and as our taste in fashion colors change so does our preference for hair color.  Diversity has influenced hair color this season in the same way it has influenced color trends in other arenas.  The result is that the hottest color for this year is caramel with honey under tones. This is a hair color that looks attractive on women with any skin tone.  Maybe it's time to  rethink the auburn locks. 

Purple Walking Down the Aisle

I was just reading an aritcle in fibre2fasion.com on bridal trends in Germany which also notes purple as the  trendy color for bridesmaids dresses replacing teal that was so strong last year.  As for colors for the bride they noted rich pastels in all hues, with deeper shades of cream like cappuccino and nougat being especially important.   If you'd like to read the full article: Germany : Bridal trends fusion of style and saga

Purple on the Red Carpet

The color purple currently reigns on the red carpet.  Teri Hatcher, Alfre Woodward, Ziyi Zhang, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria, Michelle Williams and Alfre Woodard all chose variations of this color for their gorgeous gowns.  The lovely ladies weren't the only trendsetters opting for variations of violet and lavendar as several men, including Tony Parker, Daniel Dae Kim, and Morgan Freeman, looked spectacular in this royal hue.  Will purple be the hot color at the Oscars?  Stay tuned. 

More Alive With Color by Leatrice Eiseman

I recently spoke to Leatrice Eiseman about her upcoming book and our conversation left me very excited about the approach Leatrice has taken in giving readers a guide to identifiy colors that can make them look and feel sensational.  Once you understand color and how it enhances your appearance  it becomes easy to pull together a fabulous  look whether going to the Grammy's or the grocery store.

Book Description

What is the best thing you can do when you don't have a thing to wear? What's the secret ingredient that can instantly improve the way you look and feel? It's simple - discover your personal colors! America's color guru Leatrice Eiseman will show you how in her fun and practical new book, More Alive with Color! Here Lee will introduce you to her original, easy-to-follow "Color Clock" system - the quick way to find and use the colors that reflect your personal style and transform the way you look. Based on the colors of your eyes, hair and skin and your psyche-discover your personal range of beautiful colors in Leatrice's "colortimes": Sunrise with the sparkling jewel tones of dawn, Sunlight with the soft pastels and fruit shades of noon, or Sunset with the fiery hues that mellow into dusk. Then add those natural yet practical Crossover colors to expand your wardrobe without breaking your budget. Choosing clothes, hair color, and makeup has never been easier. Leatrice will show you how to pull your wardrobe together with your personal colors - which are sexy, which are powerful for interviews and such; which accessories will magnify your personal style; and which cosmetic and hair colors will make your skin glow and flatter your natural coloring.  More than any other color system, More Alive with Color will give you the freedom to use color in your wardrobe with self-confidence, add trends without losing your style, plan a wedding where you are surrounded by your best colors, organize your closet and mix colors with ease; and set out for office, party, or lunch with friends knowing you look your best.

Color Trends 2006: Jeans: More Than Just Blue

Jeans never go out of style and no wardrobe is complete without at least one great fitting pair in traditional blue.  If your shopping for a new pair the current color trend is rich, dark blue especially for the cooler weather and the silhouette is a bit slimmer with a bit higher waist than has been shown in past seasons. The funky faded look is being replaced with embroidery and stitching while the vintage look remains strong.

To jazz up your look add a new pair of jeans in one or more of the many colors being shown this year. Gray was a favorite among designers but black, tan and green are also available in most styles. Whether teamed with a leather belt, dressy blouse or favorite sweater jeans in an unexpected color will spice up any look.

Pope Benedict XVI Has Many Seeing Red

During a recent audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI arrived donning a crimson cap trimmed with white fur.  The cap known as a camauro, popular during the medieval and Renaissance periods, has not been worn during modern times except for a brief appearance during the 1960's as part of the attired worn by John XXIII.  Perhaps the Pope's revival of the camauro is a fashion statement or maybe its just a way to stay warm when tempatures dip towards freezing.

This isn't the first time Pope Benedict XVI has had us seeing red.  His red Prada footwear that debuted last summer made a fashion statement and turned a few heads.  As did his ermine trimmed red cape.  Some may be critical but with a professional wardrobe that leaves little room for interpretaion great accessories and a pop of color are a way for the Pope to show the world a bit of his personal style.