some people are born fashionistas, the rest of us just need a little help
For some odd reason, beauty experts use seasons to describe your personal coloring, which is a combination of your skin tone, hair color and eye color. Once you figure out whether you’re a fall, winter, summer or spring, you will have more insight into what colors you should wear. This applies to makeup, clothes and jewelry.
So, let’s get started…
Winter
This is considered a “cool” or blue-based color description. People who are considered a winter, typically have hair, eyes and skin that sharply contrasts. For example, a fair skinned person with really dark hair and light eyes would be considered a winter. Winters look good in rich colors like black, red, pink and yellow.
Summer
This is also a “cool” or blue-based color description but it’s not as striking as a winter. People who are considered a summer will still have a contrasting look but it won’t be as sharp. For example, a fair skinned person with blond hair and light eyes would be considered a summer. Summers look good in muted pastel colors like powder blue, pale yellow and lavender.
Spring
This is a “warm” or yellow-based color description. People who are considered a spring will have a warmer skin tone and less striking coloring. For example, an olive skinned person with blond hair and brown eyes would be considered a spring. Springs look good in peach, bright green and ivory.
Fall/Autumn
This is a “warm” or yellow-based color description like spring that typically applies to the ladies with olive skin, dark hair and brown eyes. Autumns look good in beige, olive, orange and gold.
Once you figure out what season best fits you, it can be helpful when choosing colors that best highlight your skin tone, however, don’t use this as an excuse to not wear on particular color. All colors can be worn by all seasons as long as it’s combined with other colors that do compliment your particular season. This is a guide to help you look your best in your clothes and with your makeup. When I learned about seasons and figured out which one best applied to me, it definitely helped me when I decided to branch out of my comfort zone and start being more daring with color and patterns. So use these seasons as a baseline. Since I didn’t give a lot of detail, here is a link to an article I found that’s much more detailed.
www.thesoko.com/thesoko/article742-0.html
Check it out if you want more detail. Also, don’t be afraid to send me questions. I will do my best to find you an easy to understand answer. Visit the contact page and post your question there or send me an email to info [at] cluelessfashionista [dot] com. Stay tuned for more basics or join the email list to get regular updates.
If you’re in the Atlanta area Labor Day weekend, there will be two events going on that you should check out. Presented by the Advocate Management Group, Lo End Theory is a series of events that pay homage to a group of youth who bonded over a lifestyle based on the notions of loyalty, self expression through fashion and survival. They also bonded over the classic clothing brand, Ralph Lauren.
Highlighting the philanthropic heart of Lo End Theory, the Atlanta event series will feature a block party, artist showcase and a brunch to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You guys know that I am always encouraging you to find your voice in fashion and I love the opportunity to support an event based on that idea alone. Something you may not know is that I’m also a big fan of supporting worthy causes so a fabulous event with a charitable contribution will always be number one in my book.
If you want more information about Lo End Theory and the Atlanta events, visit www.loendtheoryatlanta.com or click the flyer below.
CordieB wrote:
I recently brought, on a whim, a really gorgeous sheer dress off of Ebay. Now, I don’t know how to wear it or what to wear under it. It’s really pretty, I’d hate for it to just hang in my closet. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Any ideas you have are appreciated. I’ve already read your posting on sheer dresses, but can’t seem to visualize what might go with this one.
Thanks for your help!
Ooooh, I simply love these Style Q&A posts! When I clicked on this dress, I was struck by how pretty it was and I agree that it shouldn’t simply sit in the closet. Immediately, I had a thought but first, kudos to you for finding such a great deal on ebay! Ebay is a wonderful place to find well made pieces at a great cost.
You could wear this dress with a solid color shift dress underneath it. This would be a great way to add some pizazz to a basic dress. If you’re unsure exactly what a shift dress is, here are some pictures:
Great, red shift dress from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-402994/Dress-code--key-shapes-new-season.html
shift dress from http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/55secretstreet/2008/04/the-night-shift.html
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could wear it with a basic tank top and a short skirt as well. I would suggest going for rich colors like red, black, orange, green or blue rather than lighter colors like tan, cream or white. This dress has such a wonderful pattern that a rich color underneath would really make the pattern pop.
I would LOVE to see pictures of you rocking this super cute sheer dress! If you want to share your look with the Clueless Fashionista readers, send a picture to info at cluelessfashionista dot com and I’ll do a follow up post.
And, please keep the style questions coming! I really enjoy giving my tips on how to wear different pieces of clothing. Shopping in your closet can be lots of fun sometimes.
Founded in March 2010 by Mallory Whitfield, Miss Malaprop is an online boutique that features Mallory’s reconstructed clothing and accessories along with “independent designers & artists, eco-friendly and sustainable products, New Orleans & Gulf Coast based businesses and issues, and people & organizations who are working to make the world a better place.”
If you’re looking for unique pieces that are functional, cute and fun, visit Miss Malaprop. You know I’m always talking about putting your own spin on your outfit by adding interesting pieces. This is a great shop to get some of those interesting pieces. I took some time and got inside the mind of Mallory to get the skinny on what drives and inspires her.
What inspires you to create?
I have just always loved making things, for as long as I can remember. I hate seeing things go to waste, so artful recycling has always been a big inspiration to me – I love trying to figure out ways to reuse things. That’s how I first got into sewing. I wanted to breathe some new life into my old clothes, and it’s sort of evolved from there…
What is one tip you would give to an up and coming designer?
Try to find a mentor. Having a mentor, or knowing people who are going through a similar experience as you, can be SO helpful. It’s great to have a support system to learn from and grow with. I’ve met so many amazing local designers and entrepreneurs and they’ve all been very helpful. Try to get out there and network – attend events related to the industry you want to be successful in, but also expand your circle outside of that. You never know who might be beneficial to know in the long run. Be exceptionally kind and generous, and it WILL come back to you.
Finish this sentence:
Fashion is open to interpretation. Fashion is what you make of it. Fashion should come from within, not from without.
Share a favorite quote that you use as a creative inspiration.
Jack Kerouac has always been one of my favorite writers, and I love his quote from Belief and Technique for Modern Prose: “Be in love with your life.” I actually love all the quotes from that piece and he has so much quote-able work, but that quote especially is something I try to live my life by. It’s one of the reasons why I’m so proud to live in New Orleans, a place where magic happens on an every day basis. I try to live my life full of joy, as much as possible, and try to live so as not to have any regrets. What more could you ask for?
Take some time and browse Miss Malaprop. There is a plethora of great things to expand your current wardrobe!
With only about 6 weeks left of Summer, I have been asked by several readers and clients what are the best publications to find trendy cuts, colors and styles for the upcoming fall season. With these questions in mind, this month’s blog is a listing of magazines that I feel offer the very best in handling these and other hair/skin concerns.
* My number one publication for cut, color and style trends would be Sophisticates Black Hair. Not only because I’ve been featured in it, but because it is written with you, the client, in mind. It breaks down the cut, emphasizes the placement of color and gives step-by-step style guides.
* Hype Hair Magazine is also an excellent source for researching the hottest trends. This publication also has product reviews and expert advice on how to use them. This magazine also has a section for Q & A with an expert in that field.
* My third recommendation is going to make you think I’ve lost my mind..Vogue. I send my clients to this publication mainly for color and trendy cuts. Vogue is a fashion magazine, however, it tends to be an excellent source in the beauty industry for inspiration and direction for pulling it all together (fashion, color, cut and style).
Again, these publications are the ones that I subscribe to as well as send my clientele to review. They have never let me down in regards to being trendy and keeping me in the know with the beauty industry and new products.
For more information about Mandrill Hardge or to schedule an appointment with him, visit his website www.mandrillhardge.com
Enjoy the latest installment of the Ladies Let’s Talk series where I discuss shapewear. While I’m not a huge fan of it, mainly because it’s restrictive, I will wear it in situations where it is necessary to improve my overall look. Don’t be afraid of shapewear!
Founded by Allison Bubash in January 2009, AllyBu is a wonderful online boutique featuring brightly colored handbags and totes that can definitely add a pop of color to your wardrobe.
An accountant by day and handbag designer by night, Bubash makes it possible for us ladies to expand our handbag wardrobe without breaking the budget. She shares her thoughts on fashion and the art of design.
What inspires you to create?
My inspiration for my bags comes from a variety of places or things. I may see a beautiful piece of fabric that I have to do something with, or a thought may pop into my mind about a bag I want to create during my morning workout.
What is one tip you would give to an up and coming designer?
Don’t give up! Not every idea is going to be appreciated by everyone, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t a great design. Maybe a little tweaking will make it the next seasons “must have” item.
Finish this sentence
Fashion is in the eye of the beholder and ever evolving.
Share a favorite quote that you use as a creative inspiration.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”
I encourage you to visit AllyBu and broaden your handbag horizons with some great color!
How much do you value your hair?
Your hair isn’t referred to as your crowning glory without good reason! The way it looks and feels can have a profound effect on your sense of well being so if you value your locks and want to banish bad hair days forever, there are some simple steps you can take to keep it looking tip-top.
Invest in the best!
Terry Calvert, award-winning hairdresser, President of the Fellowship for British Hair and founder of the Clipso Salon Group says: “Always use the best quality shampoo and conditioner you can afford. It may sound obvious but it’s amazing the number of women who spend a fortune on moisturisers that promise to keep their skin smooth, supple and wrinkle-free but who skimp on their hair, which needs just as much TLC if not more!”
Luxe Locks Begin With a Good Shampoo
If you can only afford to invest in one product Terry’s advice is to buy a good quality shampoo. He explains: “Cleansing is the first step to creating shiny, manageable, healthy hair and if you get this right, you’re half way there! There’s no point applying a good conditioner to hair that hasn’t been thoroughly but gently cleansed – it would be the equivalent of wall papering over the cracks and you’ll just end up with build-up and lifeless, lack-lustre hair.” Ask a professional stylist to recommend the best products for your hair type and condition and that way you won’t be left to make potentially the wrong choice from an overwhelming supermarket selection. Terry says: “A good shampoo is kind on the scalp and gently cleanses, removing dirt, oil and build-up, without leaving any unwanted residue. It also contains some conditioning ingredients and will go a long way towards improving the look, feel and manageability of your hair.” We recommend Kevin Murphy Angel Wash, Pureology Hydrating Shampoo, Kerastase Resistance Bain de Force and Alterna Caviar Moisture Shampoo. 
If you’re a colour junkie or you constantly subject your hair to damaging heat styling irons you need to use nourishing treatments like Redken Extreme Deep Fuel to keep your hair strong and healthy. Aussie session stylist Kevin Murphy’s Born Again Masque is excellent for rehydrating parched locks and celebrity brand Alterna, whose fans include Victoria Beckham, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, has just launched a super-nourishing Overnight Hair Rescue, which completely revitalises stressed-out hair.
The Candy Addicted online store stocks many of these and more and is a great place to shop for some of the best haircare products around.
I hope you enjoyed and learned from this great guest post from the team over at Curlformers. If you want more information about Curlformers, visit the website at www.curlformers.com. The company is based in the UK, however, you can purchase their products online. Curlformers look like a really cool way to give your hair long lasting curls!
Before you even put on any type of makeup, you must first determine what colors look best on you. Short of going to the drug store and buying one of every color, there is a way to determine the types of colors that will compliment you.
While applying makeup isn’t rocket science, there is a science to choosing the best colors. Now don’t worry, it doesn’t require you to go to college and get a degree in chemistry or biology. All it really takes is for you to spend a little time in the mirror. The first step to finding the colors that will look best on you is to determine your skin tone.
In essence, your skin tone is simply the color of your skin along with the color underneath. Now you may be wondering how is it that you have color underneath your current skin color. This is where the science comes in but you don’t need a PhD to figure out what it is. All you need is a white piece of paper and some good lighting.
Take the white piece of paper and hold it up to your face. If there is a yellow, orange or reddish shadow being cast on the paper, you have a warm skin tone. If there is a blue or greenish shadow being cast on the paper, you have a cool skin tone.
The best lighting to use for this test is natural light from outside. Also, the mirror should be a decent size to give you enough reflection so that it bounces back onto the paper.
Good luck! This color test is helpful for makeup colors as well as clothing colors. Check back regularly for more back to basics tips or join the email list to get updates in your email.
Hi there! I wanted to share a great video with you that I found on youtube. It’s a really short video that gives some great tips on how to walk in heels. Now, it’s not for beginners but if you wear heels regularly or on occasion and want to look more graceful and fluid, this video can help with that.
As a shoe fanatic who prefers heels to flats, I made it a point to learn how to walk properly in heels of varying heights. When you get a new pair of heels, do a few practice runs around the house so you can get used to the shoe. That way, when you step out you can look and walk fabulously!
I’m a writer and blogger that works in television and film production. I am a Clueless Fashionista dedicated to making fashion fun and easy to understand. If you’d like to learn more about me, visit my website www.ashiasims.com.
If you want to contact me with questions about Clueless Fashionista, visit the contact page. 
