For all those wondering how my day went … here goes.
The Colour Me Beautiful system has changed since I first had my colours analysed many years ago. We began by working out my dominant colouring – cool and rich (for cool, think Judi Dench).
Then we looked at make-up, choosing the best colours for me, followed by a lesson in how to apply it. I need something quick and easy and sometimes need to look as if I’m not wearing any make-up at all. So I’ve come away with a tinted moisturiser (my Boots foundation, recommended by an assistant, is now going in the bin. After I used it people thought I looked ill!), eye shadow/lipstick base, blusher (better colour than Boots one), two eyeshadows, neutral lip liner, lipstick, retracting lip brush, and … wait for it … navy blue eye liner pencil! I would have bought the navy mascara but it was out of stock – and I can get one somewhere else. I’ve not used eye liner in many a long year, but the way she showed me was easy, quick and looked good. A. Ew experience!
Then back to the colours. Checking out swatches of the best colours for me, and deciding which are my favourites. Under the old system, I was a Winter. Now, as a ‘cool and rich’ many of the same colours apply, but some are different (and, just to confuse me, some colour names have changed!). My best neutrals are navy, charcoal grey, pewter, taupe, rose beige and soft white. And black (but I wouldn’t often wear black, the others would be my main choice). Then a variety of blues, greys, purples, pinks and greens (although I rarely, if ever, wear green some look good with my colouring so I may try it). Shades range from deep and rich to icy. The combinations are almost endless. Given a pack containing 48 fabric swatches to help when I’m clothes shopping.
After a short break for lunch it was on to style analysis. I was asked to complete a short ‘tick box’ questionnaire. The results: mainly ‘natural’, with a hint of ‘feminine’ and a hint of ‘creative’. That last one was a surprise where clothes is concerned, but she explained it all and I’m happy with the analysis. Possibly the easiest way to explain ‘natural’ is ‘smart casual’. Creative is unpredictable and unconventional. Feminine is soft, floaty etc – get the picture?
She said I’m petite (knew that – at 5’1″) and ‘soft hourglass’. Full hourglass would be much more voluptuous.
Then we looked at different styles of clothes to decide which I should wear and which I should avoid. So: pencil skirts, soft flip skirts, wrap skirts etc; narrow trousers and jeans, no turnups, no combat style trousers; semi fitted dresses – empire line, princess line, wrap; wrap tops, semi fitted tops, no breast pockets; necklines – crew, jewel, scoop, sweetheart, v-neck; inserted sleeves; sleeves – above wrist, 3/4 length, short; jackets – semi-fitted, single breasted (with lapels,or shawl collar), padded, fleece; coats – semi-fitted, single breasted, swing, zip,front, big shawl; accessories- loafers, court shoes, wedges, knee high or 3/4 boots, shoulder/across body bags, soft scrunchy bags and rucksacks.
And that, my BSD family and friends, is the summary of my day.
I’ve come home with the fabric swatches and cosmetics, plus a whole heap of information sheets to get my head round. I’ll need a few days to let all the information to sink in. At least now she’s shown me a good way to wear a thick rectangular scarf and explained why I’m not 100% happy some things in my wardrobe. So now I have a much better idea what I should be looking for when I’m clothes shopping. Some I remembered from the past, some was more up to date.
So, all in all, a good (if long) day – and she kept the coffee coming. And drove me back to the station.
Oh, and was fascinated to learn how I’d lost the weight 😀 Showed her my before and after pics – she’d seen the piece in the Mail!
Sorry for the long post. Hope it makes sense – soon be time for bed but wanted to check in.
