Understanding Colors That Complement You

Seasonal color analysis categorizes people into one of 4 categories...

1. Winter
2. Spring
3. Summer, and 
4. Autumn

The categories are named after the seasons and the colors found together in nature to help you remember the range of colors they include.  Your seasonal color range will complement the coloring of your skin, hair and eyes.

• Cool -- Winter or Summer with cool skin, hair and eyes
  
  
• Warm -- Autumn or Spring with warm skin, hair and eye

Winter colors are cool, clear and dark to light intensity. Think of the winter landscape colors. In the low light of winter colors appear darker, but on a bright day with the sun reflecting off snow colors appear pale and icy.

Spring colors are warm, but clear and bright with medium to light intensity. Think of the bright clear colors of spring flowers and the new season’s bright green stems.

Summer colors are cool, but muted and medium-light to medium-dark in value. Think of seeing the landscape through a summer heat haze. The colors are muted, paler versions of Winter’s. The light colors are creamy pastel rather than icy.

Autumn colors are warm, muted and medium-light to medium-dark intensity. Think of fall landscape colors of rich burnt oranges, reds, golden yellows and mossy greens.








When you choose colors that complement your skin, eyes and hair you will look and feel healthier, brighter, younger and slimmer. This is not to limit you from wearing colors you may like that aren't in your seasonal category, it's just meant to be a guideline - not a rule book! :) Hope this was helpful!

Dressing For Your Body Type

God created women in all shapes and sizes. The key to flattering your figure is knowing how to dress for your body type. Once you understand your body shape then you can better choose what clothing brings out your best and what clothing is best to avoid. Here are just a few suggestions for a fashionable figure.

Hourglass Figure

You have a shapely, balanced figure. Your hips and shoulders are about the same width and you have a well defined waist. 


Bring Out Your Best:

• Square necklines and V shaped necklines
• Dresses with defined waistlines, waist-cinching belts, wrap dresses, etc.
• Straight and slightly flared pants
• Cropped jackets

Best To Avoid:

• Shapeless baggy tops that hide your waist
• If you're busty, avoid ruffles
• Drop waist dresses and tops

Pear Shape

You have proportionally narrow shoulders and larger hips, with a well defined waist. You probably also have a small to medium bust.


Bring Out Your Best:

• Accessories and designs to draw attention to your upper body
• Balance out your curvy bottom half with bold bright tops
• Maxi skirts and A-line dresses

Best To Avoid: 

• Tube, pencil and fishtail skirts, especially tight-fitting ones that will only widen your hips and behind.
• Tiered or ruffled skirts will add volume to your bottom half
• Skinny jeans will widen the look of your hips

Apple Shape

You tend to carry your weight around your mid-section. Emphasize your best features, like your legs and upper body by avoiding volume around your middle.

Bring Out Your Best:

• Empire waist lines
• Longer length tops, tunics and cardigans
• V-shaped neckline to draw the eye upward

Best To Avoid:

• Short, boxy jackets
• Pleated or tiered skirts
• Round necklines

           

       

Tube Shape

Tube shaped ladies are usually straight up and down. There's no main area you want to minimize so you can get away with more things than most. However you may crave more curves – an illusion easily created with the right clothing.

Bring Out Your Best:

• Structured coats and jackets
•  Cinching your waist with a belt will make you appear more curvy
• Pencil and tulip skirts will also create the illusion of more curves

Best To Avoid:

• Low rise jeans and pants can make your torso look too long
• Baggy tops and tunics won't give you a waist
• Sweetheart necklines

Hope this was helpful! Remember, no matter what your body shape, you are a beautiful creation designed by God Himself. If He had wanted you to be a different body type then He would have made you that way. So be thankful for the shape you have because if God created you this way, and He makes no mistakes, then you are a masterpiece! :) Figure-flattering clothing for the body is like the perfect frame for a piece of  fine art. It can make all the difference.

Top 5 Sun Protection Products

We all want to slow the aging process and keep our skin looking young and healthy for as long as possible. Avoiding significant sun exposure can certainly help in aging gracefully. But women aren't just concerned about the appearance of aging, we also want to avoid other damages that can be caused by sun exposure - like skin cancer. Sun protection is so important all year round, but even more so in the summer months when we seem to be outdoors in the sun more often. Here are a few great sunscreen suggestions for your face and body.

1. Aveeno Hydrosport sunblock spray — I prefer sunblock sprays because they make it easier to cover those hard to reach areas — like your back — and give a nice, even coverage. It also eliminates those streak marks that most rub-on lotions can cause if you don't blend in properly. This one by Aveeno can even be applied on wet skin. It is sweatproof and waterproof.

2. Neutrogena Dry-Touch sun block — sun sprays are wonderful, but if you're applying outdoors they may not work for you. If it is a windy day, for example, the product could go everywhere except on your skin. It's always a good idea to have a suncreen lotion handy in your beach bag. This one by Neutrogena is waterproof and doesn't leave your skin feeling oily.

3. Aveeno Positively Radiant daily moisturizer with SPF30 — it's important to moisturize your face daily and it's a good idea to have a moisturizer with a medium to high SPF. This moisturizer by Aveeno actually brightens up the complextion a bit while protecting you from the sun.

4. Clinique Solar Smart face cream with SPF30  — this is a waterproof facial sunscreen with a very light scent. It's a bit pricier than the other sunscreens mentioned here but it is not greasy or sticky, it doesn't leave behind that white cast that many sunscreens do, it doesn't have a strong scent like others have and a little goes a long way. This is part of Clinique's sun protection line of face and body products.

5. Banana Boat Kid's Sunblock Lotion tear free SPF50 —  if it's safe and gentle for kids then it's good enough for adults, right? 

These are just a few of the many brands and types of sunscreens out there. The main thing you want to look for in a sun protection product is that it has an SPF of 30 or higher and that it has both UVA and UVB protection.

My 5 Makeup Must Haves

If I could only choose five makeup products it would be these. This could certainly change as I discover new products but currently...these are my top five favs.

1. Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin - peach blushes look good on all skin types and I love this cream blush because it goes on smooth and looks more glowy and natural than powder blushes.

2. Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation - I've been using this foundation for over a year now and really love it. My shade is Classic Ivory. It has great coverage, smooth look and feel and doesn't feel heavy on my skin. I only wish it were a little more long wearing. I definitely recommend setting with a powder. My favourite powder to combine with it is the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder.

3. Revlon Age Defying Concealer - I'm still on the hunt for the perfect concealer but this is my favourite drugstore concealer that I've tried so far. I'm cursed with dark circles under my eyes and they're hard to hide. Suggestions for a great concealer are welcomed! :)

4. L'Oreal Bare Naturale Lip Conditioner in Soft Blush - This moisturizing lip product is a sheer light pink that leaves your lips looking healthy and shiny. It's a great natural, everyday wear that doesn't feel sticky on your lips.

5. CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara - Best mascara EVER! It lengthens your lashes and also makes them fuller and  thicker. Doesn't smudge, doesn't clump, and isn't a pain to remove at the end of the day. What more could you ask for in a mascara?


What are YOUR top five makeup must haves? Leave them in the comment section below!

Heart to Heart: Modesty Is Always Beautiful

Beth Moore delivers a powerful message of truth about modesty and self-worth in the following video clip. She does a great job of bringing understanding that our heart should be exposed for the world to see, not our bodies.



We as women need to examine our motives and our intent for the way we dress. Is our goal to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? To reveal a humble heart devoted to Christ? OR is our goal to draw attention to ourselves and to flaunt our beauty....or worse....to attempt to lure men sexually? Our wardrobe is a public statement of our personal motivation.

Ladies, what are you more noticed for? Your clothes....or your heart? What are you known for...fashion or grace? What is most eye catching about you...your clothing or your character?

A modest heart always precedes a modest dress.

Things I'm Lovin': Nude Pumps

A pair of nude colored heels is a staple for any woman's wardrobe. They go with any outfit and can give a very classic and sophisticated feel. Not to mention they make your legs look a million miles long! :) Here are a few different styles of nude pumps and some of my favourite ways to wear them.

1. Forever21
2. Kristen Bell
3. Jessica Simpson
4. BCBG
5. Ralph Lauren
6. Christian Louboutin wedges
7. Nine West
8. Shock Boutique
9. Target (this is the pair I own and I LOVE them!)
10. L.A.M.B. Crepes
11. Steve Madden
12. Jimmy Choo

 

all photos were found on google images

Outfit Of The Day: Orange and Turquoise

This is probably one of my favourite summer outfits. I love the bright colors and classy feel of this look. I'm a huge fan of turquoise and I think these accessories combined with the orange skirt really makes for a fun, vibrant outfit that's perfect for summer.

*all items were purchased at H&M

Classy Cues:

• choose skirts and dresses that hit below or slightly above the knee
• wear wide sleeve tanks as opposed to spaghetti straps
• layer sheer tops to prevent exposed undergarments
• stay away from form fitting clothes that leave little to the imagination
• avoid low cut tops that will distract from your face