Personal Services
Your Personal Color Analysis
Wouldn’t it be great to have color really work for you? Knowing what colors look best on you (and which colors will do until you find the perfect ones) makes shopping so much easier. You’ll learn the basics about color qualities, harmony, value and contrast to help train your eye and enhance your understanding of the how your colors work with you. In your personal color assessment, we’ll match your skin tone and hair color, find the colors that best enhance your eyes, and determine the shades of red that are best for you. With those colors as a guide, we’ll find your best neutrals and whites, a spectrum of coordinating colors, plus pastels and metallics—all designed to make you look terrific.
Do you read all the style books and magazine articles and try to figure out which advice applies to you?
Does some of the advice seem contradictory? My favorite is the color advice that tells you to try on several different colors (assuming you can find clothing in a wide range of colors to try on), look in the mirror, and decide which ones look best on you. It’s virtually impossible to do that—even for highly-trained color consultants. Sure, you can pretty much tell the colors that are really bad on you— but your best colors make your skin glow, make your eyes sparkle, and enhance your natural coloring. How many of us are kind enough to ourselves to see the beauty that’s there? Objectivity is tough. People are so blinded by their perceived flaws that they can’t see the positives. The right colors will help you—and everyone who sees you—focus on your best features.
Does some of the advice seem contradictory? My favorite is the color advice that tells you to try on several different colors (assuming you can find clothing in a wide range of colors to try on), look in the mirror, and decide which ones look best on you. It’s virtually impossible to do that—even for highly-trained color consultants. Sure, you can pretty much tell the colors that are really bad on you— but your best colors make your skin glow, make your eyes sparkle, and enhance your natural coloring. How many of us are kind enough to ourselves to see the beauty that’s there? Objectivity is tough. People are so blinded by their perceived flaws that they can’t see the positives. The right colors will help you—and everyone who sees you—focus on your best features.
Sometimes the issue of hair color comes up.
If you’re not happy with your current color, I can recommend a more flattering choice and give you a color sample to take to your stylist.
We’ll spend some time on your “personal design elements”—lines, shapes, textures, patterns and contrast. You’ll learn how these relate to your clothing selections. You’ll receive a custom shopping fan of fabric swatches in your most flattering colors, labeled to show you how to use them to best effect, whether you’re shopping for clothing, makeup or accessories. You’ll also receive a printed version of “How to Use Your Colors,” as well as a summary of your personal design elements. The best part? I’ll show you a super-easy way to use your shopping fan to determine if colors that aren’t on your fan would work for you.
Your Style Strategy
Closet Consult
(By the hour; two-hour minimum)Imagine a closet full of clothes that all fit nicely, look great, and work well together. With a little help, that closet can be yours. Ideally, clients will have already had a color & style consultation. For those who have not, I’ll do a basic assessment of your personal coloring and personal design elements (does not include shopping fan or printed information). We’ll review and sort your clothing, shoes and accessories into Keepers, Weepers, and Fix-Its. We’ll explore possible combinations of “Keeper” clothing and accessories and take digital photos to help you remember the various “looks.” Then, we’ll organize your closet to promote wardrobe combining and easy access. Finally, based on your personal and professional goals and lifestyle, we’ll develop a shopping list.
Psychological Dressing
Once we get through the basics of color and style, there are still more ways for your appearance to convey a particular message or combination of messages. When you receive your personal color palette, you learn that wearing your eye-related color makes you appear sincere and honest and wearing skin tones makes you seem friendly and approachable. You’ll also know which colors to wear for elegant, romantic or dramatic looks. Psychological dressing goes beyond that. Color, texture and line, as well as makeup and hairstyle, all contribute to specific visual effects. Combinations of these elements can create very specific messages. For example, you may be attending an event where dress is casual, yet you need to convey an air of power and authority. Or you may want to look businesslike and efficient, yet also seem friendly and supportive. If you work with children, your appearance should be approachable or playful, but not intimidating. What effect do you want to create? What impression would you like to leave?
Personal Shopping
(By the hour; two-hour minimum)Hate to shop? Can’t find anything that works for you? Don’t know how to accessorize? This relatively painless process will make the task of putting a wardrobe together seem fun. A preliminary color & style consultation is recommended, and a prior closet consult is very helpful; otherwise, I’ll do a basic assessment of your personal coloring and personal design elements (does not include shopping fan or printed information). We’ll determine your wardrobe goals—business or casual wear, something for a special occasion, etc.—then establish a budget, then hit the stores. We’ll select clothes, shoes and accessories that appeal to you and will work for you. You try on, we’ll evaluate, and you’ll only buy what you love or need. (Whether or not to purchase is always your choice, although I have been known to strongly encourage the purchase of items that are absolutely perfect.)
It’s really very efficient. Selection is a fairly speedy process, as we don’t even look at unsuitable colors or styles. And in the words of one client, “I feel like a princess!” This was the result of her staying in the dressing room, trying on items, while I was out gathering more possibles for her to try on.
Please note: Alterations are usually a must for tailored clothing. Off-the-rack items seldom fit perfectly, and perfect fit is the key to a polished appearance.
click here for my article about alterations
Dining for Success
More than a third of all business deals, hiring decisions and relationships are made at the restaurant table. You may not even be aware of what you’re doing wrong, but what you don’t know can affect your future. Learn how to improve your skills to better represent yourself and your company when dining out with clients or colleagues. Gain poise and confidence, so you shine wherever you dine. Private tutoring available.
"Bernie’s work was great and I'm a color liberated person. There's a big difference in learning what works just for YOU. So much better than the generic version we did years ago. I’ve also received compliments on my outfits. I've spent a lot on (a high-end clothing line) over the years, and no one noticed. But now that I know my best colors, finally people notice my clothes—and me.
- Kris S., Customer Support Trainer
- Kris S., Customer Support Trainer