Color Wheel Theory

I do a LOT of talking about colors and their relationship to each other all the time. When I'm with clients, I try to help them see the way one color can "highlight" another tone in another color that's next to it. (huh?)
It's the same theory behind when someone says, "It really brings out your eyes" or "Wow, red is really your color".

Essentially, colors play off each other. True, your skin color, hair color, and lighting all play a part in the way a color reads on you BUT, you also have a consistent "undertone" to your skin that's never changing. Sometimes it's referred to as a season and, unless you're tanning like a guidette, your skin's general predisposition of color is always there. This is an element I use when working with clients- find colors to flatter their undertones. So if you're a Spring, you have more golden undertones accented with pink in your cheeks. If you're a Fall, you have more earth-colored undertones with red to accent your cheeks. You can read more about it by going to this website. It's a men's site but the information still translates for women.

This came from a baby nursery site.

BUT, to better understand any color theory, you have to first have some knowledge in the color wheel. Complimentary colors, tertiary colors, and secondary colors. You know this stuff already, you just don't know it. Sometimes seeing it laid out with pictures and bullet points makes it more accessible. This website did a great job explaining the basics. Below is the explanation of what a color wheel is.

A color wheel (also referred to as a color circle) is a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. Begin a color wheel by positioning primary hues equidistant from one another, then create a bridge between primaries using secondary and tertiary colors.

Try to take it from there and use this information in your own wardrobe. To give you a place to start, I have a question for you. If you answer it, you're already a better stylist than you think you are:

If tertiary colors come from secondary and primary colors mixed together, it stands to reason that, since they're all from the same "family" of colors that that "family" of colors will look good together in an outfit
(...did I just get all color philosophical on you? If you get stuck, scroll up and revisit the segmented wheel :)

Image(s) courtesy of www.creative-baby-nursery-rooms.com
 www.worqx.com

HeidiSays San Francisco Blowout Sale

 

San Francisco Sale Info for July 2012

 July Fine Jewelry Birthday Card Sunday, July 1st- Tuesday, July 31st

Looking for the perfect gift? We have you covered! Clients will receive a $100 Splurge Card when spending $500 or more in Fine Jewelry or Fine Watches using your Bloomingdales card!

Designer Ready to Wear Power Point Offer Thursday, July 12th- Sunday, July 15th

Ladies, this is the time to shop until you drop! For every $1,000 spent in full price Designer and The New View Designer Collections, you will receive 50,000 Power Points! Our Designer collections are calling your name this month!

July FOD Thursday, July 12th- Sunday, July 15th

Clients will receive 15% off of almost any purchase in our Center Core, Ready to Wear, Men’s or Young World departments when using their Bloomingdales card!

A Better Offer: Soft Goods Clearance Sale Thursday, July 26th- Sunday, July 29th

We know you have been waiting for it, and it is finally here! Come in to Bloomingdales to receive 40%-50% off of almost all permanently reduced items in Women’s Men’s and Kid’s fashions, Handbags, Fashion Accessories and Intimates! Total savings during this time can range from 50%-75%.

Polo Olympics Power Points Event Thursday, July 12th- Saturday, July 28th

Now that SF Pride has ended, we are focusing on a new kind of celebration, the Olympics! Take pride and shop our Olympics line here at Bloomingdales! Clients will receive triple points on Men’s and Women’s Polo Olympics merchandise!

July Last Chance Clearance Sale Thursday, July 26th- Sunday, July 29th

Be sure to make your appointment for all of your last minute summer items! The Last Chance Clearance Sale is the perfect time to include any last minute items to your wardrobe.

 

You can shop this sale online any time, or make an appointment to shop it in-store on the 11th.

 Barney's in San Francisco is currently on sale at up to 60% off Spring Summer; definitely a great time to stop in!

Summer stock-up sale, presell starts July 8 - save up to 20% off regular and sale merchandise with Friends and Family exclusions!

One Day Sale is coming on Saturday, July 14 with a preview day on Friday, July 13.
You can use your Star Rewards towards purchases. (Unfortunately we can't presell for Summer stock-up sale during the One Day Sale).

It's time for the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!!!!!!!!!!!  This sale is not to be missed.  While everyone is is putting their Spring/Summer clothes on sale, Nordstrom gets you ready for the cool weather early by putting their FALL clothing on sale before everyone else's hit the shelves.

ANNIVERSARY SALE STARTS JULY 20!
Next season's styles are making their debut, and they'll be on sale for a limited time. Shop early for the best selection.
Prices go up August 6.

BE FASHIONABLY EARLY

Shop the Anniversary Sale for nine full days before everyone else with Early Access! Just join the Nordstrom cardholder family and become a Fashion Rewards® member

ONLINE SALES:

If you're a fan of The Limited and a plus sized woman, then you need to know about Eloquii.  Check them out now while you take advantage of their current offer: "enjoy 50% off 3 or more items" when you use code SAVENOW.  That includes already markdown items.

 

Father's Day: The Classic Gift

fa·ther

[fah-ther] 

noun

1. a male parent.

2. a father-in-law, stepfather, or adoptive father.

3. any male ancestor, especially the founder of a race, family, or line; progenitor.

4. a man who exercises paternal care over other persons; paternal protector or provider: a father to the poor.

 

He may be the origin of our X and Y chromosomes or progenitor, but he's still just Dad to many of us, or in my case "Popi".  My dad was a "suit to work" kind of guy, who had everything and wanted for nothing.  He was, and still is, the hardest person in our family to buy for.  So we set up a Father's-Day-gift-giving-tradition to buy him the same gift every year.  Sure he knew what he was getting, but that meant that he didn't have to buy this particular items for himself any more.  What was this easy gift of choice?

No surprise, ties.  That might sound as exciting as giving him an ugly Christmas sweater.  But ties don't have to look like they came off of a used car salesman.  My number one tip to picking something safe is to keep them in the blue/grey/black family in some variation of stripes or plaids.  If you want to throw in a curve ball, try lilac.  That greyish shade of pale purple looks great with black and navy suits.

 

For the many types of dads out there, here are some fashionable suggestions.

Burberry Exploded Check Silk Tie $165

HUGO Woven Silk Tie $95

 

Michael Kors Woven Silk Tie $49.50

Alfani RED Skinny Tie $21.99 (on SALE at Macy's)

 

From my family to yours, Happy Father's Day! 

Dad image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mad Men Style Sweeps the Nation: Are you a Betty or a Joan? A Pete or a Don?

With the 4th season of AMC's hit TV show Mad Men airing soon, they're doing a recap of all of the previous episodes to catch people up.  It's one of those shows my husband and I were never interested in until everyone starting raving about it, then we never started because we were behind.  Even if the show turned out to be crap (which it isn't), I would have loved it anyway due to the set and costume designs.

Now I've officially jumped on the Mad Men bandwagon.  (1) In my house- mid century modern is the one design style my husband and I can agree upon- and (2) in my closet because my curves love 1940-1950's era styles.  And I know I'm not the only one....

Banana Republic is showing their love by releasing a limited edition Mad Men collection in time for the fall season.  August 11th at 6:00PM (in select stores) you can shop the collection and drink a free "Mad-tini".  Receive a gift with purchase if you use your Banana Republic card.

Guys, they didn't forget about you...  "Are you MAD enough?"


Want something a little more literal?  Check out this Etsy shop for curvaceous creations that look like they came straight out of the show.

Image(s) courtesy of Google search. Quote from Banana Republic marketing.

"Honey Don't"- Men, What Not to Wear This Summer

In the article "Honey Don't: Menswear Faux-pas", Women's Wear Daily (WWD) asked some of their favorite fashionable ladies what their take on bad men's summer fashion looked like.  Some of the answers varied from obvious...

"...I don’t like that Speedos thing. I see it in France and Brazil all the time. In Brazil, it’s different, I think, because there that doesn’t count, it’s fine. But here…no." - Doutzen Kroes

 

...to equally obvious but pretty darn funny...

"A rhinestone T-shirt. You don’t look like a man. You look like an idiot." - Sophia Bush

I read this and had to add my two cents on the topic.  Living in the San Francisco Bay Area where tech is king, I've seen plenty of this "uniform"...

"Pleated khakis and short sleeved button-down shirts for work. Don't forget multiple cell phones attached to belt."- Jennifer @ Beyond Black

So I ask you, if you had the chance to ask your man "Honey, don't..." in regards to his wardrobe, what would you tell him not to wear this summer?

 

Stylist Picks: Wooden Accessories

Bright printed skirts, sun hats and maxi dresses... I'm loving so much of the boho chic clothing that's so popular again this summer (especially in San Francisco during all of the musical festivals). 

Not ready to dive straight into a look that, if not done right, could have you confused with the real hippies in Haight Ashbury?  A quick and affordable way to add that bohemian vibe to your wardrobe is through accessories- wooden to be exact.  Here are some of my favorite picks:

Stella & Dot "Casablanca" bib necklace $89

Lauren by Ralph Lauren "Java" wooden bangles $58

Yves Saint Laurent "Arty" wooden ring $275

Kenneth Jay Lane "Wave" bangle $45

Forever21 "Tribal Glam" bracelet set $6

How did we go from this.......

Like myself, you may have decided to give the ol' string bikini suit a heave-ho into the forgotten depths that is the back of your closet in lieu of something a little more conservative.  If you've read my previous blog posts on all of the cute one-piece and plus-sized swimsuits available this season, that might have helped you make the switch (it did me).  I was more than happy to get rid of the floss meant to cover my "bits" because I knew I never really felt comfortable in something so tiny anyway.

But do you know what it took, and how long, for society to let you walk out onto the beach dressed so scantily clad? Like the fact that the first bikini didn't show up on the scene until 1946?  I didn't until I found this great blog post from Divine Caroline showcasing "Swimsuits Through the Ages."  Enjoy...

... to this?

All images from Divine Caroline

Gilt Groupe Invites You to The Wedding Shop

If you're going to the chapel and gonna get married but haven't started the process yet, save the date for April 14-17 and get thee to a computer for the event of a lifetime.

Your golden Gilt ticket

Starting at 9am PST, flash-sale giant Gilt is once again launching their successful wedding shop for all of you about to tie the knot. A promise to shop, save, and stay stress-free, Gilt is bringing all brides & Co. unparalleled access to products and services that might otherwise be financially unobtainable. Just like your fiance, Gilt is the total package. Bridesmaid dresses, honeymoon deals, gift ideas, invitation services, and wedding gowns are just a few of the types of discounted bridal swag you can score.

Though if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with laying out the details, I know someone who can help, especially with the most important piece of the entire process- the dress. Beyond Black is here to assist you on your big day and take this sartorial burden off your shoulders. We've got lists upon lists of resources available to you with the insider knowledge of where to buy, when to buy, and how to get it cheaper. We'll help you narrow down your options based on the most flattering silhouette, fit, and style for your body type, personality, and should you wish it, your venue. Not to mention, we also have hair & makeup services to complete your look to make sure you're ready, head to toe. We'll be like your stylists-in-waiting. To us, happily ever after begins with the beautiful blushing bride, confident in her wedding dress. After that, your new husband will understand and sing the praises of the more contemporary wedding adage:
 

Image(s) courtesy of Gilt.com & waltsense.com
 

"Thou Shalt Not Endure Mom Butt"- Our SF Indie Fashion Interview

When popular online resource SF Indie Fashion contacted us to help put together a denim buying guide, I thought YES! Now there's a tool I know most women would definitely benefit from. How many of us have looked at those neatly stacked squares of jeans and found them threatening? Digging for your size alone is an act of futility as no matter how hard you try those darn things tumble off and wind up in a mess on the floor. Plus, who knows if you even get the right style or fit and have to go back in for round two.

Needless to say I was thrilled (I'm even doing a little jig right now) to put some of our experiences onto paper as our heads are practically bursting with clandestine clothing knowledge from years spent as personal shoppers and wardrobe stylists.  It felt great to get that information out there, in a readily available and formidable fashion resource like SFIF*.

There's nothing like working with other people in the fashion industry who equally share your enthusiasm for sartorial problem solving.  They came armed with a list of queries ranging from how to pick the right pair of skinnies- now considered a staple in your closet- to butt pocket adornments and affordable denim options. Hopefully this guide with help everyone assuage any future denim debacles. Even in a city as seemingly laissez-faire as San Francisco, thou shalt not endure "mom butt", muffin top, or butt cracks.

To read the full article and check out SF Indie Fashion, click here.

*If you're not already, get acquainted with SF Indie Fashion. I've been following their tweets now for sometime and if you ever want up-to-the-minute San Francisco Indie Fashion information, start following their sartorial shout-outs immediately. They offer an insight into the independent fashion scene of SF, an area we in the industry value as it's what sets us apart from LA and NY.

How To Series: How to Keep Your Blue Jeans Blue

Whenever I'm on the sales floor working as a personal shopper I hear various women reiterating the same questions and concerns about clothing. How is this supposed to fit? Where was this made? How do I hide my tummy/legs/arms/bust? Truth be told, even we humble stylists ask ourselves those same questions when we shop. Before even considering something for the dressing room my next question is inevitably, "What are the care instructions?". Okay, first it might be "How much is this thing anyway?" but the other is a close second! One of the perks about having someone like me in your pocket is we are filled with useful information that is otherwise not so readily available online. Years in school and walking the floor has prepped us for anything. So here's a blog dedicated to answering the number one question I still get today: how do I wash my jeans? Actually, it's a blog to answer the small caveat often attached to that question: How do I keep the color from fading?

some faded blues and greys at jawn.mikevitoroulis.net

(To be clear, I do know how to properly wash jeans and you can click here for a full article I did with SF Indie Fashion. It not only goes into the care of denim but also how to shop for that perfect pair.)

So how DO you keep jeans from fading? The answer is actually quite simple and easily found online: vinegar. However, what I know, and what isn't so accessible on the internet, is WHY you need to use vinegar to help set the dye. As a resource on fabric properties or "home made" cleaning remedies I continually use Fabric Reference, Fourth Edition, by Mary Humphries. Quite possibly the fabric bible short of a swatch kit. It provided all the information about the dye used in jeans, how the jeans are dyed and what that means. How vinegar is involved will be understood in a sec.
 

No fancy vinegars needed. A plain, white one will do the trick.

First things first, the dye used to color jeans is called "indigo". Traditionally used to make blue jeans that familiar blue, indigo is a vat dye. A vat dye is a dye that is insoluble in water, meaning it won't bleed in water. However, in order to be applied to cellulose fibers (like the cotton in denim and most natural fibers which are porous) indigo must first be made soluble in an alkaline bath. Once in the bath, the dye is taken in by the fibers. When it is removed from the bath, the dye oxidizes and sets in the fiber as an insoluble color.

textilelibrary.blogspot.com

Why then would it fade with several washings if the dye is set? Because the dye is always weaker and susceptible to coming off (crocking) in any washing machine with base, or alkaline, conditions. Vinegar is an acid, the opposite of alkaline, and a good combatant at preventing color-loss with vat dyed products. Using a little bit in your machine prevents the water from becoming alkaline and further removing the color from your jeans. It's just an extra precaution you can take to ensure your true blues stay saturated.

a lot of jeans at zcolyer.blogspot.com

How much vinegar you should use varies on the blogs and internet from a 1/4 of a cup to a full cup. My best suggestion is take Vinegarbook.net's advice and do a 50/50 solution of a water and vinegar bath for 10-15 minutes before washing. Afterwards, proceed to wash your jeans as per my instructions in the SF Indie Fashion blog. You can also try adding a quarter cup to a full cup of vinegar to your machine before laundering with regular detergent. The main idea I gather is that the vinegar needs to be added before any other product is introduced. And though I have yet to try this solution out myself, the process should help keep our jeans dark and our rumps practically pickled to perfection in a nice, dark denim.

Image(s) courtesy of Google Image Search

How To Series: How to Care for A Wool Suit

This one goes out to all the guys in the audience. I'm sure most of you, if not all of you, own a nice wool suit. (If you don't, go out and get one immediately because it's a staple to your closet!) The one thing I'm guessing is that not one of you knows how to properly care for it. If you've been throwing it in the wash* or dry-cleaning it regularly, you're doing a great disservice to your clothes.

shop.com

Rule number one, and the one you might find most surprising, your suit only needs to be dry-cleaned about twice a year. Extensive cleaning, on any garment not just suits, wears the fibers down reducing their strength and luster.

Rule 2: After wearing, dust the suit off and remove food stains with a stiff, wool bristle brush. There are great websites offering menswear accessories that are both functional and attractive.

3-for-1! Great for traveling. vavraitaly.com

Rule 3: Be sure to brush the suit lengthwise. This is in tune with the direction (weave) of the threads and won't break them. It's similar to shaving in the direction of your facial hair to avoid ingrown hairs.

Rule 4: Hang your suit on a contoured hanger to maintain the shape of the shoulders. Make sure it's also thick enough to hold the weight of both pieces of your suit. Use the clamp hanger for your pants, which should be hung upside down to hold the crease through the center of the leg.

Look for cedar hangers, another 2-for-1: cedar is the best wood to keep closets/clothes fresh and free of moths

Rule 5: Always store suits uncovered (more breathable) and away from direct heat (this one's fairly obvious, no?)

Rule 6: Try to let your suit "hang out" for at least 24 hours before and after wearing. This allows the wrinkles time to fall out and helps the suit keep its shape. 

I kinda want one of these! A great idea: suit valet

If you want a more detailed account of how to care for your suit, go here or here. Either site is an excellent resource for information. There's even an entire section devoted to shoe care!

--Happy cleaning guys!--

 
* As a general rule, your suit should never be submerged in water.


hanger image(s) courtesy of google product search