I’m cleaning through our 2 story + basement home in preparation for a down-size/relocation next spring. Oh MY! I’m finding SO much stuff – good (though old) information that reveal the ‘path’ of my work world over the past 30+ years. Though some of this will look ‘dated’, I personally feel most of it is still ‘TRUE’ and well worth reading. I’m fully aware that many ‘younger eyes’ will roll, but personally feel that if these principles were still valued by women, that we would ALL present a much better image that ‘doesn’t tell all’ if ya know what I mean.
Most of this information comes from my color/styling-image training back in the early 80’s when color analysis became all the rage. These principles still have value – so here goes…please read the Caption under the image for my explanation/current commentary. I welcome your comments!
These principles ARE still true for tasteful, good, classic fashion!
Classic, good fit was defined as shown in this chart – and still should be IMHO (in my humble opinion).
For investment clothing – look for CLASSIC as shown. Has been true for years = and remains so.
Flattering Hemline Lengths – from Looking Good by Nancy Nix-Rice.
Color analysis is still offered around the country – I know (and value) that service done by Nancy Nix-Rice if you’re interested. I just remember when Color Me Beautiful hit this scene, I just couldn’t fully ‘sign on’ to the idea that 1 of 4 (season) palettes would give me my best colors. For myself, the Summer palette – which there was no doubt was ‘me’, showed more blues and my eyes are green….. SO, I searched and searched, and finally found and took training from the Color Key System (used in Hollywood at the time). And I learned SO much. The ‘so much’ was styling as well as color. I would help gals determine how their ‘look’ (how God had ‘put them together in look and personality) would be flattered by certain colors AND styling. Before these well-worn and much-used charts go to the garbage bin, I certainly took time to snap shots of them with my iPhone. (Oh my, I could NEVER have envisioned doing that with a phone, much less being able to share it world-wide a short 30 years ago!!!) I AM getting ‘older’ I must admit…..
Chart comparing Cool and Warm UNDERTONE colors.
The scheme first divided everyone more casual (Country), or more formal (Town). That was determined not only by looks, but by personality, likes and dislikes, lifestyle, preferences, etc. Which do you think describes YOU? The ‘Famous’ row certainly indicates the ‘age’ – but since most of my customers are ‘mature’, these ‘famous’ people still help you ‘picture’ the look…. I’m not ‘into the modern famous people scene’ enough to be able to add more current personalities. But feel free to send photos/suggestions in the comments area of this Blog Post!
Styling Chart
And now for the explanatory charts for each ‘Style’….. I’ll re-cap what each column/row states because you might not be able to decipher it from the chart:
Pert – Country Image Chart
Country – PERT
Overall Look: Crisp, Sturdy, Sporty, Cute, Lively
Think of: Goldie Hawn, Julie Roberts (think Tinkerbell)… Texture: light and nubby. Pattern: Circles and variations of circles. Scale: Small to Medium.
Middle Country – Country Image Chart
Country – Middle Country
Overall Look: Classic – Tailored, Rustic, more ‘middle-of-the-road’ Country look than PERT or Flamboyant.
Think of: Mary tyler Moore, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Newman Texture: classic (tweeds, leather, denim). Pattern: circles with points and variations. Scale: Medium.
Flamboyant – Country Image Chart
Country – Flamboyant
Overall Look: Bold, Rustic, Swashbuckling, DRAMATIC
Think of: Cher, Kate Jackson (Charley’s Angels), Burt Reynolds Texture: medium to heavy nubby. Pattern: points and variations – geometrics. Scale: Medium to Large.
Romantic – Town Image Chart
Town – Romantic (this is me, by the way)
Overall Look: Feminine, Delicate, Fragile, Romantic
Think of: Princess Grace, Zsa Zsa Gabor. Rya O’Neal Texture: soft, limp. Pattern: undulating lines,and variations – love florals. Scale: Small to Medium.
Middle Town – Town Image Chart
Town- Middle Town
Overall Look: Classic, but dignified, business-like
Think of: Elizabeth Taylor, Marlo Thomas, Walter Cronkhite, Cary Grant Texture: Classic – but smoother than Middle Country. Pattern: slightly undulating lines and variations. Scale: Medium
Regal – Town Image Chart
Town – Regal
Overall Look: Sophisticated, Stark, Severe
Think of: Jackie Onassis, Beverly Sassoon, John Travolta. Texture: smooth only Pattern: straight line and variations (strong, bold geometrics)Scale: Medium to Large.
Sew…….interesting, eh? Define yourself – for guidance when you shop (or sew!). Create your ‘Look’.
Anyway – now these charts can educate the re-cycling paper bin…..
To the recycling bin these go – time to let go.