The Art of Closet Shopping

Changing up the pieces in your closet is easier said then done. Especially if what you decided to keep, fortunately, are the pieces you already put together for your daily uniform.

Unfortunately, how can you find this experience successful if you are not allowing creativity to flourish?

The answer is all in the natural complements of colors. Manipulating color in a wardrobe is a quick way to infuse life in any look. Use this color wheel as your guide to putting colorful pieces together without looking like Jackson Pollock painting,

Take a pencil. Put the eraser end on one color and let the point match it to its complement. Each color is enhanced by its wheel opposite. Just think Complements = Compliments!

Be mindful of the nuances in colors. Keep saturated colors with saturated colors and pastels with pastels.

Pattern Play

To navigate complementing patterns, here is an easy rule of thumb:

• Pick one color out of the pattern and use the complement to dictate accessories or layering pieces.

The Bold, the beautiful… the NEUTRAL

For some strange reason, many of my clients get into a tizzy when I mention manipulating neutrals to mix up a wardrobe. Neutrals include:

• Black, white, shades of grey, shades of brown and my personal favorite navy

Directions. Take one blouse and pair it with every neutral pant, skirt, jacket, etc… that you own. From this I challenge you to find atleast 3 looks from simply changing up a neutral pairing piece. Neutrals de-stress the process of trying out new looks. NEUTRALS ARE OUR FRIENDS.

Caution. In every friend you will find an enemy. Do not get comfortable with neutrals. It is very easy to create a uniform this way. Blank pants, a basic color, a small piece of jewelery… yeaahhhh that is a quick way to end all efforts of creating a stylish wardrobe.

I know it is hard to resist, because I myself have fallen into that ditch. But just ask yourself if you are keeping it fresh and representative of your vibrant personality.

Tips:

• Challenge yourself to substitute a neutral. Instead of a black pant try a gray pant or skirt. Look for charcoal or slate gray to offer depth and light gray to lift a look and make it airy.

• Mix neutrals together. My favorite combos are: brown and grey, grey and navy, and yes the harmonious trio of black, brown, and navy.

The weekend is quickly approaching, what better time to test out some new look ideas. Have fun living in color!

As always, the only accessory you really need is confidence.

Jey