Trends

If you're old enough to remember the 'Colour me Beautiful' days of the 80's, where 'getting your colours done' was the buzzword of fashion and 'colour parties' were as popular as Tupperware, you've probably since dismissed the idea as just another pop culture fad. While it's true that the idea of sticking to just the colours in your swatch wallet forever and ever has (amen) gone out of style, it's also true that the effect of wearing a good colour for you has never been more relevant. Here are the top 5 reasons you should consider taking the leap into 21st century colour.

1. It's hard to argue with science. It's still a fact that colour and light interact with our skin tone. Some colours produce a healthy glow and some colours can make you look ill!

2. The colour systems have evolved over time. Instead of just the four seasons, there are three dimensions of colour to consider, which produce at least ten different colour palettes and everything in between. It's possible you're not exactly where you thought you were; for example, if you were classified as a Winter in the old system, you might actually be a little less intense, a little warmer, or a little more intense than a single palette can allow.

3. Colour is always evolving; the elves at Pantone sit down a few years ahead of us and concoct new variations on the basic rainbow. The fabric manufacturers pick up the colour, then the fashion houses, and finally the mass production spots. For a good primer on this, just watch Meryl Streep's monologue on cerulean blue from The Devil Wears Prada. If you don't know your colour dimensions, it can be tough to distinguish which new colour trend is good for you.

4. We are always evolving as women! As we age, our skin, hair, and eyes change colour, often softening or becoming more textured, which can call for a shift in colour. What suited you when you were 20 might not suit you now.

5. Finally, colour is fun! So often we default to black, grey, or another neutral because we perceive that it's 'easy.' Knowing your colour dimensions means that you'll always look healthy and glowing in the colours you choose, and it also makes shopping easier because you can identify which colours available in the stores will work for you.

Over the next few weeks and months, keep your eyes on the blog and other posts on the website for more information. Learning new things about colour is just one of the ways we're learning to help you 'dress with purpose!'

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Early fall arrivals are making their way onto retailer racks and even though we are tempted for something new, I know we don’t want to give up our pretty summer wardrobes. Rightly so with this July heat! The trick is to look for transitional pieces that can be worn through the last days of summer and long past the first fall chill.

Here’s how to style one blouse for two seasons:

During the summer months, wearing this sleeveless blouse on its own is enough because of the lightweight fabric. The floral print blouse works now with lighter summer neutrals. Pull on your khaki linen pants, sand Bermuda shorts or other light coloured items you have in your closet. Faded denim also works well, like these boyfriend jeans pictured above.

Later in fall, you’ll want to gradually add more of the fall palette as we transition into September when neutrals are darker. Think army green pants or a chocolate pencil skirt. Dark denim skinnies, as pictured above, are a great fall bottom. As it gets colder, layer this blouse with textured knits and heavier fabrics. This Kersh cardigan in Ginger warms the print when golden leaves are starting to hit the sidewalks for a bold autumn look. Finish the look with some fabulous boots!

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Spring dressing always promises fresh and fun colours, prints, and silhouettes to get excited about. So why is this the time of year that we start reaching for that tired, predictable uniform of cutoffs, plain tanks, and flip flops? It's all too easy to abandon creative, interesting wardrobing and revert to that old stand by because it's simple. But the fact is that your daily ensemble should excite and inspire you! It doesn't need to be complicated to look chic and pulled together.

Before you reach for the cutoffs, try a fun twist on the monochromatic trend instead! An all-white look is especially popular for spring and summer - it will still keep you nice and cool, and is easily made fun and accessible with a pair of floral print denim. They work well with a plain white tank, and you can carry a breezy white button-down to transition this outfit into the cooler evening. 

Outfit details: Plum slim fit button down, $59 (reg. $72), Floral print jeans, $78 (reg. $98)

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