Gray is soft, subtle and most importantly, versatile. Both flattering and elegant, this keynote color replaces the harsh black of the winter. Perfect for the transparent fabrics which designers favor for spring. Reflecting a natural hue found in nature’s garden, gray is the color of fur, pebbles and springtime clouds. It can also be glitzy and glamorous with a sheen reminiscence of the popular metallics that add a touch of excitement to any outfit.

DO
wear gray aviators
find gray metallic flats
add a pop of bright color
check out our raincoat and bomber jacket

DON’T
overdo it, going all gray will make you look blah (our dotty swirl tunic shows a good medium!)

Remember for day use, keep it a flat gray, for evening glitz it up with a little metallic.

The longing of mankind for unspoilt naturalness is greater than ever. The wide-open space of Nordic landscapes sets the mood with a range of cool, authentic natural shades.

“Rich and Discreet” is the word on the street for Golden Olive. Opt for this trans-seasonal color as another distinctive staple and tasteful accompaniment to 2008’s newest shades! Try it out as shorts, a skirt or as a base color for a dress. Harmonious colors (such as beiges, creams, a darker green or navy blue) pair well with this warm, stabilizing neutral.

DO
accent your outfit of olive with bold colored accessories
a duet with Rococo Red as an accent, but be careful, while amazing, don’t over do it!

DON’T
put orange reds with Olive

Remember you can add a animal print accessory for a safari look.

When New York Fashion Week stated that the new colors for Spring 2008 would be, “Refreshing splashes of invigorating brights punctuating classic, versatile neutrals as designers offer a playful spring palette for endless exploration and creative combinations,” they weren’t kidding. Check out this amazing Rococco Red, it looks good with just about every skin tone! After spending time appreciating Italian art and resorts along the French Riviera, Designer Dennis Basso fell in love with this color. Spring will probably find you with a impressionistic floral gown glowing with this exciting and invigorating pinkish red, which blends boldly with other pinks and purples.

DO
accessorize a solid coat with this gorgeous red
wear a rococo red headscarf
paint your toenails this color

DONT
over do it! Little bits of red go a long way, like our dotty swirl tunic.
wear two shades of red

Remember, bright colors bring attention - make sure you wear them wisely and only on your most flattering areas! If you want to wear the softer colors of the season, this can be worn easily as accessories with cappuccino and beige colors.

Amidst looking at all the colors for Spring we are all wondering, “what colors look good on me?”

It is helpful to know what your skin tone is to answer that question. Basic rules of skin tones are divided into “seasons” Winter, Summer, Autumn and Spring.

Winter complexions have blue or pink undertones. Skin can be pale white, yellowish-olive, or dark. Winter people are generally brunettes, with deeply colored eyes. Many Asians and African Americans fall into this category.

Summer complexions, like winter complexions, have blue or pink undertones. Skin is pale and pink. Summers are often natural blondes or brunettes with pale eyes.

Autumn complexions have golden undertones. Often redheads and brunettes with golden brown eyes fall into this category.

Spring complexions have golden undertones and are usually creamy white or peach. Spring people generally have straw-colored or strawberry red hair, freckles, rosy cheeks, and blue or green eyes.

It is important that you honor your natural skin tone and choose colors that will enhance your natural beauty.

If you are unsure of basic coloring try on a few colors to determine how they affect your appearance using a mirror.
Use the following cool and warm colors for your analysis:

Warm tones look better in the colors to the left, Cool tones look better in the colors to the right:

Ivory/Pure white

Yellow green/Blue green

Bright orange/Bright pink

Red orange/Burgundy

Dark brown/Black

Ask yourself

1. Does my skin glow (in a good way!)?

2. Does the color cause skin imperfections or wrinkles to be less noticeable?

3. Does the color bring out the highlights in my hair?

4. Do my eyes sparkle with this color?

• Place the color’s complement next to it. Example: Green with red hair, purple with blonde hair.

• Combine the color with a neutral color. Example: Light pastel with dark brown hair.

• Repeat a large amount of the same color in a lower intensity near it. Example: Grayed blue with clear blue eyes.

• Repeat the same color in a brighter intensity, but in a small amount. Example: Emerald green scarf with green eyes.

To de-emphasize a personal color:

•Avoid complementary colors. Example: Sallow skin looks more yellow when purple is worn.

•Use color of brighter intensity in large amounts. Example: Bright rust with auburn

Your eyes are one of your most endearing aspects. Look in the mirror closely and find the colors that are there, wear those colors close to your face, in scarves, jewelry even eye shadows!

Make sure you check out the new Spring collection here at Christa-Taylor today!

American designers cleared the air for Spring with easy, breezy, nostalgic colors. The radiant blue with a hint of green, called Snorkel Blue in the Pantone system, is the embodiment of the nautical feel. Paired with white it brings on a taste of the old time 1920’s sailor. This vibrant blue, a favorite this season among designers, is a dependable navy, but spiced up with more animation and sophistication.

DO
pair with more subtle colors
get fingernail polish in this color

DONT
over do it, one vibrant color is enough to make your outfit complete

Winter has damaged everyone’s hair as the harsh elements do every year! Did you know that you can rejuvenate your hair with a simple, homemade hair mask? Give a little tender loving care to your locks this Spring! It’s easy to buy a hair mask, but even easier to make your own!

2.5 oz olive oil (there are 8 oz. in a cup so it’s about 1/3 cup)
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix oil and sugar until sugar is separated, gently beat in vanilla extract. Massage into hair starting from roots. Wrap into a shower cap to lock in heat for 30-45 minutes. Shampoo hair and style as desired. For best results apply and complete mask at night. Leave hair to dry naturally and don’t add product or style until morning.

Or if you want something simpler, just use raw honey and follow the rest of the directions.

When your hair is dry, coarse and fly away it’s saying it is thirsty. This is one way to give it some nutrients and help you hair look healthy and smooth.

It’s still cold outside, but as we don our Houndstooth coat, our mind constantly fill with thoughts about Spring. If you are thinking of daffodils, lilacs, and tulips, imagine these colors with me a little more. On you. This Spring is teeming with femininely full colors. Floral dresses in these colors are a must. One of my favorite colors is found with a little bit of fashion fun, slice open a Cantaloupe and drink in it’s warm, soft peachy pink, reminiscent of soft rose petals. This is one color you should be sure to have in your wardrobe this Spring. It is complimentary to many people as a jacket, printed dress, or even a purse. If you aren’t sure if this color is best on you, try accesorizing with it. Even as simply as using it as polish on your nails!

Sneak peak into blogging future, post coming soon about knowing what colors are good for YOU!

New York, Broadway and specifically, The Great Gatsby, inspire this warm, nurturing and prominent color admit designers Lela Rose and Bill Blass.

DO
enjoy a dress with this color in it
cover up with a light sweater in Cantoloupe

DON’T
go all Cantaloupe (as with any other color!)

Keep your spring look clean and fresh by adding some bold and bright accents! One of the favorite colors of Pantone’s options is the eye-popping Fresia. New York Fashion Week describes the warm, cheerful, mustard-like hue, “like an uplifting ray of sunshine… a friendly inviting color to which people are instinctively drawn.” Talk about diversity with this color. It pairs with just about everything! It is a hard color to pull off for some, if that’s your case accessories are limitless. Lemon drop bags, scarves, jewelery, or put a more neutral sweater over your yellow item. You can also limit how much yellow there is, like our dotty swirl tunic, or just keep it away from your face.

DO
get a sweater or walking jacket in this color
wear with navy

DON’T
put it with only black, unless you are ready to look like a bumble bee
wear it as a skirt, shirts and jackets are much more appealing in this brilliant shade