A Case Study in Color

Submitted by on January 28, 2011 - 10:30 pm

In perusing the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale on Gilt today, I noticed something I had to immediately share with you.

The green dress below completely stood out and I clicked through. Now, if you’ve gotten to know me, you know I’m a little particular. It really takes something to get my attention!

Then, I realized I’d noticed the name of the dress before. So, I scrolled back up and realized that I had seen the same dress, but it didn’t catch me the same way the green dress did.

Then, I noticed it also came in a print. Still, it didn’t jump out to me as much.

There are a few reasons why:

1) The color, obviously. Green is eye catching, black is easily lost as another LBD and the print is essentially neutral.

2) The details. With the black you can’t really see the details. You probably can in person, but they obviously won’t show up on camera. Even in person, the details won’t stand out as much. The print itself conceals the details. For all but the green dress, though the shape is great, the details are lost.

3) Mood. Color persuades your mood. This Green is vibrant and sophisticated. It’s in between a kelly green and a turquoise. So, you feel a sense of freedom, balance, money, transformation, imagination and clarity … to name a few! Black is quite the opposite: power, elegance, formality, evil and mystery. The prints reads as a black/beige which translates to brown: stability and masculine.

So, can you see how important it is to choose your colors wisely?

I would never say you CAN’T wear black since it will always be classic and sophisticated, but I encourage you to consider WHY you’re choosing a color to wear for the day. Also, if you find something with great details, you don’t want them to be lost in the black!

U*styled Guide: Where to Donate.

Submitted by on January 3, 2011 - 1:08 pm

Most people default to Goodwill for their donations, which is a great cause to donate to, but since a friend shared with me her tactic of literally going to the streets to give away her old clothing, sheets, towels, etc. a lightbulb went off.

When I give to Goodwill, my giveaways don’t necessarily go straight to those who need it most. It goes into the store for sale, which is a great way for the organization to raise money for their programs (which are amazing) … but still, it doesn’t go directly to those who need it most.

So, a few organizations here in LA to donate:

Food on Foot

Gives homeless men and women the opportunity to work their way back to being able to sustain themselves while also serving out meals each week to hundreds of homeless and low-income households around LA. Donate every Sunday between 10:30 am – 2:30 pm at 1625 N. Schrader Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90068               Learn more about Food on Foot

Chrysalis

An amazing organization that gives men and women the opportunity for self-sufficiency with resources to find and retain employment. Learn more about Chrysalis

Alexandria House

A transitional residence for women and children coming from emergency shelters. Offers it’s residents programming and enrichment classes. Learn more about Alexandria House

Battered Women’s Shelters

For a listing of shelters in LA

Of course, these are in LA. If you’re not in LA, it’s simple to do a google search to find what you’re looking for. Trust me, they want to make it easy for you to donate … whether money or goods. Or, simply start asking your friends if they have any organizations they support. That’s actually how I found out about the places on this list: Good ol’ word of mouth!

Happy Giving!