Thursday, March 27, 2014

Color Wheel Forum

pinwheel-of-colors-th http://expressingyourtruth.net/forums/forum/color-theory/color-wheel/
Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Purple Pink Brown Gray White Black

All about the meanings of colors, and how to wear them.



... but hey, don't listen to me, EXPRESS YOUR TRUTH! Jane


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Flip Flops

first published 9/24/13


Ok, I get a lot of questions about figuring out your secondary.
I even have an ebook on it, but nevertheless, it leads me to think of this summary.
This is all off the top of my head, so please tell me your thoughts and additions.

So how do you tell the difference between the following combinations and their flipped combination?

Read this previous posts with the long version of personality types by combinations of the four humors: 

What is the difference between 1/2 and 2/1?

 

Of course, not every 1/2 and 2/1 are blonde. 
Both are probably low contrast though.  You will notice more dominant animation in a 1/2 of course, whereas the 2/1 is more serene, yet has an ethereal lightness.  There is a softening of overall enthusiasm in the 1/2, versus a happy, people-oriented easy nature of the 2/1.  The 1/2 might have a rounder face, though I feel that T2s can have roundness also.  Neutrals: both probably wear light grey perhaps tint vs. tone, 1/2 might wear stone or khaki, 2/1 might wear some navy.    Both may be neutral and could possibly wear silver or gold.  Hair: 1/2 bright warm, 2/1 cool muted, so that's a big difference.


What is the difference between 1/3 and 3/1?
 
 

Both have relatively low contrast.  There are some interesting similarities in the facial features of 1 and 3, especially comparing starpoints features and some 3 angularity.  One way you might contrast the facial shapes is a 1 has a triangle face widest at the top, like a heart, but the 3 usually has the triangle widest at the bottom, like a pear. The 1/3 is the most extroverted type and the 3/1 is the second strongest introvert.  The 1/3 is probably the most organized and efficient T1, but might be hurtful due to saying random things without being sensitive to how they come across.  The 3/1 may get angry quickly and have random outbursts.  Neutrals: both wear brown, perhaps tint vs. shade.  Both are warm and tend to look best in gold.  Hair: 1/3 bright warm, 3/1 warm muted.

What is the difference between 1/4 and 4/1?
Both of these types are "opposites" within one person, or so they say. Also, the 4/1 is said to often think they are a 2.  I'm guessing the 1/4 could also. The 1 lightness "softens" the 4 energy.

So there are two kinds of 1/4s first off.  You could call them Clear Spring and Vital Spring.  Yeah, I know, different system.  But the thing about the Vital Spring is they have the personality of a 1 and the coloring of a 4, meaning they have dark hair, usually.  And you will find that blonde T4s are usually 4/1s, and imho they are possibly1/4s that got flipped in the interpretation of their type.  I don't know, just a theory.

The 1/4 are highly emotional, fluctuating between 1 up and 4 down, unfortunately randomly letting out their critical nature, or internalizing a critical voice to their "inner child."  The 4/1 is also emotional, generally organized and competent, sometimes critical, but intermittently silly and sociable.

Neutrals: both can actually probably wear black.  You may think only a 4 can, but the 1/4 often has the luminosity and contrast to do so also.  But the 4/1 will highlight it more in their wardrobe for sure and the 1/4 might use some light khaki and more likely white as a staple neutral.  Hair: 1/4 bright warm, 4/1 bright cool.

Note: I think the 4/1 is the quintessential T4.

 
Clear Spring 1/4                 Clear Winter 4/1

 
Vital Spring 1/4                        Clear Winter 4/1


What is the difference between 2/3 and 3/2?
Both of these types are also "opposites" within one person.
The 2 hates conflict and the 3 can totally handle it.

Tangent: I read a few places that some people feel the 2/3 is impossible.

Both the 2/3 and the 3/2 are "soft," meaning they have low contrast. The facial shape of a 2/3 is probably oval and soft mostly, whereas the 3/2 will have more angularity yet still have softness.  The 2/3 could have blue or hazel eyes, and the 3/2 is more likely to have hazel or mixed eye color.  The 2/3 personality is said to be the most active of the introverts, though tending towards some passive-aggressiveness.  The 3/2 is said to be the most subdued of the extroverts, though she may stuff difficult feelings.  Neutrals: 2/3s wear grey and navy and 3/2s wear lighter browns. Both could be neutral and possibly wear silver or gold.  Hair: 2/3 cool muted, 3/2 warm muted.

Note: I think the 2/3 is the "quintessential" T2.

 


What is the difference between 2/4 and 4/2?

Here's the one I've thought the most about, since it's been a personal issue.  Both could have oval faces, with more pronouncement of bone structure than most 2s and more softness perhaps than other 4s.  The main distinction will be in contrast.  If you do not have high contrast between your hair, skin and eyes, you must default to the 2 in the combo.  (That's just the way I see it).    Another distinction is while both are perfectionists, the 4/2 will be outwardly hard to please, while the 2/4 "wobbles between patience and criticism."  The 4/2 might be slightly more of an overachiever, and the 2/4 slightly more dependable and focused on others.  Neutrals: if you drape for black and you can handle it, chances are you lead with 4, though the 4/2 may get away with charcoal also. (If not, your a 2/4 and your neutral is navy).  Both are cool and tend to look best in silver.  Hair: 2/4 cool muted, 4/2 cool bright.

Now, a 2/4 will NOT be happy with the standard blended look of T2.  You are probably a Jeweltone Summer or Contrasting Summer.  Also, the 4/2 is probably the least comfortable with the supposed BOLD aspect of T4.

 


What is the difference between 3/4 and 4/3?

These two types will have the most yang quality to their face shapes and features.  The 4/3 may have smoother skin and more contrast.  Both are very productive and competent.  The 3/4 may be slightly more verbally aggressive and picky, whereas the 4/3 may be more stubborn and rigid. Neutrals: both wear black, though 3/4s wear brown black better.  Both may have neutral skin and be able to wear silver or gold.  Hair: 3/4 warm muted, 4/3 cool bright.

 


... but hey, don't listen to me, EXPRESS YOUR TRUTH! Jane

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

New FORUMS

This EXPRESSING YOUR TRUTH blog, which I started 5/26/11, reached 250,000 visits 6/21/13 and 500,000 on 2/1/14.  It has your encylopedic research source for “critical thoughts on all things type and season.”
fbThe associated EYT Facebook group has 125+ members as of 3/23/14. The EYT Facebook group is NOT a DYT fan group. There are many other DYT groups. In fact, the group is a sort of refugee camp.  We look at all FOUR TYPE SYSTEMS. We look at the sources!  http://four-types.blogspot.com/ The Facebook group is free and requires no membership with any particular dressing program.  It will still remain the place for quick chat, closed status and has the ability to tag members.
forum
NEW forums (at wordpress) have both free and membership levels.  The blog also has both free and members only content.  This means that I can now blog with protected content.  Sign up for your first month free and help me build this forum!  Then you can decide if you want to remain a member viewing free content, or upgrade to EYT VIP status for $10/month.

... but hey, don't listen to me, EXPRESS YOUR TRUTH! Jane


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Review: Shopping for the Real You (now available on amazon)

Review:

Andrea Pflaumer's book "Shopping for the Real You" (Now available on amazon) gives credit to Grace Morton (head of textiles and fashion at University of Omaha), Harriet McJimsey (professor of textiles at Iowa State University) and Suzanne Caygill (San Francisco milliner and "bon vivant").  (See their book links below).

She begins by covering such factors as saturation, contrast, warm vs. cool, brightness, tint, shade, face shape, eyes and seasonal archetype.  She covers what colors say, neutrals, blacks for each season, combining colors and aging.  


  • Bold Winter types can wear any kind of black they want.
  • Soft/Subtle types, if they are going to wear black at all, should pick only flat non-reflective black in woven cloth like linen or soft weave.  Instead they really should choose dark gray.
  • Spring-like Bright types, she says can wear black with the right makeup and other colors.
  • Rich/Warm types should be very careful how black interacts with their specific skintone and should choose ivory, cream, khaki, dark gray instead.


She does a great job of sharing Belle Northrup's style archetypes in detailed charts, which are used by PSC.  These include:  Dramatic/Theatrical, Natural/Relaxed, Exuberant/Lively, Classical/Traditional, Romantic/Sensual, Youthful/Playful, and Ethereal/Angelic. She later has a Little Black Dress tutorial in how to translate into the various styles.

I love her encouraging and pragmatic advice to "Shop for your Size... Now."  She recommends building a team to support your shopping experience.  She gives a nod the The Fashion Code for finding your right fit and reviews proportion, balance and scale.  And at the back of the book, she lists stores by type and style categories they are best for.


Sources
Acknowledgments
Resources

U"Shopping for the Real You is a concise and thorough guide to the basic principles of clothing selection based on knowledge from some of the world’s top color and style experts, including: How to determine which specific colors work for you How to choose garments and accessories that harmonizes with your features and personality Which silhouettes best enhance your body How to dress with panache and taste throughout all the stages of life This book is a useful and practical shopping companion to help you avoid mistakes, save money and look great in any environment. The illustrations, charts, and questionnaires make the process fun, enlightening, and foolproof."

Buy here: http://shoppingfortherealyou.com/
or Amazon

This book is said to include information on the inner harmonies used by PSC and some of McJimsey's info.

McJimsey has been mentioned her before in this post:
http://expressingyourtruth.blogspot.com/2012/06/more-truth-exposed.html

Contributed by a reader:
Probable sources of Dressing Your Truth...
Suzanne Caygill and Angela Wright's books have similar: energy types, design lines, textures, fabrication, pattern, color, jewelry, interior design, keywords etc. to Dressing Your Truth (DYT) and It's Just My Nature. Rohm's book "Who Do You Think You Are Anyway?" has similar behavior and personality profiling and to "Dressing Your Truth" (DYT) and "It's Just My Nature." Books by HarrietMcJimsey and Judith Rasband have similar: body language, facial profiling, physical profiling, design lines, textures, fabrications, patterns, colors, of Yin Yang types to Carol Tuttle's Dressing Your Truth (DYT) and It's Just My Nature.


Art and Fashion in Clothing Selection c) 1973 McJimsey


McJimsey (Northrup) text: "weeping willow"  

McJimsey (Northrup) diagrams: hummingbird, rose, lion, calla lily
Tuttle: Type 1 "hummingbird"  Type 2 "rose" "weeping willow"  Type 3 "lion"  Type 4 "calla lily"




... but hey, don't listen to me, EXPRESS YOUR TRUTH! Jane


Monday, March 3, 2014

The Controversy of Black

How To Wear Black if it's not in your color range, 
Standish "How Not to Wear Black" (such a great little book)
  • do not wear black in a polo neck or crew neck, i.e. up against your face
  • if you are going to wear a black top, wear it in a V or low neckline.  that way your natural skintone will reflect up against your face
  • make sure you are wearing the right makeup colors for your skintone, this will help you cope somewhat with wearing a color that doesn't bring out the best in your skin
  • wear scarves that ARE the colors that suit you
  • wear colored jewelry, pearls or large amounts of your metal, so that reflects up to your face
  • put a colored stole, shawl, cape or pashima if wearing a LBD
  • if wearing a black jacket put on a shirt that works against your skin, with collar over the jacket collar
  • keep black to below the waist if possible, with flattering colors above the waist
  • wear a boyfriend blazer in a good color over the black
  • if buying a new LDB, consider a two toned dress combining a good color

Andrea Pflaumer

  • Bold Winter types can wear any kind of black they want.
  • Soft/Subtle types, if they are going to wear black at all, should pick only flat non-reflective black in woven cloth like linen or soft weave.  Instead they really should choose dark gray.
  • Spring-like Bright types, she says can wear black with the right makeup and other colors.
  • Rich/Warm types should be very careful how black interacts with their specific skintone and should choose ivory, cream, khaki, dark gray instead.

Jennifer Butler suggests that if you are going to wear black and it is not in your palette, wear it with your hair color.


HOW TO WEAR BLACK ACCORDING TO YOUR DOMINANT FEATURE

"LIGHT
Black is not in your palette but it can create a striking contrast if you have ash-blond hair. The secret is to keep black away from your face by choosing open necklines and wearing one of your key colours near your face. Softer fabrics like knits, jerseys, tweeds, corduroys and silks will absorb the light and soften the effect of the black. Your little black dress should be strappy or have a plunging neckline. Wear it with a coloured necklace or drape a scarf in one of your colours across your shoulders. Don't overpower your look by wearing a strong lipstick and heavy eye make up unless you're going to a glamorous event.
DEEP
Black is a major part of your wardrobe and looks good on its own. Whether you wear black for work, at the weekend or to a party, the choice is yours, because it will always work for you. You can choose black in any fabric or texture, from leather to fine chiffon, as long as the garment is in the right style for your body shape, scale and proportion.
WARM
Black is not your best colour and therefore not in your colour palette. For best results combine black with one of the warm colours from your colour palette and wear black away from your face. If you wear black on its own, choose a low neckline, or wear a coloured scarf or necklace to help lift the black. Also note that softer or textured black fabrics will be more flattering, as this type of material absorbs light, making the black appear softer. Avoid the temptation to team it up with white.
COOL
Black is a key colour in your palette. You may wear it with many other colours but watch out - it may also cast a dark shadow under your chin, in which case avoid wearing black directly under your chin. Also, wearing black in a soft weave e.g. tweed, velvet or knit will absorb the light and therefore look less harsh on you. Try to brighten up your black with sparking jewellery or metallic accessories.
CLEAR
Black looks striking against the strong, dark tones of your hair and sparkling eyes and is one of the main colours in your palette. Your personal colouring is contrasting so having contrast in your clothing is key. Black is a fantastic colour to bring out the contrast by combining it with bright, light or unrelated colours e.g. red, white. Also, a black and pure white combination is always a stunning combination for day and night, on any occasion.
SOFT
Black is not in your palette and should be worn always away from your face. Choose fabrics that are textured or soft, so the black is less harsh. Your little black dress needs to be soft and draping, with a low or plunging neckline to which you can add jewelery or a scarf, to distract from the black near your face. A dress that's low cut, off the shoulder or sleeveless will be a better choice than anything with a high neckline because it puts enough space between your face and the dress."


... but hey, don't listen to me, EXPRESS YOUR TRUTH! Jane