Have you had your colours 'done'? Post Reply

[F&F]

Hi there, as my youngest starts school this September I feel the time has come to chuck out many of the tired clothes I've been wearing non-stop for the last 7 years and treat myself to a bit of a wardrobe refresh.

I don't have a big budget (I'm talking about a few new t-shirts initially) but am curious about 'investing' in having my colours 'done' so I can get some new basics that work for me and then work from there adding bits and pieces as time goes on.

I've been looking at the Colour Me Beautiful and House of Colour websites. Both offer consultants in south west London (I'm in Clapham) but it feels like a bit of a stab in the dark to select one. If I'm paying c.£120 for a consultation I'd prefer to go on a recommendation - does anyone have any experience of using a service like this? Any tips for what questions I should ask?

[Luilou]

Hi!
I had my colours done a few years ago with House of Colour's Colette Douglas in Wimbledon. I think it is brilliant. You immediately see for yourself the effect different shades have on your skin tone. There is not much to ask as it speaks for itself. You come away with a handy wallet of colour swatches which makes subsequent shopping really easy. As part of the process you will also be told which colours you could wear head to toe, which only as a splash or bottom half only etc. Since I had my colours done, I have received so many compliments about looking well...it is only down to wearing colours which suit me. I know six other friends or family members who have also had their colours done with HofC and all would agree it is a good investment. The colour consultation also covers make up colours. I can't say I was particularly interested in that aspect but it was included. That said, you need to approach the colours session with an open mind. I know of someone who wears mainly black and still wears mainly black post colour analysis despite it not being one of her colours.....she is unwilling to move out of her comfort zone, sadly.

I also did the House of Colour style session with another consultant as a friend was having the colour and style session together. I didn't find that session particularly helpful, so personally wouldn't recommend it.

[mummyjen]

I would say it will probably be the best £120 you will ever spend on clothes shopping. Totally transformed how I shop and what colours I wear. Results were amazing in terms of compliments about how well I was looking when I started wearing the right colours. I've also done style which I also found really interesting and helpful in rebuilding my wardrobe after kids. I would recommend Helen White, House of Colour consultant based in Streatham Hill.

[GardenRosie]

My husband bought me a session with Lisa Gilbe a few years ago and it was brilliant - really confidence boosting and changed the way I shop.

People kept saying I looked really well but they couldn't put their finger on why - Lisa helped me get rid of a load of stuff and work out how to dress for a new shape (I had lost a fair bit of weight before I met her and was wearing very baggy clothes)

I still bear her 'rules' in mind when I am shopping and avoid the colours I know don't suit me

http://lisagillbestyle.com/

I heartily recommend her!

Rosie x

[F&F]

Thanks for all your really helpful suggestions - at least I've narrowed it down to three! This afternoon I have some kid-free time so will look into all three properly. Did you all do one-to-one sessions or a half day class with others? Thanks again!

[GardenRosie]

One to one session x

[Luilou]

One to one.

[mummyjen]

One to one

[FranglaiseMummy]

I was massively sceptical and thought it was something that middle-aged women did, however I had mine done with Helen of House of Colour in Balham and it has quite literally changed my life. My husband took the mickey out of me when I said I was going but even he can't believe the change. It has taken years off me and given me such confidence. My sister and a couple of friends have since had theirs done off the back of the change in me

I blogged about it with pics and more info if you're interested:
http://www.franglaisemummy.com/how-not- ... red-mummy/

[F&F]

On the back of all your encouragement (thank you ladies!) I booked a group session with Helen White in Streatham Hill for later this month. She offers one-to-one sessions as well as in small groups (three or four max) and when I spoke to her on the phone she said the outcome is the same, in terms of what you learn, but it's a bit less expensive to do it in a group. My husband has humoured me (he's sceptical!) and booked it for my birthday present - I'm really looking forward to it - I've never done anything so frivolous!!

[CharlotteGaskell]

I had my colours over 15 years ago and it was well worth the money as I am less likely to buy clothes in colours that don't suit me. I went along with a good friend and we joined a group of 6 in total. What was fascinating was to see how well people looked when they wore the right colours. Gradually over time I changed my wardrobe and still use my colour swatches when I want to double check the colours.

[millymoo]

Would highly recommend...I had no idea how much black I was wearing until someone pointed it out. Was also wearing clothes that were way too big after 4 years of pregnancy/breastfeeding outfits. Makes shopping so much simpler but it ended up being a rather expensive exercise as I had to throw out about 75% of my wardrobe though!